Inhibition of zaleplon metabolism by cimetidine in the human liver: in vitro studies with subcellular fractions and precision-cut liver slices

1. The effect of cimetidine on the metabolism of zaleplon (ZAL) in human liver subcellular fractions and precision-cut liver slices was investigated. 2. ZAL was metabolized to a number of products including 5-oxo-ZAL (M2), which is known to be formed by aldehyde oxidase, N-desethyl-ZAL (DZAL), which is known to be formed by CYP3A forms, and N-desethyl-5-oxo-ZAL (M1). 3. Human liver microsomes catalysed the NADPH-dependent metabolism of ZAL to DZAL. Kinetic analysis of three microsomal preparations revealed mean (+/-SEM) S(50) and V(max) of 310 +/- 24 micro M and 920 +/- 274 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. 4. Human liver cytosol preparations catalysed the metabolism of ZAL to M2. Kinetic analysis of three cytosol preparations revealed mean (+/-SEM), K(m) and V(max) of 124 +/- 14 micro M and 564 +/- 143 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. 5. Cimetidine inhibited ZAL metabolism to DZAL in liver microsomes and to M2 in the liver cytosol. With a ZAL substrate concentration of 62 micro M, the calculated mean (+/-SEM, n = 3) IC50 were 596 +/- 103 and 231 +/- 23 micro M for DZAL and M2 formation, respectively. Kinetic analysis revealed that cimetidine was a competitive inhibitor of M2 formation in liver cytosol with a mean (+/-SEM, n = 3) K(i) of 155 +/- 16 micro M. 6. Freshly cut human liver slices metabolized ZAL to a number of products including 1, M2 and DZAL. 7. Cimetidine inhibited ZAL metabolism in liver slices to M1 and M2, but not to DZAL. Kinetic analysis revealed that cimetidine was a competitive inhibitor of M2 formation in liver slices with an average (n = 2 preparations) K(i) of 506 micro M. 8. The results demonstrate that cimetidine can inhibit both the CYP3A and aldehyde oxidase pathways of ZAL metabolism in the human liver. Cimetidine appears to be a more potent inhibitor of aldehyde oxidase than of CYP3A forms and hence in vivo is likely to have a more marked effect on ZAL metabolism to M2 than on DZAL formation. 9. The results also demonstrate that precision-cut liver slices may be a useful model system for in vitro drug-interaction studies.

Studies on the disposition, metabolism and hepatotoxicity of coumarin in the rat and Syrian hamster

The hepatotoxicity, metabolism and disposition of coumarin has been compared in male Sprague-Dawley rats and Syrian hamsters. The treatment of rats for 12, 24 and 42 weeks with diets containing 0.2 and 0.5% coumarin resulted in hepatotoxicity and increased relative liver weights. While levels of cytochrome P450 (CYP) and CYP-dependent enzymes were decreased, levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and activities of UDP glucuronosyltransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase and GSH S-transferase were increased. In contrast, coumarin produced few hepatic changes in the Syrian hamster. Following a single oral dose of 25 mg/kg [3-14C]coumarin, radioactivity was rapidly excreted by the rat and Syrian hamster with the urine containing 63.5 and 89.9%, respectively, and the faeces 38.0 and 12.4%, respectively, of the administered dose after 96 h. The biliary excretion of radioactivity was greater in the rat than in the Syrian hamster. Analysis of 0-24-h urine samples revealed that both species were poor 7-hydroxylators of coumarin. In the rat, treatment with 0.5% coumarin in the diet for 24 weeks was found to increase the urinary excretion of single oral gavage doses of 25 and 300 mg/kg [3-14C]coumarin. The marked species difference in hepatotoxicity between the rat and Syrian hamster observed in this study may be at least partially attributable to differences in coumarin disposition. However, additional studies are required to elucidate the metabolic pathways of coumarin in both species.

Metabolism of a novel phosphodiesterase-IV inhibitor (V11294) by human hepatic cytochrome P450 forms

1. The metabolism of a novel phosphodiesterase-IV inhibitor (V11294) was studied in human liver microsomal and cytosol preparations and in cDNA-expressed human hepatic CYP forms. 2. Human liver microsomes, but not cytosol, catalysed the NADPH-dependent metabolism of V11294 to V10331 (formed by hydroxylation of the cyclopentyl ring), V10332 (N-desethyl V11294) and V11689 (formed by hydroxylation of the isopropyl side chain). In addition, smaller amounts of a secondary metabolite V11690 (which can be formed from either V10332 or V11689) were also produced. 3. Kinetic analysis of V11294 metabolism to V10331, V10332 and V11689 in two preparations of pooled human liver microsomes revealed average K(m) = 2.5, 8.1 and 3.9 micro M, respectively. 4. The metabolism of V11294 was determined with a characterized bank of 16 individual human liver microsomal preparations employing a V11294 substrate concentration of 8 micro M (i.e. approximately the K(m) for V10332 formation and around twice the K(m) for V10331 and V11689 formation). Good correlations (r(2) = 0.570-0.903) were observed between V10331, V10332 and V11689 formation and markers of CYP3A forms. In contrast, poorer correlations (r(2) = 0.0002-0.428) were observed with markers of CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP4A9/11. 5. Using human B-lymphoblastoid cell microsomes containing cDNA-expressed CYP forms, V11294 (8 micro M) was metabolized by cDNA-expressed CYP3A4 to V10331, V10332 and V11689, with lower amounts of V11690 also being formed. Lower rates of V11294 metabolism to some V11294 metabolites were also observed with cDNA-expressed CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6, whereas only very low or undetectable rates of V11294 metabolism were observed with cDNA-expressed CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8 and CYP2E1. 6. The metabolism of V11294 (8 micro M) to V10331, V10332 and V11689 was markedly inhibited by the CYP3A mechanism-based inhibitor troleandomycin. In contrast, V11294 metabolism was not significantly affected by inhibitors of CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and CYP2E1 or by the CYP2C19 substrate S-mephenytoin. 7. In summary, by correlation analysis, chemical inhibition studies and the use of cDNA-expressed CYPs, V11294 metabolism in human liver to V10331, V10332 and V11689 appears to be primarily catalysed by CYP3A forms.

