Fluorogenic iminosydnones: bioorthogonal tools for double turn-on click-and-release reactions.

In this article, we report the synthesis and use of iminosydnone-based profluorophores as bioorthogonal cleavable linkers for imaging applications. These linkers react with cycloalkynes via subsequent [3+2] cycloaddition and retro Diels-Alder reactions, allowing simultaneous release of two dyes in biological media.

Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for the detection of mesocarb abuse in horse doping.

A method is described for the determination of mesocarb abuse in equestrian sport by combining gradient liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Mesocarb was administrated orally to two horses at a dose of 50 µg/kg. Urine samples were collected up to 120 h post administration. Hydrolyzed and conjugated urine fractions were handled using liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). The identity of the parent drug and metabolites was confirmed using liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Mesocarb and seven metabolites were detected in horse urine. Mono- and two di-hydroxylated metabolites were the main metabolites observed in horse urine samples. Based on the differences in MS/MS spectra it was supposed that these metabolites were been formed by the hydroxylation of the phenylisopropyl moiety of mesocarb whilst the main process of hydroxylation of mesocarb in human occurred in the phenylcarbamoyl moiety. The main metabolites were almost completely glucuroconjugated. Minor metabolites such as p-hydroxymesocarb and three di-hydroxylated metabolites together with parent mesocarb were also presented in the free urine fraction. This study has shown that two mono- and two di-hydroxylated metabolites are useful for controlling the abuse of mesocarb in horses.

Characterization of pharmacological and wake-promoting properties of the dopaminergic stimulant sydnocarb in rats.

Sydnocarb is a psychomotor stimulant structurally similar to d-amphetamine (D-AMPH) and is used in Russia for the treatment of a variety of neuropsychiatric comorbidities. The nature of sydnocarb-induced facilitation of dopamine (DA) neurotransmission [DA release versus DA transporter (DAT) inhibition] is not clear. The present study characterized the pharmacological actions and behavioral effects of intraperitoneal sydnocarb in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Where relevant, comparisons were made with intraperitoneal D-AMPH. Unlike D-AMPH, which causes release of DA from rat synaptosomes (EC(50) = 0.10 µM; 95% confidence limits, 0.06-0.18), sydnocarb (up to 100 µM) did not. Sydnocarb potently (K(i) = 8.3 ± 0.7 nM) blocked recombinant human DAT expressed in Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells and less potently blocked the norepinephrine transporter (K(i) = 10.1 ± 1.5 µM). Sydnocarb at 10 µM did not bind to 64 other targets. In rats, 10 and 30 mg/kg sydnocarb showed a 2-fold longer half-life in plasma and brain and a 5-fold lower brain-to-plasma ratio compared with 0.3 and 1 mg/kg D-AMPH. In the Irwin assay, sydnocarb was well tolerated up to 30 mg/kg; D-AMPH-like stereotypic behaviors were evident at 100 mg/kg. Behavioral effects of 30 mg/kg sydnocarb and 0.3 mg/kg D-AMPH were comparable. In a sleep/wake assay, 10 mg/kg sydnocarb and 1 mg/kg D-AMPH increased wakefulness comparably; however, sydnocarb (up to 30 mg/kg) did not induce D-AMPH-like rebound hypersomnolence (RHS). Like D-AMPH, sydnocarb enhanced theta power, an electrophysiological measure of cognitive function. In conclusion, sydnocarb is a selective and potent DAT inhibitor that produces robust increases in the wake state without RHS, and with potential cognitive-enhancing properties.

Identification of free and conjugated metabolites of mesocarb in human urine by LC-MS/MS.

