Selective DYRK1A Inhibitor for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes: Discovery of 6-Azaindole Derivative GNF2133

Autoimmune deficiency and destruction in either β-cell mass or function can cause insufficient insulin levels and, as a result, hyperglycemia and diabetes. Thus, promoting β-cell proliferation could be one approach toward diabetes intervention. In this report we describe the discovery of a potent and selective DYRK1A inhibitor GNF2133, which was identified through optimization of a 6-azaindole screening hit. In vitro, GNF2133 is able to proliferate both rodent and human β-cells. In vivo, GNF2133 demonstrated significant dose-dependent glucose disposal capacity and insulin secretion in response to glucose-potentiated arginine-induced insulin secretion (GPAIS) challenge in rat insulin promoter and diphtheria toxin A (RIP-DTA) mice. The work described here provides new avenues to disease altering therapeutic interventions in the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D).

TrkB inhibition by GNF-4256 slows growth and enhances chemotherapeutic efficacy in neuroblastoma xenografts

PURPOSE

Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common and deadly pediatric solid tumors. NB is characterized by clinical heterogeneity, from spontaneous regression to relentless progression despite intensive multimodality therapy. There is compelling evidence that members of the tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) family play important roles in these disparate clinical behaviors. Indeed, TrkB and its ligand, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are expressed in 50-60 % of high-risk NBs. The BDNF/TrkB autocrine pathway enhances survival, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis and drug resistance.

METHODS

We tested a novel pan-Trk inhibitor, GNF-4256 (Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation), in vitro and in vivo in a nu/nu athymic xenograft mouse model to determine its efficacy in inhibiting the growth of TrkB-expressing human NB cells (SY5Y-TrkB). Additionally, we assessed the ability of GNF-4256 to enhance NB cell growth inhibition in vitro and in vivo, when combined with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, irinotecan and temozolomide (Irino-TMZ).

RESULTS

GNF-4256 inhibits TrkB phosphorylation and the in vitro growth of TrkB-expressing NBs in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC₅₀ around 7 and 50 nM, respectively. Furthermore, GNF-4256 inhibits the growth of NB xenografts as a single agent (p < 0.0001 for mice treated at 40 or 100 mg/kg BID, compared to controls), and it significantly enhances the antitumor efficacy of irinotecan plus temozolomide (Irino-TMZ, p < 0.0071 compared to Irino-TMZ alone).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that GNF-4256 is a potent and specific Trk inhibitor capable of significantly slowing SY5Y-TrkB growth, both in vitro and in vivo. More importantly, the addition of GNF-4256 significantly enhanced the antitumor efficacy of Irino-TMZ, as measured by in vitro and in vivo growth inhibition and increased event-free survival in a mouse xenograft model, without additional toxicity. These data strongly suggest that inhibition of TrkB with GNF-4256 can enhance the efficacy of current chemotherapeutic treatment for recurrent/refractory high-risk NBs with minimal or no additional toxicity.

Investigations of mechanisms of reactive metabolite formation from (R)-(+)-pulegone

1. (R)-(+)-Pulegone is a monoterpene that is oxidized by cytochromes P-450 to reactive metabolites that initiate events in the pathogenesis of hepatotoxicity in mice, rats and humans. 2. Selective labelling of (R)-(+)-pulegone with deuterium revealed that menthofuran was a proximate hepatotoxic metabolite formed by oxidation of the allylic methyl groups of pulegone. Incubations of pulegone with mouse liver microsomes in an atmosphere of 18O2 resulted in the formation of menthofuran that contained only oxygen-18 in the furan moiety. These results are consistent with oxidation of pulegone to an allylic alcohol that reacts intramolecularly with the ketone moiety to form a hemiketal that subsequently dehydrates to generate menthofuran. 3. Studies on the metabolism of menthofuran revealed that it is oxidized by cytochromes P-450 to an electrophilic gamma-ketoenal that reacts with nucleophilic groups on proteins to form covalent adducts. In addition, diastereomeric mintlactones are formed. Investigations with H2(18)O and 18O2 are indicative of a furan epoxide intermediate, or a precursor, in the formation of the gamma-ketoenal and mintlactones.

