The impact of HLA class I and EBV latency-II antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells on the pathogenesis of EBV(+) Hodgkin lymphoma.

In 40% of cases of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latency-II antigens [EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1)/latent membrane protein (LMP)1/LMP2A] are present (EBV(+) cHL) in the malignant cells and antigen presentation is intact. Previous studies have shown consistently that HLA-A*02 is protective in EBV(+) cHL, yet its role in disease pathogenesis is unknown. To explore the basis for this observation, gene expression was assessed in 33 cHL nodes. Interestingly, CD8 and LMP2A expression were correlated strongly and, for a given LMP2A level, CD8 was elevated markedly in HLA-A*02(-) versus HLA-A*02(+) EBV(+) cHL patients, suggesting that LMP2A-specific CD8(+) T cell anti-tumoral immunity may be relatively ineffective in HLA-A*02(-) EBV(+) cHL. To ascertain the impact of HLA class I on EBV latency antigen-specific immunodominance, we used a stepwise functional T cell approach. In newly diagnosed EBV(+) cHL, the magnitude of ex-vivo LMP1/2A-specific CD8(+) T cell responses was elevated in HLA-A*02(+) patients. Furthermore, in a controlled in-vitro assay, LMP2A-specific CD8(+) T cells from healthy HLA-A*02 heterozygotes expanded to a greater extent with HLA-A*02-restricted compared to non-HLA-A*02-restricted cell lines. In an extensive analysis of HLA class I-restricted immunity, immunodominant EBNA3A/3B/3C-specific CD8(+) T cell responses were stimulated by numerous HLA class I molecules, whereas the subdominant LMP1/2A-specific responses were confined largely to HLA-A*02. Our results demonstrate that HLA-A*02 mediates a modest, but none the less stronger, EBV-specific CD8(+) T cell response than non-HLA-A*02 alleles, an effect confined to EBV latency-II antigens. Thus, the protective effect of HLA-A*02 against EBV(+) cHL is not a surrogate association, but reflects the impact of HLA class I on EBV latency-II antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell hierarchies.

Nanodelivery of Parthenolide Using Functionalized Nanographene Enhances its Anticancer Activity.

Advances in anticancer chemotherapy have been hindered by the lack of biocompatibility of new prospective drugs. One significant challenge concerns water insolubility, which compromises the bioavailability of the drugs leading to increased dosage and higher systemic toxicity. To overcome these problems, nanodelivery has been established as a promising approach for increasing the efficacy and lowering the required dosage of chemotherapeutics. The naturally derived compound, parthenolide (PTL), is known for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity, but its poor water solubility limits its clinical value. In the present study, we have used carboxyl-functionalized nanographene (fGn) delivery to overcome the extreme hydrophobicity of this drug. A water-soluble PTL analog, dimethylamino parthenolide (DMAPT), was also examined for comparison with the anticancer efficacy of our PTL-fGn complex. Delivery by fGn was found to increase the anticancer/apoptotic effects of PTL (but not DMAPT) when delivered to the human pancreatic cancer cell line, Panc-1. The IC50 value for PTL decreased from 39 µM to 9.5 µM when delivered as a mixture with fGn. The IC50 of DMAPT did not decrease when delivered as DMAPT-fGn and was significantly higher than that for PTL-fGn. There were significant increases in ROS formation and in mitochondrial membrane disruption in Panc-1 cells after PTL-fGn treatment as compared to PTL treatment, alone. Increases in toxicity were also seen with apoptosis detection assays using flow cytometry, ethidium bromide/acridine orange/DAPI staining, and TUNEL. Thus, fGn delivery was successfully used to overcome the poor water solubility of PTL, providing a strategy for improving the effectiveness of this anticancer agent.

NF-κB-dependent and -independent epigenetic modulation using the novel anti-cancer agent DMAPT.

The transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) is constitutively active in several cancers and is a target of therapeutic development. We recently developed dimethylaminoparthenolide (DMAPT), a clinical grade water-soluble analog of parthenolide, as a potent inhibitor of NF-κB and demonstrated in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activities in multiple cancers. In this study, we show DMAPT is an epigenetic modulator functioning in an NF-κB-dependent and -independent manner. DMAPT-mediated NF-κB inhibition resulted in elevated histone H3K36 trimethylation (H3K36me3), which could be recapitulated through genetic ablation of the p65 subunit of NF-κB or inhibitor-of-kappaB alpha super-repressor overexpression. DMAPT treatment and p65 ablation increased the levels of H3K36 trimethylases NSD1 (KMT3B) and SETD2 (KMT3A), suggesting that NF-κB directly represses their expression and that lower H3K36me3 is an epigenetic marker of constitutive NF-κB activity. Overexpression of a constitutively active p65 subunit of NF-κB reduced NSD1 and H3K36me3 levels. NSD1 is essential for DMAPT-induced expression of pro-apoptotic BIM, indicating a functional link between epigenetic modification and gene expression. Interestingly, we observed enhanced H4K20 trimethylation and induction of H4K20 trimethylase KMT5C in DMAPT-treated cells independent of NF-κB inhibition. These results add KMT5C to the list NF-κB-independent epigenetic targets of parthenolide, which include previously described histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC-1) and DNA methyltransferase 1. As NSD1 and SETD2 are known tumor suppressors and loss of H4K20 trimethylation is an early event in cancer progression, which contributes to genomic instability, we propose DMAPT as a potent pharmacologic agent that can reverse NF-κB-dependent and -independent cancer-specific epigenetic abnormalities.

A comprehensive analysis of the cellular and EBV-specific microRNAome in primary CNS PTLD identifies different patterns among EBV-associated tumors.

Primary central nervous system (pCNS) posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a complication of solid organ transplantation characterized by poor outcome. In contrast to systemic PTLD, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-association of pCNS PTLD is almost universal, yet viral and cellular data are limited. To identify differences in the pattern of EBV-association of pCNS and systemic PTLD, we analyzed the expression of latent and lytic EBV transcripts and the viral and cellular microRNAome in nine pCNS (eight EBV-associated) and in 16 systemic PTLD samples (eight EBV-associated). Notably although 15/16 EBV-associated samples exhibited a viral type III latency pattern, lytic transcripts were also strongly expressed. Members of the ebv-miR-BHRF1 and ebv-miR-BART clusters were expressed in virtually all EBV-associated PTLD samples. There were 28 cellular microRNAs differentially expressed between systemic and pCNS PTLD. pCNS PTLD expressed lower hsa-miR-199a-5p/3p and hsa-miR-143/145 (implicated in nuclear factor kappa beta and c-myc signaling) as compared to systemic PTLD. Unsupervised nonhierarchical clustering of the viral and cellular microRNAome distinguished non-EBV-associated from EBV-associated samples and identified a separate group of EBV-associated pCNS PTLD that displayed reduced levels of B cell lymphoma associated oncomiRs such as hsa-miR-155, -21, -221 and the hsa-miR-17-92 cluster. EBV has a major impact on viral and cellular microRNA expression in EBV-associated pCNS PTLD.

Scientific overview: 2013 BBC plenary symposium on tobacco addiction.

Nicotine dependence plays a critical role in addiction to tobacco products, and thus contributes to a variety of devastating tobacco-related diseases (SGR 2014). Annual costs associated with smoking in the US are estimated to be between $289 and $333 billion. Effective interventions for nicotine dependence, especially in smokers, are a critical barrier to the eradication of tobacco-related diseases. This overview highlights research presented at the Plenary Symposium of Behavior, Biology and Chemistry: Translational Research in Addiction Conference (BBC), hosted by the UT Health Science Center San Antonio, on March 9-10, 2013. The Plenary Symposium focused on tobacco addiction, and covered topics ranging from basic science to national policy. As in previous years, the meeting brought together globally-renowned scientists, graduate student recruits, and young scientists from underrepresented populations in Texas and other states with the goal of fostering interest in drug addiction research in young generations.

