In Vivo Evaluation of Almotriptan malate Formulation through Intranasal Route for the Treatment of Migraine: Systematic Development and Pharmacokinetic Assessment.

Migraine headaches are usually intolerable, and a quick-relief treatment remains an unmet medical need. Almotriptan malate is a serotonin (5-HT1B/1D) receptor agonist approved for the treatment of acute migraine in adults. It is currently available in an oral tablet dosage form and has a Tmax of 1-3 h, and therefore, there is a medical need to develop a non-invasive rapidly acting formulation. We have developed an intranasal formulation of almotriptan malate using the quality-by-design (QbD) approach. A 2-factor 3-level full factorial design was selected to build up the experimental setting. The developed formulation was characterized for pH, viscosity, in vitro permeation, ex vivo permeation, and histopathological tolerance. To assess the potential of the developed formulation to produce a rapid onset of action following intranasal delivery, a pharmacokinetic study was performed in the Sprague-Dawley rat model and compared to the currently available marketed oral tablet formulation. For this, the LC-MS/MS bioanalytical method was developed and used for the determination of plasma almotriptan malate concentrations. Results of a pharmacokinetic study revealed that intranasal administration of optimized almotriptan malate formulation enabled an almost five-fold reduction in Tmax and about seven-fold increase in bioavailability in comparison to the currently available oral tablet formulation, suggesting the potential of developed almotriptan malate intranasal formulation in producing a rapid onset of action as well as enhanced bioavailability.

Serotonergic-Muscarinic Interaction within the Prefrontal Cortex as a Novel Target to Reverse Schizophrenia-Related Cognitive Symptoms.

Recent studies revealed that the activation of serotonergic 5-HT1A and muscarinic M1, M4, or M5 receptors prevent MK-801-induced cognitive impairments in animal models. In the present study, the effectiveness of the simultaneous activation of 5-HT1A and muscarinic receptors at preventing MK-801-induced cognitive deficits in novel object recognition (NOR) or Y-maze tests was investigated. Activators of 5-HT1A (F15599), M1 (VU0357017), M4 (VU0152100), or M5 (VU0238429) receptors administered at top doses for seven days reversed MK-801-induced deficits in the NOR test, similar to the simultaneous administration of subeffective doses of F15599 (0.05 mg/kg) with VU0357017 (0.15 mg/kg), VU0152100 (0.05 mg/kg), or VU0238429 (1 mg/kg). The compounds did not prevent the MK-801-induced impairment when administered acutely. Their activity was less evident in the Y-maze. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed high brain penetration of F15599 (brain/plasma ratio 620%), which was detected in the frontal cortex (FC) up to 2 h after administration. Decreases in the brain penetration properties of the compounds were observed after acute administration of the combinations, which might have influenced behavioral responses. This negative effect on brain penetration was not observed when the compounds were administered repeatedly. Based on our results, prolonged administration of a 5-HT1A activator with muscarinic receptor ligands may be effective at reversing cognitive decline related to schizophrenia, and the FC may play a critical role in this interaction.

Pharmacokinetic Study of Frovatriptan Succinate Tablet After Single and Multiple Oral Doses in Chinese Healthy Subjects.

PURPOSE: The present report describes findings from a Phase I clinical study that evaluated the single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of frovatriptan succinate tablet in Chinese healthy subjects. METHODS: A total of 24 healthy subjects were enrolled. In single-dose study, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg oral doses of frovatriptan succinate tablet were administrated. A 2.5 mg frovatriptan succinate tablet was administrated 12 times in 7 days in the multiple-dose study. Blood samples were collected at scheduled time points. RESULTS: The results in single-dose study indicated that the blood levels were proportional to the administered dose, with the mean Cmax and AUClast ranging from approximately 6.27 ng/mL-17.35 ng/mL and 92.52 h⋅ng/mL - 287.40 h⋅ng/mL over the dose range. In the multiple-dose study, moderate drug accumulation was noted, which was attributable to forvatriptan's long t1/2 of about 26.47 to 30.63 h. Gender differences were noticed in both single- and multiple-dose study; exposure PK parameters were consistently higher in female than in male. CONCLUSION: These pharmacokinetic evaluations in healthy Chinese subjects found that frovatriptan succinate tablet has an acceptable pharmacokinetic profile in Chinese subjects.