Identification of urinary metabolites of 8-methyl-8-azabicyclo-[3,2,1] octan-3-yl 3,5-dichlorobenzoate (MDL 72,222) in the dog and monkey

The metabolism of 8-methyl-8-azabicyclo- 3,2,1]octan-3-yl 3,5-dichlorobenzoate (MDL 72,222) was studied in the dog and monkey. Four urinary metabolites were detected by HPLC, HPLC/MS, and GC/MS, and were identified by comparison to authentic standards. The major metabolite in the dog, approximately 41% of the administered dose excreted between 0 and 120 hr, was the MDL 72,222-N-oxide. On the other hand, the major metabolite in the monkey was the glycine conjugate of 3,5-dichlorobenzoic acid (greater than 56% of the dose). Seven percent of the dose in the monkey urine was free 3,5-dichlorobenzoic acid. N-Desmethyl MDL 72,222 was present at 2.5 and 1% in the dog and monkey, respectively. Very little (less than 1%) of the parent compound was found in urine. The major pathways of metabolism of MDL 72,222 are N-oxidation, N-demethylation, ester hydrolysis, and amino acid conjugation.

Disposition of 8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3,2,1]octan-3-yl 3,5-dichlorobenzoate, a potent 5-hydroxytryptamine antagonist, and two metabolites in dogs and monkeys

The disposition of 8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3,2,1]octan-3-yl 3,5-dichlorobenzoate (MDL 72,222; 1), a potent 5-hydroxytryptamine antagonist, and its N-demethylated and N-oxide metabolites was studied in dogs and monkeys. After single, intravenous doses of 1 at 5 mg/kg, the mean terminal half-lives of 1 in plasma were 2.6 h in the dog and 3.8 h in the monkey. The mean half-life of the N-demethylated metabolite in dogs (approximately 20 h) was very similar to that in monkeys. However, the mean half-life of the N-oxide metabolite in dogs (10.8 h) was different from that in monkeys (3.9 h). The steady-state volume of distribution of 1 was 16 L/kg in dogs and 8.9 L/kg in monkeys. Examination of the mean residence times revealed that 1, in both species, and the N-oxide metabolite, in dogs, distributed to the peripheral tissue, whereas the distribution of the N-demethylated metabolite in both species and the N-oxide metabolite in monkeys was limited mainly to the systemic circulation. Compound 1 was metabolized extensively in both species. In dogs, 0.7, 2.5 and 40.6% of the administered dose were excreted in 0-120-h urine samples as 1 and its N-demethylated and N-oxide metabolites, respectively. In monkeys, however, the corresponding percentages were 0.8, 0.7, and 1.8%. Most of the administered dose in monkeys was excreted in urine as 3,5-dichlorobenzoic acid and its glycine conjugate.

Disposition and metabolism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor [4S-[4 alpha, 7 alpha, (R*), 12b beta]]-7-[S-(1-ethoxycarbonyl-3- phenylpropyl)amino]-1,2,3,4,6,7,8,12b-octahydro-6-oxo- pyrido[2,1-a][2]benzazepine-4-carboxylic acid in monkeys and dogs

[4S-[4 alpha, 7 alpha, (R*),12b beta]]-7-[S- (1-ethoxycarbonyl-3-phenylpropyl)amino]-1,2,3,4,6,7,8, 12b-octahydro-6-oxo-pyrido[2,1-a][2]benzazepine-4-carboxylic acid (MDL 27,210) is the ethyl ester prodrug of a potent angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, MDL 27,088. After a single dose of [14C]MDL 27,210 (3 mg/kg iv), MDL 27,210 was rapidly eliminated from the plasma of monkeys and dogs with a terminal half-life of approximately 0.3 hr. The steady-state volume of distribution was 0.15 liter/kg in dogs and 0.28 liter/kg in monkeys. Monkeys excreted 52% of the 14C dose in the feces and 41% in the urine; dogs excreted 80% of the 14C dose in the feces and 14% in the urine. The presence of a large fraction of the 14C dose in the feces of both species following iv administration suggests that significant biliary excretion occurred. MDL 27,210 administered iv to monkeys and dogs was rapidly and extensively (greater than 99.9%) metabolized, primarily to its diacid metabolite, MDL 27,088. The half-life of MDL 27,088 was 2.2 hr in dogs and 3.6 hr in monkeys.

