Measurement of disposition half-life, clearance, and residence times

This unit provides an overview of the principles underlying the elimination process. Experimental design issues, methods of data analysis, and complications that may be encountered are discussed. A complete worked example is provided to exemplify the methods of analysis that are available.

Evaluation of a minimal experimental design for determination of enzyme kinetic parameters and inhibition mechanism

The advent of combinatorial chemistry has led to a deluge of new chemical entities whose metabolic pathways need to be determined. A significant issue involves determination of the ability of new agents to inhibit the metabolism of existing drugs as well as its own susceptibility for altered metabolism. There is need to estimate the enzyme inhibition parameters and mechanism or mechanisms of inhibition with minimal experimental effort. We examined a minimal experimental design for obtaining reliable estimates of K(i) (and V(max) and K(m)). Simulations have been applied to a variety of experimental scenarios. The least experimentally demanding case involved three substrate concentrations, [S], for the control and one substrate-inhibitor pair, [S]-[I]. The control and inhibitor data (with 20% coefficient of variance random error) were simultaneously fit to the full nonlinear competitive inhibition equation [simultaneous nonlinear regression (SNLR)]. Excellent estimates of the correct kinetic parameters were obtained. This approach is clearly limited by the a prior assumption of mechanism. Further simulations determined whether SNLR would permit assessment of the inhibition mechanism (competitive or noncompetitive). The minimal design examined three [S] (control) and three [S]-[I] pairs. This design was successful in identifying the correct model for 98 of 100 data sets (20% coefficient of variance random error). SNLR analysis of metabolite formation rate versus [S] permits a dramatic reduction in experimental effort while providing reliable estimates of K(i), K(m), and V(max) along with an estimation of the mechanism of inhibition. The accuracy of the parameter estimates will be affected by the experimental variability of the system under investigation.

A simplified isolated perfused rat liver apparatus: characterization and measurement of extraction ratios of selected compounds

A simplified isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL) preparation has been developed and evaluated. The liver is briefly perfused in situ prior to being placed into a 37 degrees C oven and suspended from a stand. This set-up takes about 5 min. A non-recirculatory or one-pass perfusion approach has been used. The performance of the apparatus was evaluated with use of three model compounds: antipyrine, lidocaine and ethanol. In addition, oxygen extraction was determined. The steady-state extraction ratio (ER) was determined for each compound (and oxygen) as a function of perfusate flow rate (15-35 ml/min) during sequential 45 min perfusion periods. Perfusion experiments lasted for up to 3 hr. The ERs (at 15 ml/min) of ethanol (0.65 +/- 0.15), lidocaine (0.91 +/- 0.01) and oxygen (0.65 +/- 0.10) were dependent upon perfusate flow; whereas, antipyrine ER (0.07 +/- 0.01) was independent of flow. The corresponding values for unbound intrinsic clearances (CLu,int) for antipyrine, ethanol, lidocaine and oxygen were: 1.6, 31.0, 158.0 and 27.5 ml/min, respectively. These findings are consistent with the known hepatic ER values for those compounds reported in the literature.

Human moricizine metabolism. II. Quantification and pharmacokinetics of plasma and urinary metabolites

1. The metabolism of moricizine.HCl was studied in 12 male volunteers dosed with 250 mg (300 microCi) 14C-radiolabelled drug. 2. Moricizine was biotransformed to many metabolites in humans (at least 35 plasma and 51 urine metabolites). 3. Urine and faecal combined mean (range) recovery accounted for 90.2% (73.4-101.6%) of the administered radioactivity, with most of the recovered radioactivity present in faeces (mean 58.4%; range 45.6-64.7%). Mean (range) urinary recovery was 31.8% (26.2-36.9%), with <1% of the dose recovered as intact moricizine, and no one metabolite accounting for >2.5% of the dose. 4. Total radioactivity (TR) plasma t1/2 was 85.2 h, while that for moricizine was 2.4 h. Mean half-lives for plasma metabolites ranged from 2.9 to 23.6 h. The largest portion (11%) of TR AUC (area under the plasma concentration-time curve) was attributed to 2amino-10-glucuronophenothiazine. Each of the other metabolites accounted for less of the TR AUC than parent drug except for two unidentified peaks which had comparable areas (approximately 5% of the total radioactivity area). 5. Two identified moricizine metabolites, 2-amino-10-(3-morpholinopropionyl) phenothiazine and ethyl [10-(3-aminopropionyl) phenothiazin-2-yl] carbamate, possess the structural characteristics proposed for class 1 anti-arrhythmic activity (pendant amine functionality) and have plasma half-lives 4-7-fold longer than moricizine.

Moricizine bioavailability via simultaneous, dual, stable isotope administration: bioequivalence implications

The relative bioavailability of a 200 mg film-coated tablet of [12C]moricizine.HCl in comparison to a 200 mg [13C6]moricizine.HCl oral solution was determined after simultaneous administration to 8 young healthy male subjects. Concentrations of [12C]moricizine.HCl and [13C6]moricizine.HCl were determined by thermospray liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) using [2H11]moricizine.HCl as the internal standard. The mean absorption and disposition parameters of the tablet versus the solution were the following (%CV): maximum concentration, 0.83 (39%) versus 0.79 (39%) microgram/mL; time of maximum concentration, 0.81 (40%) versus 0.65 (28%) hours; area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), 1.58 (39%) versus 1.49 (37%) micrograms.h/mL; apparent oral clearance, 150.7 (52%) versus 158.1 (50%) L/h; and t1/2, 1.9 (42%) versus 1.9 (42%) hours. The AUC for the tablet averaged 106% of the solution, which likely reflects a greater first-pass effect with the oral solution. Partitioning sources of variation confirmed the low (< 6%) intrasubject coefficient of variation (cv epsilon) afforded via the single-period, dual-isotope design. In contrast, a previous study using the conventional two-period crossover design determined the cv epsilon about moricizine metrics to be in excess of 30%, resulting in classification of this drug as having highly variable absorption. The results of this study further illustrate the benefits of dual, stable isotopes to assess bioavailability and bioequivalence. This paradigm results in a reduction in experimental time and subject inconvenience and lower costs in comparison with the standard crossover study. Perhaps most important is the improved statistical power for the evaluation of bioavailability or bioequivalence in the absence of period and sequence effects that confound the assessment of intrasubject variation in the standard crossover design.

Sensitive and selective gas chromatographic methods for the quantitation of camphor, menthol and methyl salicylate from human plasma

Analytical methods using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) for the quantitation of camphor and menthol and GC-MS for the quantitation of methyl salicylate have been developed for measurement of low concentrations from human plasma. Anethole serves as the internal standard for camphor and menthol and ethyl salicylate serves as the internal standard for methyl salicylate. Plasma samples undergo multiple, sequential extractions with hexane in order to provide optimal recovery. For menthol and camphor, the extracting solvent is reduced in volume and directly injected onto a capillary column (Simplicity-WAX). Extracted methyl salicylate is derivatized with BSTFA prior to injection onto a capillary column (Simplicity-5). Between-day variation (% RSD) at 5 ng/ml varies from 6.2% for methyl salicylate to 13.5% for camphor. The limit of detection for each analyte is 1 ng/ml and the limit of quantitation is 5 ng/ml. These analytical methods have been used in a clinical study to assess exposure from dermally applied patches containing the three compounds.

