Species-dependent enantioselective glucuronidation of carprofen

1. The stereoselective glucuronidation of carprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was investigated in vitro using microsomes prepared from liver of different species (rat, dog, horse, sheep and man) or UGT2B1 expressed in fibroblasts. 2. The Km towards the drug was very similar among these species and for the two enantiomers, whereas the Vmax varied substantially according to the animal used. The rat exhibited a high stereoselective glucuronidation whereas other species, including man, presented a low stereoselectivity. The R-enantiomer was glucuronidated at a more efficient rate than its enantiomorph, and was a better substrate (in terms of Vmax/Km). 3. To explain the enantioselective disposition of carprofen in man and in the different species, the ratio of the enzymatic efficacies (Vmax/Km) were compared with the ratio of the pharmacokinetic parameters AUCs. The basic hypothesis that the intrinsic clearance reflect the enantioselective behaviour of carprofen seemed substantiated when we focused on man and rat glucuronidation, but the in vivo-in-vitro correlation was not possible in other species. 4. In conclusion, the chiral pharmacokinetics of carprofen is less dependent on the stereoselective glucuronidation than other stereoselective processes such as protein binding of carprofen, enzymatic hydrolysis, or renal elimination of glucuronides.

Enantioselectivity of the enterohepatic recycling of carprofen in the dog

The disposition of the two enantiomers of carprofen (CPF), the (R)-CPF and the (S)-CPF, was investigated after iv administration of the racemate (4 mg/kg) in dogs equipped with a chronic bile duct catheter. Studies in dogs with diverted bile flow showed that both enantiomers were extensively excreted in bile with 74% of the (R)-enantiomer and 92% of the (S)-enantiomer from the iv administered dose being recovered in the bile as the respective glucuronide conjugates. The direct administration of acidic bile containing acyl-glucuronides of CPF in the duodenum showed that both conjugated enantiomers led to high CPF enantiomer systemic availability. However, comparison of CPF pharmacokinetics between dogs with nondiverted bile flow and dogs with diverted bile flow suggested that CPF was subjected to enantioselective enterohepatic recycling (EHC) and that only the (S)-CPF was recycled. The absence of EHC for the (R)-CPF is hypothesized to be the result of formation of glucuronidase-resistant isoglucuronides (epimers) to a greater extent for the (R)-CPF than for the (S)-CPF.

Enantioselective behaviour of drugs used in domestic animals: a review

The chirality of drugs, with particular reference to agents used in veterinary medicine, is reviewed. Basic concepts of chirality and aspects of the methodology for the separation of enantiomers are considered. Chiral compounds are in common use in animals and their pharmacological actions and side-effects (pharmacodynamics) and absorption into and fate within the body (pharmacokinetics) are of fundamental importance; pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of enantiomeric pairs commonly differ and this has major implications for their effective and safe therapeutic use. As examples of the particular significance of chirality in veterinary medicine, the following drug classes are reviewed; benzimidazole anthelmintics, cloprostenol, verapamil, ketamine, halogenated hydrocarbon anaesthetics and 2-arylpropionic acid anti-inflammatory drugs. The implications of chirality for drug product development and approval by registration authorities are discussed.

[Enantioselectivity in the excretion of glucuronides of carprofen in man, dogs and horses]

After administration of the racemic drug, the stereoselective quantification of the enantiomers of free and conjugated carprofen was performed in human plasma and in plasma, urine and bile of dogs and horses. In humans, the plasma profile of free carprofen and its glucuronides is not stereoselective and the glucuronides excreted in urine are close to a racemate. In dogs and horses on the contrary, the R(-) enantiomer of the free drug is predominant in plasma, while urine and/or bile concentrations of the glucuronides are high in comparison to plasma with a strong selectivity for the S(+) enantiomer. Because glucuronidation of carprofen, as a carboxylic compound, is known to be the major metabolic pathway in most species, interspecies discrepancies in the stereoselective disposition of carprofen seem to be mainly related to the stereoselectivity in the excretion of the glucuronides. Finally, the high plasma concentrations of carprofen glucuronides in human in comparison to other animal species suggest that the former could be specifically subjected to immunological side effects in the time course of treatments by this type of compounds.