Identification of cytochrome P-450 isoforms responsible for cis-tramadol metabolism in human liver microsomes

The metabolism of cis-tramadol has been studied in human liver microsomes and in cDNA-expressed human cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoforms. Human liver microsomes catalyzed the NADPH-dependent metabolism of tramadol to the two primary tramadol metabolites, namely, O-desmethyl-tramadol (metabolite M1) and N-desmethyl-tramadol (metabolite M2). In addition, tramadol was also metabolized to two minor secondary metabolites (each comprising < or =3.0% of total tramadol metabolism), namely, N,N-didesmethyl-tramadol (metabolite M3) and N,O-didesmethyl-tramadol (metabolite M5). Kinetic analysis revealed that multiple CYP enzymes were involved in the metabolism of tramadol to both M1 and M2. For the high-affinity enzymes involved in M1 and M2 formation, K(m) values were 116 and 1021 microM, respectively. Subsequent reaction phenotyping studies were performed with a tramadol substrate concentration of 250 microM. In studies with characterized human liver microsomal preparations, good correlations were observed between tramadol metabolism to M1 and M2 and enzymatic markers of CYP2D6 and CYP2B6, respectively. Tramadol was metabolized to M1 by cDNA-expressed CYP2D6 and to M2 by CYP2B6 and CYP3A4. Tramadol metabolism in human liver microsomes to M1 and M2 was markedly inhibited by the CYP2D6 inhibitor quinidine and the CYP3A4 inhibitor troleandomycin, respectively. In summary, this study demonstrates that cis-tramadol can be metabolized to tramadol metabolites M1, M2, M3, and M5 in human liver microsomal preparations. By kinetic analysis and the results of the reaction phenotyping studies, tramadol metabolism in human liver is catalyzed by multiple CYP isoforms. Hepatic CYP2D6 appears to be primarily responsible for M1 formation, whereas M2 formation is catalyzed by CYP2B6 and CYP3A4.

Genetic variation in the metabolism of coumarin in mouse liver

The metabolism of 50 microM [3-14C] coumarin to polar products separated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and covalently bound metabolites in liver microsomes was compared in a series of inbred strains of mice. Coumarin metabolism to total polar products was higher in female than male mice. In all strains, the coumarin 3,4-epoxidation pathway was the major route of metabolism with o-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (o-HPA) as the major metabolite. However, in females, there was a major strain difference in the degree of metabolism to coumarin 7-hydroxylase with DBA/2 and 129 having high 7-hydroxycoumarin formation, CBA/Ca having intermediate levels and the other strains low levels. The differences between the strains was much less pronounced in the male mice. There was also evidence for strain variation in metabolism in the quantities of a number of other coumarin metabolites as detected by HPLC analysis of incubate extracts. However, this variation was of a quantitative nature and relatively small. The metabolism of B6C3F1 hybrid mice, in which coumarin had been identified as carcinogenic in a long-term cancer bioassay, was qualitatively similar to that of the other genotypes. The DBA/2 mouse has been suggested as a model for the metabolism of coumarin in humans. The pattern of metabolism found in this strain is different from most other strains. However, the pattern found for all the mouse strains, including DBA/2, differed appreciably from the profiles for other species including humans in the extent of 7-hydroxylation.

Metabolism of Zaleplon by human hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 isoforms

1. The metabolism of Zaleplon (CL-284,846; ZAL) has been studied in human liver microsomal preparations and in cDNA-expressed human cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms. 2. Human liver microsomes catalysed the NADPH-dependent N-deethylation of ZAL to DZAL (CL-284,859), but not to two other known in vivo metabolites, namely M1 (CL-345,644) and M2 (CL-345,905). Sigmoidal kinetic plots were observed for ZAL deethylation indicating positive cooperativity. 3. The metabolism of ZAL to DZAL was determined in a characterized bank of 24 human liver microsomal preparations. Good correlations (r2 = 0.734-0.937) were observed with caffeine 8-hydroxylase, diazepam 3-hydroxylase, dextromethorphan N-demethylase and testosterone 2 beta-, 6 beta- and 15 beta-hydroxylase activities, which are all catalysed by CYP3A isoforms. In contrast, poor correlations (r2 = 0.152-0.428) were observed for enzymatic markers for CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2C9/10, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP4A9/11. 4. The metabolism of ZAL to DZAL in human liver microsomes was inhibited to 6-15% of control by 5-50 microM of the mechanism-based CYP3A inhibitor troleandomycin. Whereas some inhibition of DZAL formation was observed in the presence of 200 microM diethyldithiocarbamate, 5-50 microM furafylline, 2-20 microM sulphaphenazole, 50-500 microM S-mephenytoin and 1-10 microM quinidine had little effect. 5. Using human B-lymphoblastoid cell microsomes containing cDNA-expressed CYP isoforms, ZAL was metabolized to DZAL by CYP3A4, hut not to any great extent by CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP2E1. 6. In contrast with ZAL, the NADPH-dependent N-deethylation of M2 to M1 proceeded at only a very low rate with both human liver microsomes and cDNA-expressed CYP3A4. 7. In summary, by correlation analysis, chemical inhibition studies and the use of cDNA-expressed CYPs, ZAL N-deethylation to DZAL in human liver appears to be catalysed by CYP3A isoforms.