Effects of Lasmiditan on Cardiovascular Parameters and Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Subjects Receiving Oral Doses of Propranolol.

Lasmiditan (LY573144/COL-144) is a high-affinity, centrally penetrant, selective 5-HT1F receptor agonist currently under investigation for acute treatment of migraine. Although lasmiditan is not known to induce vasoconstriction, it remains important to understand its effect on cardiovascular parameters because it is likely to be coadministered with ß-adrenergic receptor antagonists used for migraine prophylaxis, such as propranolol. This phase 1, single-center, open-label, fixed-sequence study evaluated the cardiovascular and pharmacokinetic effects of 200 mg lasmiditan in 44 healthy subjects receiving repeated oral doses of twice-daily 80 mg propranolol under fasting conditions. Coadministration caused statistically significant decreases in mean hourly heart rate relative to propranolol alone, but the maximum magnitude of this effect was -6.5 bpm and recovered to predose levels by 3 to 4 hours before stabilizing. Additionally, short-lived (≤2.5 hours) statistically significant increases in systolic blood pressure (8.3 mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (6.4 mm Hg) were observed following coadministration. Consistent with the largely nonoverlapping metabolic pathways of lasmiditan and propranolol, exposure to either drug was not affected by coadministration. Overall, compared with administration of either drug alone, coadministration was generally well tolerated.

Tegaserod for the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Tegaserod (Zelnorm®) is a 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) type 4 receptor agonist for the treatment of hypomotility disorders of the lower gastrointestinal tract associated with the irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). OBJECTIVE: The authors provide the reader with a better understanding on tegaserod mechanism of action, on its pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties, on safety and tolerability, with a summary of the key published clinical trials conducted in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Its effects on colon inflammation have also been described. RESULTS: Tegaserod was withdrawn in 2007 due to increased risks of cardiovascular adverse effects. The manufacturer denied this, because pre-existing cardiovascular disease or risk factors were attributed to all affected patients. Thus, no causal relationship between tegaserod use and cardiovascular events was clearly shown. A matched case-control study of tegaserod-treated with untreated patients found no association between tegaserod and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Despite its adverse effects, tegaserod resulted to be effective in treating chronic constipation in adult women aged < 65 years with IBS-C, while the safety and effectiveness of tegaserod in men with IBS-C have not been established. Tegaserod was resubmitted to the Food and Drug Administration in 2018 for use in a low-risk population. Moreover, tegaserod has also been shown to improve symptoms, enhance gastric accommodation and significantly attenuate visceral pain arising from the colon in functional dyspepsia patients. Treatment with tegaserod seems also to exert a protective effect in inflamed colons, reducing the severity of colitis in animal models.

Abuse Potential of Lasmiditan: A Phase 1 Randomized, Placebo- and Alprazolam-Controlled Crossover Study.

Lasmiditan is a centrally penetrant, highly selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptor 1F (5HT1F ) agonist under development as a novel therapy for acute treatment of migraine. A phase 1 randomized, placebo- and positive-controlled crossover study assessed the abuse potential of lasmiditan in adult recreational polydrug users. Following a qualification phase, subjects were randomized into treatment sequences, each consisting of 5 study treatments: placebo, alprazolam 2 mg, lasmiditan 100, 200 (lasmiditan 100 and 200 mg are proposed therapeutic doses), and 400 mg (supratherapeutic). The abuse potential of lasmiditan was investigated and compared with alprazolam and with placebo using the maximal effect score (Emax ) of the Drug-Liking Visual Analog Scale as the primary end point. Lasmiditan was not similar to placebo in drug-liking scores at all doses tested, with a maximum difference observed with the lasmiditan 400-mg dose (upper 90% confidence limit on difference in least-squares [LS] means > 14 for all lasmiditan doses). Drug-liking scores for lasmiditan 400 mg were not significantly different from alprazolam (lower 90% confidence limit on difference in LS means < 5), but drug-liking scores at lower doses (100 and 200 mg) were significantly different from alprazolam. During the treatment phase, the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) increased with increasing dose of lasmiditan; all TEAEs reported with lasmiditan treatment were mild. Subjective drug-liking effects for lasmiditan versus placebo and versus alprazolam, and the safety and tolerability profile of lasmiditan suggest that lasmiditan has a low potential for abuse.