Homozygous FCGR3A-158V alleles predispose to late onset neutropenia after CHOP-R for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports suggest genetic polymorphisms influence susceptibility to rituximab-induced late-onset neutropenia (LON), which in turn may be a predictor of good outcome in B-cell lymphoma. AIMS: We report the largest study to date assessing FCGR3A-V158F polymorphisms in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with cyclophosphamide/hydroxydaunorubicin/Oncovin (vincristine)/prednisone/rituximab (CHOP-R). The influence of C1qA-A276G polymorphisms in DLBCL, and the impact of both polymorphisms on susceptibility to LON and outcome were also examined. METHODS: 115 DLBCL patients treated with CHOP-R were compared with 105 healthy White people controls with regards to FCGR3A-V158F and C1qA-A276G polymorphisms. LON incidence and event-free and overall survival (EFS and OS) were analysed for linkage to either polymorphism. RESULTS: The FCGR3A-V158F but not the C1qA-A276G polymorphism influenced the risk of developing LON. 50% of FCGR3A-158V/V patients experienced LON. In contrast, only 7% V/F and 2% F/F experienced LON. The FCGR3A-158V/V genotype was associated with LON compared with V/F (P = 0.028) and F/F genotypes (P = 0.005). Although no patients with either LON or FCGR3A-158V homozygosity relapsed compared with 33% FCGR3A-158F/F and 21% non-LON, this did not translate into improved EFS or OS. CONCLUSIONS: Polymorphic analysis may be a predictive tool to identify those at high risk of LON. Prospective studies are required to establish definitively if LON or FCGR3A-158V/V genotype influences outcome.

Region-specific effects of N,N'-dodecane-1,12-diyl-bis-3-picolinium dibromide on nicotine-induced increase in extracellular dopamine in vivo.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Systemic administration of N,N'-dodecane-1,12-diyl-bis-3-picolinium dibromide (bPiDDB), an antagonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) attenuated the nicotine-induced increase in dopamine levels in nucleus accumbens (NAcc). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Using in vivo microdialysis, we investigated the effects of local perfusion of the novel nAChR antagonist bPiDDB into the NAcc or ventral tegmental area (VTA) on increased extracellular dopamine in NAcc, induced by systemic nicotine. We also examined the concentration-dependent effects of bPiDDB on the acetylcholine (ACh)-evoked response of specific recombinant neuronal nAChR subtypes expressed in Xenopus oocytes, using electrophysiological methods. KEY RESULTS: Nicotine (0.4 mg kg(-1), s.c.) increased extracellular dopamine in NAcc, which was attenuated by intra-VTA perfusion of mecamylamine (100 microM). Intra-VTA perfusion of bPiDDB (1 and 10 microM) reduced nicotine-induced increases in extracellular dopamine in NAcc. In contrast, intra-NAcc perfusion of bPiDDB (1 or 10 microM) failed to alter the nicotine-induced increase in dopamine in NAcc. Intra-VTA perfusion of bPiDDB alone did not alter basal dopamine levels, compared to control, nor the increased dopamine in NAcc following amphetamine (0.5 mg kg(-1), s.c.). Using Xenopus oocytes, bPiDDB (0.01-100 microM) inhibited the response to ACh on specific combinations of rat neuronal nAChR subunits, with highest potency at alpha3beta4beta3 and lowest potency at alpha6/3beta2beta3. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: bPiDDB-Sensitive nAChRs involved in regulating nicotine-induced dopamine release are located in the VTA, rather than in the NAcc. As bPiDDB has properties different from the prototypical nAChR antagonist mecamylamine, further development may lead to novel nAChR antagonists for the treatment of tobacco dependence.

Effects of nornicotine enantiomers on intravenous S(-)-nicotine self-administration and cardiovascular function in rats.

RATIONALE: Previous neurochemical evidence indicates that R(+)-nornicotine is more potent than S(-)-nornicotine in evoking dopamine release in rat nucleus accumbens slices. OBJECTIVE: The current study tested the hypothesis that R(+)-nornicotine is also more potent than S(-)-nornicotine in selectively decreasing intravenous S(-)-nicotine self-administration in rats. RESULTS: After acute pretreatment (1-10 mg/kg for each enantiomer), R(+)-nornicotine was more potent than S(-)-nornicotine in decreasing S(-)-nicotine self-administration; in contrast, within the same dose range, the nornicotine enantiomers were equipotent in decreasing sucrose-maintained responding. This enantioselectivity does not likely reflect a difference in bioavailability, since similar levels of nornicotine were recovered from the brain 60 min after injection (5.6 mg/kg for each enantiomer). With repeated pretreatment, tolerance did not develop to the rate-decreasing effect of either nornicotine enantiomer (3 or 5.6 mg/kg) with respect to the decrease in S(-)-nicotine self-administration, although the enantioselectivity dissipated across repeated pretreatments. While both enantiomers acutely produced a similar increase in blood pressure and heart rate, tolerance developed to the blood pressure effects of R(+)-nornicotine, but not to the effects of S(-)-nornicotine, across repeated treatments. CONCLUSION: Both R(+)- and S(-)-nornicotine may have potential utility as a novel tobacco use cessation agent.