Evaluation of carprofen in calves using a tissue cage model of inflammation

The arylpropionate anti-inflammatory drug, carprofen, was administered intravenously as the racemate at a dose rate of 0.7 mg kg-1 body weight to six Friesian bull calves aged 16-17 weeks. Anti-inflammatory and pharmacokinetic properties were investigated using a tissue cage model of inflammation based on intracaveal injection of the mild irritant, carrageenin. Carprofen displayed enantioselective pharmacokinetics, with the R(-) enantiomer predominating in plasma at all measuring times. Elimination half-life and mean residence time were shorter and volume of distribution and clearance were greater for the S(+) than for the R(-) enantiomer. Penetration of both enantiomers into transudate (non-stimulated tissue cage) was poor but penetration into exudate (carrageenin-stimulated tissue cage) was good. Carprofen failed to reduce exudate concentration of prostaglandin E2 and the reductions in 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid were non-significant at most sampling times. The long elimination half-life of both R(-) and S(+) carprofen enantiomers and their ready penetration into and slow clearance from inflammatory exudate indicate that the drug is likely to have a long duration of action in calves. The mechanism of action is unknown but it is unlikely to involve inhibition of either cyclooxygenase or 12-lipoxygenase.

Pharmacodynamics and chiral pharmacokinetics of carprofen in calves

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, carprofen, was administered intravenously as the racemate at a dose rate of 0.7 mg kg-1 to six Friesian bull calves aged 8-10 weeks. Anti-inflammatory properties were indicated by attenuation of temperature rise at sites of intradermal injection of the irritants, carrageenin and dextran, but responses were not statistically significant at most recording times. Carrageenin- and dextran-induced swelling were not significantly reduced by carprofen. Carprofen reduced ex vivo serum thromboxane B2 synthesis but this effect was also not significant at most sampling times. Enantioselective pharmacokinetics of carprofen was demonstrated, plasma concentrations of the R(-) enantiomer predominating at all sampling times. It is concluded that inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase is unlikely to be the sole mechanism of action of carprofen in calves.

Pharmacodynamics and enantioselective pharmacokinetics of carprofen in the cat

The pharmacodynamics and enantioselective pharmacokinetics of the arylpropionic acid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, carprofen, were investigated in cats after administration of the racemic mixture (rac-carprofen) at dose rates ranging from 0.7 to 4.0 mg kg-1 intravenously and subcutaneously. A low dose of rac-carprofen (0.7 mg kg-1) partially inhibited the rise in skin temperature at a site of acute inflammation but had no effect on the ex vivo synthesis of serum thromboxane (Tx) B2. A higher dose (4.0 mg kg-1) inhibited oedematous swelling, although the response was statistically significant at only one time, and also reduced the ex vivo synthesis of serum TxB2 for 12 hours after intravenous injection or 24 hours after subcutaneous injection. The main features of carprofen pharmacokinetics were a low distribution volume, a relatively long elimination half-life, the predominance of the R(-) enantiomer and a bioavailability (after subcutaneous dosing) of 100 per cent and 92 per cent, respectively, after doses of 0.7 and 4.0 mg kg-1. On the basis of these data, it is suggested that a dose of 4.0 mg kg-1 by both intravenous and subcutaneous routes should be evaluated in clinical subjects.

Comparative metabolism of R(-)-fenoprofen in rats and sheep

The chiral inversion of 2-arylpropionic acids occurs in many species. It is a unique reaction specific to this group of drugs. In this study R-(-)-fenoprofen (R-(-)-FPF) was used as a model compound to investigate metabolic chiral inversion in sheep in vivo and in vitro to compare the data with the results obtained in rats. Metabolic inversion in sheep was 80%. The apparent mean values of Km and Vmax of thioester formation were: 392 microM and 2.08 nmol/min/mg in sheep and 500 microM and 22 nmol/min/mg in rats. For hydroxylation, the apparent mean values were Vmax: 0.02 nmol/min/mg in rats and 0.01 nmol/min/mg in sheep. There was no correlation between in vitro thioesterification and in vivo chiral inversion in sheep as compared to rats. In sheep most of the thioester formed underwent inversion (80%) while in rats, where in vitro thioesterification was greater, in vivo inversion was less (42%). In consequence, in rats other metabolic pathways for R(-)-FPF-CoA, such as incorporation into triacylglycerols and conjugation with amino acids, may be quantitatively more important.