Quantitative metabolic profiling of valproic acid in humans using automated gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric techniques

An automated gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric assay is described for the antiepileptic drug valproic acid (VPA) and 14 of its metabolites in plasma or urine. Quantitative analysis of the parent drug and its biotransformation products was carried out with the aid of trimethylsilyl derivatives, and was performed by selected ion monitoring gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (normally of [M-CH3]+ species) using an HP 5790 mass selective detector (MSD) quadrupole mass spectrometer. The analysis was fully automated, in that simple injection, data acquisition, integration, quantification and report functions were carried out during unattended operation by an HP 59970C ChemStation computer system. The method exhibits good accuracy and high precision, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.990 for all standard curves. Replicate analyses of pooled plasma samples over a 4 month period exhibited an inter-day variation of less than 15% for the parent drug and ten of its metabolites. Moreover, the high dynamic range of the MSD instrument permitted quantification of VPA and minor metabolites thereof (e.g. the hepatotoxic terminal olefin, delta 4-VPA) at levels as disparate as 260 micrograms ml-1 (VPA) and 14 ng ml-1 (delta 4-VPA) in a single analysis. The high stability and sensitivity of the assay, combined with the fully automated features of the instrumentation, make the method ideally suited to expanded clinical studies and for the routine monitoring of potentially high-risk patients on VPA therapy.

Carcinogenicity of deuterium-labeled 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in mice

To study the effect of deuterium substitution on the carcinogenicity of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in mice, two comparisons were made between DMH and its fully methyl-deuterated analogue, [2H6]DMH. In a lifetime study with the CBA strain, groups of 19-30 animals of each sex were dosed s.c. weekly with 8 mg/kg of either DMH or [2H6]DMH for 8, 16, or 32 weeks. In the second study, female CF-1 mice were given DMH or [2H6]DMH in 10 weekly s.c. doses of 12 mg/kg each (13.2 mg/kg for [2H6]DMH) and examined for colon tumors 36 weeks after the first dose. Deuteration significantly decreased tumor incidence in the colon of males (P less than 0.01) and the anal tissue of both sexes (P less than 0.05) but increased that of hepatomas and lung tumors in males (P less than 0.01). Substrate deuteration did not significantly affect overall incidence of any other tumor type, however, including hemangioendotheliomas and kidney tumors in both sexes, as well as colon, uterine, ovarian, liver, and lung tumors in females. The results indicate that C--H bond breakage is kinetically important in the activation of DMH to its ultimately carcinogenic form in organs such as the male colon (relative risk in DMH-versus [2H6]DMH-treated animals approximately equal to 6), and that inhibition of this process by substrate deuteration allows a diversionary mechanism having a smaller isotope effect to become relatively more extensive. The qualitatively different effect in other organs (e.g., kidney, relative risk approximately equal to 1) supports recent suggestions that the net mechanism of activation can differ from one target tissue to another, possibly by striking a different balance between parallel metabolic pathways. The lack of a significant isotope effect on overall colon tumor incidence in females of either strain suggests that differences in relative importance among competing enzymes may also be responsible for sexual dimorphism in tumor induction by DMH.

Studies on the metabolic fate of valproic acid in the rat using stable isotope techniques

1. The metabolic fate of two specifically deuterated analogues of valproic acid (VPA), [2-2H1]VPA and [3,3-2H2]VPA, was studied in the rat following i.p. injection. 2. A total of 11 urinary metabolites of each labelled substrate were detected by g.l.c.-mass spectrometry. Those metabolites which resulted from oxidation of the drug at C-4 and/or C-5 retained the deuterium label(s), whereas products of oxidation at C-2 and/or C-3 exhibited varying degrees of deuterium loss. 3. The deuterium content of 3-hydroxy-VPA indicated that this metabolite has a dual origin, and arises in part by beta-oxidation of VPA and in part by direct hydroxylation at C-3. An apparent intramolecular isotope effect (kH/kD) of ca. 8 was associated with the latter process. 3-Oxo-VPA appeared to be formed mainly by oxidation of delta 2-VPA, rather than by oxidation of 3-hydroxy-VPA. 4. Evidence was obtained that delta 3-VPA is formed reversibly from delta 2-VPA, and that further desaturation of delta 3-VPA gives rise to a metabolite believed to have a 2,3'-diene structure. 5. The stable isotope method employed in this investigation represents a powerful technique for studies on the origin of drug metabolites and for the elucidation of complex metabolic inter-relationships in vivo.

