Assessing the Preanalytical Variability of Plasma and Cerebrospinal Fluid Processing and Its Effects on Inflammation-Related Protein Biomarkers.

Proteomics studies are important for the discovery of new biomarkers as clinical tools for diagnosis and disease monitoring. However, preanalytical variations caused by differences in sample handling protocol pose challenges for assessing biomarker reliability and comparability between studies. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of delayed centrifuging on measured protein levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Blood from healthy individuals and patients with multiple sclerosis along with CSF from patients with suspected neurological disorders were left at room temperature for different periods (blood: 1, 24, 48, 72 h; CSF: 1 and 6 h) prior to centrifuging. Ninety-one inflammation-related proteins were analyzed using a proximity extension assay, a high-sensitivity multiplex immunoassay. Additional metabolic and neurology-related markers were also investigated in CSF. In summary, many proteins, particularly in plasma, had increased levels with longer delays in processing likely due in part to intracellular leakage. Levels of caspase 8, interleukin 8, interleukin 18, sirtuin 2, and sulfotransferase 1A1 increased 2-fold to 10-fold in plasma after 24 h at room temperature. Similarly, levels of cathepsin H, ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 5, and WW domain containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 differentiated in CSF with <6 h delay in processing. However, the rate of change for many proteins was relatively consistent; therefore, we were able to characterize biomarkers for detecting sample handling variability. Our findings highlight the importance of timely and consistent sample collection and the need for increased awareness of protein susceptibility to sample handling bias. In addition, suggested biomarkers may be used in certain situations to detect and correct for preanalytical variation in future studies.

Inflammation-related plasma and CSF biomarkers for multiple sclerosis.

Effective biomarkers for multiple sclerosis diagnosis, assessment of prognosis, and treatment responses, in particular those measurable in blood, are largely lacking. We have investigated a broad set of protein biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma using a highly sensitive proteomic immunoassay. Cases from two independent cohorts were compared with healthy controls and patients with other neurological diseases. We identified and replicated 10 cerebrospinal fluid proteins including IL-12B, CD5, MIP-1a, and CXCL9 which had a combined diagnostic efficacy similar to immunoglobulin G (IgG) index and neurofilament light chain (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.95). Two plasma proteins, OSM and HGF, were also associated with multiple sclerosis in comparison to healthy controls. Sensitivity and specificity of combined CSF and plasma markers for multiple sclerosis were 85.7% and 73.5%, respectively. In the discovery cohort, eotaxin-1 (CCL11) was associated with disease duration particularly in patients who had secondary progressive disease (PCSF < 4 × 10-5, Pplasma < 4 × 10-5), and plasma CCL20 was associated with disease severity (P = 4 × 10-5), although both require further validation. Treatment with natalizumab and fingolimod showed different compartmental changes in protein levels of CSF and peripheral blood, respectively, including many disease-associated markers (e.g., IL12B, CD5) showing potential application for both diagnosing disease and monitoring treatment efficacy. We report a number of multiple sclerosis biomarkers in CSF and plasma for early disease detection and potential indicators for disease activity. Of particular importance is the set of markers discovered in blood, where validated biomarkers are lacking.

Restricted cortical and amygdaloid removal of vesicular glutamate transporter 2 in preadolescent mice impacts dopaminergic activity and neuronal circuitry of higher brain function.