The objective of the present study was to investigate mesocarb metabolism in humans. Samples obtained after administration of mesocarb to healthy volunteers were studied. The samples were extracted at alkaline pH using ethyl acetate and salting-out effect to recover metabolites excreted free and conjugated with sulfate. A complementary procedure was applied to recover conjugates with glucuronic acid or with sulfate consisting of the extraction of the urines with XAD-2 columns previously conditioned with methanol and deionized water; the columns were then washed with water and finally eluted with methanol. In both cases, the dried extracts were reconstituted and analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Chromatographic separation was carried out using a C(18) column (100 mm x 2.1 mm i.d., 1.7 microm particle size) and a mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile with 0.01% formic acid with gradient elution. The chromatographic system was coupled to a mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization source working in positive mode. Metabolic experiments were performed in multiple-reaction monitoring mode by monitoring one transition for each potential mesocarb metabolite. Mesocarb and 19 metabolites were identified in human urine, including mono-, di-, and trihydroxylated metabolites excreted free as well as conjugated with sulfate or glucuronic acid. All metabolites were detected up to 48 h after administration. The structures of most metabolites were proposed based on data from reference standards available and molecular mass and product ion mass spectra of the peaks detected. The direct detection of mesocarb metabolites conjugated with sulfate and glucuronic acid without previous hydrolysis has been described for the first time. Finally, a screening method to detect the administration of mesocarb in routine antidoping control analyses was proposed and validated based on the detection of the main mesocarb metabolites in human urine (p-hydroxymesocarb and p-hydroxymesocarb sulfate). After analysis of several blank urines, the method demonstrated to be specific. Extraction recoveries of 100.3 +/- 0.8 and 105.9 +/- 10.8 (n = 4), and limits of detection of 0.5 and 0.1 ng mL(-1) were obtained for p-hydroxymesocarb sulfate and p-hydroxymesocarb, respectively. The intra- and inter-assay precisions were estimated at two concentration levels, 50 and 250 ng mL(-1), and relative standard deviations were lower than 15% in all cases (n = 4).

Synthesis and characterization of hydroxylated mesocarb metabolites for doping control.

The synthesis and method of analysis of hydroxylated mesocarb metabolites are described. Six potential hydroxylated mesocarb metabolites were prepared, characterized, and compared with the mesocarb metabolites synthesized enzymatically in vitro using human liver proteins and also compared with metabolites extracted from human urine after oral administration of mesocarb. p-Hydroxymesocarb was the most prevalent metabolite (conjugated and non-conjugated) observed. With respect to doping analysis, synthesis of p-hydroxymesocarb, the main urinary metabolite of mesocarb, and its availability as a reference material is important.

Esterase-activated chromane-sydnonimine prodrug hybrids.

The preparation and characterization of two vitamin E analogs-sydnonimine conjugates, delta-tocopheryloxycarbonyl-3-morpholinosydnonimine (2) and troloxoxycarbonyl-3-morpholinosydnonimine (3), in which the hydroxyl group of the tocopheryl moieties is linked via an enzymatically cleavable urethane group to the sydnone moiety is described. In the presence of porcine liver esterase, these tocopheryl-sydnonimine conjugates generated the expected antioxidant moieties, i.e., delta-tocopherol or Trolox, and were found to convert oxyhemoglobin to methemoglobin at 37 degrees C in 50 mM phosphate buffer at pH 7.4, thus providing evidence for nitric oxide release. Their potency as antioxidants was indirectly studied by associating the two products of the hydrolysis, SIN-1, and delta-tocopherol or Trolox. Our findings suggest that unlike the other members of the sydnonimine family these chromane-sydnonimine derivatives do not act as peroxynitrite donors, and require enzymatic bioactivation before nitric oxide or nitroxyl anion (NO(-)) can be released.

Precursor medications as a source of methamphetamine and/or amphetamine positive drug testing results.

Medical Review Officer interpretation of laboratory results is an important component of drug testing programs. The clinical evaluation of laboratory results to assess the possibility of appropriate medical use of a drug is a task with many different facets, depending on the drug class considered. This intercession prevents the reporting of positive results unless it is apparent that drugs were used illicitly. In addition to the commonly encountered prescribed drugs that yield positive drug testing results, other sources of positive results must be considered. This review describes a series of compounds referred to as "precursor" drugs that are metabolized by the body to amphetamine and/or methamphetamine. These compounds lead to positive results for amphetamines even though neither amphetamine nor methamphetamine were used, a possibility that must be considered in the review of laboratory results. Description of the drugs, their clinical indications, and results seen following administration are provided. This information allows for the informed evaluation of results with regard to the potential involvement of these drugs.

Illegal or legitimate use? Precursor compounds to amphetamine and methamphetamine.

The interpretation of methamphetamine and amphetamine positive test results in biological samples is a challenge to clinical and forensic toxicology for several reasons. The effects of pH and dilution of urine samples and the knowledge about legitimate and illicit sources have to be taken into account. Besides a potentially legal prescription of amphetamines, many substances metabolize to methamphetamine or amphetamine in the body: amphetaminil, benzphetamine, clobenzorex, deprenyl, dimethylamphetamine, ethylamphetamine, famprofazone, fencamine, fenethylline, fenproporex, furfenorex, mefenorex, mesocarb, and prenylamine. Especially the knowledge of potential origins of methamphetamine and amphetamine turns out to be very important to prevent a misinterpretation of the surrounding circumstances and to prove illegal drug abuse. In this review, potential precursor compounds are described, including their medical use and major clinical effects and their metabolic profiles, as well as some clues which help to identify the sources.