Comparison of the effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl)adipate on hepatic peroxisome proliferation and cell replication in the rat and mouse

The effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA) have been compared in female F344 rats and female B6C3F1 mice fed diets containing 0-4.0% DEHA and 0-2.5% DEHA, respectively, for periods of 1, 4 and 13 weeks. In both the rat and mouse treatment with DEHA at all time points produced a dose-dependent increase in relative liver weight and hepatic peroxisome proliferation as demonstrated by the induction of peroxisomal (cyanide-insensitive palmitoyl-CoA oxidation) and microsomal (lauric acid 12-hydroxylase) fatty acid oxidising enzyme activities. The magnitude of induction of peroxisome proliferation was similar in both species. Replicative DNA synthesis was studied by implanting osmotic pumps containing 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine during study weeks 0-1, 3-4 and 12-13. After 1 week DEHA treatment hepatocyte labelling index values were increased in rats given 2.5 and 4.0% DEHA and mice given 0.6-2.5% DEHA. While DEHA treatment for 4 and 13 weeks did not increase labelling index values in the rat, a sustained stimulation of replicative DNA synthesis was observed in mice given 1.2 and 2.5% DEHA. The results of this study demonstrate a species difference in the hepatic effects of DEHA, in that at some dose levels DEHA can produce a sustained stimulation of replicative DNA synthesis in mouse but not in rat liver. Sustained cell replication provides a better correlation with the observed formation of liver tumours in chronic studies with DEHA in female mice, but not in female rats, than the magnitude of stimulation of hepatic peroxisome proliferation.

Comparison of the effects of cinnamyl anthranilate on hepatic peroxisome proliferation and cell replication in the rat and mouse

The effects of cinnamyl anthranilate (CA) have been compared in female B6C3F1 mice and female F344 rats fed diets containing 0-3.0% CA for periods of 1, 4, and 13 weeks. In the mouse, treatment with CA at all time points produced a marked dose-dependent increase in relative liver weight and hepatic peroxisome proliferation as demonstrated by the induction of peroxisomal (cyanide-insensitive palmitoyl-CoA oxidation) and microsomal (lauric acid 12-hydroxylase) fatty acid oxidizing enzyme activities. CA produced only small increases in relative liver weight and palmitoyl-CoA oxidation in the rat and did not induce lauric acid 12-hydroxylase activity. Replicative DNA synthesis was studied by implanting osmotic pumps containing 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine during Study Weeks 0-1, 3-4, and 12-13. After 1 week of CA treatment, labeling index values were increased in rat and to a greater extent in mouse hepatocytes. While CA treatment for 4 and 13 weeks did not increase hepatocyte-labeling index values in the rat, a sustained stimulation of replicative DNA synthesis was observed at some dietary levels in the mouse. These results demonstrate a marked species difference between the hepatic effects of CA in female B6C3F1 mice and female F344 rats. While CA is a potent peroxisome proliferator in the mouse, it is only a very weak agent in the rat. The formation of liver tumors in long-term studies, at high doses of CA, appears to be attributable to a sustained stimulation of both peroxisome proliferation and cell replication in mouse hepatocytes.

Metabolism of [ring-U-14C] agaritine by precision-cut rat, mouse and human liver and lung slices

Agaritine [(beta-N-[gamma-L(+)glutamyl]-4-hydroxymethylphenylhydrazine] is present in the common cultivated mushroom Agaricus bisporus and several agaritine derivatives have been shown to produce tumours in experimental animals. In this investigation the metabolism of [ring-U-14C]agaritine has been studied in precision-cut rat, mouse and human liver slices and in precision-cut rat and mouse lung slices. To confirm the functional viability of the tissue slice preparations, the metabolism of 7-ethoxycoumarin was also studied. Liver and lung slices from all species metabolized 50 microM 7-ethoxycoumarin to 7-hydroxycoumarin, which was conjugated with D-glucuronic acid and sulfate. Incubation of rat, mouse and human liver slices, and rat and mouse lung slices with 25 microM [14C]agaritine resulted in a time-dependent formation of metabolite(s), which bound covalently to tissue slice proteins. Agaritine metabolite covalent binding was greater in mouse liver than in rat and human liver slices and was greater in mouse lung than in rat lung slices. No correlation was observed between agaritine metabolite covalent binding and tissue slice gamma-glutamyltransferase activity. Additional studies with mouse liver slices showed that [14C]agaritine was also metabolized to a number of unknown polar metabolites. These results demonstrate that agaritine can be metabolized by enzymes present in mammalian liver and lung.

A study of the toxic hazard that might be associated with the consumption of green potato tops

Eating green potatoes has reportedly led to poisoning attributed to potato glycoalkaloids (PGA), primarily alpha-solanine and alpha-chaconine. Concentrations of PGA increase during the greening of potatoes but are reportedly much higher in potato tops (leaves). As it is known that members of the UK Bangladeshi community consume potato tops, a study of the toxic hazard that may be associated with the consumption of green potato tops has been carried out. PGA in seven potato varieties were determined by HPLC. Tubers protected from light contained 0.05-0.65 mg/100 g alpha-solanine and 0.3-0.63 mg/100 g alpha-chaconine. Concentrations in leaf samples ranged from 0.64 to 22.6 mg alpha-solanine/100 g and 0.06 to 55.7 mg alpha-chaconine/100 g. Aqueous leaf extracts were cytotoxic to Chinese hamster ovary cells and lysed human, rat and hamster blood cells with no difference in sensitivity among species. Oral administration of potato tops to rats, mice and Syrian hamsters had no adverse effects at the highest practicable dose. A mixture of alpha-solanine and alpha-chaconine (1:1, w/w) given orally at doses of up to 50 mg/kg body weight to hamsters had no effect, but a single ip injection of 25 mg/kg body weight or greater was lethal, with bleeding in the gut. High concentrations of cytotoxic PGA were found in some potato tops, but their effect in laboratory animals was minimal. It is concluded that the consumption of moderate quantities of potato tops (2-5 g/kg body weight/day) is unlikely to represent an acute health hazard to humans.

