Lymphoscintigraphy of human colorectal carcinoma metastases in athymic mice by use of radioiodinated B72.3 monoclonal antibody.

The potential of radioiodinated monoclonal antibody B72.3 for lymphoscintigraphy was evaluated, using suitable animal models of a human colorectal carcinoma. LS174T xenografts were grown at various sites in beta-estradiol-pretreated athymic mice, and the development of metastases in different organs was assessed histologically. After iv inoculation of the mice, 66% of the animals developed "metastases" to the axillary lymph nodes. Of these mice, 100% also developed multiple tumors on their backs and 79% had lung micrometastases. Livers, kidneys, and spleens showed no evidence of tumor growth. In 33% of the mice in which primary LS174T tumors had been removed from the hindfoot pad, metastases to the popliteal lymph nodes were observed 3 1/2 weeks after tumor implantation. BALB/c (nu/nu) female mice bearing axillary and popliteal lymph node metastases were used to test the potential of radiolabeled B72.3 antibody (an IgG1) as a lymphoscintigraphic agent. A monoclonal antibody against horseradish peroxidase (also an IgG1), which did not bind LS174T tumor cells in vitro, served as a control. Both normal and tumor-bearing axillary and popliteal lymph nodes imaged up to 6 hours after the sc injection of 20-40 mu Ci of 125I-labeled B72.3 into either the forefoot or hindfoot pads. The localization index (L.I.) (specific/nonspecific antibody in tumor divided by specific/nonspecific antibody in blood) for LS174T tumors in lymph nodes was approximately 1 during the first 6 hours after antibody injection, thus indicating no specific antibody accumulation. Twenty-four hours and later after sc injection, images of nodal metastases (14-477 mg) and specific antibody accumulations were observed. At these times the L.I.'s ranged 1.5-3.5. Tumor-negative nodes did not image at 24 hours after injection of 125I-labeled B72.3. The L.I.'s of the normal nodes and of other tissues from these mice were about 1.0 at 24 hours, indicating no specific antibody accumulation. Autoradiographic analysis of lymph nodes containing LS174T tumor showed heterogeneous antibody distribution of B72.3 within tumor sections with heavy patches of antibody accumulation in mucin globules. In lymph nodes the normal lymphocytes adjacent to the LS174T tumor cells showed no antibody accumulation. The lack of specific, early antibody accumulation by LS174T tumor-bearing nodes in mice suggests that B72.3 does not accumulate in nodal metastases to the degree necessary to consider it a potential agent for use in lymphoscintigraphy.

Experimental studies of radioimmunodetection of cancer: an overview.

During the past 8 years numerous patients have been treated by injection of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies for both diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It has become common to refer to this approach by such terms as "antibody guided delivery" or "antibody guided targeting." In general the results, while somewhat promising, have failed to fulfill our initial expectations. It is now clear that there are many physiological barriers that antibodies face in their travel toward their tumor associated antigen. The papers in the "Experimental Studies of Radioimmunodetection" section of the symposium describe in detail these barriers. We must remember that antibody conjugates are no more "guided" than classical drugs and hormones and are subject to the same physiological principals.

Radioimmunodetection of small human tumor xenografts in spleen of athymic mice by monoclonal antibodies.

The ability of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies to accumulate in and image small human tumors growing in the spleen of athymic mice was assessed. The antibodies B6.2 and B72.3, which reacted against human breast (Clouser) and colon (LS174T) tumor cells in vitro and in vivo, respectively, and the isotype matched anti-horseradish peroxidase antibody which did not bind to these tumors were used in pharmacokinetic and imaging experiments. Human melanoma cells and tumors (A375) which did not react with any of the three antibodies were used as additional controls. Radioiodinated "tumor specific" and non-specific antibodies were injected i.v. into athymic mice bearing intrasplenic tumors and the mice were sacrificed at various times to assess the specificity of uptake of these antibodies into tumor and normal host tissues. The accumulation of B6.2 in the Clouser tumor was maximal at 24 h as indicated by a localization index (specific/nonspecific antibody in tumor divided by the same ratio in blood) of about 4.0. The uptake of B72.3 in LS174T tumor increased with time with a localization index of about 12.0 observed at 50 h post-antibody injection. Localization indices for the control A375 tumor and for all normal mouse tissues, including the uninvolved portion of the tumor bearing spleen, were between 0.8 and 1.0, thus indicating no specific antibody accumulation. The relative blood flows of the Clouser and A375 tumors, as determined by the 86RbCl method, were similar. The results suggested that immunospecificity was a major factor in antibody localization in vivo. Specific images of approximately 100-mg Clouser tumors with radiolabeled B6.2 and of LS174T tumor with radiolabeled B72.3 were seen by 24 h after antibody injection. Images of smaller (about 20 mg) LS174T tumors were seen by 48 h following B72.3 injection. The control antibody, anti-horseradish peroxidase, did not image either Clouser or LS174T tumor. Also the control tumor was not imaged with any of the three antibodies tested. The data generated with this novel animal model support the concept of using radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies for detecting and possibly treating small metastatic visceral tumors in cancer patients.