A major challenge in neuroscience is to resolve the connection between gene functionality, neuronal circuits, and behavior. Most, if not all, neuronal circuits of the adult brain contain a glutamatergic component, the nature of which has been difficult to assess because of the vast cellular abundance of glutamate. In this study, we wanted to determine the role of a restricted subpopulation of glutamatergic neurons within the forebrain, the Vglut2-expressing neurons, in neuronal circuitry of higher brain function. Vglut2 expression was selectively deleted in the cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala of preadolescent mice, which resulted in increased locomotor activity, altered social dominance and risk assessment, decreased sensorimotor gating, and impaired long-term spatial memory. Presynaptic VGLUT2-positive terminals were lost in the cortex, striatum, nucleus accumbens, and hippocampus, and a downstream effect on dopamine binding site availability in the striatum was evident. A connection between the induced late-onset, chronic reduction of glutamatergic neurotransmission and dopamine signaling within the circuitry was further substantiated by a partial attenuation of the deficits in sensorimotor gating by the dopamine-stabilizing antipsychotic drug aripiprazole and an increased sensitivity to amphetamine. Somewhat surprisingly, given the restricted expression of Vglut2 in regions responsible for higher brain function, our analyses show that VGLUT2-mediated neurotransmission is required for certain aspects of cognitive, emotional, and social behavior. The present study provides support for the existence of a neurocircuitry that connects changes in VGLUT2-mediated neurotransmission to alterations in the dopaminergic system with schizophrenia-like behavioral deficits as a major outcome.

Species differences in blood-brain barrier transport of three positron emission tomography radioligands with emphasis on P-glycoprotein transport.

Species differences occur in the brain concentrations of drugs, but the reasons for these differences are not yet apparent. This study was designed to compare brain uptake of three radiolabeled P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates across species using positron emission tomography. Brain concentrations and brain-to-plasma ratios were compared; [(11)C]verapamil in rats, guinea pigs, and monkeys; [(11)C](S)-(2-methoxy-5-(5-trifluoromethyltetrazol-1-yl)-phenylmethylamino)-2(S)-phenylpiperidine (GR205171) in rats, guinea pigs, monkeys, and humans; and [(18)F]altanserin in rats, minipigs, and humans. The fraction of the unbound radioligand in plasma was studied along with its metabolism. The effect of P-gp inhibition was investigated by administering cyclosporin A (CsA). Pronounced species differences were found in the brain and brain-to-plasma concentrations of [(11)C]verapamil, [(11)C]GR205171, and [(18)F]altanserin with higher brain distribution in humans, monkeys, and minipigs than in rats and guinea pigs. For example, the brain-to-plasma ratio of [(11)C]GR205171 was almost 9-fold higher in humans compared with rats. The species differences were still present after P-gp inhibition, although the increase in brain concentrations after P-gp inhibition was somewhat greater in rats than in the other species. Differences in plasma protein binding and metabolism did not explain the species-related differences. The findings are important for interpretation of brain drug delivery when extrapolating preclinical data to humans. Compounds found to be P-gp substrates in rodents are likely to also be substrates in higher species, but sufficient blood-brain barrier permeability may be retained in humans to allow the compound to act at intracerebral targets.

[(18)F]Fluoroacetate is not a functional analogue of [(11)C]acetate in normal physiology.

PURPOSE: [(11)C]Acetate (C-AC) is a general PET tracer of cellular carbon flux and useful for clinical imaging in heart disease as well as prostate cancer and other tumours. C-AC has a high (70%) whole-body extraction fraction, proportional to blood flow in many organs. Trapping is related to organ-specific enzymatic activation and formation of [(11)C]-acetyl-CoA, the fate of which has been well characterized. Due to the logistic challenges with C-AC, 2-[(18)F]fluoroacetate (F-AC) has been proposed as a marker for prostate cancer imaging. METHOD: We evaluated the potential of F-AC as a tracer for imaging blood flow and early enzymatic steps in the intermediary metabolism. C-AC and F-AC were injected serially in three cynomolgus monkeys and one domestic pig and scanned using PET/CT. A dynamic scan covering heart and liver was followed by repeated whole-body imaging. Kinetic patterns were compared for the myocardium, liver, blood and other organs. RESULTS: C-AC kinetics and organ distribution in both species were similar to those previously established in man. In contrast, F-AC showed prolonged blood retention, no detectable trapping in myocardium or salivary glands, rapid clearance from liver and extensive excretion to bile and urine. Massive defluorination was seen in the pig, resulting in intense skeletal activity. CONCLUSION: 2-[(18)F]Fluoroacetate cannot be regarded as a functional analogue of 1-[(11)C]acetate in normal physiology and appears to be of little use for studies of organ blood flow, intermediary metabolism or lipid synthesis.