Comparison of the metabolism of 7-ethoxycoumarin and coumarin in precision-cut rat liver and lung slices

The metabolism of 7-ethoxycoumarin and [3-(14)C]coumarin was compared in precision-cut rat liver and lung slices. The lung slices were prepared using an agarose gel instilling technique enabling the production of tissue cylinders followed by lung slices employing a Krumdieck tissue slicer. Both 50 microM 7-ethoxycoumarin and 50 microM [3-(14)C]coumarin were metabolized by rat liver and lung slices. 7-Ethoxycoumarin was converted to 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-HC) which was conjugated with both D-glucuronic acid and sulfate. 7-HC sulfate was the major metabolite formed by both liver and lung slices. [3-(14)C]Coumarin was metabolized by rat liver and lung slices to both polar products and to metabolite(s) that bound covalently to tissue slice proteins. The polar products included unidentified metabolites and 3-hydroxylation pathway products, with only very small quantities of 7-HC being formed. These results demonstrate that precision-cut lung slices are a useful model in vitro system for studying the pulmonary metabolism of xenobiotics. Moreover, the precision-cut tissue slice technique may be employed for comparisons of hepatic and extrahepatic xenobiotic metabolism.

Metabolism of coumarin by precision-cut calf liver slices and calf liver microsomes

1. The metabolism of 50 microM [3-14C]coumarin has been studied in precision-cut-calf liver slices. 2. The metabolism of 50 microM coumarin to 7-hydroxycoumarin has also been examined in calf, rat, Cynomolgus monkey and human liver microsomal preparations. 3. In precision-cut calf liver slices, [3-14C]coumarin was metabolized to various polar products and to metabolite(s) that bound covalently to calf liver slice proteins. The polar products included 7-hydroxycoumarin (which was extensively conjugated with D-glucuronic acid and/or sulphate), metabolites of the 3-hydroxylation pathway (mainly o-hydroxyphenylethanol and o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid), and unknown metabolites. 4. Coumarin 7-hydroxylase activity was readily detectable in calf, Cynomolgus monkey and human liver microsomes, but only barely detectable in rat liver microsomes. Enzyme activity in calf, Cynomolgus monkey and human liver microsomes was inhibited by 8-methoxypsoralen (methoxsalen) with IC50's (concentration required to produce a 50% inhibition of enzyme activity) ranging from 0.3 to 2.8 microM. 5. These results and those of other studies demonstrate that precision-cut liver slices are a valuable in vitro model system for investigating species differences in xenobiotic metabolism. Coumarin is metabolized in calf liver by various pathways including both 3- and 7-hydroxylation. The inhibition of coumarin 7-hydroxylase activity by 8-methoxypsoralen suggests that calf liver microsomes contain P450A isoenzyme(s) similar to mouse 2A5 and human 2A6.

Metabolism of coumarin and 7-ethoxycoumarin by rat, mouse, guinea pig, cynomolgus monkey and human precision-cut liver slices

1. The metabolism of 50 microM 7-ethoxycoumarin and 50 microM [3-14C]coumarin has been studied in precision-cut liver slices from the male Sprague-Dawley rat, female DBA/2 mouse, male Dunkin-Hartley guinea pig, male Cynomolgus monkey and man. 2. In liver slices from all five species 7-ethoxycoumarin was metabolized to 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-HC), which was extensively conjugated with D-glucuronic acid and sulphate. In rat and mouse, 7-HC was preferentially conjugated with sulphate, whereas rates of glucuronidation and sulphation were similar in the other three species. 3. [3-14C]coumarin was metabolized by liver slices from all five species to various polar products and to metabolite(s) that bound covalently to liver slice proteins. In Cynomolgus monkey and both human subjects studied, 7-HC was the major metabolite that was conjugated with D-glucuronic acid and sulphate, whereas in rat the major metabolites were products of the 3-hydroxylation pathway and unknown metabolites. Major metabolites in mouse liver slices were 7-HC, 3-hydroxylation pathway products and unknown metabolites, and in guinea pig liver slices, 7-HC and unknown metabolites. 4. The metabolism of 7-ethoxycoumarin to free and conjugated 7-HC and [3-14C]coumarin to total polar products was greater in liver slices from mouse and Cynomolgus monkey than the other three species. 5. With liver slices from all five species there appeared to be little difference in the extent of metabolism of 7-ethoxycoumarin and [3-14C]coumarin to various products in either a complex tissue culture medium (RPMI 1640 plus foetal calf serum) or a simple balanced salt solution (Earle's balanced salt solution). 6. These results demonstrate that precision-cut liver slices are a valuable in vitro model system for investigating species differences in xenobiotic metabolism. Generally, the observed species differences in coumarin metabolism in vitro agree well with available in vivo data.

Metabolism of [3-14C] coumarin by human liver microsomes

1. The metabolism of 50 microM [3-14C] coumarin has been studied in a panel of 12 human liver microsomal samples of known P450 isoenzyme profile. 2. [3-14C] coumarin was metabolized by human liver microsomes to various polar products including 3-, 4- and 7-hydroxycoumarins (3-HC, 4-HC and 7-HC) 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin (6,7-DiHC), o-coumaric acid (o-CA), o-hydroxyphenyl-acetaldehyde (o-HPA), o-hydroxyphenylethanol (o-HPE), o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (o-HPAA) and o-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid (o-HPPA) and to product(s) that bind covalently to microsomal proteins. 3. For all 12 subjects, mean rates of [3-14C] coumarin metabolism to total polar products (metabolism to all products except product(s) covalently bound to microsomal proteins), 7-HC, the 3-hydroxylation pathway (sum of 3-HC, o-HPA, o-HPE and o-HPAA), o-HPPA, 6,7-DiHC and covalent binding were 1420, 1230, 73.8, 52.5, 9.5 and 4.8 pmol/min/mg protein respectively. 4. Marked interindividual differences in [3-14C] coumarin metabolism to total polar products (30-fold variation) and 7-HC (2250-fold variation) were observed. 5. Good correlations were observed between [3-14C] coumarin metabolism and total polar products, 7-HC, o-HPPA and 6,7-DiHC, but not to 3-hydroxylation pathway products and levels of 2A6 and 2B6 in human liver microsomes. 6. [3-14C] coumarin metabolism to any polar products did not correlate with levels of 1A2, 2C8, 2C9, 2E1, 3A3/4 and 4A1 in human liver microsomes.