Endothelial preserving actions of a nitric oxide donor in carotid arterial intimal injury.

We examined the actions of a nitric oxide donor, CAS754, in a rat model of carotid artery intimal injury. Seven days following injury, the injured carotid arteries were studied for endothelial release of nitric oxide (NO) and for histological measurement of the intimal/medial (I/M) ratio. Basal release of NO was assessed by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced vasocontraction. L-NAME contracted injured rat carotid artery rings about 27% of that obtained in control rats (p < 0.01). However, CAS754 given at 30 mcg/day i.v. resulted in a L-NAME contraction of twice that of vehicle-treated rats (p < 0.01). A control compound lacking the NO moiety (C-3934) yielded a contraction to L-NAME comparable to untreated injured rats. We also tested the ability of rat carotid artery rings to relax to the endothelium-dependent vasodilators, acetylcholine and A23187. ACh (10 mcM) relaxed carotid artery rings only about 20% of control values in vehicle-treated and in C-3934-treated rats, compared with a vasorelaxation of over 80% of control in CAS754-treated rats (p < 0.01). Relaxation to acidified NaNO2 (100 mcM) was not significantly different among any of the groups of carotid arteries, indicating normal vascular smooth muscle responses following intimal injury. Morphometric assessment of carotid arteries isolated from injured rats given either vehicle or C-3934 showed marked intimal thickening with an average intimal/medial (I/M) ratio of 0.79 +/- 0.05 and 0.73 +/- 0.06, respectively, compared with 0.10 +/- 0.02 in non-injured arteries.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Enzymic and nonenzymic release of NO accounts for the vasodilator activity of the metabolites of CAS 936, a novel long-acting sydnonimine derivative.

The molecular mechanism(s) underlying the vasodilator activity of CAS 936 (3-(cis-2,6-dimethylpiperidino)-N-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-sydn oni mine) and its metabolites 3-(cis-2,6-dimethylpiperidino)-sydnonimine (C87 3754) and N-(cis-2,6-dimethylpiperidino)-N-nitroso-2-aminoacetonitrile (C873786) was investigated. These compounds were tested for their relaxant activity in isolated rabbit arterial segments, activation of purified soluble guanylyl cyclase and release of nitric oxide (NO) in vitro and in vivo. C873754 and C873786 inhibited the noradrenaline-induced contraction and increased the cyclic GMP content of endothelium-denuded rabbit aortic and femoral segments, whereas CAS 936 was without effect. Similarly, both metabolites, but not CAS 936, activated purified soluble guanylyl cyclase (EC50 about 30 microM) and released NO in buffered aqueous solutions, as detected by electron spin resonance (esr) spectrometry. Both in vitro and in vivo an accumulation of NO was detected by esr spectrometry in vascular tissues exposed to the metabolites of CAS 936, whereas a significant release of NO from CAS 936 was only detected in the isolated rabbit liver, but not in vascular tissue. It is conceivable, therefore, that the metabolites of CAS 936 appearing in the systemic circulation after hepatic biotransformation induce vasodilatation by release of NO and activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase in vascular smooth muscle. Moreover, the activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase in vitro by the metabolites of CAS 936 was significantly enhanced by co-incubation with certain particulate fractions from bovine aortic endothelial and smooth muscle cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Radiochromatographic study of the distribution of sidnocarb-14C and its metabolites in inbred mice]. / Radiokhromatograficheskoe issledovanie raspredeleniia sidnokarba-14C i ego metabolitov u inbrednykh myshei.

The title study permitted detecting genetic differences in sydnocarb metabolism. It was established that the rate of sydnocarb oxidation in BALB/c mice was higher than in C57B1/6 mice.

The effect of molsidomine on intramyocardial pressure and regional myocardial blood flow in the canine ischemic myocardium.