Estimation of Ki in a competitive enzyme-inhibition model: comparisons among three methods of data analysis

There are a variety of methods available to calculate the inhibition constant (Ki) that characterizes substrate inhibition by a competitive inhibitor. Linearized versions of the Michaelis-Menten equation (e.g., Lineweaver-Burk, Dixon, etc.) are frequently used, but they often produce substantial errors in parameter estimation. This study was conducted to compare three methods of analysis for the estimation of Ki: simultaneous nonlinear regression (SNLR); nonsimultaneous, nonlinear regression, "KM,app" method; and the Dixon method. Metabolite formation rates were simulated for a competitive inhibition model with random error (corresponding to 10% coefficient of variation). These rates were generated for a control (i.e., no inhibitor) and five inhibitor concentrations with six substrate concentrations per inhibitor and control. The KM/Ki ratios ranged from less than 0.1 to greater than 600. A total of 3 data sets for each of three KM/Ki ratios were generated (i.e., 108 rates/data set per KM/Ki ratio). The mean inhibition and control data were fit simultaneously (SNLR method) using the full competitive enzyme-inhibition equation. In the KM,app method, the mean inhibition and control data were fit separately to the Michaelis-Menten equation. The SNLR approach was the most robust, fastest, and easiest to implement. The KM,app method gave good estimates of Ki but was more time consuming. Both methods gave good recoveries of KM and VMAX values. The Dixon method gave widely ranging and inaccurate estimates of Ki. For reliable estimation of Ki values, the SNLR method is preferred.

Simultaneous quantitative analysis of methyl salicylate, ethyl salicylate and salicylic acid from biological fluids using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) assay was developed for the quantitative analysis of methyl salicylate (MeS), ethyl salicylate (ES) and salicylic acid (SA) from biological fluids. The method was validated from 100-microl rat liver homogenate preparations (5 mg/ml protein) in 70 mM KH2PO4 (pH 7.4) buffer and from 100 microl rat plasma. The samples were extracted with chloroform, derivatized with BSTFA and quantitated by GC-MS in the SIM mode. The standard curves ranged from 31 ng/ml to 800 or 1250 ng/ml. Relative standard deviations and bias were less than 11% in plasma and homogenate for all compounds except SA which evidenced greater variability. The assay was used in preliminary experiments to characterize the pharmacokinetics of MeS in rats.

Enantiomeric determination of amphetamine and methamphetamine in urine by precolumn derivatization with Marfey's reagent and HPLC

An analytical method was developed for enantiomeric determination of amphetamine and methamphetamine in human urine. The enantiomers were isolated from urine by solid-phase extraction, and diastereomers were formed by derivatization with the chiral Marfey's reagent (1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl-5-l-aniline amide). The diastereomers were separated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography in a water/methanol mobile phase and detected by absorbance spectrophotometry at 340 nm. Linear standard curves were obtained for all four enantiomers over a concentration range of 0.16-1.00 mg/L in urine. The detection limit was 0.16 mg/L urine for each enantiomer, and the limit of quantitation was 0.40 mg/L. The urine of 10 decedents was analyzed by this method and by a previously published precolumn derivatization procedure using (-)-1-(9-fluorenyl)ethyl chloroformate (FLEC) as the derivatizing agent and fluorescence detection. Comparison of the results of the two methods by linear regression showed comparable results for both d-amphetamine and d-methamphetamine. Neither method detected the presence of the l-enantiomers in the urine samples.

The influence of cimetidine on the disposition kinetics of the antidepressant venlafaxine

The influence of cimetidine on the disposition pharmacokinetics of the antidepressant drug, venlafaxine, and its active metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine, was examined in 18 healthy young men and women. The steady-state pharmacokinetic profiles of venlafaxine and O-desmethylvenlafaxine were evaluated during a 24-hour period after 5 days of treatment with venlafaxine (50 mg three times a day) and during a second 24-hour period after 5 days of combination treatment with venlafaxine (50 mg three times a day) and cimetidine (800 mg once a day). The apparent oral clearance of venlafaxine decreased significantly in the presence of cimetidine and the average steady-state plasma concentration of venlafaxine increased significantly in the presence of cimetidine, but there were no changes in the corresponding concentrations of the active metabolite. However, O-desmethylvenlafaxine exhibits pharmacologic activity that is approximately equimolar to that of venlafaxine, and the sum of venlafaxine plus O-desmethylvenlafaxine plasma concentrations was increased by an average of only 13%. Therefore, the effect of cimetidine coadministration is not expected to result in clinically important alterations in the response to venlafaxine in patients with depression. This may not be true, however, for patients with compromised hepatic metabolic function.

In vitro transesterification of cocaethylene (ethylcocaine) in the presence of ethanol. esterase-mediated ethyl ester exchange esterase-mediated ethyl ester exchange

This study reports that cocaethylene undergoes an esterase-mediated ethyl ester exchange with ethanol, resulting in an increase in the apparent in vitro t1/2, compared with control conditions. Homogenized liver from male Sprague Dawley rats in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer was centrifuged at 9000g, and the resulting supernatant (S9) fraction was collected. Tubes containing the rat S9 fraction and 50 microM cocaethylene plus aqueous buffer (control), 50 mM ethanol, or 51. 3 mM 2H6-ethanol were incubated at 37 degrees C for 4 hr. Samples were collected from the incubation tubes at various times, extracted with a solid-phase extraction system, and assayed for cocaethylene and 2H5-cocaethylene by GC/MS. Concentration-time profiles were constructed and kinetic parameters were determined. The experiment was repeated in the presence of specific and nonspecific esterase inhibitors. Enzyme kinetic parameters were also determined. Cocaethylene underwent ethyl ester exchange, being converted to 2H5-cocaethylene in the presence of 2H6-ethanol. The average apparent in vitro t1/2 value for cocaethylene (13.0 +/- 1.4 min) incubated with the S9 fraction and buffer only was increased approximately 5-fold (67.8 +/- 0.3 min) in the presence of ethanol. Formation of 2H5-cocaethylene was totally blocked with the addition of bis-(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate but was unaffected by physostigmine. The intrinsic metabolite formation clearance of 2H5-cocaethylene from cocaethylene and 2H6-ethanol (1.92 +/- 0.03 microl/min.mg protein) was several times greater than the corresponding value for cocaethylene formation from cocaine and ethanol (0.94 +/- 0.01 microl/min.mg protein) or 2H6-ethanol (0.87 +/- 0.04 microl/min.mg protein).

Absorption, disposition, and metabolism of trans-methyl styryl ketone in female B6C3F1 mice

