Analysis of clozapine in its tablets using two novel spectrophotometric reactions targeting its tertiary amino group.

Two simple spectrophotometric methodologies have been proposed and validated for the measurement of an atypical antipsychotic drug Clozapine (CLZ). Method A depends on interaction of CLZ with N-bromosuccinimide(NBS) resulting in formation of a yellowish orange colored product, measured at 320 nm. The linearity range was 5.0-70.0 µg/mL. Method B depends on condensation of the same drug with acetic acid mixed anhydride reagent producing a purple colored product, measured at 319 nm. The linearity range was 8.0-24.0 µg/mL. All parameters affecting the reaction condition (volume of both reagent, temperature, time and the different diluting solvents) were optimized. Both methods were successfully applied to assay CLZ in its pure form and tablets giving mean percentage recoveries of (98.87 ± 1.8 and 100 ± 1.7) for method A, and corresponding values of (98.6 ± 0.96 and 99.5 ± 1) for method B. Besides, the study of reactions stoichiometry was performed and the reaction mechanisms were proposed.

Determination of epoxide impurity in sarpogrelate hydrochloride intermediate by UHPLC and column-switching liquid chromatography.

The determination of genotoxic impurities, which is closely related to toxicological concern and daily dose, plays a key role in drug quality control. Epoxide impurity is a kind of genotoxic impurity with an epoxy ring structure during the synthesis process of sarpogrelate hydrochloride. According to the sarpogrelate hydrochloride daily dose, epoxide impurity is limited to the under 5 ppm level. The liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) or the gas chromatography-mass spectrometric (GC/MS) method is commonly used to characterize the epoxide impurity of sarpogrelate hydrochloride intermediates. However, these methods are not simple or economical enough to detect epoxide impurity. In this study, we resolved the problem by using the most common UV method with two ideas: one was to improve the absolute sensitivity, and the other was to reduce matrix effects. Both ultra high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC with high sensitivity LightPipe™ flow cells) and column-switching liquid chromatography methods were developed and validated for the quantitative determination of epoxide impurity in sarpogrelate hydrochloride intermediates. The limits of detection (LODs) of the UHPLC and column-switching liquid chromatography methods were 0.09 ppm (0.09 µg/g) and 0.33 ppm (0.33 µg/g), and the recovery rates of both methods were 87.2%-132.1% and 97.4%-100.1%, respectively. Both methods established and provided guidance for analysts to develop procedures for impurity control, especially for structures of impurity with similar matrices.

Development of novel chiral capillary electrophoresis methods for the serotonin receptor (5-HT2A) antagonist MDL 100,907 (volinanserin) and for its key intermediate compound.

Enantioselective capillary electrophoretic methods were elaborated for the determination of the enantiomeric purity of (R)-MDL 100,907 and its preparatively resolved key intermediate compound during the synthesis route. The pKa values of the intermediate compound and the end product determined by CE were 10.5±0.1 and 9.0±0.1, respectively. The enantiopurity of the intermediate compound can be monitored in fully protonated state by applying 15mM sulfobutylether-ß-cyclodextrin at pH 5 when the peak belonging to the impurity migrates before the main component. The fact that the consecutive steps of the synthesis do not affect the enantiomeric purity was verified by the other, newly developed CE method. The enantiomers of rac-MDL 100,907 were resolved by 15mM carboxymethyl-γ-cyclodextrin at pH 3. The applicability (selectivity, LOD, LOQ, repeatability, precision and accuracy) of the methods was studied as well.

Development of HPTLC method for the estimation of ondansetron hydrochloride in bulk drug and sublingual tablets.

A new, simple, rapid, accurate and precise high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method has been developed for the estimation of ondansetron hydrochloride in bulk and sublingual tablets. The mobile phase composition was chloroform : ethyl acetate : methanol : ammonia (9:5:4:0.1 v/v). Spectrodensitometric analysis of ondansetron was carried out at 254 nm and a symmetrical, well-resolved, well-defined peak was obtained at mean retardation factor (R(f) ) 0.52 ± 0.02. The calibration plot was linear in the range 200-1200 ng/spot and showed good linear relationship with coefficient of regression, R(2) = 0.9952 with respect to peak area. The method was validated according to the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH Q2(R1). The limit of detection and quantitation were 14.83 and 44.92 ng per spot, respectively. The recovery study was carried out by standard addition method and the percentage recovery was found to be 99.34 ± 1.08. Therefore it was concluded that the proposed developed HPTLC method can be applied for identification and quantitative determination of ondansetron in bulk drug and dosage forms.

Determination of 5-HT receptor antagonists, MEFWAY and MPPF using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry in rat plasma and brain tissue.