A quantitative systems pharmacology model of colonic motility with applications in drug development.

We developed a mathematical model of colon physiology driven by serotonin signaling in the enteric nervous system. No such models are currently available to assist drug discovery and development for GI motility disorders. Model parameterization was informed by published preclinical and clinical data. Our simulations provide clinically relevant readouts of bowel movement frequency and stool consistency. The model recapitulates healthy and slow transit constipation phenotypes, and the effect of a 5-HT4 receptor agonist in healthy volunteers. Using the calibrated model, we predicted the agonist dose to normalize defecation frequency in slow transit constipation while avoiding the onset of diarrhea. Model sensitivity analysis predicted that changes in HAPC frequency and liquid secretion have the greatest impact on colonic motility. However, exclusively increasing the liquid secretion can lead to diarrhea. In contrast, increasing HAPC frequency alone can enhance bowel frequency without leading to diarrhea. The quantitative systems pharmacology approach used here demonstrates how mechanistic modeling of disease pathophysiology expands our understanding of biology and supports judicious hypothesis generation for therapeutic intervention.

Fluorinated indole-imidazole conjugates: Selective orally bioavailable 5-HT7 receptor low-basicity agonists, potential neuropathic painkillers.

The 5-HT7 receptor has recently gained much attention due to its involvement in multiple physiological functions and diseases. The insufficient quality of the available molecular probes prompted design of fluorinated 3-(1-alkyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-1H-indoles as a new generation of selective 5-HT7 receptor agonists. A potent and drug-like agonist, 3-(1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-5-iodo-4-fluoro-1H-indole (AGH-192, 35, Ki 5-HT7R = 4 nM), was identified by optimizing the halogen bond formation with Ser5.42 as the supposed partner. The compound was characterized by excellent water solubility, high selectivity over related CNS targets, high metabolic stability, oral bioavailability and low cytotoxicity. Rapid absorption into the blood, medium half-life and a high peak concentration in the brain Cmax = 1069 ng/g were found after i.p. (2.5 mg/kg) administration in mice. AGH-192 may thus serve as the long-sought tool compound in the study of 5-HT7 receptor function, as well as a potential analgesic, indicated by the antinociceptive effect observed in a mouse model of neuropathic pain.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of new acute treatments for migraine.

INTRODUCTION: Recommended medications for the acute treatment of migraine encompass triptans, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and analgesics. While it is true that triptans have been the first successful mechanism-driven treatment in the field, recently, new targets involved in migraine pathogenesis have emerged and new drug classes have been studied for migraine attack therapy. Areas covered: Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the new acute treatments of migraine (i.e. ditans, gepants, and glutamate receptor antagonists), considering also marketed drugs in new formulations and administration routes. Expert opinion: Research on the administration routes of marketed drugs was performed in order to improve, in accordance with basic pharmacokinetics parameters, the speed of action of these medications. Similar to the triptans, the new acute treatments are migraine-specific medications, acting on the trigeminovascular system, albeit with different mechanisms. Although available data do not conclusively indicate the superiority of a class over the others, the pharmacodynamics explains the peculiar tolerability and safety profile of different drug classes emerging from clinical trials. Further studies are needed to investigate the possibility of combining different drug classes to optimize the clinical response and the potential role of the novel drugs in medication-overuse headache.

Novel Aryloxyethyl Derivatives of 1-(1-Benzoylpiperidin-4-yl)methanamine as the Extracellular Regulated Kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) Phosphorylation-Preferring Serotonin 5-HT1A Receptor-Biased Agonists with Robust Antidepressant-like Activity.