Effect of a novel nicotinic receptor antagonist, N,N'-dodecane-1,12-diyl-bis-3-picolinium dibromide, on nicotine self-administration and hyperactivity in rats.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: Recent work has shown that the novel compound N,N'-dodecane-1,12-diyl-bis-3-picolinium dibromide (bPiDDB) may selectively block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors involved in regulating dopamine release. The current experiments examined the acute effect of bPiDDB on nicotine self-administration, sucrose-maintained responding, and nicotine-induced changes in acute and sensitized locomotor activity. METHODS: Rats were first trained to respond for either nicotine (i.v.) or sucrose pellets using a standard two-lever operant conditioning procedure using a fixed ratio 5 schedule of reinforcement and were then pretreated with bPiDDB (0, 0.3, 1, or 3 mg kg(-1)) 15 min prior to the session. In separate experiments, rats were assessed for nicotine-induced changes in locomotor activity following pretreatment with bPiDDB (1 or 3 mg kg(-1)) or mecamylamine (1 mg kg(-1)); pretreatments were assessed with both acute and repeated nicotine (0.4 mg kg(-1)) treatment. RESULTS: Results showed that bPiDDB dose-dependently decreased nicotine self-administration, but not sucrose-maintained responding. In the locomotor experiments, bPiDDB attenuated the hyperactivity produced by acute and repeated nicotine; however, this effect was not robust compared to mecamylamine. In contrast to mecamylamine, bPiDDB did not block the initial hypoactivity produced by acute nicotine. CONCLUSION: Since bPiDDB decreased nicotine self-administration specifically, this novel nicotinic receptor antagonist may constitute a lead for the development of a clinically useful treatment for tobacco dependence.

Once weekly administration of nicotine produces long-lasting locomotor sensitization in rats via a nicotinic receptor-mediated mechanism.

RATIONALE: Chronic nicotine administration results in dynamic changes in neuronal function, expressed as behavioral sensitization in animals and addiction in smokers. OBJECTIVES: The present study was undertaken to determine whether once-weekly nicotine injection produces sensitization to the locomotor-activating properties of nicotine as a result of nicotinic receptor activation. METHODS: Once weekly for 6 weeks, rats were administered (s.c.) two saline injections or saline and nicotine (0.35 mg/kg), and locomotor activity was monitored. Rats remained in the home cage for 21 days, and subsequently were injected with the appropriate treatment to determine whether sensitization persisted. Rats were also injected with saline or mecamylamine (1.2 mg/kg) followed by saline or nicotine once weekly for 6 weeks to determine the effect of mecamylamine and whether it inhibited nicotine-induced hyperactivity. A separate group was injected with saline and nicotine once weekly for 4 weeks; on week 5, mecamylamine and nicotine were administered to determine whether mecamylamine inhibited the expression of sensitization. Separate groups were injected with mecamylamine and nicotine once weekly for 5 weeks or 6 weeks; on week 6 or week 9, respectively, saline and nicotine were injected to determine whether mecamylamine inhibited the initiation of sensitization. RESULTS: Sensitization to the locomotor-activating properties of nicotine developed following four nicotine injections across a 28-day period and persisted following 21 days of no drug treatment. Mecamylamine did not alter activity but attenuated both the initiation and expression of sensitization. CONCLUSIONS: Nicotinic receptor activation following once-weekly nicotine administration produces long-lasting behavioral sensitization, suggesting that even infrequent nicotine exposure initiates neuroadaptive processes associated with nicotine addiction.