(-)-R-fenoprofen: formation of fenoprofenyl-coenzyme A by rat liver microsomes

The thioesterification of fenoprofen (FPF) by rat liver microsomes has been studied using an HPLC method enabling direct quantification of the FPF-CoA produced. Over the concentration range studied (5-400 microM), studies showed the participation of a single CoA ligase in the formation of FPF-CoA, in contrast with the involvement of several isozymes with different affinities, that has been found with ibuprofen (IPF). The Km for the reaction was dependent upon the presence of non-ionic detergent, a concentration of 0.05% Triton X-100 reducing the Km from 397 to 20 microM although the detergent had no effect on Vmax. The microsomal long-chain fatty acid CoA ligase was markedly enantioselective towards (-)-R-FPF and the formation of (-)-R-FP-CoA was inhibited by both the (+)-S enantiomer and palmitic acid.

Enantioselective glucuronidation and subsequent biliary excretion of carprofen in horses

Carprofen (CPF) enantiomers and their glucuronide conjugates (GLUC) were measured in plasma and bile of horses after IV administration of the racemic compound (0.7 mg/kg of body weight). The CPF was detectable in plasma for up to 72 hours after dosing, whereas GLUC appeared early (time for maximal plasma concentration, 1 hour) and was measurable transiently at low concentration (maximal plasma concentration, 0.5 microgram/ml). The enantiospecific plasma profiles indicated a clear predominance of R-CPF, whereas the stereoselectivity of the glucuronides favored S-GLUC. At 1, 2, and 12 hours after administration of the drug, bile concentrations of GLUC were high compared with those in plasma and enantioselectivity favored S-GLUC. These data indicate that the higher body clearance observed for S-CPF is a consequence of the enantioselectivity in liver glucuronidation and subsequent biliary excretion of the S enantiomer of the drug.

Chiral sulfoxidation of albendazole by the flavin adenine dinucleotide-containing and cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases from rat liver microsomes

The enantioselectivity of the in vitro sulfoxidation of the prochiral drug albendazole was investigated in rat liver microsomes. When biological material obtained from control rats and phenobarbital-, 3-methylcholanthrene-, or dexamethazone-pretreated rats was subjected to specific immunological and chemical inhibitors, it was shown that two main enzymatic systems--cytochrome P450s and flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO)--were responsible for the sulfoxidation. Purified FMO from rat liver was used to study the enantioselectivity of this enzyme in the sulfoxidation of albendazole. The enantiospecificity of FMO is the reverse of that of the P450s. Nevertheless, each P450 isoenzyme involved in this reaction presents its own individual stereoselectivity.

Stereospecific pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of carprofen in the dog

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) carprofen (CPF) contains a single chiral centre. It was administered orally to Beagle dogs as a racemate (rac-CPF) at a dose of 4 mg per kg body weight and as individual (-)(R) and (+)(S) enantiomers at 2 mg per kg body weight. Each of the enantiomers achieved similar plasma bioavailability following administration as the racemate as they did following their separate administration. Only the administered enantiomers were detectable when the drug was given in the (-)(R) or (+)(S) form, indicating that chiral inversion did not occur in either direction. Higher plasma concentrations of the (-)(R) (Cmax 18 micrograms/ml, AUC0-24 118 micrograms h/ml) than the (+)(S) (Cmax 14 micrograms/ml, AUC0-24 67 micrograms h/ml) enantiomer were achieved following administration of the racemate. Both enantiomers distributed into peripheral subcutaneous tissue cage fluids, but Cmax and AUC values were lower for both transudate (non-stimulated tissue cage fluid) and exudate (induced by the intracaveal administration of the irritant carrageenan) than for plasma. Drug concentrations in transudate and exudate were similar, as indicated by Cmax and AUC values, although CPF penetrated more rapidly into exudate than into transudate. Neither rac-CPF nor either enantiomer inhibited thromboxane B2 (T x B2) generation by platelets in clotting blood (serum T x B2), or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) synthesis in inflammatory exudate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of cytochrome P-450 1A induction on enantioselective metabolism and pharmacokinetics of an aryltrifluoromethyl sulfide in the rat

The pharmacokinetics of the antiparasitic drug toltrazuril (1-methyl-3-[3-methyl-4-[4-[trifluoromethyl]thio]phenoxy]phenyl- 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione) were studied in the rat following pretreatment with 3-methylcholanthrene, an inducer of rat liver cytochrome P-450 1A. The induction markedly modified the pharmacokinetics of the compound, leading to a decrease in the AUC value for toltrazuril sulfoxide. The results were explained on the basis of previous results from our laboratory relating to the product enantioselectivity of the formation of the sulfoxide and the substrate enantioselectivity of the subsequent formation of the sulfone.