trans-Methyl styryl ketone (MSK; trans-4-phenyl-3-buten-2-one) is a beta-unsaturated ketone that has a wide range of uses in industry, as well as consumer products. MSK does not appear to be overtly toxic in animal models, however, it has been shown to be mutagenic in several in vitro assays after S-9 activation. In this study experiments were conducted to characterize MSK absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination after iv, oral, and topical administration to female B6C3F1 mice. After iv administration, [14C]MSK (20 mg/kg; 120 microCi/kg) was rapidly cleared from the blood as evidenced by the following pharmacokinetic values (mean +/- SD): terminal disposition half-life (t1/2), 7.98 +/- 1.72 min; mean residence time, 5.6 +/- 1.7 min; steady-state apparent volume of distribution (Vss), 3.33 +/- 0.75 liters/kg; and systemic body clearance (CLs), 0.53 +/- 0.05 liters/min/kg. Within 48 hr, 92.4% of the dose was excreted in the urine and 3.5% in the feces. The major blood metabolites after iv administration were identified by GC-MS as the 4-phenyl-3-buten-2-ol (methyl styryl carbinol), 4-hydroxy-4-phenyl-2-butanone, and benzyl alcohol. After oral administration of [14C]MSK (200 mg/kg; 100 microCi/kg), 95% of the dosed radioactivity was recovered in the urine and 1.2% in the feces within 48 hr. Major urinary metabolites were identified by LC-MS/MS as N-phenylacetyl-l-glycine (35.1% of dose) and N-benzyl-L-glycine (19.1% of dose). Only a small amount of MSK was detected in the blood after oral administration ( approximately 0.73 microg/ml at 10 min), and [14C]-equivalents in the blood never exceeded 2.8% of the dose. Ater topical application of [14C]MSK (250 mg/kg; 50 microCi/kg), approximately 40% of the dose was absorbed and 84.5% of the absorbed dose was excreted into the urine (36% of the total dose). Urinary metabolites were similar to those described for oral administration. Importantly, [14C]-equivalents were not detected in the blood at any time after dermal administration. These results indicate that the rate of MSK clearance is equivalent to its rate of absorption, and tissue exposure to intact MSK is expected to be limited.

p-Hydroxymethamphetamine enantiomer pharmacokinetics and metabolism in rats: absence of N-demethylation

p-hydroxymethamphetamine (OHMAP) is one of the major metabolites of the widely abused drug methamphetamine (MAP). The demethylation of OHMAP to p-hydroxyamphetamine (OHAP) has been shown in vitro but has never been reported in vivo. The disposition kinetics as well as the metabolism of OHMAP was investigated employing a sensitive HPLC method which can separate the enantiomers of OHMAP and OHAP. Both conjugated and unconjugated forms of these compounds can be quantitated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given an iv bolus of racemic OHMAP (20 mg kg-1) and serum and urine samples were collected at selected times. The serum concentration-time data for OHMAP enantiomers could be described by a biexponential equation. The clearance of D-OHMAP (93.5 mL min-1 kg-1) was slightly, but statistically significantly, greater than that of the L-enantiomer (83.9 mL min-1 kg-1). The steady-state volumes of distribution of L- and D-OHMAP were (mean +/- SD) 3.15 +/- 0.84 and 4.23 +/- 1.76 L kg-1, respectively. No significant concentrations or amounts of OHAP enantiomers could be detected in any serum or urine sample. Rats excreted more unchanged L-OHMAP (34%) than D-OHMAP (29%). In contrast, more conjugated D-OHMAP (57%) was recovered compared to the conjugated L-OHMAP (52%). The results suggest that there is slight stereoselectivity in the disposition of OHMAP enantiomers. The N-demethylation product (OHAP) was not produced in vivo.

Oral and topical absorption, disposition kinetics, and the metabolic fate of trans-methyl styryl ketone in the male Fischer 344 rat

trans-Methyl styryl ketone (MSK; trans-4-phenyl-3-buten-2-one) is a beta-unsaturated ketone that has a wide range of uses in industry and is present in numerous consumer products. Although MSK has been shown to be positive in several in vitro mutagenic assays, it does not seem to be overtly toxic in animal models. This lack of toxicity may relate to its poor absorption and/or rapid elimination. However, little is known about the fate of MSK in the body. Studies were conducted to characterize the absorption, and disposition kinetics of MSK after intravenous, oral, and topical administration to male Fischer 344 rats. After intravenous administration of [14C]MSK (20 mg/kg, 120 microCi/kg), blood concentration-time data could be characterized with a biexponential equation and apparent first-order elimination kinetics. The following pharmacokinetic parameter values were obtained (mean +/- SD): terminal disposition half-life, 17.7 +/- 0.08 min; apparent steady-state volume of distribution, 0.89 +/- 0.14 liters/kg; systemic body clearance, 68.9 +/- 10.0 ml/kg *min; and mean residence time, 13.1 +/- 2.2 min. Within 48 hr, 95.5% of the dose was excreted in the urine and 2.7% in the feces. The major blood metabolite after intravenous administration was identified by GC/MS as the 4-phenyl-3-buten-2-ol (methyl styryl carbinol). After oral administration of [14C]MSK (200 mg/kg, 100 microCI/kg), approximately 96.6% of the dosed radioactivity was recovered in the urine and 4.8% in the faces within 48 hr. Major urinary metabolites identified by LC-MS/MS and quantified by HPLC radioassay were N-phenylacetyl-L-glycine (64.9% of dose) and N-benzyl-L-glycine (9.9% of dose). Parent compound could not be detected in the blood after oral administration, and 14C-equivalents in the blood never exceeded 1.3% of the dose. Results suggest near-total presystemic elimination of the oral dose. After topical application of [14C]MSK (250 mg/kg, 50 microCi/kg), > 60% of the dose was absorbed, and the majority of the dose was excreted into the urine (55% of dose) in the form of metabolites. Urinary metabolites were similar to those described after oral administration. 14C-equivalents were not detected in the blood at any time after topical administration. These results indicate that MSK is almost totally metabolized before systemic distribution after oral or topical administration. The systemic exposure dose of MSK seems to be exceedingly low at the doses studied herein.

Absorption, disposition kinetics, and metabolic pathways of cyclohexene oxide in the male Fischer 344 rat and female B6C3F1 mouse

Cyclohexene oxide (CHO) is a monomer intermediate used in the synthesis of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and perfumes. Although CHO has a variety of industrial uses where direct human exposure is possible, very little is known about its fate in the body. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of cyclohexene oxide after oral, intravenous, and dermal exposure in male Fischer 344 rats and female B6C3F, mice. After intravenous administration of [14C]CHO (50 mg/kg), CHO was rapidly distributed, metabolized, and excreted into the urine. Plasma concentrations of CHO rapidly declined and were below the limit of detection within 60 min. Average (+/- SD) values for terminal disposition half-life, apparent volume of distribution at steady-state, and systemic body clearance were: 19.3 +/- 1.6 min; 0.44 +/- 0.08 liter/kg; and 31.3 +/- 0.5 ml/kg * min, respectively. After oral administration of [14C]CHO (10 and 100 mg/kg), it was found that 14C-equivalents were rapidly excreted in the urine of both species. At 48 hr, the majority of the dose (73-93%) was recovered in urine, whereas fecal elimination accounted for only 2-5% of the dose. At no time after oral administration was parent CHO detected in the blood. However, its primary metabolite cyclohexane-1,2-diol was present for different lengths of time depending on the dose. Four metabolites were detected and identified in mouse urine by MS: cyclohexane-1,2-diol; cyclohexane-1,2-diol-O-glucuronide; N-acetyl-S-(2-hydroxycyclohexyl)-L-cysteine; and cyclohexane-1,2-diol-O-sulfate. The sulfate conjugate was not present in rat urine. Topical application of [14C]CHO (60 mg/kg) provided poor absorption in both species. The majority of 14C-equivalents applied dermally were recovered from the charcoal skin trap (approximately 90% of the dose). Only 4% of the dose was absorbed, and the major route of elimination was via the urine. To evaluate the toxicity of CHO, animals were given daily doses of CHO orally and topically for 28 days. No statistically significant changes in final body weights or relative organ weights were noted in rats or mice treated orally with CHO up to 100 mg/kg or up to 60 mg/kg when given topically. Very few lesions were found at necropsy, and none were considered compound related. In conclusion, regardless of route, CHO is rapidly eliminated and excreted into the urine. Furthermore, after either oral or dermal administration, it is unlikely that CHO reaches the systemic circulation intact due to its rapid metabolism, and is therefore unable to cause toxicity in the whole animal under the test conditions used in this study.