Uptake and metabolism of 111In-labeled monoclonal antibody B6.2 by the rat liver.

When 111In-labeled murine monoclonal antibodies are used in radio-scintigraphic diagnostic procedures, a large fraction of the injected radionuclide is sequestered by the liver. Neither the cells responsible for the uptake nor the mechanism of uptake are known. Little is known about either the site within the liver of antibody metabolism or the form of the products of metabolism. In these studies, the uptake and metabolism of a monoclonal antibody, B6.2 radiolabeled with 111In or 125I [either intact B6.2 or F(ab')2] were determined in rats. One h after injection of either 125I- or 111In-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (111In-DTPA)-labeled B6.2, the predominant liver cell in which the radionuclide was found was the parenchymal cell. At this time, the absolute uptake of 125I in the liver was 0.23 +/- 0.06% (SD) of the injected dose compared to 0.61 +/- 0.06% when the radionuclide was 111In. Removal of the Fc portion of the antibody reduced the absolute liver uptake of 125I to 0.10 +/- 0.01 and the absolute uptake of 111In to 0.16 +/- 0.06. Both radionuclides were still associated predominantly with the parenchymal cell. Using size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography analysis of liver supernatants the metabolism of radiolabeled B6.2 was followed for 24 h. Of the radioactivity recovered, 47.9% of the 125I was precipitable by centrifugation (and presumed bound to cell membranes) while 15.4% was attached to B6.2 found in the cytosol. In contrast, when 111In-DTPA-B6.2 was administered, 16.0% of 111In recovered from the liver was precipitable by centrifugation, and 6.5% was attached to B6.2 found in the cytosol. Sixty % of the 111In was recovered as a low molecular weight (less than 1000) component in the cytosol. This metabolite was not immunoreactive, nor did it comigrate with ferritin, and was resolved into four components by ion exchange high performance liquid chromatography. Of these, only a minor component cochromatographed with an 111In-DTPA standard. These data suggest that the large accretion of radionuclide by the liver is due to uptake of monoclonal antibodies by an Fc receptor-mediated mechanism and the subsequent accumulation of low molecular weight metabolites, presumably 111In-DTPA, attached to one or more amino acids. The reasons for the entrapment of metabolites in the liver are under investigation.

Pharmacokinetics of 99mTc-metallothionein-B72.3 and its F(ab')2 fragment.

The radionuclide of choice for use in diagnosis in most nuclear medicine diagnostic procedures is 99mTc. It is important, therefore, to establish whether there is potential clinical efficacy of an antitumor antigen directed monoclonal antibody labeled with 99mTc. We have investigated the potential use of a 99mTc labeled antibody complex which uses conjugation of the metal binding protein, metallothionein (MT), to bind the radiolabel. The stability and pharmacokinetics of the conjugates in normal and tumor bearing mice were compared to radioiodinated controls. Measurements done in CD-1 mice comparing either 99mTc-MT-B72.3 with 125I-B72.3 or 99mTc-MT-F(ab')2 with 125I-F(ab')2 indicated that the 99mTc-MT-B72.3 cleared at a rate which was faster than 125I-B72.3 while the two radiolabeled F(ab')2 fragments cleared at similar rates. The 99mTc from both labeled IgG and F(ab')2 was found in the kidneys and urine. While all the 99mTc in the urine was in the form of low molecular weight compounds, the serum contained radioactivity comigrating on size exclusion chromatography with the injected monoclonal antibody. With the exception of kidneys, organ values for 99mTc-MT-B72.3 were consistently lower than the 125I values, while the 99mTc-MT-F(ab')2 cleared other organs at similar rates to those for the iodinated monoclonal antibody. Both 99mTc-MT-B72.3 and F(ab')2 showed higher 24-h tumor:blood ratios than the iodinated proteins. Due to the pharmacokinetic properties of 99mTc-MT-F(ab')2 and the half-life of 99mTc, 99mTc-MT-F(ab')2 is the agent best suited for imaging.