A simple, selective, and sensitive liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method was validated for the determination of 4-fluoromethyl-N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxamide (MEFWAY) and 4-fluoro-N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridyl)benzamide (MPPF) in rat plasma and brain samples, respectively. Plasma and brain samples were extracted with a mixture of acetonitrile and methanol (1:1, v/v) and then separated on a C(18) column (Gemini 3µm 110Å, 50×2.00mm ID, Phenomenex, USA). Quantitation was performed using LC-ESI-MS/MS in multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with positive ion electrospray ionization (ESI). The limit of quantification (LOQ) of 5ng/mL and 1ng/mL were obtained in 50µL brain homogenate and plasma, respectively. The analytical linear ranges of this method were 1-4000ng/mL in plasma and 5-4000ng/mL in brain homogenate with a correlation coefficients (R(2)) greater than 0.9993. The intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy values were within the assay validation guideline (lower than 13.0%). The analytes in plasma and brain samples were stable after three freeze-thaw cycles, long-term storage (one month at -80°C), and short-term (4h) storage at room temperature. The present method was successfully applied to plasma-brain pharmacokinetic studies to investigate brain penetration of a single dose of MEFWAY and MPPF in rats.

Comparative efficacy and safety of palonosetron with the first 5-HT3 receptor antagonists for the chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a meta-analysis.

A number of studies have reported the difference between the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and palonosetron in preventing the chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Through analysing the efficacy and safety in palonosetron-treated patients, it can provide evidence for palonosetron administration. We identified randomised controlled clinical trials comparing palonosetron with the first-generation 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in the prevention of CINV in cancer patients. Nine studies investigated the outcomes in a total of 3463 cases. Compared with the first-generation 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, the cumulative incidences of emesis were significantly reduced in the patients treated with palonosetron (0.25 mg i.v.) on the first day [relative risk (RR) = 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-1.17], from 2 to 5 days (RR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.16-1.36) and the overall five days (RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.13-1.34). Regarding the drug safety, there was no significant difference between palonosetron-treated group and the first-generation 5-HT3 receptor antagonists-treated group. Results from the analysis suggest that palonosetron is highly effective in preventing nausea and vomiting in the days after administration of moderately or highly emetogenic chemotherapy agents.

Interaction between serotonin transporter and dopamine D2/D3 receptor radioligand measures is associated with harm avoidant symptoms in anorexia and bulimia nervosa.

Individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) have alterations of measures of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) function, which persist after long-term recovery and are associated with elevated harm avoidance (HA), a measure of anxiety and behavioral inhibition. Based on theories that 5-HT is an aversive motivational system that may oppose a DA-related appetitive system, we explored interactions of positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand measures that reflect portions of these systems. Twenty-seven individuals recovered (REC) from eating disorders (EDs) (7 AN-BN, 11 AN, 9 BN) and nine control women (CW) were analyzed for correlations between [(11)C]McN5652 and [(11)C]raclopride binding. There was a significant positive correlation between [(11)C]McN5652 binding potential (BP(non displaceable(ND))) and [(11)C]Raclopride BP(ND) for the dorsal caudate, antero-ventral striatum (AVS), middle caudate, and ventral and dorsal putamen. No significant correlations were found in CW. [(11)C]Raclopride BP(ND), but not [(11)C]McN5652 BP(ND), was significantly related to HA in REC EDs. A linear regression analysis showed that the interaction between [(11)C]McN5652 BP(ND) and [(11)C]raclopride BP(ND) in the dorsal putamen significantly predicted HA. This is the first study using PET and the radioligands [(11)C]McN5652 and [(11)C]raclopride to show a direct relationship between 5-HT transporter and striatal DA D2/D3 receptor binding in humans, supporting the possibility that 5-HT and DA interactions contribute to HA behaviors in EDs.

Development and validation of a stability-indicating LC method for determining palonosetron hydrochloride, its related compounds and degradation products using naphthalethyl stationary phase.

A selective and simple reversed phase HPLC method using naphthalethyl stationary phase was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of palonosetron hydrochloride (PALO), its related compounds and degradation products. Chromatographic separation (R(s)>2) was achieved with linear gradient mode of elution at a flow rate of 1 mL/min and with UV detection at 210 nm. The intra and inter-day coefficients of variation were less than 1.0% (RSD). Consistent recoveries were obtained for PALO (99.2-100.5%) and its impurities (90.0-104.8%). All the analytes exhibited excellent linearity with R² value greater than 0.998. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were determined to be in the range 0.011-0.013 µg/mL and 0.035-0.046 µg/mL respectively. The test solution was found to be stable up to 5 days. Induced degradation methods were applied to study the degradation behavior of the drug. LC-MS was used to analyze the degraded samples and possible structural identifications were assigned based upon known reactivity of the drug and molecular weights. The m/z values matched with the hydroxylated, keto and N-oxide metabolites of PALO. The stress samples were assayed against a qualified reference standard and the mass balance was found close to 99.9%.