Comparative pharmacokinetics and interspecies scaling of amphotericin B in several mammalian species

This study employed several interspecies scaling methods, to evaluate the applicability of extrapolating to man, pharmacokinetic information obtained from animals for amphotericin B, an anti-fungal drug. Pharmacokinetic parameters from four animal species (mouse, rat, monkey and dog) and man were obtained from the literature or from analysis of data reported in the literature. The allometric relationships (obtained from four animal species) as a function of species body weight (W; kg) for systemic clearance per maximum life span potential (CLS/MLP), steady-state volume of distribution (VSS), apparent volume of distribution (V beta) and volume of the central compartment (VC) were: 5691W1.096; 2.46W0.839; 3.08W0.948 and 1.07W0.965, respectively. The allometric relationships for half-life (h) and mean residence time (h) did not scale well with body weight. The prediction of pharmacokinetic parameters in man from the allometric equations do not always agree with those reported in the literature which are based upon a limited number of studies with few human subjects. The plasma concentration-time profiles from these animals were adjusted by normalizing the concentration with dose/W0.948, and re-plotted on different pharmacokinetic time scales. The syndesichrons plot produced an almost superimposable profile of adjusted concentrations as a function of adjusted time among the four species.

Simple apparatus for serial blood sampling in rodents permitting simultaneous measurement of locomotor activity as illustrated with cocaine

A simple device has been developed for serial venous blood sampling which permits the simultaneous measurement of locomotor activity in the freely moving rat. The device can be easily constructed from routine laboratory material and it does not interfere with the light beams used to measure locomotor activity. The device, in conjunction with an activity cage, has been applied to the combined pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling of cocaine. The relationship between the locomotor activity following a single short iv infusion of cocaine (5 mg/kg) and cocaine plasma concentrations can be adequately described by the Sigmoid-E(max) model. Further, the relationship between activity and time can be described by the same model coupled with an effect compartment. These results suggest the applicability of the device in facilitating pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling of drugs that affect locomotor activity.

Absorption and disposition kinetics of 3,3',4,4'-tetrachloroazoxybenzene in the male Fischer 344 rat

3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazoxybenzene (TCAOB) is a structural analog of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). It is formed as a byproduct during the synthesis of industrial products such as herbicides. TCAOB is a ligand for the Ah receptor and, at much higher doses, exhibits toxicities similar to TCDD. Although the reduced in vivo toxicity of TCAOB probably reflects differences in disposition, this study characterized its absorption and disposition kinetics. Male Fischer 344 rats were administered [14C]TCAOB (3.4 or 34 mg/kg p.o., 3.4 mg/kg i.v.), and the excretion of the radiolabel was monitored over 96 hr. After the low and high dose, 35% and 30% of the [14C]TCAOB were eliminated in the urine, with 55% and 54% eliminated in the feces. At 96 hr, the adipose tissue:blood ratios of [14C]TCAOB equivalents were 8 and 26 for the low and high doses, respectively. After the intravenous dose of TCAOB, the adipose tissue:blood ratio was 21 at 96 hr. Other tissue:blood ratios were of little significance (0.06-3.2). Pharmacokinetic parameters indicate that the parent molecule is cleared from blood with an average half-life of 7 hr and an average clearance of 11 ml/min.kg. Absolute bioavailability was calculated to be approximately 9%. Urine contained a variety of dichlorolaniline conjugates, which support the importance of azo reduction in the disposition of TCAOB. When compared with TCDD, the absorption of TCAOB is greatly reduced and the elimination of metabolites greatly enhanced. Therefore, at equal molar oral doses, TCAOB would express lower levels of Ah receptor-mediated toxicity than those defined for TCDD.

Antiphencyclidine monoclonal Fab fragments reverse phencyclidine-induced behavioral effects and ataxia in rats

Antiphencyclidine monoclonal antibody binding fragments (anti-PCP Fab) were studied in rats as a possible treatment for phencyclidine (PCP) overdose. Each male Sprague-Dawley rat (n = 4 per group) received an i.v. dose of 1 mg/kg of PCP followed 5 min later (as toxicity maximized) by one of three treatments in a random cross-over design. The treatments were 1 ml of saline, a nonspecific polyclonal human Fab, or a high affinity (Kd = 1.8 nM) anti-PCP monoclonal Fab. The doses of the nonspecific and anti-PCP Fab were 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 times the mole equivalent (mol-eq) dose of PCP. Changes in locomotor activity and ataxia were the best indicators of PCP-induced behaviors among several time-dependent behavioral changes that were evaluated. PCP administration followed by saline treatment resulted in increases in locomotor activity and ataxia that declined to base line after 35 to 40 min. Anti-PCP Fab at 1.0 and 3.0 times the mol-eq dose of PCP significantly (P < .05) and rapidly reversed PCP-induced behaviors to base-line values. Although the 0.3 mol-eq dose of Fab appeared to slightly decrease the behavioral toxicity, the effects were not statistically different from controls in most cases. No significant effects on PCP-induced behaviors were observed after any dose of the nonspecific Fab. In addition, pharmacological and immunological specificity were tested further by treatment of MK-801 {(+)-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5, 10-imine-}-induced behavioral effects. MK-801 is a PCP-like, noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist which is structurally unrelated to PCP. The anti-PCP Fab treatment had no effect on MK-801-induced locomotor activity. These data clearly show that anti-PCP Fab is a specific PCP antagonist that can rapidly reverse PCP-induced behavioral toxicity in the rat.

Characterization of the properties of cocaine in blood: blood clearance, blood to plasma ratio, and plasma protein binding

As part of a study to examine cocaine disposition and interaction with ethanol, it was necessary to characterize various properties of cocaine in the blood of the experimental animal. All studies were conducted using blood from healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Cocaine was incubated in whole blood at 37 degrees C at concentrations of 500-4000 ng/mL. The apparent first-order rate constant for cocaine loss was independent of concentration. Blood clearance, calculated assuming blood volume to be 64 mL/kg, was estimated to be 0.056 +/- 0.003 mL/(min.kg); a value considerably smaller than estimates of systemic clearance. The addition of NaF increased the rate of loss to form benzoylecgonine, as a result of increased chemical degradation and as a consequence of increased pH (to pH 8.0 over 30 h). This NaF-enhanced degradation was abolished when NaF was added to blood buffered to pH 7.4. Ethanol had no influence on cocaine degradation, and there was no evidence of cocaethylene (ethylcocaine) formation. Blood to plasma ratios determined in spiked and authentic samples were constant (0.94-1.05 and 0.99-1.03, respectively) and independent of concentration (100-1500 ng/mL) and pH (7.2-7.6). This ratio was not influenced by NaF or ethanol. The unbound fraction (fu) of cocaine determined in spiked plasma varied from 0.62 to 0.63 over the concentration range (75-2025 ng/mL). Ethanol had no effect on binding. The values for fu determined from authentic blood samples taken from rats dosed intravenously with cocaine (10 mg/kg) ranged from 0.67 to 0.69 (over the concentration range 300-1500 ng/mL). Cocaine plasma protein binding was independent of concentration but depended upon plasma pH (fu, 0.765 and 0.486, at pHs 7.0 and 7.8, respectively.