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor binding affinities of boron-containing nicotine analogues.

A series of boron-containing nicotine (NIC) analogues 7-9 was synthesized and evaluated for binding to alpha4beta2 and alpha7 nicotinic receptors. Compound ACME-B inhibited [3H]methyllycaconitine binding to rat brain membranes with a similar potency compared to NIC (Ki = 2.4 and 0.77 microM, respectively), but was markedly less potent in inhibiting [3H]NIC binding when compared to NIC (Ki = 0.60 microM and 1.0 nM, respectively). Thus, tethering a two-carbon bridge between the 2-pyridyl and 3'-pyrrolidino carbons of NIC or 7 affords analogues that bind to the alpha7 receptor in a manner similar to NIC, but with a dramatic loss of affinity for the alpha4beta2 receptor.

Accumulation of nicotine and its metabolites in rat brain after intermittent or continuous peripheral administration of [2'-(14)C]nicotine.

Concentrations of nicotine, cotinine, and nornicotine in brain and blood following both intermittent and continuous administration of [2'-(14)C]nicotine to rats were determined to assess nicotine metabolite accumulation in brain following repeated nicotine administration. For intermittent studies, rats were administered s.c. 1 to 10 doses of nicotine (0.3 mg/kg, 15 or 25 microCi of [2'-(14)C]nicotine; 30-min interinjection interval). For continuous administration studies, rats were implanted s.c. with an osmotic minipump delivering nicotine (0.8 mg/kg/day, 25 or 50 microCi of [2'-(14)C]nicotine for 1-21 days). Whole brain and trunk blood was collected. The concentration of [2'-(14)C]nicotine and its metabolites was determined via high-pressure liquid radiochromatography. Brain concentrations of nicotine, cotinine, and nornicotine increased 2-, 12-, and 9-fold, respectively, following 10 injections, reaching a plateau following the fifth injection. Brain blood ratios indicate an enhanced preferential distribution of nornicotine to brain with increasing numbers of injections. Across the 21-day period of continuous infusion, blood nicotine and nornicotine concentrations remained relatively constant, whereas concentrations in brain increased approximately 4-fold. Generally, cotinine concentrations in brain and blood did not change across the infusion period. Brain/blood ratios indicate an increase in nicotine distribution into brain across days of nicotine infusion. Results demonstrate that both nicotine and its metabolites accumulate in brain following repeated nicotine administration, and indicate that brain nicotine concentration can not be extrapolated from plasma cotinine or nicotine concentrations. Thus, nornicotine accumulation following repeated nicotine administration suggests that this metabolite plays a contributory role in the neuropharmacological effects of nicotine.

Nornicotine, a nicotine metabolite and tobacco alkaloid: desensitization of nicotinic receptor-stimulated dopamine release from rat striatum.

Nornicotine, a major tobacco alkaloid and nicotine metabolite, accumulates in rat brain in pharmacologically relevant concentrations following repeated nicotine administration. Nornicotine-evoked striatal dopamine release is Ca2+-dependent, stereoselective and sensitive to nicotinic receptor antagonists, indicating nicotinic receptor-mediation. The present study determined if S-(-)-nornicotine desensitizes nicotinic receptors and if cross-desensitization to S-(-)-nicotine occurs. S-(-)-Nicotine (10 and 100 nM) diminished [3H]overflow from [3H]dopamine-preloaded rat striatal slices following subsequent superfusion with 10 microM S-(-)-nicotine (46% and 74%, respectively) or 10 microM S-(-)-nornicotine (59% and 81%, respectively). S-(-)-Nornicotine (1 and 10 microM) diminished the response to subsequent superfusion with 10 microM S-(-)-nornicotine (85% and 97%, respectively) or 10 microM S-(-)-nicotine (82% and 88%, respectively). Thus, similar to S-(-)-nicotine, S-(-)-nornicotine desensitizes nicotinic receptors. but with approximately 12-fold lower potency. Cross-desensitization suggests involvement of common nicotinic receptor subtypes. Therefore, S-(-)-nicotine metabolites, such as nornicotine, have neuropharmacologically relevant effects.

Contributory role for nornicotine in nicotine neuropharmacology: nornicotine-evoked [3H]dopamine overflow from rat nucleus accumbens slices.