Correlation of vascular permeability and blood flow with monoclonal antibody uptake by human Clouser and renal cell xenografts.

The specific uptake of 125I-A6H antibody by xenografts of the human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) TK177G in the athymic mouse was considerably greater than that seen for other human tumor xenografts and their associated antibodies (e.g., 125I-B6.2 uptake by the human breast carcinoma, Clouser). In addition the A6H-RCC model also demonstrated both greater localization indices and absolute amount of antibody bound than did the B6.2-Clouser model. Several physiological factors were studied to assess whether they might play a role in this greater specific uptake. Vascular volume was determined using the in situ labeling of red blood cells with 99mTc. Vascular permeability was determined by measuring the amount of 125I-labeled bovine serum albumin and 131I-labeled nonspecific IgG1 (anti-horseradish peroxidase) extravasated out of the tumor vasculature during 1 hr. Relative blood flow to the tumor was determined using the 86Rb method. Blood flow and vascular permeability were found to be significantly greater in the RCC tumor xenografts than in Clouser tumors. Differences in vascular permeability were especially dramatic, showing the vasculature of the RCC xenograft was twice as permeable as that of the Clouser tumor. Animals bearing either RCC or Clouser xenografts were injected with a monoclonal antibody to human major histocompatibility complexes (125I-labeled anti-human histocompatibility complex A, B, C). Tumor uptake of 125I-labeled anti-human histocompatibility complex A, B, C was found to be 5 times greater in RCC than Clouser xenografts. These results, therefore, suggest that the differences seen in the physiological factors studied can account for some of the greater specific 125I-A6H uptake by the RCC tumor than 125I-B6.2 uptake by the Clouser xenograft.

Tumor-specific genetically engineered murine/human chimeric monoclonal antibody.

Murine variable and human constant region exons were fused to produce "chimeric" immunoglobulin gamma and kappa genes. These constructs were cotransfected into murine myeloma cells which then produced and secreted intact, functional antibody. Cells secreting the chimeric antibody were introduced into mice. The engineered immunoglobulin was subsequently harvested from ascites fluid and was purified by affinity chromatography. Its immunological properties were compared to those of the parental murine monoclonal (B6.2), which exhibits specificity for human breast, lung, and colon carcinoma cells. Competitive binding, immunofluorescent cell staining, and analysis of immunoprecipitated antigen gave similar results for the chimeric and murine B6.2. The biodistribution of chimeric and murine B6.2 after injection into mice bearing human tumors was found to be identical. These results suggest that murine/human chimeric antibodies may be viable clinical replacements for murine monoclonals with the potential for better immunological tolerance and pharmacological efficacy.

Pharmacokinetics of the monoclonal antibody B72.3 and its fragments labeled with either 125I or 111In.

A comparison of the pharmacokinetics of intact B72.3 (a murine monoclonal antibody specific for human breast and colon carcinoma) with F(ab')2 and Fab fragments labeled with 111In and 125I was done in athymic mice bearing target (LS174T) and non-target (HCT-15) tumors. IgG B72.3 labeled with either isotype imaged LS174T. Biodistributions of both labels were similar in all organs except liver. F(ab')2 also imaged the LS174T tumor, while Fab bearing either isotype did not. The blood clearance was Fab greater than F(ab')2 greater than immunoglobulin G B72.3 for both isotopes. 111In-labeled fragments yielded large accumulations in the kidneys which persisted for 2 days. The different patterns of biodistribution for the various forms of B72.3 labeled with the two isotopes suggest that the most desirable combination of fragment and isotope will depend on the intended use.