Shrunken Pore Syndrome Is Associated With Increased Levels of Atherosclerosis-Promoting Proteins.

INTRODUCTION: Shrunken pore syndrome (SPS), originally defined by cystatin C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcystatin C) being less than 60% of creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcreatinine) in the absence of extrarenal influences on the plasma levels of cystatin C or creatinine, is associated with a high increase in mortality, even in the absence of reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The objective of the present study was to determine whether the proteome of patients with SPS shows differences from that of patients with normal or reduced measured GFR (mGFR) without SPS. METHODS: Four patient cohorts were included: 1 cohort with normal mGFR without SPS, 1 with normal mGFR with SPS, 1 with reduced mGFR without SPS, and 1 with reduced mGFR with SPS. The plasma levels of 177 selected proteins were analyzed. RESULTS: Differences in the levels of 30 proteins were specific for SPS; 31 differences were specific for patients with both SPS and reduced mGFR; and 27 were specific for reduced mGFR. Eighteen of the differences specific for SPS concerned proteins described as promoting, or being associated with, atherosclerosis. Twelve of the differences specific for patients with both SPS and reduced mGFR and 10 of the differences specific for reduced mGFR also concerned proteins described as promoting, or being associated with, atherosclerosis. Almost all (82 of 88) of the concentration differences represented increased levels. For SPS, but not for reduced mGFR, a correlation between protein size and increase in level was observed, with smaller proteins being associated with higher levels. CONCLUSION: The high mortality in shrunken pore syndrome might be caused by the accumulation of atherosclerosis-promoting proteins in this condition.

Preparation and evaluation of a 68Ga-labeled RGD-containing octapeptide for noninvasive imaging of angiogenesis: biodistribution in non-human primate.

Monitoring general disease marker such as angiogenesis may contribute to the development of personalized medicine and improve therapy outcome. Readily availability of positron emitter based imaging agents providing quantification would expand clinical positron emission tomography (PET) applications. Generator produced 68Ga provides PET images of high resolution and the half-life time frame is compatible with the pharmacokinetics of small peptides comprising arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) sequence specific to αvß3 integrin receptors. The main objective of this study was to develop a method for 68Ga-labeling of RGD containing bicyclic octapeptide ([68Ga]Ga-DOTA-RGD) with high specific radioactivity and preclinically assess its imaging potential. DOTA-RGD was labeled using generator eluate preconcentration technique and microwave heating. The binding and organ distribution properties of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-RGD were tested in vitro by autoradiography of frozen tumor sections, and in vivo in mice carrying a Lewis Lung carcinoma graft (LL2), and in non-human primate (NHP). Another peptide with aspartic acid-glycine-phenylalanine sequence was used as a negative control. The full 68Ga radioactivity eluted from two generators was quantitatively incorporated into 3-8 nanomoles of the peptide conjugates. The target binding specificity was confirmed by blocking experiments. The specific uptake in the LL2 mice model was observed in vivo and confirmed in the corresponding ex vivo biodistribution experiments. Increased accumulation of the radioactivity was detected in the wall of the uterus of the female NHP probably indicating neovascularization. [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-RGD demonstrated potential for the imaging of angiogenesis.

In vitro imaging techniques in neurodegenerative diseases.