Novel 1-(1-benzoylpiperidin-4-yl)methanamine derivatives were designed as "biased agonists" of serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. The compounds were tested in signal transduction assays (ERK1/2 phosphorylation, cAMP inhibition, Ca2+ mobilization, and ß-arrestin recruitment) which identified ERK1/2 phosphorylation-preferring aryloxyethyl derivatives. The novel series showed high 5-HT1A receptor affinity, >1000-fold selectivity versus noradrenergic α1, dopamine D2, serotonin 5-HT2A, histamine H1, and muscarinic M1 receptors, and favorable druglike properties (CNS-MPO, Fsp3, LELP). The lead structure, (3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)(4-fluoro-4-(((2-(pyridin-2-yloxy)ethyl)amino)methyl)piperidin-1-yl)methanone (17, NLX-204), displayed high selectivity in the SafetyScreen44 panel (including hERG channel), high solubility, metabolic stability, and Caco-2 penetration and did not block CYP3A4, CYP2D6 isoenzymes, or P-glycoprotein. Preliminary in vivo studies confirmed its promising pharmacokinetic profile. 17 also robustly stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation in rat cortex and showed highly potent (MED = 0.16 mg/kg) and efficacious antidepressant-like activity, totally eliminating immobility in the rat Porsolt test. These data suggest that the present 5-HT1A receptor-biased agonists could constitute promising antidepressant drug candidates.

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability after intramuscular injection of the 5-HT1A serotonin agonist R-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) in domestic goats (Capra aegagrus hircus).

To determine the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties of the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist R-8-OH-DPAT in goats, and 0.1 mg kg-1 R-8-OH-DPAT hydrobromide was administered intramuscularly (i.m.) and intravenously (i.v.) to six goats in a two-phase cross-over design experiment. Venous blood samples were collected from the jugular vein 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 60 min following treatment and analysed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Bioavailability and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by a one-compartment analysis. Mean bioavailability of R-8-OH-DPAT when injected i.m. was 66%. The mean volume of distribution in the central compartment was 1.47 L kg-1 . The mean plasma body clearance was 0.056 L kg-1  min-1 . All goats injected i.v. and two of six goats injected i.m. showed signs of serotonin toxicity. In conclusion, R-8-OH-DPAT is well absorbed following i.m. injection and the observed pharmacokinetics suggest that administration via dart is feasible. Administration of R-8-OH-DPAT hydrobromide, at a dosage of 0.1 mg kg-1 , resulted in the observation of clinical signs of serotonin toxicity in the goats. It is suggested that dosages for the clinical use of the compound should be lower in order to achieve the desired clinical effect without causing serotonin toxicity.

Intranasal Drug Delivery of Frovatriptan Succinate-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles for Brain Targeting.

The objective of the present study was to develop polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) of frovatriptan succinate for brain targeting by nasal route. Double emulsion method was used to increase the entrapment efficiency of hydrophilic drug, and formulation was optimized by central composite design to achieve critical quality attributes namely particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. Optimized batch was evaluated for surface morphology, in vitro release, permeation across nasal mucosa, stability, histopathology, and brain tissue uptake study. Prepared PNPs were found to be smooth with particle size of 264.4 ± 0.04 nm, zeta potential -35.17 ± 0.07 mV, and 65.2 ± 0.06% entrapment efficiency. PNPs showed biphasic release pattern, initial burst release followed by sustained release up to 72 h. Ex vivo diffusion study using goat nasal mucosa at pH 6.8 revealed that PNPs permeation across nasal mucosa was about 3 times more than the pure drug solution, and quick delivery of PNPs in brain region was confirmed by fluorescence microscopic evaluation in male Wistar rats after intranasal administration. Histopathology studies further revealed integrity of nasal mucosa after treatment with PNPs. The investigation indicated that hydrophilic drug, frovatriptan succinate can be successfully entrapped in PNPs to target brain via nasal delivery, and thus it could be an effective approach for nose to brain delivery.