Formulation and analysis of food-grade mineral hydrocarbons in toxicology studies

Methods are presented for the formulation and rapid determination of mineral hydrocarbons (MHCs) in animal diet and tissue. Food grade white oils and low melting point waxes are mixed as liquids with powdered diet. Higher melting point waxes are first powdered using a novel atomization technique before dry mixing with diet. MHCs sufficiently soluble in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) are determined in diet by ultrasonic solvent extraction, adsorption of polar material on Florisil and analysis of the residue by quantitative Fourier Transform Infra Red (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Quantification in tissue is achieved by aqueous saponification, followed by extraction, clean-up and FT-IR analysis as for diet samples. A 10-fold increase in sensitivity over previous methods is achieved, below 0.002% (w/w) in diet and 0.1 mg/g in tissue. Over 80% of the CCl4 used can be recovered and recycled. Control diet seems to contain approximately 0.003% (w/w) background MHC. The method was modified for one powdered wax, only sparingly soluble in CCl4, high concentrations being extracted from diet by flotation in aqueous cetrimide and determined gravimetrically with a limit of detection of 0.1% (w/w) in diet. Application of these methods to 90-day feeding studies is described, and future developments due to the phasing out of CCl4 are discussed.

Sex and strain differences in mouse hepatic microsomal coumarin 7-hydroxylase activity

Hepatic microsomal coumarin 7-hydroxylase activity has been determined in male and female mice of strains A/J, AKR, BALB/c, CBA/Ca, C3H/He, C57BL/6J, DBA/2 and 129. In males, coumarin 7-hydroxylase activity was highest in liver microsomes from DBA/2 mice and lowest in BALB/c mice. With female mice enzyme activity was highest in DBA/2 and 129 strains, intermediate in the CBA/Ca strain and comparatively low in the other five strains. Marked sex differences were observed in coumarin 7-hydroxylase activity with enzyme activity in female animals from strains DBA/2, 129 and CBA/Ca being 4.8-, 6.2- and 4.8-fold higher, respectively, than in male mice. In contrast, only minor sex and strain differences in levels of total microsomal cytochrome P-450 were observed. These results demonstrate marked sex and strain differences in mouse hepatic microsomal coumarin 7-hydroxylase activity. Such differences may be due to variations in particular cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes such as CYP2A5, not all of which can be explained by the known allelic difference in the Cyp2a-5 locus.

Toxicity to Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells of the products of reaction of butylated hydroxyanisole with nitrite at low pH

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) was found to react readily with nitrite in acidified physiological saline. With low concentrations of reactants at pH 2, HPLC analysis demonstrated the formation of two products, tert-butylquinone (BQ) and a second, unidentified compound. Neutralized BHA/nitrite reaction mixtures were highly toxic to cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. At non-lethal concentrations, causing some cell cycle delay, there was a statistically significant but variable induction of endoreduplication and tetraploidy and a very weak induction of chromosome breakage. The effects were similar to those of pure BQ. It is suggested that the formation of toxic products from BHA, by an oxidative reaction such as that described with nitrite, might be involved in the mechanism of BHA carcinogenesis in the rat forestomach.

Toxicity threshold of quinine hydrochloride following low-level repeated dosing in healthy volunteers

Following a double-blind, four-way crossover design, 32 healthy volunteers (20 males and 12 females) each consumed lactose placebo, or 80, 120 or 160 mg quinine HCl daily for 21 days. Before dosing and at regular intervals during dosing, blood and urine samples were collected and analysed for quinine HCl. Electrocardiography, heart rate, blood pressure, audiometry, peripheral field, funduscopy, colour vision, visual acuity, electronystagmography (ENG) and test for optokinetic nystagmus were all evaluated before dosing and at selected times during dosing. The results showed that daily consumption of up to 80 mg quinine HCl did not significantly alter physiological, ophthalmic or audiometric responses. ENG determination showed that 12.5% of volunteers given lactose placebo or 80 mg quinine HCl exhibited at least one transitory period of ocular motor oscillations. This phenomenon was observed in 18.8% (P < 0.05) of volunteers with a daily intake of 120 mg quinine HCl or more. However, there was not a significant dose-related correlation between nystagmus and daily intake of quinine HCl. Five volunteers consuming lactose placebo displayed an aberrant ocular flutter that decreased significantly (P < 0.05) as the daily intake of quinine HCl increased. One volunteer showed a change in perception of red/green colour vision after taking 160 mg quinine HCl for 21 days. This study demonstrated that the no-untoward-effect level of quinine HCl is at least 80 mg/day.

Metabolism of [3-14C]coumarin to polar and covalently bound products by hepatic microsomes from the rat, Syrian hamster, gerbil and humans

The metabolism of 0.19 and 2.0 mM-[3-14C]coumarin to polar products and covalently bound metabolites has been studied with hepatic microsomes from the rat, Syrian hamster, Mongolian gerbil and humans. [3-14C]Coumarin was metabolized by liver microsomes from all species to a number of polar products and to metabolite(s) that became covalently bound to microsomal proteins. The polar products included 3-, 5- and 7-hydroxycoumarins, o-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde and o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid. Coumarin 7-hydroxylation was observed in all species except the rat. With 0.19 mM-[3-14C]coumarin, 7-hydroxycoumarin was the major metabolite in human liver microsomes, whereas in the other species with 0.19 mM substrate and in all species with 2.0 mM substrate o-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde was the major metabolite. Of the three animal species studied the gerbil most resembled humans as this species also had a high coumarin 7-hydroxylase activity. The administration of Aroclor 1254 to the rat and Syrian hamster induced both microsomal cytochrome P-450 content and [3-14C]coumarin metabolism. With liver microsomes from all species a good correlation between rates of [3-14C]coumarin metabolism and covalent binding was observed at both substrate concentrations. However, in view of the known species difference between the rat and Syrian hamster in coumarin-induced hepatotoxicity, the present data are not consistent with microsomal coumarin metabolite covalent binding being an indicator of potential liver damage.