Neurodegeneration induces various changes in the brain, changes that may be investigated using neuroimaging techniques. The in vivo techniques are useful for the visualization of major changes, and the progressing abnormalities may also be followed longitudinally. However, to study and quantify minor abnormalities, neuroimaging of postmortem brain tissue is used. These in vitro methods are complementary to the in vivo techniques and contribute to the knowledge of pathophysiology and etiology of the neurodegenerative diseases. In vitro radioligand autoradiography has given great insight in the involvement of different neuronal receptor systems in these diseases. Data on the dopamine and cholinergic systems in neurodegeneration are discussed in this review. Also, the amyloid plaques are studied using in vitro radioligand autoradiography. Using one of the newer methods, imaging matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry, the distribution of a large number of peptides and proteins may be detected in vitro on brain cryosections. In this overview, we describe in vitro imaging techniques in the neurodegenerative diseases as a complement to in vivo positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography imaging.

Synthesis of two potential NK1-receptor ligands using [1-11C]ethyl iodide and [1-11C]propyl iodide and initial PET-imaging.

BACKGROUND: The previously validated NK1-receptor ligand [O-methyl-11C]GR205171 binds with a high affinity to the NK1-receptor and displays a slow dissociation from the receptor. Hence, it cannot be used in vivo for detecting concentration changes in substance P, the endogenous ligand for the NK1-receptor. A radioligand used for monitoring these changes has to enable displacement by the endogenous ligand and thus bind reversibly to the receptor. Small changes in the structure of a receptor ligand can lead to changes in binding characteristics and also in the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. The aim of this study was to use carbon-11 labelled ethyl and propyl iodide with high specific radioactivity in the synthesis of two new and potentially reversible NK1-receptor ligands with chemical structures based on [O-methyl-11C]GR205171. METHODS: [1-11C]Ethyl and [1-11C]propyl iodide with specific radioactivities of 90 GBq/mumol and 270 GBq/mumol, respectively, were used in the synthesis of [O-methyl-11C]GR205171 analogues by alkylation of O-desmethyl GR205171. The brain uptake of the obtained (2S,3S)-N-(1-(2- [1-11C]ethoxy-5-(3-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)ethyl)-2-phenylpiperidin-3-amine (I) and (2S,3S)-2-phenyl-N-(1-(2- [1-11C]propoxy-5-(3-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)ethyl)piperidin-3-amine (II) was studied with PET in guinea pigs and rhesus monkeys and compared to the uptake of [O-methyl-11C]GR205171. RESULTS: All ligands had similar uptake distribution in the guinea pig brain. The PET-studies in rhesus monkeys showed that (II) had no specific binding in striatum. Ligand (I) had moderate specific binding compared to the [O-methyl-11C]GR205171. The ethyl analogue (I) displayed reversible binding characteristics contrary to the slow dissociation rate shown by [O-methyl-11C]GR205171. CONCLUSION: The propyl-analogue (II) cannot be used for detecting changes in NK1-ligand levels, while further studies should be performed with the ethyl-analogue (I).

[11C]metomidate positron emission tomography of adrenocortical tumors in correlation with histopathological findings.

CONTEXT: Adrenal incidentalomas are common findings necessitating extensive laboratory work-up and repetitive radiological examinations. Positron emission tomography (PET) using (11)C-labeled metomidate (MTO) has previously been described as a tool for specific adrenocortical imaging. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated 212 MTO-PET examinations in 173 patients to identify its role in the management of adrenal tumors. DESIGN: Seventy-five histopathological examinations from 73 patients were retrospectively analyzed. SETTING: All examinations were performed at a referral center. PATIENTS: Patients who were operated or biopsied due to adrenal tumors had histopathological diagnoses of adrenocortical adenoma (n = 26), adrenocortical cancer (ACC; n = 13), adrenocortical hyperplasia (n = 8), pheochromocytoma (n = 6), metastasis (n = 3), and tumors of nonadrenal origin (n = 19). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were statistical analyses and findings while scrutinizing images. The hypothesis that MTO-PET is of value in the management of adrenal tumors, especially incidentaloma, was stated before data collection. RESULTS: Sensitivity was 0.89 and specificity was 0.96 for MTO-PET in proving adrenocortical origin of the lesions. Pheochromocytomas, metastases to the adrenal gland, and nonadrenal masses were all MTO negative. PET measurements using standardized uptake values (SUV) in pathological adrenocortical tissue could differentiate lesions larger than 1-1.5 cm from normal adrenocortical tissue. SUV was higher in aldosterone-hypersecreting adenomas, and the SUV ratio between the tumor and the contralateral gland was significantly higher in all hormonally hypersecreting adenomas as well as in ACC. CONCLUSION: MTO-PET is a specific and sensitive method for diagnosing adrenocortical tumors. MTO-PET is useful in the imaging work-up of adrenal incidentalomas and may be beneficial for the examination of patients with primary aldosteronism or ACC.