Pharmacokinetics of the aldose reductase inhibitor tolrestat: studies in healthy young and elderly male and female subjects and in subjects with diabetes

Tolrestat is an aldose reductase inhibitor undergoing clinical trials in diabetic subjects that may reduce the severity of chronic tissue damage associated with hyperglycemia. These studies were conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of tolrestat in healthy young and elderly male and female subjects and in young and elderly subjects with diabetes. The drug was administered in a multiple-dose regimen, and steady-state parameters were obtained. There were no important gender-related differences, but mean values for apparent oral clearance, renal clearance, and corresponding unbound parameters were significantly lower for the elderly healthy subjects than for the young healthy subjects. The drug is highly bound to plasma proteins, and the unbound fraction (0.75%) did not differ among the subjects. The results from young and elderly diabetic subjects suggest that diabetes per se has no influence on tolrestat disposition but that there is an age-related reduction in apparent oral clearance (30 versus 18 ml/hr/kg) and a corresponding increase in the minimum steady-state plasma concentration (1.2 versus 1.9 micrograms/ml). These data indicate a possible need to reduce the dose of tolrestat in elderly subjects, assuming the same concentration-response relationship.

Influence of activated charcoal on the disposition kinetics of methamphetamine enantiomers in the rat following intravenous dosing

Methamphetamine (MAP) is a central nervous system stimulant that is widely abused by populations of several countries. There is no specific antidote for the treatment of an overdose. Activated charcoal administered orally has been used to enhance the systemic elimination of certain toxic substances via "gastrointestinal dialysis". The results of in vitro studies have shown that MAP can be rapidly adsorbed from solution by activated charcoal. We have evaluated the effect of a single oral dose of activated charcoal on the disposition kinetics of MAP following a short iv infusion. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given an oral dose of activated charcoal (Actidose-aqua, 1 g/kg) 10 min before a short iv infusion of racemic MAP; whereas the control group was given an equivalent volume of water. Enantiomers of MAP and metabolites in serum and urine were analyzed by an enantiomer-specific method which employed HPLC and detection of a fluorescent derivative. There were no differences in any of the disposition parameters between the two groups. Within each group, the clearance (CLs) of l-MAP was greater than that of d-MAP. However, there were no differences in the steady-state volume of distribution (Vss). The CLs (mL/(min kg)) and Vss (L/kg) values for l- and d-MAP in the control group were (mean +/- SD): 55.8 +/- 20.4, 48.7 +/- 17.9, 2.64 +/- 1.16, and 2.90 +/- 1.36, respectively. The corresponding values in the charcoal-pretreated group were (mean +/- SD): 57.4 +/- 23.4, 51.1 +/- 20.7, 2.79 +/- 1.32, and 2.98 +/- 1.47. These results suggest that oral activated charcoal does not enhance the elimination of MAP from the body.

3,3',4,4'-tetrachloroazobenzene absorption, disposition, and metabolism in male Fischer 344 rats

3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazobenzene (TCAB) is a contaminant generated during the synthesis of 3,4-dichloroaniline and 3,4-dichloroaniline-derived pesticides. TCAB is isosteric to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and has been shown to bind to the Ah receptor. Following oral administration of [14C]TCAB (3.2 and 32 mg/kg), 39-45% of the dosed radioactivity was excreted into the urine and 53-56% was recovered in the feces within 48 hr. Less than 6% of the dosed radioactivity remained in the tissues examined at 96 hr. After intravenous administration (3.2 mg/kg), 33% of the dose was excreted in the bile during 6 hr. TCAB metabolites in urine were identified using LC/MS. The major metabolites were sulfate ester conjugates of hydroxylated mono- or dichloroaniline derivatives. Some of these metabolites were also acetylated. After intravenous administration, the disappearance of [14C]TCAB from blood was monitored, and the pharmacokinetic profile was consistent with a two-compartment model. Pharmacokinetic parameters reveal that the compound is readily cleared from the blood with a t1/2 of 4.0 hr, clearance of 12.3 ml/min.kg, and an apparent volume of distribution of 4.3 liters/kg. The absolute oral bioavailability was determined to be 30%. The extensive azo reduction of TCAB decreases its systemic absorption after oral administration and thereby limits the amount of parent compound available to interact with the Ah receptor and decreases the Ah receptor-mediated toxicity.

Clinical pharmacokinetics of the monoamine oxidase-A inhibitor moclobemide

There has been a resurgence of interest in the use of monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme inhibitors for the treatment of depression. Unlike the first-generation MAO inhibitors, the current drugs are readily reversible in their action, resulting in far less concern about interactions with certain foods and drugs which could lead to serious pressor effects. Furthermore, the current drugs are far more selective in their actions as a result of the ability to affect either the MAO-A or the MAO-B isoenzyme. Moclobemide is an example of a reversible MAO-A inhibitor which has been extensively studied and whose pharmacokinetic, clinical pharmacological and toxicological profiles have been thoroughly defined. Moclobemide has a short disposition half-life and intermediate values for systemic clearance and volume of distribution; half-life increases somewhat with dose. The drug is completely metabolised by the liver. Moclobemide is rapidly and completely absorbed following oral administration in a variety of dosages and forms. The drug has a high intrinsic (apparent oral) clearance which results in a substantial hepatic first-pass effect and, while there is marked interindividual variation, differences within an individual are small. A time- and dose-dependence is observed with multiple oral administration: clearance decreases with administration during the first week and thereafter remains constant. The exact mechanism of this effect is not known, but it may reflect inhibition of elimination by metabolites (the kinetics may always be described as being first-order). Moclobemide disposition is not affected by renal disease, nor is there substantial alteration with advanced age. Liver disease causes a dramatic reduction in clearance; dosage must be adjusted for patients with liver disease. There is minimal transfer of the drug into breast milk, such that breast-feeding neonates are exposed to only a very small dose of the drug. Moclobemide administration results in a minimal interaction with exogenous amines (e.g. tyramine and pressor amine drugs); the so-called 'cheese effect' is therefore of little concern. As a result, the drug has an excellent tolerability profile both within the therapeutic dose range and in overdose (no deaths have been attributed to moclobemide intoxication per se). Cimetidine inhibits the elimination of moclobemide. Moclobemide appears to affect several isoenzymes of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system (CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP1A2). The adverse events profile of moclobemide indicates only mild and transient effects at a relatively low rate of occurrence.

Pharmacokinetics of amphotericin B in rats as a function of dose following constant-rate intravenous infusion

Amphotericin B (AmB) is widely used for the treatment of systemic mycoses. The current therapeutic regimens for this drug are complex and somewhat empirical, in part because of very limited information about the disposition kinetics of this agent. In this study, we examined the disposition kinetics of AmB as a function of dose and estimated clearance values using a steady state study design in an animal model. Groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were given different two-step infusion regimens to achieve three different steady state concentrations (i.e., three different total infused doses). We observed no significant differences in systemic clearance among the three AmB doses studied. Similarly, only small differences were seen in volumes of distribution as a function of dose. However, renal clearance decreased significantly as the total infused dose was increased (0.76 +/- 0.33, 0.86 +/- 0.24, and 0.37 +/- 0.04 mL min-1 kg-1 for the low-medium and high-dose groups, respectively; p < 0.05). Signs of renal impairment were observed in the high-dose group, as documented by decreased creatinine clearance. Dose-dependent renal clearance may have been due either to nephrotoxicity associated with the high dose of AmB and/or to saturation of an active secretion process. Furthermore, clearance values estimated from steady state conditions were similar to those from time-averaged values (based on the estimation of area under the plasma concentration-time profile). This suggests that clearance calculations from time-averaged concentrations provide reasonable estimates, since steady state plasma concentrations could be reliably determined. However, the possibility that a true tissue steady state condition was not achieved with our study design cannot be ruled out. Further investigation is necessary to identify the renal excretion mechanisms of AmB and to reach steady state tissue concentration to confirm the estimation of systemic clearance.