A novel nasal almotriptan loaded solid lipid nanoparticles in mucoadhesive in situ gel formulation for brain targeting: Preparation, characterization and in vivo evaluation.

This work aimed at designing efficient safe delivery system for intranasal (IN) brain targeting of the water soluble anti- migraine drug Almotriptan malate (ALM). Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were prepared by w/o/w double emulsion-solvent evaporation method. Selection of the optimized SLNs formula was based on evaluating particle size (PS), poly dispersity index (PDI) and entrapment efficiency (%EE). Optimized formula exhibited acceptable ranges; PS of 207.9 nm, PDI of 0.41 and %EE of 50.81%. Poloxamer 407 (Plx) at different concentrations (16%, 18%, 20% w/v), with different mucoadhesive polymers (Carbopol-974P, Na alginate, Na-CMC) were evaluated for gelling time and temperature, pH and mucoadhesion. The chosen mucoadhesive in-situ gel formula; 18% Plx 407 based-0.75%w/v Na-CMC, showed acceptable results, so that the optimized SLNs formula was further dispersed in it and evaluated for in vitro release, stability, in vivo and pharmacokinetics studies. Biomarkers' evaluation and histopathological examination were also investigated. Results revealed rapid ALM brain delivery of the optimized formula; Brain/blood ratios at 10 min. for NF (SLNs based IN in-situ gel), ND (Free ALM IN in situ gel) and ALM i.v. (ALM IV solution) were 0.89, 0.19 and 0.31, respectively. Toxicological results confirmed the safety of NF for nasal administration. The achieved out comings are encouraging for further clinical trials of the developed system in humans in future research.

Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of eletriptan hydrobromide in healthy Korean subjects.

BACKGROUND: Migraine is one of the most common headache disorders that greatly affect the quality of life. Selective serotonin (5-HT) receptor agonists such as triptamine-based drugs called triptans are used for treatment of migraine. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) and tolerability profiles of eletriptan hydrobromide (eletriptan HBr), a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (also known as serotonin) 1B/1D receptor agonist, in Koreans and compare the results to those observed in non-Koreans in a previously published study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized, open-label, single, and repeated-dose study was conducted in 16 healthy Korean male subjects using a four-treatment, four-period, and four-sequence crossover design (NCT01139515). The subjects received one of the following four treatments in each period: a single dose of 20, 40, 80 mg eletriptan HBr or a repeated oral dose of 40 mg 2 h apart. Blood samples were collected before and up to 26 h after dosing for quantification of plasma eletriptan concentration by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry. The PK parameters were estimated using noncompartmental methods. Ethnicity differences between Korean and non-Korean subjects were identified using geometric mean ratios and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of dose-normalized maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and dose-normalized area under the plasma concentration versus time curve from 0 h to the last measurable concentration (AUC0-t). RESULTS: After single-dose administration of eletriptan HBr to Korean subjects, the mean Cmax and AUC0-t increased linearly with dose. Comparable total systemic exposures were observed in the 2 h apart 40 mg repeated and single 80 mg dose. The geometric mean ratios (90% CIs) of the dose-normalized Cmax and AUC0-t of Korean subjects were similar to those of non-Korean subjects reported in the literature. The adverse events observed were transient and mild in severity. CONCLUSION: Eletriptan HBr showed linear PK and was well tolerated in Korean subjects. The PK and tolerability of eletriptan HBr did not differ between Korean and non-Korean subjects.

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and clinical use of trazodone and its active metabolite m-chlorophenylpiperazine in the horse.