Stereoselective S-oxygenation of an aryl-trifluoromethyl sulfoxide to the corresponding sulfone by rat liver cytochromes P450

Toltrazuril sulfoxide (TZR.SO) is the metabolite of the antiparasitic drug toltrazuril (TZR; 1-methyl-3-[3-methyl-4-[4-[trifluoromethyl]thio]phenoxy]phenyl- 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione). The results of the present paper demonstrate that TZR.SO was metabolized by rat liver microsomes to the corresponding sulfone (TZR.SO2). The reaction was mediated almost exclusively by different cytochromes P450, the most active being cytochromes P450 3A. TZR.SO exists as a racemic mixture; when each enantiomer was incubated separately in the presence of untreated rat liver microsomes, a 7.3-fold difference in the rate of S-oxygenation was found, indicating a marked substrate enantioselectivity for the reaction.

[Comparative enantioselectivity of the disposition of two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, ketoprofen and carprofen, in man and animals]

After the administration of racemic ketoprofen and carprofen to man, both enantiomers of each compound exhibit similar plasma profiles. This contrasts with the rat where the active S(+) enantiomer is predominant. For carprofen, regardless of the route of administration, the R(-) enantiomer is predominant in the plasma of all investigated animal species. The S(+)/R(-) ratio of the "areas under the curves" during the time course of the kinetics, is: 0.60 in dogs, 0.53 in Yucatan micro-pigs, 0.48 in mini-goats, 0.67 in calves and 0.19 in horses. For ketoprofen, the S(+) enantiomer is predominant in dogs, cats and horses, with ratios of 30.3, 5.3 and 1.5, respectively, while R(-) is the predominant enantiomer in sheep. The interpretation of these inter-species differences can be supported by experimental evidence, however some informations are lacking and additional investigation is required. In the case of ketoprofen where S(+) is predominant in rats, dogs and horses, the metabolic chiral inversion from R(-) to S(+), which has been demonstrated in rats, may also take place in the latter two species. In addition, the well documented stereoselective clearance of the glucuronides, possibly in favour of the enantiomer S(+), may explain the lower body clearance of the R(-) enantiomer in sheep. For carprofen, no metabolic chiral inversion was shown in rats and dogs after administration of each enantiomer individually, but for this compound, stereoselective clearance of glucuronides has been demonstrated which may support the idea of a plasma concentration shift of the enantiomeric proportions vs time in favour of the R(-) enantiomer. Regardless of the possible biological mechanisms which are responsible for these inter-species differences, the existence of these differences gives rise to at least two important issues: The choice of animal species which can be used in the research of drugs destined for human therapeutics: the most pertinent animal species will be the one which demonstrates an enantiomeric plasma profile closest to that observed in man. The present data show that the ideal animal species from this respect has still to be identified. For application in veterinary therapeutics, a careful balance must be established between the requirement of favourable bioavailability of the active S(+) enantiomer and the potential of any possible chiral inversion of R(-) to generate hybrid molecules in meat and milk which in turn may lead to residues, the toxicity of which to the human consumer is still unknown.

Identification of a benzhydrolic metabolite of ketoprofen in horses by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography

A benzhydrolic metabolite of ketoprofen, formed by reduction of the keto group of the drug, has been identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in equine plasma and urine. After partial synthesis, its structure has been confirmed by UV, IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The kinetics of ketoprofen and this metabolite have been monitored in plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography. The two products were quantified in plasma up to 4 and 3 h, respectively, and were detected in urine up to 72 and 24 h, respectively, after a single intravenous administration to horses at the dose of 2.2 mg/kg. Simultaneous detection of both compounds increases the reliability of antidoping control analysis.

Specific and enantioselective sulfoxidation of an aryl-trifluoromethyl sulfide by rat liver cytochromes P-450

Evidence based on thermal stability and enzyme inhibition data suggests that the sulfoxidation of the drug toltrazuril by rat liver microsomes is catalyzed by different cytochromes P-450. Pretreatment of rats by different inducers--phenobarbital, 3-methylcholanthrene, dexamethasone, and triacetyloleandomycin--results in a 2.1-, 2.6-, 2.9-, and 1.8-fold increase, respectively, in the rate of sulfoxidation. The highest increase (8.4-fold) was observed after treatment of microsomes from triacetyloleandomycin-treated animals by potassium ferricyanide. Castration and aging also modify the sulfoxidase activity. The relative rate of formation of the two toltrazuril enantiomers [(A)- and (B)-sulfoxides] depends on the source of the microsomes, suggesting that different cytochromes P-450 have different stereoselectivities.