Preparation and evaluation of (68)Ga-DOTA-hEGF for visualization of EGFR expression in malignant tumors.

UNLABELLED: Detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression in many carcinomas provides important diagnostic information, which can influence patient management. The use of PET may enable such detection in vivo by a noninvasive procedure with high sensitivity. The aim of this study was to develop a method for preparation of a positron-emitting tracer based on a natural ligand to EGFR, the recombinant human epidermal growth factor (hEGF), and to perform a preclinical evaluation of the tracer. METHODS: DOTA-hEGF (DOTA is 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetic acid) was prepared by coupling of a N-sulfosuccinimide ester of DOTA to hEGF. The conjugate was labeled with a generator-produced positron-emitting nuclide, (68)Ga (half-life = 68 min), using microwave heating. Binding specificity, affinity, internalization, and retention of (68)Ga-DOTA-hEGF was studied in 2 EGFR-expressing cell lines, U343 glioma cells and A431 cervical carcinoma cells. Biodistribution and microPET visualization studies were performed in BALB/c nu/nu mice bearing A431 carcinoma xenografts. RESULTS: A 1-min-long microwave-assisted labeling provided radioactivity incorporation of 77% +/- 4%. Both cell lines demonstrated receptor-specific uptake of the conjugate, rapid internalization of the tracer, and good retention of radioactivity. Binding to both cell lines occurred with high affinity, approximately 2 nmol/L. The biodistribution study demonstrated accumulation of radioactivity in xenografts and in EGFR-expressing organs. The microPET imaging study enabled visualization of tumors and demonstrated quick--within 5 min--localization of radioactivity in tumors. CONCLUSION: (68)Ga-DOTA-hEGF has potential for imaging EGFR overexpression in tumors.

A new, fast and semi-automated size determination method (SASDM) for studying multicellular tumor spheroids.

BACKGROUND: Considering the width and importance of using Multicellular Tumor Spheroids (MTS) in oncology research, size determination of MTSs by an accurate and fast method is essential. In the present study an effective, fast and semi-automated method, SASDM, was developed to determinate the size of MTSs. The method was applied and tested in MTSs of three different cell-lines. Frozen section autoradiography and Hemotoxylin Eosin (H&E) staining was used for further confirmation. RESULTS: SASDM was shown to be effective, user-friendly, and time efficient, and to be more precise than the traditional methods and it was applicable for MTSs of different cell-lines. Furthermore, the results of image analysis showed high correspondence to the results of autoradiography and staining. CONCLUSION: The combination of assessment of metabolic condition and image analysis in MTSs provides a good model to evaluate the effect of various anti-cancer treatments.

Cytochrome P450-catalyzed binding of 3-methylsulfonyl-DDE and o,p'-DDD in human adrenal zona fasciculata/reticularis.