The metabolism of the abortifacient terpene, (R)-(+)-pulegone, to a proximate toxin, menthofuran

(R)-(+)-Pulegone, the major monoterpene component of the abortifacient mint oil, pennyroyal oil, is metabolized by hepatic microsomal monooxygenases of the mouse to a hepatotoxin. The formation of a toxic metabolite is apparently mediated by cytochromes P-450 of the phenobarbital class inasmuch as phenobarbital pretreatment of mice increases, whereas beta-naphthoflavone pretreatment decreases, the extent of hepatic necrosis caused by pulegone. Furthermore, two inhibitors of cytochromes P-450, cobaltous chloride and piperonyl butoxide, block toxicity. An analog of (R)-(+)-pulegone that was labeled with deuterium in the allylic methyl groups was found to be significantly less hepatotoxic than the parent compound. The results indicate that oxidation of an allylic methyl group is required for generation of a hepatotoxic metabolite. Menthofuran was identified as a proximate toxic metabolite of (R)-(+)-pulegone, and investigations with (R)-(+)-pulegone-d6 and 18O2 strongly indicate that menthofuran is formed by a sequence of reactions that involve: 1) oxidation of an allylic methyl group, 2) intramolecular cyclization to form a hemiketal, and 3) dehydration to form the furan.

Metabolism of 2-(2-thienyl)allylamine hydrochloride in the rat: identification of a novel metabolite

A novel metabolite, 2-(2-thienyl)propionic acid, is formed in vivo from 2-(2-thienyl)allylamine hydrochloride. Mass spectral analysis suggested 2-(2-thienyl)propionic acid formation involves loss of the amine moiety followed by reduction of the olefinic group.

Studies on the mechanism of acetamide hepatocarcinogenicity

The hepatocarcinogen acetamide, in single doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg b.wt., was shown to act as an initiator in a dose-dependent fashion in rat liver using the Solt-Farber method. Acetamide and its putative metabolite N-hydroxy-acetamide did not cause liver necrosis in single dose experiments. Acetamide showed no evidence for genotoxicity in tests for mutations in Salmonella typhimurium, for DNA damage in rat hepatoma cells or for DNA repair in isolated rat hepatocytes. In contrast, N-hydroxy-acetamide displayed genotoxic activity in all 3 test systems. Neither acetamide nor N-hydroxy-acetamide induced transformation of primary Syrian hamster embryo cells or gave evidence of inhibition of metabolic cooperation in V79 cells. Radiolabelled acetamide and N-hydroxy-acetamide were not bound covalently to proteins in the presence of various metabolic activation systems (microsomes plus NADPH or xanthine/xanthine oxidase, cytosol or cytosol plus acetyl CoA or proline plus ATP). N-Hydroxy-acetamide was cytotoxic to monolayers of isolated hepatocytes at concentrations above 2.5 mM. This cytotoxicity was increased after diethyl maleate treatment, but N-hydroxy-acetamide did not deplete cellular glutathione. A HPLC system was developed for the separation and quantification of acetamide, N-hydroxy-acetamide and acetic acid. No significant excretion of N-hydroxy-acetamide or acetic acid in the urine could be demonstrated after treatment of rats with 100 or 1,000 mg/kg b.wt. of acetamide. The underlying mechanism for the observed initiating effect of acetamide is obscure.