Identification of o-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde as a major metabolite of coumarin in rat hepatic microsomes

The metabolism of [3-14C]coumarin has been studied in hepatic microsomes from control (corn-oil treated) and Aroclor 1254-treated (100 mg/kg body weight/day, 5 days, ip) rats. [3-14C]Coumarin metabolites in incubate extracts were separated by HPLC and identified by comparison with the retention times of known coumarin metabolites. The major product produced by incubation of 0.25-2.5 mM-[3-14C]coumarin with both control and Aroclor 1254-induced hepatic microsomes was a novel coumarin metabolite. This novel metabolite was extracted from pooled microsomal incubations, purified by semi-preparative HPLC and identified by mass spectrometry as o-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (o-HPA). Some possible pathways for the formation of o-HPA from coumarin are proposed.

Effect of inducers of cytochrome P-450 on the metabolism of [3-14C]coumarin by rat hepatic microsomes

1. The metabolism of [3-14C]coumarin has been studied in rat hepatic microsomes and with two purified cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes. 2. [3-14C]Coumarin was converted by liver microsomes to several polar products including 3- and/or 5-hydroxycoumarin, omicron-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and a major unidentified novel coumarin metabolite. 3. [3-14C]Coumarin was also converted to reactive metabolite(s) as indicated by covalent binding to proteins, and by the depletion of reduced glutathione added to the microsomal incubations. 4. [3-14C]Coumarin metabolism to polar and covalently bound metabolites by rat liver microsomes was induced by pretreatment with phenobarbitone, 3-methylcholanthrene, beta-naphthoflavone, Aroclor 1254 and isosafrole; but not by dexamethasone or nafenopin. 5. The profile of [3-14C]coumarin metabolism to polar products was similar in control and pretreated liver microsomes and in incubations with purified cytochrome P450 IA1 and P450 IIB1 isoenzymes. 6. The results indicate that coumarin is a substrate for isoenzymes of the cytochrome P450 IA and P450 IIB subfamilies. The bioactivation of coumarin by rat hepatic microsomes is postulated to result in the formation of a coumarin 3,4-epoxide intermediate which may rearrange to 3-hydroxycoumarin, be further metabolized to a coumarin 3,4-dihydrodiol, or form a glutathione conjugate.

Effects of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide on nitrate synthesis and on nitrosation of proline in rats

Male Ola:SD rats were fed purified diets containing 5 or 20% lactalbumin as the protein source, with or without concomitant administration of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (50-250 micrograms/kg, ip), and changes in 24-hr urinary nitrate excretion, plasma urea, plasma-nitrate pool size and 24-hr urinary nitrosoproline excretion were measured. Urinary nitrate and urinary 14C-nitrosoproline excretion (after oral [14C]proline administration) were significantly greater for rats receiving the high-protein diet compared with those on the low-protein diet. The co-administration of lipopolysaccharide increased nitrate excretion in both diet groups (although the increase was greatest (relatively) in the animals fed 5% lactalbumin), but did not significantly alter urinary nitrosoproline excretion by either group. Plasma urea concentrations and plasma-nitrate pool size were increased by a high-protein diet and/or lipopolysaccharide administration. These findings suggest that treatments which alter the availability of nitrate in vivo are not necessarily associated with increased nitrosation of proline.

Nafenopin, a peroxisome proliferator, depletes hepatic vitamin E content and elevates plasma oxidised glutathione levels in rats

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given oral doses of nafenopin (80 mg/kg/d) for up to 28 d. Nafenopin administration resulted in liver enlargement and induction of peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation enzymes (which generate hydrogen peroxide), but little effect was observed on catalase and cytosolic GSH peroxidase was decreased. Hepatic vitamin E levels were depleted to around 50% of control. A small increase in hepatic oxidised glutathione (GSSG) content was paralleled in a time-dependent increase in plasma GSSG. These changes in vitamin E and GSSG levels may represent early indicators of oxidative stress produced in rat hepatocytes by nafenopin and other peroxisome proliferators as a consequence of the increased production of hydrogen peroxide.

Comparison of the metabolism and disposition of [3-14C]coumarin in the rat and marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Male Sprague-Dawley rats and marmosets were given a single oral 25 mg/kg dose of [3-14C]coumarin and the excretion of radioactivity in the expired air, urine and faeces monitored up to 96 h. Excretion profiles were similar in both species with the bulk of the dose being excreted in the urine and faeces within 24 h. Chromatographic analysis of 0-48 h urine samples revealed similar metabolic profiles with only small amounts of unchanged coumarin and very little 7-hydroxycoumarin. Coumarin 7-hydroxylase activity was not detectable in hepatic microsomes from either species. These results demonstrate that the disposition of [3-14C]coumarin was similar in the rat and marmoset, a New World primate, and that both species, unlike man, are poor 7-hydroxylators of coumarin.