Quantitative determination of cocaine, cocaethylene (ethylcocaine), and metabolites in plasma and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography

A sensitive HPLC assay was developed to quantitate the relatively nonpolar compounds cocaine, cocaethylene (ethylcocaine), norcocaine, and norcocaethylene, as well as the relatively polar metabolites benzoylecgonine and benzoylnorecgonine, in rat plasma and urine. The assay in plasma employed two successive liquid-liquid extractions and separate injections onto two different columns (C8 and C18) to separate and quantitate the relatively polar and nonpolar compounds. In urine, the procedure employed a liquid-liquid extraction followed by solid-phase extraction (C18 light-load cartridges) and two separate injections as for plasma. The UV absorbance of the effluent was monitored at 235 nm. Linear standard curves were obtained over the concentration ranges of 25 to 1000 ng/mL and 5 to 250 ng/mL in plasma and urine, respectively. The inter- and intraday coefficients of variation for the assay of all compounds in plasma and urine were < 18% at low concentrations (12.5-100 ng/mL) and < 12% at high concentrations (125-250 ng/mL). There was no degradation of these compounds during the extraction procedure or during 2 months of storage at -20 degrees C. The quantitation limits for the assay of the relatively nonpolar and polar compounds in plasma were 25 (2.5 ng in 0.1 mL) and 50 ng/mL (5 ng in 0.1 mL), respectively. For the assay in urine, the quantitation limits were 5 (2.5 ng in 0.5 mL) and 12.5 ng/mL (6.25 ng in 0.5 mL) for the assay of the relatively nonpolar and polar compounds, respectively. The methods have been applied to quantitate those compounds in rat plasma.

Separation and quantitation of the enantiomers of methamphetamine and its metabolites in urine by HPLC: precolumn derivatization and fluorescence detection

To study the disposition kinetics of methamphetamine (MAP), we have developed a sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay to quantitate the enantiomers of MAP and its major metabolites, amphetamine (AP), p-hydroxymethamphetamine (p-OH-MAP), and p-hydroxyamphetamine (p-OH-AP), the latter two of which are hydroxylated metabolites, in rat urine. To determine conjugated hydroxylated metabolites, urine samples were treated with beta-glucuronidase. Both hydrolyzed and nonhydrolyzed p-OH-MAP and p-OH-AP were extracted into ethyl acetate and back extracted with 0.05M HCl. To determine MAP and AP, urine samples were extracted with benzene, followed by back extraction into 0.05M HCl. The acid layer was collected, and to it was added (-)-1-(9-fluorenyl)ethyl chloroformate (FLEC) for the derivatization of MAP and its metabolites. Derivatization was allowed to proceed for 24 h at room temperature. The derivatized products were separated on a C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of acetate buffer (pH 3.6)-acetonitrile-tetrahydrofuran. Quantitation was achieved using a fluorescence detector at an excitation wavelength of 265 nm and an emission wavelength of 330 nm. Linear standard curves were obtained over the concentration range of 5-100 ng/mL. The interday and intraday coefficients of variation for the assay for all eight enantiomers at 10 and 75 ng/mL were less than 13%. The detection limit was 5 ng/mL or 0.5 ng on-column.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pharmacokinetics in the elderly

Animals undergo substantial changes in many physiologic and biochemical functions as a natural consequence of aging. In the absence of disease or other pathologic conditions, these changes occur in a gradual manner with time (generally expressed as a fractional or percentage change in that function per year or decade). Furthermore, for any given function and at any given chronologic age, there is large variation in that function among individuals. Given the increase in life expectancy, the substantial increase in the number of elderly (and aged elderly) in the population, and the escalating costs of health care, there is great interest in learning more about the risks associated with aging as a result of toxic exposure. Are the elderly at greater risk than younger adults to the toxic effects of drugs and environmental exposure? Is the elderly population an inherently more sensitive one?

Sensitive enantiomer-specific high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of methamphetamine and amphetamine from serum using precolumn fluorescent derivatization

In order to study the stereoselective disposition of methamphetamine (MAP), a widely abused drug, we have developed a sensitive HPLC assay to separate and quantitate the enantiomers of MAP and amphetamine (AP) in rat serum. Serum samples to which was added aniline sulfate (internal standard) were alkalized with 0.02 M carbonate buffer (pH 10.6) and extracted with ethyl acetate. Following back extraction with hydrochloric acid, neutralization, and reconstitution, the sample was derivatized with (-)-fluorenylethyl chloroformate overnight at room temperature. The derivatized products were separated following injection onto a reversed-phase C18 column. The mobile phase consisted of 0.02 M acetate buffer-acetonitrile-tetrahydrofuran (46:39:15, v/v). The fluorescent intensity of the effluent was monitored at excitation and emission wavelengths of 265 and 330 nm, respectively. The derivatized aniline, R-, S-AP, R- and S-MAP had retention times of 21.0, 22.6, 23.6, 27.7 and 29.0 min, respectively. Linear standard curves were obtained over the concentration range of 5-250 ng/ml. The inter-day and intra-day coefficients of variation for the assay of all four compounds at 12.5, 50.0 and 250 ng/ml were in the range of 2.1-18.6%. The method was applied to quantitate the concentrations of MAP and AP enantiomers in rat serum following a short term intravenous infusion of racemic MAP (15 mg/kg). There were no differences in serum concentrations of MAP enantiomers but the concentrations of S-AP were consistently greater than those of R-AP. These data suggest a stereoselective disposition for the formation and/or elimination of amphetamine.

Pharmacokinetics of meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid in patients with lead poisoning and in healthy adults

We compared the pharmacokinetics of meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) in three children with lead poisoning, three adults with lead poisoning, and five healthy adult volunteers. All subjects received DMSA orally. Maximum blood concentration and time to maximum blood concentration of total DMSA concentration were not statistically different among the groups. Unaltered DMSA was detected in the blood of all poisoned patients but in only one of five healthy volunteers. Elimination half-life of total DMSA (parent drug plus oxidized metabolites) was longer in children with lead poisoning (3.0 +/- 0.2 hours) than in adults with lead poisoning (1.9 +/- 0.4 hours) and healthy adults (2.0 +/- 0.2 hours). Renal clearance of total DMSA was greater in healthy adults (77.0 +/- 13.2 ml/min per square meter) than in either adults (24.7 +/- 3.3 ml/min per square meter) or children with lead poisoning (16.6 ml/min per square meter); renal clearance of the metabolites of DMSA was also greater in healthy adults (64.6 +/- 10.1 ml/min per square meter) than in either adults (35.4 +/- 8.4 ml/min per square meter) or children with lead poisoning (19.5 ml/min per square meter). The DMSA appeared to enter the erythrocytes of patients with lead poisoning to a greater extent than in healthy adults. We conclude that renal clearance of DMSA and its metabolites may be impaired and that the distribution of DMSA in children with lead poisoning may be different from that in adults.