Biotransformation and pharmacokinetics in the rhesus monkey of 2-n-propyl-4-pentenoic acid, a toxic metabolite of valproic acid

2-n-Propyl-4-pentenoic acid (delta 4-VPA), a hepatotoxic metabolite of valproic acid (VPA), was administered by iv bolus injection (14 mg kg-1) to two adult male rhesus monkeys. The plasma concentration vs. time curve for delta 4-VPA in these animals was biexponential and the effective half-life values were 0.53 and 0.67 hr. The pharmacokinetic profile of delta 4-VPA was similar to that of VPA in the monkey, although the unbound fraction of delta 4-VPA in plasma was approximately 2.5-fold greater than the value for the parent drug. The major route of elimination of delta 4-VPA was excretion into urine, and studies with a group of eight animals indicated that delta 4-VPA undergoes extensive biotransformation in this species. A total of 20 metabolites was detected in urine by GC-MS techniques, and 19 of these were identified positively by comparison of their gas-liquid chromatographic and mass spectrometric properties with those of the authentic compounds prepared by synthesis. Many of these metabolites were present largely in the form of glucuronide conjugates, as was delta 4-VPA itself. The major pathways of metabolism of delta 4-VPA were found to be ester glucuronide formation and beta-oxidation, whereas omega- and (omega-1)-oxidation processes were of minor quantitative importance. Excretion of unchanged drug and its metabolites into urine over 24 hr accounted collectively for some 59% of the administered dose, a figure which was appreciably less than the corresponding recovery of metabolites of VPA in the same monkeys. The possibility is raised that beta-oxidation of delta 4-VPA leads to the generation of a chemically reactive intermediate(s) which alkylate(s) cellular macromolecules and thereby forms tissue-bound residues. The significance of such a phenomenon is discussed in relation to the etiology of VPA-induced liver injury.

Metabolic fate of valproic acid in the rhesus monkey. Formation of a toxic metabolite, 2-n-propyl-4-pentenoic acid

The metabolic fate of an iv bolus dose (13.5 mg kg-1) of valproic acid (VPA) was studied in adult male rhesus monkeys. Renal excretion proved to be the major route of elimination of the drug and a total of 17 metabolites, accounting collectively for some 82% of the administered dose, were identified in urine by GC-MS techniques. Many of these metabolites were present largely in the form of glucuronide conjugates, as was VPA itself. The principal pathways of VPA biotransformation were, in order of decreasing quantitative importance, ester glucuronide formation, omega-oxidation, beta-oxidation and (omega-1)-hydroxylation. In addition, three mono-unsaturated metabolites, identified as (E)-delta 2-, (E)-delta 3-, and delta 4-VPA, were detected in both plasma and urine. Quantitative analysis of these unsaturated VPA metabolites indicated that the delta 4 olefin, which is known to be a potent hepatotoxic agent, was the predominant isomer of the group.

Procarbazine spermatogenesis toxicity: deuterium isotope effects point to regioselective metabolism in mice

Procarbazine was shown to decrease spermatogenesis in male mice in a dose-dependent manner. Significant decreases (44% of controls) in spermatogenesis were observed when a dose of 400 mg/kg was administered 18 days prior to determination of sperm count. Procarbazine caused no significant acute spermatocidal activity in vivo. Procarbazine-associated decreases in spermatogenesis were thus used as an index of toxicity to developing spermatid cells. Procarbazine analogs were synthesized that had deuterium substituted for hydrogen at the benzylic position, N-isopropyl-alpha-(2-methylhydrazino)-p-[alpha, alpha-2H2]toluamide (d2-procarbazine), or at the methyl position, N-isopropyl-alpha-(2-[alpha, alpha, alpha-2H3]methylhydrazino)-p-toluamide (d3-procarbazine). Spermatogenesis decreases caused by d3-procarbazine were essentially the same as with procarbazine in mice (66% of controls at a dose of 200 mg/kg), but d2-procarbazine was nontoxic to developing sperm cells (99% of control at a dose of 200 mg/kg). The decrease in toxicity caused by deuterium substitution at the benzylic position, coupled with the absence of an effect with the methyl-labeled analog, indicate the requirement for regioselective oxidative metabolism of procarbazine at the benzylic position prior to the toxic event.