Nornicotine is a tobacco alkaloid and an active nicotine metabolite, which accumulates in brain to pharmacologically relevant concentrations following repeated nicotine administration to rats. Furthermore, nornicotine is self-administered by rats, indicating that it has reinforcing efficacy and may contribute to nicotine dependence. Since drugs of abuse activate the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system to produce rewarding effects, the present study tested the hypothesis that nornicotine evokes DA release from nucleus accumbens in a nicotinic receptor-mediated manner. Rat nucleus accumbens slices were preloaded with [3H]DA and superfused for 60 min in the absence and presence of a range of alkaloid concentrations. Superfusate samples were collected and alkaloid-evoked [3H]overflow was determined. S(-)-Nornicotine (EC(50) value = 3.0 microM), R(+)-nornicotine (EC(50) value = 0.48 microM), and S(-)-nicotine (EC(50) value = 70 nM) evoked [3H]overflow in a concentration-dependent manner. For each nornicotine enantiomer, 0.3 microM was the lowest concentration to evoke significant [3H]overflow. Dihydro-beta-erythroidine (DHbetaE, 10 microM), a classical nicotinic receptor antagonist, inhibited the S(-)-nornicotine-evoked [3H]overflow, indicating the involvement of nicotinic receptors. Furthermore, the effect of S(-)-nornicotine was calcium-dependent, consistent with a nicotinic receptor-mediated mechanism. Whereas S(-)-nornicotine was found previously to be more potent in the striatum, R(+)-nornicotine was more potent than its enantiomer in nucleus accumbens, suggesting the involvement of different nicotinic receptor subtypes in these brain regions. Thus, the results of the current study indicate that nornicotine stimulated DA release from nucleus accumbens in a nicotinic receptor-mediated manner, further supporting the hypothesis that nornicotine contributes to tobacco dependence.

Nornicotine pretreatment decreases intravenous nicotine self-administration in rats.

RATIONALE: Nicotine has been shown to be effective as a treatment for reducing tobacco dependence. However, few studies have examined the effect of other nicotinic agonists to determine if they can also decrease nicotine self-administration. OBJECTIVE: The present study determined if nornicotine, a tobacco alkaloid and major nicotine metabolite in brain, could reduce nicotine self-administration in rats. METHODS: Each rat was prepared with an indwelling jugular catheter and trained to self-administer intravenous nicotine (0.03 mg/kg per infusion). After nicotine self-administration stabilized, rats were pretreated with either (-)-nicotine (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg free base) or (+/-)-nornicotine (0, 1, 3, 5.6, and 10.0 mg/kg free base) and assessed for nicotine self-administration. A separate group of rats was maintained on sucrose reinforced responding and pretreated with nornicotine to determine the specificity of the pretreatment effect. In another group of rats, the time course of the pretreatment effect of either (-)-nicotine (0.56 and 1.0 mg/kg) or (+/-)-nornicotine (5.6 and 10.0 mg/kg) was examined. RESULTS: Nicotine and nornicotine each produced a dose-dependent decrease in nicotine self-administration. Furthermore, the decrease in nicotine self-administration in response to the 5.6 mg/kg nornicotine pretreatment was specific to nicotine self-administration, as this dose did not decrease sucrose reinforced responding in tolerant animals. In addition, within the dose range tested, the suppressant effect of nornicotine had a two-fold longer duration than that of nicotine (120 versus 60 min). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that nornicotine may be an effective treatment for tobacco dependence.

Lobeline inhibits nicotine-evoked [(3)H]dopamine overflow from rat striatal slices and nicotine-evoked (86)Rb(+) efflux from thalamic synaptosomes.