Trazodone is a serotonin receptor antagonist and reuptake inhibitor used extensively as an anxiolytic in human and small animal veterinary medicine. The aims of this study were to determine the pharmacokinetics of oral trazodone in experimental horses and to evaluate the effect of oral trazodone in clinical horses. Six experimental horses were administered trazodone at 7.5 or 10 mg/kg. Plasma concentrations of trazodone and its metabolite (m-CPP) were determined via UPLC-MS/MS. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis, sedation and ataxia scores were determined. Trazodone was rapidly absorbed after oral administration with a maximum concentration of 2.5-4.1 µg/ml and half-life of the terminal phase of approximately 7 hr. The metabolite was present at low levels in all horses, representing only 2.5% of the total area under the curve. In experimental horses, concentration-dependent sedation and ataxia were noted, lasting up to 12 hr. For clinical cases, medical records of horses treated with trazodone for various abnormal behaviours were reviewed and data were summarized. Trazodone was successful in modifying behavioural problems to some degree in 17 of 18 clinical cases. Tolerance and subsequent lack of drug effect occurred in two of 18 clinical cases following 14 or 21 days of use. In both populations of horses, adverse effects attributed to trazodone include oversedation, muscle fasciculations and transient arrhythmias.

Estimation of Circulating Drug Metabolite Exposure in Human Using In Vitro Data and Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling: Example of a High Metabolite/Parent Drug Ratio.

(R)-4-((4-(((4-((tetrahydrofuran-3-yl)oxy)benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)oxy)methyl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ol (TBPT), a serotonin-4 receptor partial agonist, is metabolized to two metabolites: an N-dealkylation product [(R)-3-(piperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-4-((tetrahydrofuran-3-yl)oxy)benzo[d]isoxazole (M1)] and a cyclized oxazolidine structure [7-(((4-(((R)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl)oxy)benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)oxy)methyl)octahydro-3H (M2)]. After administration of TBPT to humans the exposure to M1 was low and the exposure to M2 was high, relative to the parent drug, despite this being the opposite in vitro. In this study, projection of the plasma metabolite/parent (M/P) ratios for M1 and M2 was attempted using in vitro metabolism, binding, and permeability data in static and dynamic physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models. In the static model, the fraction of parent clearance yielding the metabolite (which also required taking into account secondary metabolites of M1 and M2), the clearance of the metabolites and parent, and an estimate of the availability of the metabolites from the liver were combined to yield estimated parent/metabolite ratios of 0.32 and 23 for M1 and M2, respectively. PBPK modeling that used in vitro and physicochemical data input yielded estimates of 0.26 and 20, respectively. The actual values were 0.12 for M1/TBPT and 58 for M2/TBPT. Thus, the ratio for M1 was overpredicted, albeit at values less than unity. The ratio for M2/TBPT was underpredicted, and the high ratio of 58 may exceed a limiting ceiling of the approach. Nevertheless, when considered in the context of determining whether a potential circulating metabolite may be quantitatively important prior to administration of a drug for the first time to humans, the approaches succeeded in highlighting the importance of M2 (M/P ratio >> 1) relative to M1, despite M1 being much greater than M2 in vitro.

Isobolographic analysis of the cutaneous antinociceptive interaction between bupivacaine co-injected with serotonin in rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this experiment was to investigate a long-lasting local anesthetic bupivacaine combined with serotonin at inducing cutaneous antinociception. METHODS: The skin antinociception, characterized by an inhibition of the cutaneous trunci muscle reflex (CTMR) following the pinprick on the dorsal skin of rats, was evaluated. The cutaneous antinociceptive effects of bupivacaine alone, serotonin alone, or bupivacaine co-injected with serotonin in a dose-dependent fashion were constructed, while the drug-drug interactions were evaluated by isobologram. RESULTS: Subcutaneous serotonin, as well as the local anesthetic bupivacaine provoked dose-related cutaneous antinociception. On an equipotent basis (50% effective dose [ED50]), the relative potency was bupivacaine (0.43 [0.37-0.50] µmol)>serotonin (1.27 [1.15-1.40] µmol) (p<0.01). At the equi-anesthetic doses (ED75, ED50 and ED25), the duration of bupivacaine was similar to that of serotonin at producing cutaneous antinociceptive effects. Co-administration of bupivacaine and serotonin displayed a synergistic antinociception. CONCLUSIONS: The preclinical data demonstrated that serotonin is less potent in eliciting cutaneous antinociceptive effects but has the similar duration of action, compared with bupivacaine. We also found a more significant depth of the sensory block with bupivacaine+serotonin than bupivacaine alone.