The genotoxicity of 2-bromoacrolein and 2,3-dibromopropanal

2-Bromoacrolein (2-BA) and 2,3-dibromopropanal (2,3-DBPA), an identified and a postulated reactive metabolite of tris(2,3-dibromopropyl)phosphate (Tris-BP), respectively, were found to cause mutations in Salmonella typhimurium TA 100 both in the absence and presence of a metabolic system. 2-BA, as well as 2,3-DBPA, caused extensive DNA single-stranded breaks as evidenced by alkaline elution of DNA from exposed Reuber hepatoma cells in culture. The data with Syrian hamster embryo cells suggest that both 2-BA and 2,3-DBPA were more potent than Tris-BP in transforming these cells in culture. On the other hand, neither 2-BA, nor 2,3-DBPA, was found to cause increased unscheduled DNA repair synthesis in isolated rat hepatocytes in monolayer cultures, whereas Tris-BP had a significant effect at low concentrations (10-50 microM). There was no correlation between the observed mutagenic effects of 2-BA and 2,3-DBPA and their alkylating activities using the nitrobenzyl-pyridine test. The genotoxic effects associated with 2-BA and its detection in microsomal incubations makes it a likely candidate for a role in the mutagenicity of Tris-BP.

Studies on the biotransformation in the perfused rat liver of 2-n-propyl-4-pentenoic acid, a metabolite of the antiepileptic drug valproic acid. Evidence for the formation of chemically reactive intermediates

The metabolism of 2-n-propyl-4-pentenoic acid (delta 4-VPA), a putative toxic biotransformation product of valproic acid (VPA), was examined in the isolated perfused rat liver. Metabolites excreted into perfusion medium and bile were characterized by GLC and GC/MS techniques and their identities were verified by synthesis. A total of eight metabolites was detected, the structures of which could be best accounted for by initial oxidation reactions catalyzed by either cytochrome P-450 or the fatty acid beta-oxidation complex. Evidence was obtained which indicates that metabolism of delta 4-VPA by each of these enzyme systems can lead to the generation of chemically reactive intermediates which may contribute to the hepatotoxic properties of VPA.

Metabolism in vitro of tris(2,3-dibromopropyl)-phosphate: oxidative debromination and bis(2,3-dibromopropyl)phosphate formation as correlates of mutagenicity and covalent protein binding

Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl)phosphate (Tris-BP) was found to be metabolized by liver microsomes obtained from untreated and phenobarbital-pretreated rats. Metabolites of Tris-BP, whose formation was dependent on NADPH and oxygen, included bromide ion and bis(2,3-dibromopropyl)phosphate (Bis-BP). The rates of formation of these metabolites were markedly increased in liver microsomes isolated from phenobarbital-pretreated rats compared to microsomes from untreated rats. In the presence of either SKF 525-A or metyrapone, the formation rates of bromide ion and Bis-BP were decreased, whereas alpha-naphthoflavone had no effect. The effects of the various treatments on bromide release and Bis-BP formation paralleled those that have been previously observed with respect to the activation of Tris-BP to mutagenic and covalently protein bound metabolites. Furthermore, rates of oxidative debromination of several Tris-BP analogs directly correlated with their respective mutagenicities. Addition of glutathione (GSH) to microsomal incubations of Tris-BP increased bromide release substantially over control, values but had no effect on Bis-BP formation. On the other hand, the addition of GSH to microsomes decreased covalent binding and mutagenicity of Tris-BP with increased formation of water soluble metabolites. GC/MS analysis of ethyl acetate extracts from incubations of rat liver microsomes with Tris-BP identified 2-bromoacrolein (2-BA) as a metabolite. Introducing deuterium at the carbon atom number 1 of the propyl moiety of Tris-BP had no effect on either bromide release or mutagenicity, whereas the analog labelled at carbon atom 3 showed significant isotope effects on both activities. In contrast, deuterium substitution at carbon atom 2 gave a significant isotope effect on bromide release, but not on mutagenicity. The data indicate that Tris-BP can be metabolized by rat liver microsomes to Bis-BP and 2-bromoacrolein catalyzed by cytochrome P-450 in a process liberating bromide ions. Further, the results are consistent with oxidation at the terminal carbon atom of Tris-BP thereby forming 2-bromoacrolein, which is postulated to be the metabolite mainly responsible for Tris-BP mutagenicity.