Intraperitoneal immunoconjugates.

Intracavitary instillation of radioantibodies has been proposed as therapy for anatomically confined malignant disease. To evaluate this therapeutic strategy, a monoclonal antibody reactive with human transferrin receptor (7D3) was evaluated for localization in a human malignant mesothelioma transplanted i.p. in athymic nude mice. This antibody was purified and labeled with 131I, 125I, or 111In. Radiolabeled antibody was administered i.p. or i.v. to tumor-bearing mice. Three h after injection, the percentage of injected dose/g (ID/g) of tumor was higher in free-floating ascites tumor cells (31.0%/g tumor cell pellet) after i.p. injection than after i.v. injection (12.0%). However, localization of radiolabel in i.p. solid tumors was similar (5.37% ID/g i.p. versus 4.73% of ID/g i.v.), and by 24 h both routes of administration produced similar localization of radiolabel in both free-floating ascites cells and solid tumors. In contrast, uptake of radiolabel into liver, kidney, and to a lesser extent bone and bone marrow, was less with i.p. than with i.v. administration. In clinical studies with 111In and 90Y antibodies administered i.p. to patients with ovarian cancer, confined biodistribution of the radioantibody was again seen, although interpatient variability of rate of egress of the radiolabel was documented. Therefore, both preclinical and clinical data indicate that i.p. therapy with immunoconjugates may be advantageous for cancer confined to the peritoneal cavity. This advantage stems primarily from reduced localization of isotope in organs of catabolism or toxicity (liver, kidney, bone, and bone marrow), rather than greatly increased levels of isotope in tumor. Unresolved problems include degree of antibody penetration into solid tumors, microdosimetry, and radioantibody effectiveness for tumor killing.

Phosphoprotein phosphatase in bovine tracheal smooth muscle. Multiple fractions and multiple substrates.

Phosphoprotein phosphatase (phosphoprotein phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.16) from bovine tracheal smooth muscle extracts was isolated and its activity determined using two [32P]phosphorylated proteins as substrates, i.e. phosphorylated histone (H-P) and a phosphorylated muscle specific substrate protein (MS-P) for the tracheal smooth muscle protein kinase. The enzyme was purified by the use of DEAE-cellulose followed by a two stage chromatography on a histone-Sepharose affinity column. Elution from the affinity column resolved the phosphoprotein phosphatase into four activity fractions. While fractions expressed phosphatase activity against both tested substrates the relative amounts of either activity varied. The ratio of activity towards H-P to activity towards MS-P changed from 11.5 to 0.12. The characterization of four phosphoprotein phosphatase fractions was based on the differences found in the following parameters: substrate specificity; sensitivity to NaF; influences of nucleotides (ATP, 5'-AMP, cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP) and the requirement of Mn2+ for maximal activity. Mg2+, Ba2+ or Ca2+ could not substitute for Mn2+.

Determination of calcium transport and phosphoprotein phosphatase activity in microsomes from respiratory and vascular smooth muscle.

1. Calcium transport into microsomal vesicles of respiratory (tracheal) smooth muscle was characterized. This calcium transport was ATP dependent and stimulated by the presence of the oxalate ion. The magnitude of transport was similar to that reported for microsomes from other types of smooth muscle. 2. Bovine and rabbit, heavy and light microsomes were isolated from respiratory (tracheal) and vascular (aortic) smooth muscle. Preincubation of these vesicles with cyclic AMP and protein kinase did not alter the transport of calcium into the vesicles. There uas no evidence of phosphate incorporation into microsomal membrane proteins. Similar results were obtained if phosphorylase b kinase replaced the combination of cyclic AMP and protein kinase during the preincubation. 3. The phosphoprotein phosphatase activity of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum and smooth muscle microsomes was determined. The activity of this enzyme was found to be several-fold less in the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum than in various smooth muscle microsome preparations.

Comparison of the transport of 42K+, 22Na+, 201Tl+, and [99mTc(dmpe)2 X Cl2]+ using human erythrocytes.