Molsidomine was administered intraduodenally to anesthetized dogs which were instrumented for measurements of aortic and left ventricular (LV) pressures, coronary perfusion pressure, intramyocardial pressure in the subendocardium, and subendocardial and subepicardial myocardial blood flow in the ischemic and non-ischemic regions. The dogs were divided into two groups: group M (n = 9) was administered molsidomine (0.2 mg/kg), group S (n = 10), saline only. Maximum LV systolic pressure decline was 20% in group M and 3% in group S (p less than 0.05). Maximum LV end-diastolic pressure decline was 63% and 35% in groups M and S, respectively (p less than 0.05). There was no difference between mean aortic pressure and coronary perfusion pressure between the two groups. The subepicardial blood flow in the ischemic region was decreased (-23% in group M vs 5% in group S; p less than 0.05), but subendocardial blood flow in the ischemic region increased only slightly in group M. The ratio of subendocardial to subepicardial blood flow increased at 15 and 30 min after administration of molsidomine in the ischemic area (67% in group M vs -10% in group S; p less than 0.05), but did not show any change in the non-ischemic region. Intramyocardial pressure at systole did not show any change but it decreased at end-diastole, (-32% in group M vs -7% in group S; p less than 0.05). Thus molsidomine redistributed the myocardial blood flow from the subepicardium to the subendocardium and from the non-ischemic to the ischemic region. This redistribution was associated with a reduction in both LV end-diastolic pressure and intramyocardial pressure at end-diastole.

Pharmacokinetics of molsidomine in humans.

The pharmacokinetics of molsidomine were investigated in the plasma and urine of healthy male volunteers and patients with coronary heart disease after intravenous and/or oral administration of different galenic dosage forms of molsidomine. Following the rapid attainment of mean peak concentration (15 +/- 7 mg/ml) 0.5 to 1.0 hour after single oral dosing of 2 mg of molsidomine, the plasma levels of the unchanged drug decline monoexponentially with a mean half-life of 1.6 +/- 0.8 hours. Molsidomine is absorbed almost completely. Its absolute bioavailability (44 +/- 15%) and a 14C-labeled triale give evidence of quick biotransformation of molsidomine to active metabolites. Less than 2% of the unchanged drug appear in the urine, but renal excretion is the main route of elimination of the metabolites in humans (90% to 95%). The kinetics parameters after administration of multiple dosages of 4 mg of molsidomine over 29 days do not account for accumulation of or enzyme induction by molsidomine. The finding of obvious good correlations between plasma levels of the predrug molsidomine and corresponding pharmacodynamic data can be made plausible by the time course of concentration values of the active metabolite SIN-1 in plasma.

Relationship between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of molsidomine and its metabolites in humans.

The pharmacokinetic properties and hemodynamic effect of molsidomine and its pharmacologically active metabolite SIN-1 were investigated in 13 healthy volunteers following single oral doses. Hemodynamic changes were measured by finger plethysmography (peripheral arterial resistance), impedance plethysmography (venous distensibility), heart rate, and blood pressure. Plasma concentrations of molsidomine, SIN-1, and SIN-1C were measured by means of high-pressure liquid chromatography. Oral administration of rapidly dissolving tablets of molsidomine (2 tablets of 4 mg), a sustained-release form of molsidomine (8 mg), and SIN-1 (4 mg) caused an increase of the a/b ratio of the finger plethysmogram and an increase of the venous distensibility. Heart rate and blood pressure remained unaffected. The time course of the peripheral arterial effect mimicked the time course of plasma concentrations of molsidomine and SIN-1. Similar to the results in animals, molsidomine was metabolized in humans to SIN-1 and subsequently degraded to the inactive metabolite SIN-1C. The kinetic profile of both metabolites could be followed in the plasma. The rate-limiting step in the metabolic sequence of molsidomine was found to be enzymatic hydrolysis and decarboxylation of molsidomine to SIN-1. Concentration-response curves of the a/b ratio of the finger plethysmogram showed that the plasma concentrations required to produce a definite effect are much higher for molsidomine than for SIN-1. This shows that the pharmacodynamically active form of molsidomine in humans is the metabolite SIN-1. The changes in the finger plethysmogram produced by SIN-1 suggest that in addition to the effect on the venous site, SIN-1 also dilates the peripheral arterial site.

Mean time and first-pass metabolism.

The theoretical principles are outlined for estimating the fraction of a drug undergoing first-pass metabolism using only the plasma levels found after a single oral dose. Data for 3 drugs are used to illustrate the method. It involves analysis of the parent drug and the metabolite formed during the first passage through the gut wall and liver and evaluation of their total mean times. The mean time characteristics of molsidomine, nortriptyline and propranolol are considered and they confirm the theoretically deduced dependency of the mean time of the parent drug and the metabolite. Whether the results are more precise than those obtained from comparison of areas after oral and intravenous administration is discussed. From the data presented it is clear that the mean time method depends on the scatter inherent in the data. In order to estimate the true first-pass effect, greater scatter requires an increased number of data pairs, i.e. subjects. If intravenous data are not available, however, the method described provides a rough but worthwhile estimate of the first pass effect.