Effect of repeated doses of albendazole on enantiomerism of its sulfoxide metabolite in goats

Five adult Saanen goats were dosed orally 3 times with albendazole (2.5 mg/kg of body weight) at 24-hour intervals, and blood samples were taken by jugular venapuncture at standardized intervals. Plasma was analyzed to determine concentrations of S-oxidation metabolites, and a chiral column was used for enantiomeric discrimination of the sulfoxide metabolite of albendazole. Marked changes were evident between the first and subsequent plasma profiles concerning, on one hand, the proportions of sulfoxide and sulfone metabolites concentrations and, on the other hand, the enantiomeric balance of sulfoxide metabolite. These correlated phenomena may be explained by the following arguments: the enzyme responsible for sulfoxidation is mainly a flavine-containing monooxygenase, whereas the enzyme responsible for sulfonation is a cytochrome-dependent monooxygenase; the latter, but not the former, is induced by albendazole; the enantioselectivities of both enzymic systems are opposite, the flavine produces the (+) sulfoxide, whereas the cytochromes can use as a substrate, specifically, the (-) sulfoxide.

Chiral behaviour of the metabolite albendazole sulphoxide in sheep, goats and cattle

Three sheep, three goats and three cattle were dosed orally with 5.0, 7.5 and 10 mg albendazole kg-1 bodyweight, respectively. Blood samples were taken at intervals for 48 hours after administration. The enantiomeric ratio of the metabolite albendazole sulphoxide (SO.ABZ) was determined by liquid chromatography on chiral stationary phases. At To, the plasma concentration ratio (+)SO.ABZ/(-)SO.ABZ was estimated at 3.0 in sheep, 1.5 in goats and 4.0 in cattle. The proportion of the (+) enantiomer then increased linearly as a function of time during the course of the kinetics. In comparison to the area under the curve for total SO.ABZ, the (+) enantiomer represented 86 per cent in sheep, 80 per cent in goats and 91 per cent in cattle. The specific behaviour of the two enantiomers is probably the result of the enantioselectivity of the flavine adenosine dinucleotide and cytochrome P450 dependent enzymatic systems which are involved in the sulphoxidation and the sulphonation of ABZ.

Comparative enantioselectivity in the sulphoxidation of albendazole in man, dogs and rats

1. H.p.l.c. analyses were performed to investigate the plasma kinetics of albendazole (ABZ), the sulphoxide (SO.ABZ) and sulphone (SO2ABZ) metabolites, as well as the chirality vs time of SO.ABZ, after oral administration to rats, dogs and man of prochiral sulphide antiparasitic drug ABZ. 2. In all three species the initial plasma concentration ratio of the enantiomers, as soon as SO.ABZ could be detected in plasma, was that of a racemate. 3. Subsequently, the ratio (+)/(-) increased linearly with time, reaching values of 13.1 and 9.3 in man and dogs, respectively, while it decreased to 0.6 in rats. 4. The (+) enantiomer represents 80%, 70% and 41% of the area under the curve of the total SO.ABZ in man, dogs and rats, respectively.

Chirality of the sulphoxide metabolites of fenbendazole and albendazole in sheep

Two prochiral sulphide drugs, fenbendazole (FBZ) and albendazole (ABZ) were administered orally to sheep. Blood samples were analysed for parent drug and S-oxidation metabolites and the chirality of the sulphoxide metabolites was determined. The plasma concentrations of the enantiomers of the sulphoxides were never a racemate. On the contrary, the ratios were greater than 1 as soon as the sulphoxide compounds could be detected in plasma. They subsequently increased linearly throughout the time course of the kinetics, reaching the level 86:14 after FBZ and 95:5 after ABZ treatment. The major enantiomer represented 74% and 86% of the total AUC of SO.FBZ and SO.ABZ, respectively.

Pharmacokinetics in sheep and cattle of albendazole administered by an intraruminal slow release capsule

Forty sheep and 40 heifers were dosed with an intraruminal slow release capsule (IRSRC) constructed to deliver albendazole (ABZ) at a low daily dosage for three months. Blood samples were collected at standardised intervals for 110 days and analysed by high performance liquid chromatography for the quantification of the two main metabolites sulphoxide (SO.ABZ) and sulphone (SO2ABZ). The plasma profiles show sustained concentrations of the active metabolite SO.ABZ for 105 days in sheep (m = 0.06 +/- 0.032 micrograms ml-1) and 85 days in cattle (m = 0.10 +/- 0.019 micrograms ml-1). In both species, the proportions of the metabolites were inverted compared to that observed after a single dosage. The bioavailability of ABZ after the administration of the IRSRC compared with a drench was reduced in sheep but increased in cattle. The IRSRC exhibited a preventive and therapeutic effect for at least three months.