Disposition kinetics of d- and l-amphetamine following intravenous administration of racemic amphetamine to rats

Amphetamine (AP), a chiral drug, displays stereoselective differences in biological action. The effect of stereochemistry on the disposition kinetics of the enantiomers has not been thoroughly studied. We examined the disposition kinetics of AP in rats using a sensitive precolumn derivatization HPLC method that can separate the enantiomers of AP and its metabolites. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given a short intravenous infusion of racemic AP (15 mg/kg). The systemic and renal clearances, steady-state volume of distribution, and terminal half-life for l-AP were (mean +/- SD), respectively: 65.6 +/- 9.25 ml/min.kg; 15.4 +/- 2.55 ml/min.kg; 4.33 +/- 0.71 liters/kg; and 0.96 +/- 0.13 hr. The corresponding values for d-AP were: 50.8 +/- 6.88 ml/min.kg; 12.5 +/- 2.02 ml/min.kg; 3.84 +/- 0.55 liters/kg; and 1.12 +/- 0.09 hr. There are statistically significant differences between the enantiomers in all pharmacokinetic parameters except half-life. About 40% of the l-AP dose was excreted in urine as l-p-hydroxyamphetamine and 24% as intact drug. The corresponding values for d-AP were 32% and 26%, respectively. p-Hydroxyamphetamine was primarily excreted into urine as the conjugated form. These data indicate stereoselective differences in the pharmacokinetics of the enantiomers of AP after administration of racemic drug in the rat.

The effect of hepatic disease on the disposition of moricizine in humans

The pharmacokinetics of moricizine and two of its metabolites, moricizine sulfoxide and phenothiazine-2-carbamic acid ethyl ester sulfoxide, were studied in healthy control subjects and in patients with chronic liver disease (cirrhosis). Moricizine disposition was significantly altered by hepatic cirrhosis. Compared to healthy subjects, the hepatic disease patients had an increased Cmax (59%), an increased t1/2 (141%), and a reduced plasma clearance (71%). Additionally, small but statistically significant increases were observed for tmax and the fraction of moricizine not bound to plasma proteins in patients with hepatic disease. The elimination of both moricizine metabolites was also altered by hepatic dysfunction as indicated by significantly prolonged terminal half-lives. Furthermore, there was a reduction in the conversion of moricizine to moricizine sulfoxide. Both hepatic blood flow and hepatic metabolizing capacity were assessed in all subjects and patients by administration of indocyanine green and antipyrine, respectively. Indocyanine green and antipyrine plasma clearances were decreased by 38 and 51%, respectively, indicating that both functions were diminished by hepatic cirrhosis. We conclude that the moricizine dose required for arrhythmia patients with hepatic disease should be lower, and perhaps, the dosing frequency should be less than in patients with normal liver function.

Determination and metabolism of dithiol chelating agents. XVI: Pharmacokinetics of 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonate after intravenous administration to human volunteers

The pharmacokinetics of 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate (DMPS), an effective chelating agent for mercury, were determined in five healthy adults after i.v. administration of 3.0 mg/kg of DMPS. DMPS is rapidly transformed to disulfide forms; 15 min after administration, only 12% of the total DMPS detected in blood was present as the parent drug. DMPS and its metabolites were eliminated primarily by the kidneys. By 96 hr after administration, 12% of the total DMPS found in the urine was excreted as the parent drug (10% of the administered dose) and 88% was excreted as disulfide metabolites (74% of the administered dose). The disposition of parent drug was described by a biexponential equation with an elimination half-life of 1.8 hr. By contrast, the elimination half-life of total DMPS was 20 hr. The oral bioavailability of the parent drug was found in a separate study to be 39%. Mercury excretion in healthy volunteers correlated well with the urinary excretion of both the parent drug (r2 = .94) and the disulfide metabolites (r2 = .96).

Toxicokinetics of sulfasalazine (salicylazosulfapyridine) and its metabolites in B6C3F1 mice

The toxicokinetics of salicylazosulfapyridine (SASP) and its metabolites were investigated in male and female B6C3F1 mice either following single intravenous (5 mg/kg) or oral (67.5, 675, 1350, and 2700 mg/kg) doses, or following three consecutive daily oral doses (675, 1350, and 2700 mg/kg). Plasma concentrations of SASP and its metabolites were quantified by HPLC. Upon intravenous administration, SASP rapidly disappeared from blood with a mean residence time of 0.45-0.78 hr. The only metabolite of SASP found in plasma after an intravenous dose was sulfapyridine (SP). In both sexes, the absolute oral bioavailability of SASP ranged between 16.6-18.2% at a dose of 67.5 mg/kg, and between 2.6-8.7% at doses of 675-2700 mg/kg. Following oral administration of SASP, both SP and AcSP were identified in plasma. The area under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUC) of SP at all four oral doses were approximately 21- to 32-fold or 5- to 25-fold greater than those of SASP in male or female mice, respectively. The acetylated form of SP and AcSP, produced AUC values higher than SASP but much less than SP. Multiple oral doses with SASP did not alter the temporal patterns of SASP absorption and elimination in comparison to a single dose. However, SP accumulated in both sexes following multiple oral doses. A gender-dependent difference in toxicokinetic profiles for SASP and SP was also observed. Female mice displayed a higher Cmax of SASP and SP than did male mice. Although the volume of distribution of SASP was similar in both sexes, the systemic clearance of SASP in males was about twice that observed in females.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of constriction bands on rattlesnake venom absorption: a pharmacokinetic study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the use of a constriction band alters systemic absorption of rattlesnake venom in pigs and whether constriction band use alters local swelling.

DESIGN

Using a crossover design, five pigs were studied with and without the use of a constriction band. 125I-Labeled Western Diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) venom was injected subcutaneously into one foreleg. The protocol was repeated using the opposite foreleg six days later. The constriction band was applied at the time of injection and removed four hours later. Plasma radioactivity and leg circumference were measured serially.

RESULTS

Maximum plasma venom concentration and area under the venom concentration-time curve were compared in trials with and without constriction band. Within the initial four hours, application of a constriction band decreased maximum plasma venom concentration by 25% and area under the venom concentration-time curve by 33% (P less than .05). After the constriction band removal at four hours, maximum plasma venom concentration and the area under the venom concentration-time curve were not significantly different between groups. Application of a constriction band did not result in a statistically significant increase in maximum leg circumference as compared with trials without a constriction band.

CONCLUSION

The use of a constriction band was effective in reducing venom absorption while it was in place (reduced area under the venom concentration-time curve and maximum plasma venom concentration in the cuffed group), and constriction band removal did not result in a significant increase in maximum plasma venom concentration. Leg swelling was not affected by constriction band use. Because constriction band use delayed venom absorption without causing increased swelling, it may prove to be a useful first aid measure in human beings.

Disposition kinetics of amphotericin B in rats. The influence of dose

Amphotericin B (Am-B), an antifungal drug, has been used for the treatment of most disseminated fungal infections. The current therapeutic regimens for this drug are complex, at least in part as a result of limited pharmacokinetic information. In this study, we examined the disposition of Am-B as a function of dose in rats. Groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were given Am-B by a 15-min iv infusion at three different doses. We observed no significant differences in systemic clearance among the Am-B doses studied (4.29 +/- 1.42, 3.83 +/- 0.29, and 3.92 +/- 0.68 ml/min.kg for doses of 0.28, 0.45, and 0.84 mg/kg, respectively). Similarly, small differences were seen in volumes of distribution as a function of dose. We conclude that the disposition kinetics of Am-B were linear over the dose range studied.