The present study evaluated the interaction of lobeline with neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors using two in vitro assays, [(3)H] overflow from [(3)H]dopamine ([(3)H]DA)-preloaded rat striatal slices and (86)Rb(+) efflux from rat thalamic synaptosomes. To assess agonist interactions, the effect of lobeline was determined and compared to S(-)-nicotine. To assess antagonist interactions, the ability of lobeline to inhibit the effect of S(-)-nicotine was determined. Both S(-)-nicotine (0.1-1 microM) and lobeline (>1.0 microM) evoked [(3)H] overflow from superfused [(3)H]DA-preloaded striatal slices. However, lobeline-evoked [(3)H] overflow is mecamylamine-insensitive, indicating that this response is not mediated by nicotinic receptors. Moreover, at concentrations (<1.0 microM) which did not evoke [(3)H] overflow, lobeline inhibited S(-)-nicotine (0.1-10 microM)-evoked [(3)H] overflow, shifting the S(-)-nicotine concentration-response curve to the right. S(-)-Nicotine (30 nM-300 microM) increased (EC(50) value=0.2 microM) (86)Rb(+) efflux from thalamic synaptosomes. In contrast, lobeline (1 nM-10 microM) did not evoke (86)Rb(+) efflux, and the lack of intrinsic activity indicates that lobeline is not an agonist at this nicotinic receptor subtype. Lobeline completely inhibited (IC(50) value=0.7 microM) (86)Rb(+) efflux evoked by 1 microM S(-)-nicotine, a concentration which maximally stimulated (86)Rb(+) efflux. Thus, the results of these in vitro experiments demonstrate that lobeline inhibits the effects of S(-)-nicotine, and suggest that lobeline acts as a nicotinic receptor antagonist.

A simple high performance liquid chromatographic method for the quantification of total cotinine, total 3'-hydroxycotinine and caffeine in the plasma of smokers.

A simple isocratic HPLC procedure has been developed for the quantification of caffeine and the nicotine metabolites cotinine, 3'-hydroxycotinine, cotinine glucuronide and 3'-hydroxycotinine glucuronide in the plasma of smokers. The glucuronide conjugates were determined indirectly via initial basic hydrolysis of the analyte sample followed by quantification of the resulting deconjugation product. Plasma was basified, extracted with dichloromethane, evaporated, the residue dissolved water and an aliquot part was analyzed by HPLC. The method utilized a Partisil-10 SCX cation-exchange column and an isocratic mobile phase of sodium phosphate buffer: methanol (92:8 v/v, 0.1 M, adjusted to pH 4.8 with triethylamine) at a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min. UV detection was at 254 nm. All solutes were separated with good resolution, and quantification was determined using an internal standard of N,N-diethylnicotinamide. The retention times were: caffeine 5.1 min, 3'-hydroxycotinine 7.2 min, N,N-diethylnicotinamide 9.5 min, and cotinine 15.5 min. Detection limits for caffeine, 3'-hydroxycotinine, cotinine, and total cotinine were 10 ng/ml; the detection limit for total 3'-hydroxycotinine was 20 ng/ml. The inter-day and intra-day variations for all analytes were between 1 and 8%. This analytical method is suitable for the determination of caffeine and nicotine metabolite levels in large numbers of clinical samples.

Determination of nicotine N-1-glucuronide, a quaternary N-glucuronide conjugate, in human biological samples.

[Methyl-d3]-N-1-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(+/-)-nicotinium inner salt ((+/-)-[methyl-d3]nicotine N-1-glucuronide) was synthesized from (+/-)-[methyl-d3]nicotine via reaction with methyl-2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-1-bromodeoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranouronate, followed by deprotection with 1 M aqueous NaOH and purification by preparative TLC. Nicotine N-glucuronide was identified and determined directly in smokers' urine. A solid phase extraction method was used to partially isolate the material from urine. Subsequent determination was by thermospray-LC/MS using the synthetic d3-labeled nicotine N-glucuronide as internal standard. The identified urinary component had the same retention time as a synthetic standard and gave the same mass spectrum. The thermospray mass spectrum was characterized from the protonated molecular ion (m/z 339) and the protonated aglycone ion (m/z 163). Quantitative results from this direct method were compared with those from an indirect method, which calculated the nicotine glucuronide in the biological sample from the amount of nicotine released following treatment of the sample with the deconjugating enzyme, beta-glucuronidase. On average, the concentration of nicotine N-glucuronide determined by the direct method was 34% greater than that determined by the indirect method. Concentrations of nicotine N-glucuronide in urine ranged from 2.2 to 7.6 nmol/ml with a limit of detection of 1.3 nmol/ml.