Adrenal cortical response in clinically normal dogs before and after adaptation to a housing environment

58 dogs (29 males and 29 females) selected as healthy on clinical and biochemical evaluations were subjected to an ACTH adrenal function test 2 days after their admission to a veterinary hospital (t + 0). Basal female serum cortisol concentrations were significantly higher than concentrations in males (77 nmol/l versus 43 nmol/l; P less than 0.01). Concentrations post stimulation were not statistically different (P greater than 0.05) between males and females: 306 (+/- 69) nmol/l versus 291 (+/- 73) nmol/l, respectively. Twelve dogs (6 males and 6 females), randomly selected from the 58, were subjected to the same test 5 weeks later (t + 5) and 12 weeks later (t + 12). Basal cortisol concentrations were lower at t + 5 or at t + 12 than at t + 0. Post stimulation mean cortisol concentrations were lower in males than in females at t + 5 (162 versus 232 nmol/l; P less than 0.05) but not at t + 0 (262 versus 320 nmol/l; P greater than 0.05) and t + 12 (188 versus 233 nmol/l; P greater than 0.05). These findings are indicating an increased susceptibility of bitches to environmental stress.

Species differences in the generation of the chiral sulfoxide metabolite of albendazole in sheep and rats

The prochiral anthelmintic drug albendazole was administered orally to sheep and rats. Blood samples were taken at standardized intervals during the time course of the plasma kinetics: 18 h in rats and 48 h in sheep. The enantiomeric ratio of the sulfoxide metabolite was determined by means of HPLC on a chiral stationary phase, the chiral selector of which was a N-3,5-dinitrobenzoyl derivative of (S)-tyrosine. Two enantiomers were detected in both animal species but their ratios were inverted in rat vs. sheep. The evolution of the ratio is turned from a racemate at 15 min to 60(-):40(+) at 12 h in rats, while it moved from 23(-):77(+) at 3 h to 4(-):96(+) at 36 h after administration in sheep.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of netobimin and albendazole in the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Netobimin and albendazole were administered orally to camels (n = 5 + 5) at molecular equivalent dosages, 15.8 and 10.0 mg/kg body wt, respectively. The plasma profiles of the two main metabolites were investigated for 54 h by high performance liquid chromatography. The metabolism and the disposition of both anthelmintics in camels were similar to sheep rather than to cattle. These results indicate that netobimin and albendazole are likely to be excellent anthelmintics for camels.

Direct separation of albendazole sulfoxide enantiomers by liquid chromatography on a chiral column deriving from (S)-N-(3,5-dinitrobenzoyl) tyrosine: application to enantiomeric assays on plasma samples

The direct enantiomeric resolution of albendazole sulfoxide (SOABZ), an anthelmintic drug belonging to the benzimidazole class, is reported on a chiral stationary phase (CSP) synthesized by covalent binding of (S)-N-(3,5-dinitrobenzoyl)tyrosine-O-(2-propen-1-yl) methyl ester on a gamma-mercaptopropyl-silanized silica gel. A comparison with the resolution achieved on commercially available Pirkle-type CSPs obtained from N-(3,5-dinitrobenzoyl) derivatives of (R)-phenyglycine or (S)-phenylalanine is described. Some structurally related chiral sulfoxides including oxfendazole (SOFBZ) are also studied. Optimization of the mobile phase nature and composition is investigated showing that a hexane-dioxane-ethanol ternary mixture affords an almost baseline resolution (Rs = 1.25); however, in this case, albendazole sulfone (SO2ABZ) is eluted between the two sulfoxide enantiomers; accordingly, a hexane-ethanol mobile phase would be preferred for biological samples containing both metabolites. The influence of temperature on the resolution is depicted with a hexane-ethanol mobile phase. Finally, application to the enantiomeric assays of SOABZ in plasmatic extracts of rat, sheep, bovin, and man after oral administration of albendazole (sulfoxidized to SOABZ and SO2ABZ) is reported. Some distortions in the enantiomeric ratios are evidenced depending on the species.