Synthesis, metabolism, and disposition of the antiinflammatory 3-[2-(4-methylphenyl)-thioethyl]-sydnone-5-14C in the rat.

The synthesis, as well as the in vivo and in vitro disposition, of 3-[2-(4-methylphenyl)thioethyl]-sydnone-5-14C (5) in the rat is described. After intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of 5 in female Sprague-Dawley rats, the distribution and excretion of radioactive substances was monitored (24 h). Radioactivity in the blood declined in a biphasic manner with half-lives of 0.55 and 15.2 h for the alpha- and beta-phase, respectively. About 8% of the administered radioactivity was detected in feces and approximately 90% in urine (24 h). In 3.75 h, 50% of the radio-dose was excreted in the urine. Tissue distribution studies demonstrated a selective uptake of radioactivity only by the adrenal glands and the ovaries. The radioactivity in these organs reached a maximum approximately 1 h after dosing and then declined rapidly. None of the parent drug was excreted from such a single dose (i.p. injection) which indicated rapid in vivo metabolism. Nor could there be found any metabolites related to the whole structure, for example, the sulfoxide or aromatic hydroxy compounds. The sydnone 5, its sulfoxide and unconjugated metabolites were detected and quantitated by GC/MS methodology using unlabelled authentic samples. Radioactive carbon dioxide was not detected during the in vivo or in vitro experiments, nor was it released from alkaline urine samples upon acidification. Radiolabelled urinary metabolites were glycolic acid-1-14C 9 (34%), its glycine conjugate 10 (52%) and 3-vinylsydnone-5-14C 11 (4%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pharmacokinetics of an extended-release dosage form of molsidomine in patients with coronary heart disease.

Molsidomine (N-carboxy-3-morpholino-sydnonimine-ethylester; Cassella-Riedel Pharma GmbH, Frankfurt/M. FRG) has an antianginal effect for up to 3-5 h after oral administration of 2 mg Corvaton [1]. Plasma levels of the parent drug can be measured during this interval. A new galenic formulation (Corvaton retard) has been developed to prolong the duration of the therapeutic action and to improve patient compliance. The present study was carried out to establish whether the in vitro dissolution profile of the tablet was reflected in vivo, thus permitting prediction of plasma molsidomine levels in patients with coronary heart disease.

Intravenous and oral administration of molsidomine, a pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic study.

In 12 healthy male volunteers, molsidomine 1, 2 and 4 mg i.v. increased resting heart rate and decreased systolic blood pressure, the latter still being affected after 8 hours. After single oral doses of 1 and 2 mg, systolic pressure tended to be reduced for 90 minutes and exercise heart rate tended to be increased. After oral treatment with 2 mg molsidomine three times daily for 1 week, the pharmacokinetic parameters and the effects on heart rate and blood pressure after the final dose were not different from those after the first dose. The terminal half-life was independent of dose and route of administration. Clearance and distribution volume were not dose-dependent. The bioavailability of a 2 mg oral dose of molsidomine was 44%. Inter-individual variation in heart rate, blood pressure and pharmacokinetics was observed.

[Human pharmacokinetics of molsidomine]. / Pharmacocinétique humaine de la molsidomine.

Molsidomine is well absorbed by the gastro-intestinal tract and is taken up by the liver during the first passage. Its bioavailability is 60 per cent. Digestive or sublingual absorption is rapid: maximal plasma concentrations are obtained 0.5 to 1.0 hours after administration. Molsidomine is minimally bound by plasma proteins and is distributed in a volume of 1 litre/kg. The excretion is essentially extrarenal: less than 2 per cent of the administered dose is excreted in the form of unchanged molsidomine. Molsidomine is metabolized in the liver to two pharmacologically active metabolites which spontaneously and rapidly breakdown into inactive metabolites which are excreted by the kidneys. The plasma half-life of molsidomine is 1 to 2 hours: it is not modified in patients with renal failure, but it is prolonged in patients with hepatic failure. The kinetics are linear and independent of the route of administration and the dose. There is a correlation between the plasma concentration and the pharmacological effect: the minimal effective concentration is about 5 ng/ml. At the usual dose of 2 mg three times a day, there is no accumulation of the drug.