3-Methylsulfonyl-2,2'-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1'-dichloroethene (MeSO(2)-DDE) is a potent, tissue-specific toxicant that induces necrosis of the adrenal zona fasciculata following a local CYP11B1-catalyzed activation to a reactive intermediate in mice. Autoradiography was used to examine CYP11B1-catalyzed binding of MeSO(2)-[(14)C]DDE and the adrenocorticolytic drug 2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichlorethane; (o,p'-[(14)C]DDD, Mitotane, Lysodren) in human adrenal tissue slice culture. Both compounds gave rise to a selective binding in the one sample of normal adrenal zona fasciculata/reticularis, leaving zona glomerulosa and the adrenal medulla devoid of binding. Addition of the CYP11B1 selective inhibitor metyrapone (50 microM) reduced MeSO(2)-[(14)C]DDE binding below the detection limit, whereas o,p'-[(14)C]DDD binding was reduced only by 42%. Selective binding of MeSO(2)-[(14)C]DDE and o,p'-[(14)C]DDD was also observed in an aldosterone-producing adrenocortical carcinoma and in a nonfunctional adrenocortical hyperplasia. Exposure of slices from the normal adrenal cortex to MeSO(2)-DDE (25 microM) resulted in an increased accumulation of 11-deoxycorticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol and androstenedione in the medium, and exposure to o,p'-DDD (25 microM) did not alter the steroid secretion pattern. No histological changes were found in either MeSO(2)-DDE- or o,p'-DDD-exposed slices, compared with nonexposed slices. We suggest that MeSO(2)-DDE might act as a potent adrenocorticolytic agent in humans. Further studies are needed to establish the usefulness of MeSO(2)-DDE as a possible alternative for the treatment of adrenocortical hypersecretion and tumor growth.

Irreversible binding of o,p'-DDD in interrenal cells of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua).

Precision-cut tissue slices of the anterior kidney from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were prepared with a Krumdieck tissue slicer and exposed to 2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(4-chloro-(14C)phenyl)-1,1-dichlorethane (o,p(')-[14C]DDD) in vitro. Microautoradiography revealed irreversible o,p(')-DDD-derived binding confined to the glucocorticoid producing interrenal cells (adrenocortical analogues). This cell-selective binding was confirmed by means of autoradiography at different levels of resolution on Atlantic cod administered o,p(')-[14C]DDD intragastrically. The results provide evidence for a site-specific metabolic activation and irreversible binding of o,p(')-DDD in the interrenal cells, which, in turn, may modify glucocorticoid homeostasis.

Autoradiographic Mapping of 5-HT(1B/1D) Binding Sites in the Rhesus Monkey Brain Using [carbonyl-C]zolmitriptan.

Zolmitriptan is a serotonin 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor agonist that is an effective and well-tolerated drug for migraine treatment. In a human positron emission tomography study, [(11)C]zolmitriptan crossed the blood-brain barrier but no clear pattern of regional uptake was discernable. The objective of this study was to map the binding of [(11)C]zolmitriptan in Rhesus monkey brain using whole hemisphere in vitro autoradiography with [(11)C]zolmitriptan as a radioligand. In saturation studies, [(11)C]zolmitriptan showed specific (90%) binding to a population of high-affinity binding sites (Kd 0.95-5.06 nM). There was regional distribution of binding sites with the highest density in the ventral pallidum, followed by the external globus pallidus, substantia nigra, visual cortex, and nucleus accumbens. In competitive binding studies with 5-HT(1) receptor antagonists, [(11)C]zolmitriptan binding was blocked by selective 5-HT(1B) and 5-HT(1D) ligands in all target areas. There was no appreciable change in binding with the addition of a 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist.

(18)F-labelled metomidate analogues as adrenocortical imaging agents.