Albendazole sulfonation by rat liver cytochrome P-450c

The metabolism of albendazole (ABZ) was studied in perfused livers from control and ABZ-treated rats (10.6 mg/kg, per os, each day for 10 days). In the perfusion fluid, the concentration of ABZ-sulfoxide (SO-ABZ) remained unchanged in treated, as compared to control animals, whereas ABZ-sulfone (SO2-ABZ) was increased in treated animals. In bile, only SO-ABZ was present. The transformation kinetics of SO-ABZ to SO2-ABZ in microsomes from rats treated with ABZ, 3-methylcholanthrene, Aroclor and isosafrole were biphasic. This suggests that enzyme activity was a consequence of two enzyme systems, one characterized by low affinity and high capacity, the other by high affinity and low capacity, the latter could be induced by 3-methylcholanthrene, ABZ, Aroclor and isosafrole. Cytochrome P-450c was induced potently in vivo by ABZ as proven by increased monooxygenase (7-ethoxyresorufin and 7-ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase) activities and by Elisa test (a 5-fold increase in hemoprotein concentration was observed). Purified and reconstituted cytochrome P-450c from 3-methylcholanthrene or ABZ-treated rat liver were able to produce SO2-ABZ (2.01 and 1.70 nmol/mg/15 min, respectively, whereas cytochrome P-450b produced 10 times less SO2-ABZ). Immunological assays, as well as activity measurements showed a relationship between cytochrome P-450c-3-methylcholanthrene and cytochrome P-450c-ABZ. We conclude that induction of cytochrome P-450c by ABZ is the probable explanation for the enhanced formation of SO2-ABZ in vivo.

Pharmacokinetics of oxfendazole in goats: a comparison with sheep

In goats, there was a linear correlation of area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) with dose in the range 0-20 mg/kg as single dosages of oxfendazole (OFZ). The bioavailability of OFZ after oral administration was lower in goats than in sheep. The repetition of three administrations at 24 h intervals produced significant increase in the AUC in comparison with a single administration equivalent to the total dosage (1 X 5.0 and 3 X 1.7 mg/kg). Infection with O. circumcincta produced a 33% decrease in the bioavailability of OFZ.

Pharmacokinetics of albendazole administered by an intraruminal pulse release electronic device in cattle

Albendazole was administered to 12 young Charolais cattle, 300 kg bodyweight, using an intraruminal pulse release electronic device. The device released 2 g albendazole three times at 31 day intervals. The kinetic study of two main metabolites of albendazole in all animals at the time of each release showed that on 36 occasions the devices worked at the expected time; the mean kinetic profiles were nearly identical at first, second and third release. A good repeatability was generally also noticed for each animal individually; the bioavailability of the drug did not seem to be different from that obtained after administration of albendazole as an oral drench.

Sulphoxidation of albendazole by the FAD-containing and cytochrome P-450 dependent mono-oxygenases from pig liver microsomes

1. Two distinct microsomal pathways involved in the metabolism of albendazole (ABZ) to albendazole-sulphoxide (SO.ABZ) by pig liver microsomes have been identified and quantified. 2. The binding of ABZ to microsomal cytochrome P-450 (Type I spectrum, Ks = 25.5 microM), the decrease of the rate of sulphoxidation by antibody against NADPH cytochrome c reductase, and the use of purified cytochrome P-450 A demonstrated the contribution of a cytochrome P-450-dependent mono-oxygenase to the metabolism of ABZ. 3. The involvement of FAD-containing mono-oxygenase (FMO) was shown by thermal pretreatment of microsomes, n-octylamine activation of the reaction, and by using purified pig liver FMO. 4. From Km and Vmax values, it would appear that the relative contributions of the two systems depend on the concentration of ABZ.

Sulfoxidation of albendazole by a cytochrome P450-independent monooxygenase from rat liver microsomes

The in vitro biological oxidation of albendazole to albendazole sulfoxide by rat liver microsomes has been studied. This reaction corresponds to a NADPH-dependent enzymatic system, characterised by Km and Vm values of 53.6 microM and 0.59 nmole/mg protein per min. The rate of sulfoxidation by liver microsomes of rats treated with phenobarbital, B-naphthoflavone, Aroclor 1254 and 3-methylcholanthrene was not increased. SKF 525A and metyrapone did not inhibit albendazole sulfoxidase. Thiobenzamide and tranylcypromine decreased sulfoxidation to 48 and 52% of control values. The inhibition by tranylcypromine was competitive. Purified flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-containing monooxygenase from hog liver microsomes catalysed sulfoxidation of albendazole (V = 0.52 nmole/nmole enzyme per min). The present data demonstrate that sulfoxidation of albendazole in the rat liver is not catalysed by a cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase and suggest that albendazole is a substrate for FAD-containing monooxygenase (FMO).