Validation and application of reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method for quantification of pizotifen malate in pharmaceutical solid dosage formulations.

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an isocratic reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method for quantification of pizotifen malate in pharmaceutical solid dosage formulations. Good chromatographic separation of pizotifen malate was achieved by using an analytical column, C(18) ODS column. The system was operated at 40°C oven temperature using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and acetate buffer pH 7.0 (60:40) at a flow rate of 2 ml/min. The method showed high sensitivity with good linearity (r(2)= 0.99997) over the tested concentration range of 0.0020-0.0300 mg/ml for pizotifen malate. Detection was carried out at 231 nm and retention time was 2.838 min. Placebo and blank studies were performed and no peak was observed at the retention time of pizotifen malate. The intermediate precision and accuracy results (mean ± RSD, n=3) were (99.11±0.21) % and (99.19±0.55) % respectively with tailing factor (1.26±0.19). The proposed method was validated in terms of selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, range, detection and quantitation limit, system suitability and solution stability.This method can be successfully employed for simultaneous quantitative analysis of pizotifen malate in pharmaceutical solid dosage formulations.

Increased serotonin 2A receptor availability in the orbitofrontal cortex of physically aggressive personality disordered patients.

BACKGROUND: Impulsive physical aggression is a common and problematic feature of many personality disorders. The serotonergic system is known to be involved in the pathophysiology of aggression, and multiple lines of evidence have implicated the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT(2A)R). We sought to examine the role of the 5-HT(2A)R in impulsive aggression specifically in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), given that our own studies and an extensive literature indicate that serotonergic disturbances in the OFC are linked to aggression. We have previously hypothesized that increased 5-HT(2A)R function in the OFC is a state phenomenon that promotes impulsive aggression. METHODS: Serotonin 2A receptor availability was measured with positron emission tomography and the selective 5-HT(2A)R antagonist radioligand [(11)C]MDL100907 in two groups of impulsively aggressive personality disordered patients-14 with current physical aggression, and 15 without current physical aggression-and 25 healthy control subjects. Clinical ratings of various symptom dimensions were also obtained. RESULTS: Orbitofrontal 5-HT(2A)R availability was greater in patients with current physical aggression compared with patients without current physical aggression and healthy control subjects; no differences in OFC 5-HT(2A)R availability were observed between patients without current physical aggression and healthy control subjects. No significant differences in 5-HT(2A)R availability were observed in other brain regions examined. Among both groups of impulsively aggressive personality disordered patients combined, OFC 5-HT(2A)R availability was correlated, specifically, with a state measure of impulsive aggression. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are consistent with our previously described model in which impulsive aggression is related to dynamic changes in 5-HT(2A)R function in the OFC.

Effects of early-life stress on serotonin(1A) receptors in juvenile Rhesus monkeys measured by positron emission tomography.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic experiences in early childhood are associated with increased risk for developing mood and anxiety disorders later in life. Low serotonin(1A) receptor (5-HT(1A)R) density during development has been proposed as a trait-like characteristic leading to increased vulnerability of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. METHODS: To assess the relationship between early-life stress and alterations in the serotonin system during development, we used positron emission tomography to measure in vivo 5-HT(1A)R density and apparent dissociation constant (K(D)(app)) in the brain of juvenile Rhesus monkeys exposed to the early-life stress of peer-rearing. RESULTS: In general, 5-HT(1A)R density and K(D)(app) were decreased in peer-reared compared with control mother-reared animals. However, increase in receptor density was found in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex of peer-reared females. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that exposure to an adverse early-life environment during infancy is associated with long-term alterations in the serotonin system and support previous studies suggesting that reduced 5-HT(1A)R density during development might be a factor increasing vulnerability to stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. Furthermore, alterations in the serotonin system seemed to be gender- and region-specific, providing a biological basis for the higher prevalence of affective disorders in women.