Inhibitory effect of 4-methylpyrazole on antipyrine clearance in rats

Pyrazole and 4-methylpyrazole (4-MP) are potent, effective inhibitors of alcohol dehydrogenase. Pyrazole and its derivatives also have been shown to affect the cytochrome P-450 dependent monooxygenase system. This study was performed to investigate the effect of 4-MP on the disposition kinetics of antipyrine (AP). Groups of male Fisher 344 rats were given an ip injection of 4-MP (100 mg/kg) or 4-MP HCl (equivalent to 4-MP 100 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume of saline. AP (20 mg/kg) was injected intravenously via the jugular vein catheter 30 minutes later. Blood samples were collected upto 24 hours and assayed by HPLC. 4-MP pretreatment significantly decreased AP clearance from 0.490 +/- 0.032 to 0.095 +/- 0.014 (4-MP HCl) and 0.076 +/- 0.008 (4-MP) L/hr.kg (p less than 0.01). The volume of distribution of AP decreased from 0.82 +/- 0.07 to 0.65 +/- 0.06 (4-MP HCl) and 0.56 +/- 0.04 (4-MP) L/kg (p less than 0.05). Mean residence time increased from 1.68 +/- 0.09 to 6.91 +/- 0.58 (4-MP HCl) and 7.39 +/- 0.56 (4-MP) hr (p less than 0.01). These results demonstrate a significant inhibitory effect of 4-MP on the cytochrome P-450 isozyme(s) which is responsible for AP metabolism in intact animals.

Vitamin C bioavailability

The above brief review indicates that the bioavailability of vitamin C in humans is complex and that our current understanding of that process and factors that influence it are incomplete. It is important that an overall pharmacokinetic scheme be developed and tested to completely describe the complex dispositional and absorption processes of the vitamin. Such information will provide a better understanding of the absorption and disposition of the vitamin per se. Furthermore, that information will permit us to better understand how those factors influence the participation of the vitamin in events associated with maintenance of health.

Area-based estimation of the initial volume of distribution and elimination rate constant following intravenous bolus injection

We evaluate here an area term, the area under the rate of change of concentration-time curve (AURC), which allows the determination of the initial or central volume of distribution (V1). It has previously been shown that AURC is equal to the sum of the coefficients of a multiexponential equation and, therefore, V1 = dose/AURC. It is also shown that the normalized moment, AURC/AUC, is equal to the elimination rate constant, K10, where AUC is the area under the concentration-time curve. This area-based method to estimate V1 and K10 has been evaluated with simulation of three model equations and compared with nonlinear regression analysis of the same data. Random errors of 10 and 15% were introduced into the concentration values. The AURC method provides values of both parameters that are similar to those obtained from nonlinear regression analysis and which are reasonably accurate estimates of the theoretically correct values. The potential limitations of this area method are discussed. Good correlations were also observed for values of V1 and K10 obtained by AURC and regression methods for data obtained from the literature for 13 different drugs.

The influence of age on salicylate pharmacokinetics in humans

The pharmacokinetics of salicylate after a single oral solution dose of 600 mg of sodium salicylate were investigated in 22 male subjects. Subjects were healthy nonsmokers and were not taking any regular medication. The plasma concentration and urinary excretion of salicylic acid and its metabolite, salicyluric acid, as well as the urinary excretion of salicyl glucuronides were determined. Urinary recovery essentially accounted for the administered dose and was not influenced by age, nor was the apparent oral clearance of salicylic acid. Assuming no presystemic elimination, it could be concluded that systemic availability is unaffected by age. An increase in the apparent volume of distribution, Varea, and a decrease in the maximum plasma salicylic acid concentration with age were observed. Renal clearance of salicyluric acid decreased significantly with age and was found to correlate significantly with creatinine clearance. The authors conclude that age does not have a major influence on salicylate disposition in healthy adult men.

The preparation and evaluation of a tablet dosage form of cyclosporine in dogs

Cyclosporine (CsA) is commercially available for oral administration as a solution in olive oil with alcohol and an emulsifier. To improve its variable absorption and low patient acceptability, several oral formulations were prepared and tested in vitro and in vivo in dogs. A tablet formulation prepared by direct compression was then selected for comparison with the commercial oil solution placed into soft gelatin capsules. The study involved a randomized crossover design in six dogs. In order to determine absolute bioavailability and to compensate for any time-dependent changes in clearance, an intravenous tracer dose of 3H-CsA was administered along with each oral test product on each of two occasions. Absolute bioavailability (mean +/- SD) was 46.0 +/- 11.1 and 45.4 +/- 9.9% for the capsules and tablets, respectively. Cmax, tmax, and mean absorption time were not significantly different between the two products. No differences were observed in the pharmacokinetics of the intravenously administered CsA in the two experiments, which were separated by 8-13 days. We conclude that the proposed tablet formulation for CsA is equivalent in dogs to the commercial dosage form placed into soft gelatin capsules.

Potential error in the measurement of tissue to blood distribution coefficients in physiological pharmacokinetic modeling. Residual tissue blood. II. Distribution of phencyclidine in the rat

A model for predicting the magnitude of error (% Err) in measuring tissue concentrations of a compound that have not been corrected for residual blood in the tissue was previously developed. The model was tested using data for phencyclidine tissue distribution in the rat. It is shown that % Err may be expressed as a function of volume fraction of blood in tissue (VF)B and tissue-to-blood distribution coefficient. Correction for residual blood is important when the volume fraction of the blood in the tissue is large and when the compound is not taken up substantially by the tissue. On the other hand, a correction may not be necessary when (VF)B is small and uptake of the compound into the tissue is substantial.

Potential error in the measurement of tissue to blood distribution coefficients in physiological pharmacokinetic modeling. Residual tissue blood. I. Theoretical considerations

Physiological pharmacokinetic models require the determination of tissue to blood distribution coefficients. A theoretical model has been developed and the resulting equations indicate that under certain conditions it is necessary to correct for the presence of drug in the residual blood remaining in the tissue. The potential error in ignoring this residual blood is expressed mathematically in terms of several important factors that include the anatomical features of the tissue (volume fractions of the blood, interstitial fluid, and cellular space) as well as the physicochemical properties of the drug (extent of binding in the blood and tissues). These theoretical considerations and resulting simulations have been applied to experimental literature data for several compounds (methotrexate, digoxin, and biperiden). We conclude that correction for the residual blood is necessary when the values of tissue to blood distribution coefficients are very small or large (relative to one) and when the volume fraction of the blood in tissue is substantial.

Cimetidine alters the disposition kinetics of the monoamine oxidase-A inhibitor moclobemide

The influence of cimetidine on the absorption and disposition of moclobemide was examined in eight healthy male subjects. A single 100 mg intravenous and 100 mg oral dose of moclobemide was administered before and after 2 weeks of cimetidine administration (200 mg five times a day). The data on intravenous administration indicated that cimetidine produced a statistically significant alteration in the following disposition parameters (mean values for control versus cimetidine): systemic clearance, 46.6 versus 28.3 L/hr; mean residence time, 2.1 versus 3.2 hours; elimination half-life, 1.6 versus 2.3 hours. There was no significant difference in the steady-state volume of distribution. The absolute oral bioavailability of moclobemide increased significantly after cimetidine administration (54% versus 68%), as did the maximum plasma concentration after a single oral dose (575 versus 787 ng/ml). There were no differences in the mean absorption time or time to achieve maximum concentration. The values of systemic and apparent oral clearances of moclobemide after cimetidine administration were directly related to the corresponding control values before cimetidine. In contrast, the percentage change in clearance was essentially independent of the corresponding initial control clearance value.