INTRODUCTION: Two- and one-step syntheses of (18)F-labelled analogues of metomidate, such as 2-[(18)F]fluoroethyl 1-[(1R)-1-phenylethyl]-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylate (1), 2-[(18)F]fluoroethyl 1-[(1R)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylate (2), 2-[(18)F]fluoroethyl 1-[(1R)-1-(4-bromophenyl)ethyl]-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylate (3), 3-[(18)F]fluoropropyl 1-[(1R)-1-(4-bromophenyl)ethyl]-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylate (4) and 3-[(18)F]fluoropropyl 1-[(1R)-1-phenylethyl]-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylate (5) are presented. METHODS: Analogues 1-5 were prepared by a two-step reaction sequence that started with the synthesis of either 2-[(18)F]fluoroethyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate or 3-[(18)F]fluoropropyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate. These were used as (18)F-alkylating agents in the second step, in which they reacted with the ammonium salt of a 1-[(1R)-1-phenylethyl]-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid. One-step-labelling syntheses of 1, 2 and 5 were also explored. Analogues 1-4 were biologically validated by frozen-section autoradiography and organ distribution. Metabolite analysis was performed for 2 and 3. RESULTS: The radiochemical yield of the two-step synthesis was in the range of 10-29% and that of the one-step synthesis was 25-37%. Using microwave irradiation in the one-step synthesis of 1 and 2 increased the radiochemical yield to 46+/-3% and 79+/-30%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both the frozen-section autoradiography and organ distribution results indicated that analogue 2 has a potential as an adrenocortical imaging agent, having the highest degree of specific adrenal binding and best ratio of adrenal to organ uptake among the compounds studied.

Species differences in 3-methylsulphonyl-DDE bioactivation by adrenocortical tissue.

The CYP11B1-activated adrenocortical toxicant 3-methylsulphonyl-DDE (3-MeSO2-DDE) is proposed as a lead compound for an improved chemotherapy for adrenocortical carcinoma. We compared the binding of 3-MeSO2-[14C]DDE in the adrenal cortex of four rodent species; hamster, guinea pig, mouse and rat, using a precision-cut adrenal slice culture system ex vivo. Localization and quantification of the bound radioactivity were carried out using light microscopy autoradiography and radioluminography. The results revealed major species differences since 3-MeSO2-[14C]DDE was extensively bound to the hamster adrenal tissue while the guinea pig adrenals were devoid of binding. A high binding in mouse adrenal cortex was confirmed while binding in rat adrenal cortex was very weak. The results support previous observations that metabolic activation of 3-MeSO2-DDE is highly species dependent. Since CYP11B1 could be expressed in tissues other than the adrenal cortex, final toxicological characterization should be carried out in a species that can bioactivate this compound.

Target cells for cytochrome p450-catalysed irreversible binding of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in rodent adrenal glands.

7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) is an adrenocorticolytic agent that causes apoplexy (haemorrhage) and massive necrosis in the adrenal cortex in rat. Several explanations regarding the origin of toxicity have been proposed. Huggins and Morii (J Exp Med 114:741-60, 1961) suggested that the cells of the inner adrenal cortex are the primary target, whereas Horváth and Kovács (Pathol Eur 8:43-59, 1973) suggested the vascular endothelium as being the origin of toxicity. In the present study, cultured precision-cut tissue slices were used to localize target cells for irreversible [(3)H]DMBA binding in rat and mouse adrenal cortex. The sites of binding were confirmed by autoradiography in vivo. Irreversible [(3)H]DMBA binding was confined to zona fasciculata/reticularis cells in rat (but not in mouse) adrenal cortex. Pronounced binding was observed in clusters of cells (focal binding), localized predominantly in zona reticularis of rat. [(3)H]DMBA binding in zona fasciculata/reticularis cells was inhibited by the cytochrome p450 1A/B (CYP1A/B) inhibitors ellipticine, alpha-naphthoflavone, and 1-ethynylpyrene. The CYP11B1-inhibitor metyrapone did not reduce [(3)H]DMBA binding. In CYP1-induced (PCB 126-treated) rats and mice, intense irreversible [(3)H]DMBA binding was found also in endothelial cells of the adrenal cortex. The endothelial binding was abolished by the CYP1 inhibitors but remained unaffected by metyrapone. We conclude that the metabolic activation in adrenal parenchymal cells is presumably catalysed by CYP1B1, whereas CYP1A1 presumably catalyses the activation in endothelial cells. We suggest that the adrenocorticolytic effect of DMBA is the result of a dual mode of action, targeting both endothelial and parenchymal cells in the rat adrenal cortex.