Embryolethality of bromofenofos in rats

Bromofenofos, an organophosphorus anthelmintic, was suspended in deionized water and administered once daily to pregnant rats by gastric intubation on days 8 through 15 of pregnancy in doses of 0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg. The dams were killed on day 21 of pregnancy, and the number of implants, resorptions and live fetuses was counted. All fetuses were weighed and examined by routine teratological methods. As the results showed, this compound was highly embryolethal in the 20 mg/kg group; approx. 91% of the implants were resorbed at this dose level. Although none of the fetuses were externally malformed in any group, the incidence of skeletal and internal malformations was significantly increased in fetuses in the 20 mg/kg group. Skeletal malformations observed at this dose level were bipartite vertebral centra and wavy ribs. Internal malformations involved anophthalmia, hydronephrosis and hypoplasia of the uterus.

In vitro sulfoxidation of albendazole by ovine liver microsomes: assay and frequency of various xenobiotics

The in vitro biological oxidation of albendazole to its pharmacologically active sulfoxide and its sulfone by ovine liver microsomes has been studied. Sulfoxidation (maximal rate = 0.412 nmole/min/mg of protein, Michaelis constant = 185 X 10(-6) M) was 107 times more potent than formation of albendazole sulfone. The sulfoxidation corresponds to a reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent enzymatic system characterized by a pH optima value around 8. Flavin adenine dinucleotide-containing monooxygenase could be responsible for this S-oxygenation because of the strong inhibitory effect of methimazole. Albendazole sulfoxidase is inhibited competitively by the related anthelmintic drug fenbendazole (inhibitory constant = 243 X 10(-6) M) and noncompetitively by chlorpromazine (inhibitory constant = 135 X 10(-6) M). At high concentration, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, nalidixic acid, and hexobarbital are less active inhibitors, whereas dexamethasone acetate significantly enhances the reaction which is not inhibited by either carbon monoxide, griseofulvin, imidazole, phenylbutazone, or proadifen.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of febantel and its metabolites in sheep and cattle

The pharmacokinetics of febantel and its main metabolites were studied in cattle and sheep. Seven ewes and 4 heifers were given febantel orally in a single dose of 7.5 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, or 45 mg/kg of body weight. Plasma concentrations vs time of febantel and individual metabolites were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Intestinal absorption of febantel was faster and biotransformations were more active in sheep than in cattle.

A correlation of toxicity of albendazole and oxfendazole with their free metabolites and bound residues

The possible correlations between embryotoxicity, plasma kinetics of toxic metabolites and covalent binding of metabolites to foetal tissues were studied using two drugs, albendazole and oxfendazole. In the rat, the metabolic inhibitor, SKF-525A, induced changes in embryotoxicity which were well correlated with plasma levels of identified embryotoxic metabolites, but not with the levels of foetal tissue bound drug metabolites.

Bioactivation and bound residues

Most toxic chemicals undergo bioactivation before they can exert their noxious effects. These biotransformations produce very reactive intermediate metabolites which covalently bind to vital cellular components and can lead to a specific toxicity. Several categories of reactive metabolites can be postulated: (1) electrophilic compounds, (2) free radicals, (3) compounds able to form activated species of oxygen (oxidative stress). Only the two first groups covalently bind to cellular components; these adducts are a part of the bound residues of veterinary drugs. Electrophilic metabolites react with nucleophilic centres of various molecules (proteins, nucleic acids, amino-acids . . .). These active intermediates (oxiranes, quinoneimines, carbo cations . . .) appear during oxidation reactions specifically catalysed by the microsomal mixed-function oxidase. Hepatic necrosis induced by Acetaminophen can be a model and will be discussed. Free radicals are also produced by microsomal metabolism. They bind covalently to cellular lipids and proteins and induce a lipidic peroxidation. Carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury is an example. These concepts dealing with bioactivation, the nature of the covalents' adducts and their toxicological significance are essential to assess the toxicity of both parent drugs and their residues.

Kinetics of four metabolites of Febantel in cow's milk

The mammary elimination of four potentially toxic metabolites of Febantel has been investigated by HPLC methods in the cow after the administration of a 7,5 mg/kg single oral experimental dose of this anthelmintic. The total of the four metabolites is equal to about 0.4 ppm 12 hours after the treatment. The individual levels fall down under the detection limit between the third and the sixth milking.