Genotoxicity studies with paracetamol

Paracetamol and its major ultimate reactive metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) were studied for their genotoxic potential. Neither paracetamol nor NAPQI were found to cause mutations in Salmonella typhimurium, whereas NAPQI was severely cytotoxic to the bacteria. Radiolabelled paracetamol was found to bind covalently to DNA added to mouse-liver microsomal incubations at a rate of 2.6 pmoles/mg DNA/min. Paracetamol also bound covalently to hepatic DNA at a level of 15 pmoles/mg DNA after a hepatotoxic dose of paracetamol to mice. NAPQI caused extensive DNA single-strand breaks as evidenced by alkaline elution of DNA from treated Reuber hepatoma cells. This effect occurred at concentrations which later resulted in cytotoxicity. Paracetamol was shown to induce increased DNA-repair synthesis in isolated mouse-liver cells in monolayer culture, at concentrations where also cytotoxicity was evident. Increased DNA-repair synthesis occurred at lower paracetamol concentrations in cells isolated from mice pretreated with phenobarbital. Taken together, these data show that paracetamol can cause DNA interaction leading to damage at levels which are cytotoxic.

Activation mechanism of tris(2,3-dibromopropyl)phosphate to the potent mutagen, 2-bromoacrolein

The potent mutagen 2- bromoacrolein is formed from the carcinogenic flame retardant tris(2,3-dibromopropyl)phosphate (Tris-BP) on incubation with hepatic microsomes. Substitution of deuterium for hydrogen at the terminal carbon atoms (C-3) of Tris-BP significantly decreased both the mutagenic response and the formation rate of 2- bromoacrolein . Mass spectral analysis of the 2- bromoacrolein that was formed from the selectively deuterated analogs of Tris-BP revealed that the primary mechanism for the formation of 2- bromoacrolein involves an initial oxidative dehalogenation at C-3 followed by a beta-elimination reaction.

Memory disorders in aphasia--I. Auditory immediate recall

Vascular lesions within the territory of the left middle cerebral artery were identified by CT scans for 28 aphasic adults. When damage involved parts of Heschl's, middle temporal and superior temporal gyri or the inferior parietal lobule, immediate recall of binary sequences of either digits or tones was only 3 +/- 1 bits. Lesions to various loci were identified with primacy, recency, transposition, and isolated errors. The discussion considers various neural mechanisms subserving auditory immediate recall.

Mammalian drug metabolism

Drugs and other chemicals that do not occur in mammalian systems are metabolized by a wide variety of enzymes. Reactions catalyzed by these enzymes have been classified into two general phases. Phase I reactions include oxidations, reductions, and hydrolyses, whereas Phase II reactions are broadly defined as conjugation reactions and include glucuronidation, sulfation, acylation, methylation, and conjugation with glutathione. The mechanisms of these biotransformations are outlined to demonstrate how both non-toxic and toxic metabolites are produced. The mammalian metabolism of acetaminophen, a widely used mild analgesic, and R-(+)-pulegone, the major constituent terpene of pennyroyal oil, will be discussed to illustrate specific features of mammalian drug metabolism.

Characterization of mephenytoin metabolites in human urine by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry

Metabolites of mephenytoin (5-ethyl-3-methyl-5-phenylhydantoin) were characterized in human urine following chromatography on XAD-2 resin, permethylation, and combined gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Four glucuronide metabolites previously unidentified in man were characterized as their permethylated derivatives by chemical-ionization and electron-impact mass spectrometry. These metabolites included 5-ethyl-5-(hydroxyphenyl)-3-methylhydantoin O-glucuronide; 5-hydroxyethyl-3-methyl-5-phenyl-hydantoin O-glucuronide; 5-ethyl-5-(hydroxymethoxyphenyl)-3-methylhydantoin O-glucuronide; and a metabolite tentatively identified as 5-ethyl-5-phenylhydantoin N3-glucuronide in which both N-demethylation and glucuronide conjugation of the hydantoin ring have occurred. Mephenytoin, N-demethylmephenytoin, 5-ethyl-5-(hydroxyphenyl)-3-methylhydantoin, and 5-ethyl-5-(hydroxymethoxyphenyl)-3-methylhydantoin were characterized in extracts of enzymatically hydrolyzed urine.