Protein-related differences in the excretion of nitrosoproline and nitrate by the rat--possible modification of de novo nitrate synthesis

Male Ola:SD rats were fed purified diets containing 5 or 20% lactalbumin as the source of protein, and the daily urinary excretion of nitrate and nitrosoproline was measured. Animals fed the high-protein diet consistently excreted more nitrate and nitrosoproline than littermates fed the low-protein ration, despite a similar, negligible amount of nitrate in both diets. Furthermore, whereas nitrite administration enhanced nitrosoproline excretion in both diet groups, nitrate administration increased nitrosamine output in the low-protein animals but did not affect nitrosation by rats given the 20% lactalbumin ration. Animals fed the 5% lactalbumin diet produced a smaller volume of urine than did the 20% diet group but other measurements of renal function were comparable for both treatments. The results suggest differences in endogenous nitrosation between rats fed diets high or marginal in protein, possibly reflecting decreased nitrate synthesis in the low-protein group.

Metabolic disposition of 14C-labelled carmoisine in the rat, mouse and guinea-pig

The absorption, metabolism and excretion of 14C-labelled carmoisine has been studied in the rat, mouse and guinea-pig. Following administration of a single oral dose of either 0.5 or 50 mg/kg body weight, substantially all of the dose was recovered in the excreta within 72 hr, mainly in the faeces. Although the urinary excretion of radioactivity was similar in the rat and the mouse, the proportion of the radioactivity found in the urine of the guinea-pig was significantly greater than that of the other species at both dose levels. Pretreating male rats with unlabelled colouring in the diet (0.05%, w/w) for 28 days prior to dosing with 14C-labelled colouring had no effect on the route of excretion or the time taken to eliminate the majority of the labelled dose. Following a single oral dose of 14C-labelled colouring to previously untreated rats, mice and guinea-pigs or to rats pretreated as above, no marked accumulation of radioactivity in any tissue was found. Pregnant rats eliminated a single oral dose of 14C-labelled colouring at a similar rate to non-pregnant females, and the concentration of radioactivity in the foetuses was similar to that in the other tissues. Naphthionic acid was the major urinary metabolite in all three species. In the rat and mouse, most of the remaining radioactivity co-chromatographed with 2-amino-1-naphthol-4-sulphonic acid (2-ANS), but in the guinea-pig radioactivity also co-chromatographed with 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulphonate (1,2-NQS). Only a trace amount of unchanged carmoisine was detected in the urine of the species examined. Naphthionic acid was also found in the faeces of all three species, but neither carmoisine, 2-ANS or 1,2-NQS was detected. At least five other radioactive metabolites were found in the faecal extracts of all three species, including a substantial amount of a compound with chromatographic properties similar to those of a trace metabolite in the urine. Two of the faecal metabolites were hydrolysed by beta-glucuronidase and sulphatase treatment. In studies on the absorption of carmoisine at concentrations of 50, 500 or 5000 ppm from isolated intestinal loops, no significant absorption was detected in the rat, mouse or guinea-pig.

Metabolic disposition of 14C-labelled amaranth in the rat, mouse and guinea-pig

The absorption, metabolism and excretion of orally administered 14C-labelled amaranth has been studied in the rat, mouse and guinea-pig. Following administration of a single oral dose of either 2 or 200 mg/kg, most of the radioactivity was excreted in the urine and faeces in the first 24 hr, and substantially all of the dose was recovered in the excreta within 72 hr. In the rat and mouse, the principal route of excretion was the faeces, whereas in the guinea-pig, urinary excretion accounted for up to 50% of the dose. In the rat and guinea-pig the proportion of the dose excreted in the urine was significantly greater at the lower dose level. No marked accumulation of radioactivity was found in any tissues 72 hr after the administration of the labelled colouring. For all three species most of the radioactivity was shown to be associated with naphthionic acid, with traces of unchanged amaranth and a number of other unidentified metabolites also being detected. In the rat and mouse substantially all of the remaining radioactivity was associated with a single unidentified component. Naphthionic acid was found in the faeces of all three species along with a substantial, but variable, amount of unchanged dye. At least six other radioactive peaks were seen in the chromatograms of faecal extracts; two of these peaks had similar chromatographic properties to the unknown metabolites in the urine, but there was no peak corresponding to 1-amino-2-naphthol-3,6-disulphonic acid (1-ANDSA), previously reported as a urinary metabolite of amaranth. In studies of absorption from isolated loops of small intestine of the rat, mouse and guinea-pig, no significant absorption of amaranth was detected over a 100-fold concentration range (20-2000 ppm).

Improved method for the determination of the major neutral steroids and unconjugated bile acids in human faeces using capillary gas chromatography

An improved method has been developed for the determination of the major neutral steroids (cholesterol and 5 beta-cholestan-3 beta-ol) and unconjugated bile acids (deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid) in human faeces, using capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. The freeze-dried faecal sample was subjected to a two-stage Soxhlet extraction followed by an aqueous alkali-organic solvent partition step to separate neutral steroids from bile acids. The neutral steroids were analysed as their trimethylsilyl ether derivatives on an OV-1 capillary column. The bile acids were further purified on a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge and then fractionated on a Sep-Pak SIL cartridge. Unconjugated bile acids were analysed as their methyl ester-trimethylsilyl ether derivatives also on an OV-1 capillary column. Quantitation of neutral steroids and unconjugated bile acids was achieved by reference to appropriate internal standards, added to the faecal extract immediately after the Soxhlet extraction stage. The method is being used in a study of the effect of diet on the metabolic activity of human gut flora.

Studies on the metabolism of deoxynivalenol in the rat

The metabolism and tissue distribution of [14C]deoxynivalenol have been studied in male PVG rats. Following administration of a single oral 10-mg/kg dose, radioactivity excreted in the urine and faeces accounted, respectively, for 25 and 64% of the administered dose within 96 hr. Less than 0.15% of the dose was detected in the respired air. Very little radioactivity appeared to be retained in any of the tissues examined after 96 hr. HPLC separation of several urinary and faecal metabolites was achieved on a reversed-phase column, using two different elution systems, one at neutral pH and one acidified. Two of the major non-polar HPLC peaks were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as unchanged deoxynivalenol and 3 alpha,7 alpha,15-trihydroxytrichothec-9,12-dien-8-one.