Distribution and levels of 5-HT1B receptors in anterior cingulate cortex of patients with bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia - An autoradiography study.

The serotonin 1B receptor has recently received more interest as a possible new target for pharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders. However, the exact mechanisms of action remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the binding distribution and levels of the serotonin 1B receptor in-depth in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and provide more insight in its functional role in bipolar disorder (BD), major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia (SZ). Serotonin 1B receptor binding distribution was visualized with high resolution autoradiography (ARG), using the radioligand [3H]AZ10419369, in postmortem ACC tissue from patients diagnosed with BD (n=14), MDD (n=12), SZ (n=13) and healthy subjects (n=13). Moreover, a quantification of receptor binding was made with ARG, in relation to patient group, age and gender. In all subject groups a significantly higher specific binding of serotonin 1B receptor was measured in the outer ACC layers compared to the inner ACC layers. Correlation analysis with ARG binding patterns of several radioligands resulted in a significant correlation with glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor binding in the outer layers. No significant difference was found between subject groups in binding levels and distribution. In female subjects a significantly lower receptor binding was found than in male subjects, which was most profound in patients diagnosed with MDD. The binding distribution of the serotonin 1B receptor found in this study supports a role in glutamate transmission in the ACC and was not shown to be significantly altered in BD, MDD or SZ. A gender difference in serotonin 1B receptor binding was found.

Insights Into the Molecular Mechanism of Triptan Transport by P-glycoprotein.

The P-glycoprotein (Pgp) transporter reduces the penetration of a chemically diverse range of neurotherapeutics at the blood-brain barrier, but the molecular features of drugs and drug-Pgp interactions that drive transport remain to be clarified. In particular, the triptan neurotherapeutics, eletriptan (ETT) and sumatriptan (STT), were identified to have a >10-fold difference in transport rates despite being from the same drug class. Consistent with these transport differences, ETT activated Pgp-mediated ATP hydrolysis ∼2-fold, whereas STT slightly inhibited Pgp-mediated ATP hydrolysis by ∼10%. The interactions between them were also noncompetitive, suggesting that they occupy different binding sites on the transporter. Despite these differences, protein fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that the drugs have similar affinity to the transporter. NMR with Pgp and the drugs showed that they have distinct interactions with the transporter. Tertiary conformational changes probed by acrylamide quenching of Pgp tryptophan fluorescence with the drugs and a nonhydrolyzable ATP analog implied that the STT-bound Pgp must undergo larger conformational changes to hydrolyze ATP than ETT-bound Pgp. These results and previous transport studies were used to build a conformationally driven model for triptan transport with Pgp where STT presents a higher conformational barrier for ATP hydrolysis and transport than ETT.

Effect of Microneedle Type on Transdermal Permeation of Rizatriptan.

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of salient microneedle (MN) geometry parameters like length, density, shape and type on transdermal permeation of rizatriptan (RIZ). Studies were carried out using two types of MN devices viz. AdminPatch® arrays (ADM) (0.6, 0.9, 1.2 and 1.5 mm lengths) and laboratory-fabricated polymeric MNs (PMs) of 0.6 mm length. In the case of the PMs, arrays were applied three times at different places within a 1.77-cm2 skin area (PM-3) to maintain the MN density closer to 0.6 mm ADM. Histological studies revealed that PM, owing to their geometry/design, formed wider and deeper microconduits when compared to ADM of similar length. Approximately 4.9- and 4.2-fold increases in the RIZ steady-state flux values were observed with 1.5 mm ADM and PM-3 applications when compared to the passive studies. A good correlation between different dimensionless parameters like the amount of RIZ permeated (C t /C s), thickness (h/L) and surface area (S a/L 2) of the skin was observed with scaling analyses. Numerical simulations provided further information regarding the distribution of RIZ in MN-treated skin after application of different MNs. Overall, the study suggests that MN application enhances the RIZ transdermal permeation and the geometrical parameters of MNs play an important role in the degree enhancement.