Seminal excretion, vaginal absorption, distribution and whole blood kinetics of d-methadone in the rabbit

The disposition of 40 mg of d-methadone HCl was studied in New Zealand White rabbits. After an intravenous infusion to male rabbits, the beta phase half-life was 106 +/- 21 min and the apparent volume of distribution was 12.6 liters/kg b.w. After an i.m. injection, the peak drug concentration in arterial blood (1.02 microgram/ml) occurred 10 min after the injection, whereas the peak concentration in semen (2.58 microgram/ml) occurred 140 min later. The semen/blood drug concentration ratio was 6.8 at 150 min after the injection. The concentration of d-methadone was measured in blood, spleen, liver, lung, prostate, seminal vesicle, testis and heart 130 minutes after an i.m. dose. All tissues had drug levels that exceeded the concentration in blood (0.42 microgram/ml). The concentrations in lung (33.5 microgram/g), kidney (15.2 microgram/g) and spleen (30.6 microgram/g) were particularly elevated. After intravaginal implantation, d-methadone was rapidly absorbed into the systemic circulation of female rabbits; the peak drug level in blood (0.94 microgram/ml) occurred 60 min after drug administration.

Excretion of phenytoin into semen of rabbits and man. Comparison with plasma levels

The concentration of phenytoin (diphenylhydantoin, DPH) was measured in plasma and semen of rabbits and man. In the rabbit, a single iv injection of DPH (4.64 mg) resulted in a concentration-time curve for DPH in semen parallel to the concentration-time curve for DPH in plasma (t1/2beta = 171 +/- 29 min). A semen/plasma drug concentration ratio of 0.20 was maintained for at least 8 hr, demonstrating that DPH concentrations in semen are directly proportional to DPH concentrations in plasma. In epileptic subjects maintained on oral DPH the mean drug concentration in semen was 2.31 microgram/ml while that in plasma was 13.8 microgram/ml. The mean semen-plasma DPH concentration ratio in man was 0.17; this closely approximates the observed ratio in rabbits.

New gas chromatogrphic assay for the quantification of methadone. Application in human and animal studies

A new gas chromatographic assay utilizing 2-dimethylamino-4,4-diphenyl-5-nonanone as the internal standard was developed for the quantification of methadone. The method involved extraction of methadone with 1-chlorobutane from tissue at pH 9.8, re-extraction of an aliquot of the organic solvent with 0.5 M sulphuric acid, alkalinization and final extraction into chloroform. The assay was used to determine the concentration of methadone (i) in whole blood samples from a normal volunteer following a single 9.4-mg oral dose of d-methadone hydrochloride, (ii) in whole blood, saliva and gastric juice from a methadone addict maintained on 90 mg of dimethadone hydrochloride per day, (iii) in mouse liver microsomes incubated with methadone, and (iv) in the perfusate of the isolated perfused rat liver.

The secretion of methadone and its major metabolite in the gastric juice of humans: comparison with blood and salivary concentrations

Four healthy subjects and four addicts on high daily maintenance doses of methadone each received a parenteral dose of methadone hydrochloride following an overnight fast. The concentration of methadone in blood was compared with that in the gastric juice obtained over 8 hr by continuous low-pressure suction via a nasogastric tube. The concentration in the gastric juice was 25-200 times that measured at the same time in the blood. Thus, 8 hr after the injection mean blood concentrations of 28 and 210 ng of methadone per ml were recorded in the normal subjects and the addicts, respectively. The corresponding concentrations in gastric juice were 2,200 ng/ml and 18,000 ng/ml, respectively. In the normal subjects about 2% of the administered dose was recovered in the gastric juice in 8 hr, whereas in addicts about 7% was recovered. The greater recovery of methadone from the addicts appears to be the result of the larger volume of gastric juice recovered from the latter subjects. Methadone was also excreted in the saliva of both groups of subjects. In addicts, salivary concentrations were often 10 times those recorded in the blood. The N-monodemethylated metabolite of methadone was identified in the gastric juice of addicts by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.