The role of oral nitrate in the nitrosation of [14C]proline by conventional microflora and germ-free rats

The urinary excretion of N-nitroso-L-[U-14C]proline by conventional microflora and germ free rats was used to assess the role of the gut bacteria and oral nitrate in the endogenous formation of N-nitroso compounds. The formation of nitrosoproline was qualitatively similar in conventional and germfree rats (equivalent to nitrosation of approximately 0.01-0.05% of the initial dose of [U-14C]proline) suggesting no involvement of the intestinal flora in this reaction. Furthermore, nitrosamino acid production was similar following the administration of nitrate and [U-14C]proline or [U-14C]proline alone, demonstrating no involvement of exogenous nitrate under the conditions of the experiment. Dietary contamination with nitrate/nitrite was negligible. The results are consistent with the suggestion that nitrate/nitrite reserves in the body are important in the formation of nitrosoproline in vivo.

The role of metabolism in 2-methoxyethanol-induced testicular toxicity

The role of metabolism in 2-methoxyethanol (ME)-induced testicular toxicity has been investigated with Sprague-Dawley rats. Following administration of [14C]ME (250 mg/kg, ip) to a group of animals, there was evidence of testicular damage, identified as depletion of the spermatocyte population. Radioactivity detected in urine over 48 hr after treatment accounted for 55% of the dose. The major urinary metabolites were identified by HPLC and isotope dilution analysis, as methoxyacetic acid (MAA) and methoxyacetylglycine (accounting for 50 to 60% and 18 to 25%, respectively, of urinary radioactivity). Analysis of plasma revealed a rapid conversion of ME to MAA (t1/2 for disappearance of ME = 0.6 +/- 0.03 hr) and gradual clearance of radioactivity (t1/2 = 19.7 +/- 2.3 hr). Pretreatment of animals with pyrazole (400 mg/kg, ip) 1 hr prior to [14C]ME dosing gave complete protection against the testicular toxicity of ME. Radioactivity detected in the urine from the pyrazole-pretreated groups over 48 hr (18%) was significantly lower than in the ME-only group. The major radioactive peak co-chromatographed with ME (30 to 36% of the total urinary radioactivity). MAA and methoxyacetylglycine were not major metabolites. Analysis of plasma revealed almost complete inhibition of the conversion of ME to MAA (t1/2 for disappearance of ME = 42.6 +/- 5.6 hr, clearance of radioactivity t1/2 = 51.0 +/- 7.8 hr). The results demonstrate that metabolic activation is required for 2-methoxyethanol to exert toxicity to the male reproductive system.

Effect of DI-n-pentyl phthalate treatment on testicular steroidogenic enzymes and cytochrome P-450 in the rat

Treatment of young male rats with dipentyl phthalate (DPP) produced significant decreases in testicular cytochrome P-450, cytochrome P-450 dependent microsomal steroidogenic enzymes (17 alpha-hydroxylase, 17-20 lyase) and in the maximal binding of a natural substrate (progesterone) to testis microsomes. No effect was demonstrated by this compound on hepatic cytochrome P-450 content. Treatment of animals with a phthalate ester not causing testicular atrophy (diethyl phthalate; DEP) produced no significant changes in any of the parameters measured. This effect on the enzymes responsible for androgen production may be important as a mechanism of action involved in the development of phthalate-induced testicular damage.

Differences in urinary metabolic profile from di-n-butyl phthalate-treated rats and hamsters. A possible explanation for species differences in susceptibility to testicular atrophy

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the direct analysis of the urinary metabolites of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is described. In both rats and hamsters the major urinary metabolite found after treatment with either DBP or mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP) was MBP glucuronide and not MBP as previously reported. The levels of unconjugated MBP in the urine of animals treated with DBP or MBP were three- to fourfold higher in the rat than in the hamster. However, intestinal esterase activities were comparable in the two species, whereas the activities of testicular beta-glucuronidase were significantly higher in rats compared to hamsters. It is possible that the differences in the concentration of free MBP, a substance known to produce testicular damage directly in the rat in vitro, may account for the lack of injury seen in hamsters after oral treatment with either DBP or MBP.

Studies of the metabolic bioactivation of n-nitrosopyrrolidine in the rat

The metabolism of N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) to 4-hydroxybutanal (4-HB) (the first stable product of the putative alpha-hydroxylation pathway) and its bioactivation in the Ames bacterial mutagenicity test system were examined in the presence of a number of inhibitors. Both SKF 525A and piperonyl butoxide were found to be potent inhibitors of the production of 4-HB by rat liver microsomal preparations but were ineffective in the mutagenicity model with liver S-9 from either untreated or Aroclor 1254 pretreated rats. In addition two inhibitors of the mutagenic activity of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in this system, 2-phenylethylamine and benzimidazole failed to reduce the activity of NPYR. These results suggest that the bioactivation of NPYR may proceed by processes other than the cytochrome P-450 dependent route generating 4-HB and the amine oxidase catalysed route implicated in NDMA activation. Evidence was also obtained of a second cytosol dependent bioactivation step involving a microsome generated pre-mutagen. This activity may be responsible, at least in part, for the enhancement by cytosol of the mutagen producing activity of liver microsomes from Aroclor 1254 pretreated (but not control) rats.

Adult respiratory distress syndrome and gonococcemia

A case of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is described that was secondary to conococcal septicemia. The patient had severe hypoxemia and diffuse pulmonary infiltrates. The diagnosis of disseminated gonorrhea was confirmed by the isolation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from one of several typical appearing skin lesions. The patient did not require mechanical ventilation and made a prompt recovery after a regimen of antibiotics was started. The association between ARDS and gonococcemia is extremely rare. It occurrence may be related to unusual properties of the gonococcal endotoxin or to the host response.