The ability of isolated human erythrocytes to exchange Na+ for K+ via (Na+ + K+)-ATPase was used to study the characteristics and interactions of the transport of both alkali metal and synthetic monovalent cations. Both efflux and influx studies were carried out and the results showed that: (1) Efflux of 22Na+ from human erythrocytes was stimulated by the addition of either of K+, or Tl+ at 10 mM and inhibited by the addition of ouabain. Unlabeled K+ and the addition of [99Tc(dmpe)2 X Cl2]+ (dmpe, 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane) at 5 mM had no effect on 22Na+ efflux. (2) Influx of 42K+ was inhibited by the addition of ouabain, unlabeled K+, or Tl+. 201Tl+ influx was more rapid and of a greater magnitude than 42K+ influx. [99Tc(dmpe)2 X Cl2]+ had no effect on 42K+ uptake. (3) Influx of 201Tl+ was inhibited by ouabain and by the addition of unlabeled Tl+. Addition of [99Tc(dmpe)2 X Cl2]+ at 5 mM resulted in an inhibition of 201Tl+ influx. (4) [99Tc(dmpe)2 X Cl2]+ influx resembled that of 42K+ with respect to rate and magnitude. Influx of [99mTc(dmpe)2 X Cl2]+ was shown to be unaffected by ouabain, unlabeled K+ or Tl+. Addition of 5 mM [99Tc(dmpe)2 X Cl2]+ initially had no effect on [99mTc(dmpe)2 X Cl2]+ influx, however, a time-dependent stimulation of the influx of the [99mTc(dmpe)2 X Cl2]+ was observed. We conclude that the influx of the various alkali, metal and synthetic monovalent cations into erythrocytes is mediated by different mechanisms. Most clearly, the influx of [99mTc(dmpe)2 X Cl2]+ is not by a mechanism similar to that of utilized by K+ or Tl+.

Cyclic AMP-stimulated phosphorylation of bovine tracheal smooth muscle contractile and non-contractile proteins.

1. Various proteins isolated from bovine tracheal smooth muscle were examined as phosphate acceptor substrates for a cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase isolated from the same tissue. A fraction prepared in a manner similar to that of skeletal muscle troponin was the best substrate of the presumptive contractile proteins isolate. Actomyosin and tropomyosin were relatively poor substrates. 2. An assay was developed for the rapid detection in a large number of samples of the muscle specific substrate for the protein kinase on which we reported previously. 3. Using this assay, the muscle specific substrate found in bovine tracheal smooth muscle was partially purified resulting in a preparation which when resolved by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed a single peak of 32P incorporated, and which could be further characterized. 4. Our findings suggest that the substrate contains a protein subunit of molecular weight 19 000, which can be phosphorylated at serine and threonine residues, in the presence of cyclic AMP and protein kinase. The phosphate is in a covalent ester linkage with these residues. 5. A phosphoprotein phosphatase was isolated from the bovine tracheal smooth muscle. 6. Bovine tracheal smooth muscle contains cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase and phosphoprotein phospahatase activity as well as the muscle specific substrate, suggesting that these elements may be part of a mechanism which regulates smooth muscle tone.

Preclinical toxicity and efficacy study of a 14-day schedule of oral 5-iodo-2-pyrimidinone-2'-deoxyribose as a prodrug for 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine radiosensitization in U251 human glioblastoma xenografts.