Diferencias de género en la exploración funcional del sistema serotoninérgico en jóvenes sanos / Gender-related differences in functional assessment of serotonergic system in healthy young subjects

Introducción. Las pruebas de estimulación de prolactina con agonistas serotoninérgicos han sido ampliamente utilizadas en el estudio de diversas patologías psiquiátricas; sin embargo, la caracterización de su respuesta en sujetos normales es aún incompleta. Objetivo. Comparar la respuesta a la estimulación serotoninérgica utilizando dexfenfluramina, un agente serotoninérgico específico, en hombres y mujeres jóvenes sanos, controlando el ciclo menstrual en estas últimas. Métodos. Se estudió a 10 mujeres y 9 hombres, a quienes se les administró 30 mg de dexfenfluramina por vía oral, midiendo los niveles de prolactina cada hora por un período de5 h. El nivel basal, el nivel máximo y la variación de prolactina fueron comparados en ambos grupos. Resultados. En los grupos etarios estudiados (edad promedio para los hombres: 19,9±2,5 años; edad promedio paral as mujeres: 20±1,5 años), el nivel máximo de prolactina y la respuesta a prolactina (Δ PRL) fueron significativamente mayores en mujeres (valor p: 0,02 y 0,04, respectivamente). Conclusiones. Las mujeres jóvenes sanas muestran una mayor respuesta a la estimulación con dexfenfluramina que los hombres jóvenes sanos. Las implicancias clínicas y biológicas de esta observación se discuten en el contexto de la literatura (AU)

Introduction. Prolactin stimulation test with serotonergic stimulants has been widely used in the study of diverse psychiatric disorders. However, the characterization of this response in normal subjects is still in complete. Objective. To compare the response to serotonin stimulation using dexfenfluramine, a specific serotonergic agent, in young healthy men and women, controlling the menstrual cycle. Methods. A total of 10 women and 9 men, who were given 30 mg of dexfenfluramine orally, were studied and their levels of prolactin were measured on an hourly basis for a five-hour period. Baseline, maximum and delta values of prolactin were compared for both groups. Results. According to the age groups studied (mean age for men: 19.9±2.5 years old; mean age for women: 20±1.5 years old), the prolactin maximum level and the response to prolactin (ΔPRL) were significantly higher in women (p-values: 0.02 and 0.04, respectively). Conclusions. Young healthy women show a greater response to stimulation with dexfenfluramine than young healthy men. Clinical and biological implications of this observation are discussed in the context of the currently available research papers (AU)

Development of a scintillation proximity assay binding method for the human 5-hydroxytryptamine 6 receptor using intact cells.

We describe the first validated scintillation proximity assay (SPA) binding method for quantitation of (3)H-labeled d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) binding to recombinant human 5-hydroxytryptamine 6 (5-HT(6)) receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-Dukx and HeLa cells. The assay was developed using intact cells as a receptor source because membrane fractions derived from these cells failed to discern specific binding from a high level of nonspecific binding. The pharmacological binding profile of seven 5-HT(6) agonists and antagonists using intact CHO-Dukx/5-HT(6) cells in the SPA format was similar to data obtained from a filtration binding assay using HeLa/5-HT(6) membranes. K(i) values and rank order of potencies obtained in the SPA format were consistent with published filtration data as follows: SB-271046 (K(i)=1.9 nM)>methiothepin (K(i)=6.2 nM)>mianserin (K(i)=74.3 nM)>5-methoxytryptamine (5-MeOT, K(i)=111 nM)>5-HT (K(i)=150 nM)>ritanserin (K(i)=207 nM)>5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT, K(i)=704 nM). Additional evaluation with four antipsychotics demonstrated strong agreement with previous literature reports. A high specific binding signal and low assay variability, as determined by Z'=0.81+/-0.017, make the SPA format amenable to automation and higher throughput; hence, this assay can be a viable alternative to the more labor-intensive filtration and centrifugation methods.

HPLC quantitation of the four stereoisomers of benzoxathiepin derivatives with cellulose phenyl type chiral stationary phase and circular dichroism detection.

The chiral separation of a new antianginal agent has been investigated on a chiral cellulose column with UV and circular dichroism (CD) detection. This benzoxathiepin derivative under development has two stereogenic centers whose (R,S) stereoisomer shows an interesting antianginal activity. After optimisation of the mobile phase composition, a baseline-resolved separation of the four stereoisomers was achieved on a Chiralcel OJ-H chiral column by using methanol-ethanol-diethylamine (25:75:0.1, v/v/v) as mobile phase. The CD detection system allowed quantitation and a linear response was observed within a 10-200 microg mL-1 concentration range (r2=0.9966) and limit of quantification down to 2 microg mL-1 was achieved.

5-HT3 receptor antagonists ameliorate fatigue: so much potential, so little knowledge!

There is growing evidence that 5-HT3 receptor blockade will benefit patients with fatigue. Further research is needed to determine the mechanism underlying this widespread clinically important symptom and therapies may be derived from targeting the 5-HT system.

Effects of municipal effluents on serotonin and dopamine levels in the freshwater mussel Elliptio complanata.

Sex differentiation and gametogenesis represent critical steps in the reproductive process and are subject to hormonal control by serotonin, dopamine and steroids such as estradiol-17beta and testosterone. The purpose of this study sought to examine the endocrine-disrupting activity that a primary-treated municipal effluent might have on the metabolism of biogenic amine levels. First, serotonin receptors transfected in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were used to screen for the presence of serotonin receptor agonist or antagonist. Second, one group of Elliptio complanata mussels were exposed to single compounds likely to be found in municipal wastewaters and another group was exposed in situ to the municipal effluent plume for 90 days in experimental cages. Results showed that solid phase C-8 extracts of surface water downstream a municipal effluent could activate the transport of serotonin by receptors at a distance of at least 5 km from its outfall thereby indicating the presence of serotonin mimics in the effluent dispersion plume. Levels of serotonin and monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in nerve ganglia of mussels exposed for 90 days to the municipal effluent were, respectively, reduced and increased at a distance 10-km downstream. Injections of estradiol-17beta and nonylphenol in mussels decreased the levels of serotonin and dopamine, but increased MAO activity in the gonad and nerve ganglia. Exposure to estrogenic chemicals present in municipal effluents may therefore alter the normal metabolism of serotonin and dopamine, both of which are involved in sexual differentiation in bivalves and fish. Chemicals acting through E2 receptor-mediated pathways and serotonin receptors are likely to cause the observed effects.

LC-MS and NMR determination of a dichloromethane artifact adduct, cyproheptadine chloromethochloride.

The British Pharmacopoeia (BP) monograph for cyproheptadine HCl tablets requires a 'Related substances' thin-layer chromatography (TLC) test. This test revealed an extraneous spot with an R(f) of 0.1 in certain cyproheptadine HCl tablets that were under ambient retention conditions as well as those on stability programs. An investigation utilizing LC-MS, direct infusion MS, NMR, and organic synthesis has identified that the spot results from the N-oxide of cyproheptadine (a genuine degradate) and a co-eluting cyproheptadine-dichloromethane adduct, an artifact formed during the sample extraction step in which dichloromethane is used in the extracting solvent.

Serotonin antagonist profiling on 5HT2A and 5HT2C receptors by nonequilibrium intracellular calcium response using an automated flow-through fluorescence analysis system, HT-PS 100.

Characterization of the potencies of agonists and antagonists in cell-based assays can be complicated by nonequilibrium conditions of functional response. We assessed the potencies of a series of serotonin (5HT) antagonists by inhibition of intracellular calcium response in HEK 293 cells expressing 5HT(2A) or 5HT(2C) receptors. An automated system, HT-PS 100, was used to profile the antagonists in two experimental setups: coadministration of agonist and antagonist to cells and preincubation of the cells with antagonist prior to agonist administration. We showed that the antagonist potencies (pIC(50) values) determined in the preincubation configuration were close to or exceeded those measured in the coadministration configuration. Closeness of the potencies determined in the two configurations supposedly reflected a rapid antagonist-receptor equilibration, whereas a significantly higher preincubation potency implied slow antagonist dissociation from the receptor. Schild analysis of the inhibition of serotonin-induced cell response by a competitive 5HT(2A) antagonist, spiperone, showed a typical competitive inhibition pattern when both the agonist and antagonist were applied simultaneously. Contrary to this, an insurmountable diminishing of the maximal cell response to serotonin was observed when the cells were preincubated with spiperone. We conclude that a combination of the coadministration and preincubation experimental setups is necessary for appropriate mechanistic interpretation and quantitative assessment of the antagonist activity when using transient functional readouts.

Enzyme immunoassay for 6-amino-5-chloro-1-isopropyl-2-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)benzimidazole, a novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonist.

An enzyme immunoassay (EIA) has been developed for determination of 6-amino-5-chloro-1-isopropyl-2-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl) benzimidazole (KB-6806), a novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. Anti-KB-6806 antiserum was elicited against the KB-6806-bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugate prepared by a diazo coupling reaction through the inherent 6-amino group. Beta-galactosidase-labeled 6-amino-5-chloro-1-isobutyl-2-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)benzimidazole was similarly prepared by diazo coupling reaction as an enzyme-labeled antigen with a hapten heterologous combination of antiserum. The modification at the 4-methyl group of the piperazine moiety of KB-6806 significantly decreased the binding affinity to the antibody. This method could quantitate KB-6806 in dog plasma in the concentration range of 0.078-10 ng/ml with good accuracy and precision. The EIA method has been successfully applied to the determination of KB-6806 in plasma after intravenous administration of KB-6806 to dogs.