In anticipation of an initial clinical Phase I trial in patients with high-grade gliomas of p.o. administered 5-iodo2-pyrimidinone-2'-deoxyribose (IPdR) given daily for 14 days as a prodrug for 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IUdR)-mediated tumor radiosensitization, we determined the systemic toxicities and the percentage IUdR-DNA incorporation in normal athymic mouse tissues and a human glioblastoma xenograft (U251) after this dosing schedule of IPdR. Using a tumor regrowth assay of s.c. U251 xenografts, we also compared radiosensitization with this IPdR-dosing schedule to radiation therapy (XRT) alone (2 Gy/day for 4 days) or to XRT after continuous infusion IUdR for 14 days at the maximum tolerated dose in mice (100 mg/kg/day). Athymic mice with and without U251 s.c. xenografts tolerated 750 or 1500 mg/kg/day of p.o. IPdR (using gastric lavage) for 14 days without weight loss or activity level changes during treatment and for a 28-day posttreatment observation period. The percentage IUdR-DNA incorporation in U251 tumor cells was significantly higher after p.o. IPdR (750 and 1500 mg/kg/day) for 14 days (3.1 +/- 0.2% and 3.7 +/- 0.3%, respectively) than continuous infusion IUdR for 14 days (1.4 +/- 0.1%). Compared to XRT alone, a significant sensitizer enhancement ratio (SER) was found with the combination of p.o. IPdR (1500 mg/kg/d) + XRT (SER = 1.31; P = 0.05) but not for the combination of continuous infusion IUdR + XRT (SER = 1.07; P = 0.57) in the U251 xenografts. The percentage IUdR-DNA incorporation after IPdR at 1500 mg/kg/day for 14 days in normal bone marrow, normal small intestine, and normal liver were 1.2 +/-0.2%, 3.3 +/- 0.3%, and 0.2 +/- 0.1%, respectively. We conclude that a 14-day p.o. schedule of IPdR at up to 1500 mg/kg/day results in no significant systemic toxicity in athymic mice and is associated with significant radiosensitization using this human glioblastoma multiforme xenograft model. Based on these data and our previously published data using shorter IPdR dosing schedules, which also demonstrate an improved therapeutic index for IPdR compared to IUdR, an initial clinical Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of p.o. IPdR daily for 14 days is being designed.

Preclinical study of the systemic toxicity and pharmacokinetics of 5-iodo-2-deoxypyrimidinone-2'-deoxyribose as a radiosensitizing prodrug in two, non-rodent animal species: implications for phase I study design.

We have demonstrated previously an improved therapeutic index for oral 5-iodo-2-deoxypyrimidinone-2'-deoxyribose (IPdR) compared with oral and continuous infusion of 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IUdR) as a radiosensitizing agent using three different human tumor xenografts in athymic mice. IPdR is a prodrug that is efficiently converted to IUdR by a hepatic aldehyde oxidase, resulting in high IPdR and IUdR plasma levels in mice for > or =1 h after p.o. IPdR. Athymic mice tolerated oral IPdR at up to 1500 mg/kg/day given four times per day for 6-14 days without significant systemic toxicities. In anticipation of an investigational new drug application for the first clinical Phase I and pharmacology study of oral IPdR in humans, we studied the drug pharmacokinetics and host toxicities in two non-rodent, animal species. For the IPdR systemic toxicity and toxicology study, twenty-four male or female ferrets were randomly assigned to four IPdR dosage groups receiving 0, 15, 150, and 1500 mg/kg/day by oral gavage x 14 days prior to sacrifice on study day 15. All ferrets survived the 14-day treatment. Ferrets receiving 1500 mg/kg/day showed observable systemic toxicities with diarrhea, emesis, weight loss, and decreased motor activity beginning at days 5-8 of the 14-day schedule. Overall, both male and female ferrets receiving IPdR at 1500 mg/kg/day experienced significant weight loss (9 and 19%, respectively) compared with controls after the 14-day treatment. No weight loss or other systemic toxicities were observed in other IPdR dosage groups. Grossly, no anatomical lesions were noted at complete necropsy, although liver weights were increased in both male and female ferrets in the two higher IPdR dosage groups. Histologically, IPdR-treated animals showed dose-dependent microscopic changes in liver consisting of minimal to moderate cytoplasmic vacuolation of hepatocytes, which either occurred in the periportal area (high dosage group) or diffusely throughout the liver (lower dosage groups). Female ferrets in the highest IPdR dose group also showed decreased kidney and uterus weights at autopsy without any associated histological changes. No histological changes were found in central nervous system tissues. No significant abnormalities in blood cell counts, liver function tests, kidney function tests, or urinalysis were noted. Hepatic aldehyde oxidase activity was decreased to approximately 50 and 30% of control ferrets in the two higher IPdR dosage groups, respectively, after the 14-day treatment period. The % IUdR-DNA incorporation in ferret bone marrow at the completion of IPdR treatment was < or =0.05% in the two lower dosage groups and approximately 2% in the 1500 mg/kg/day dosage group. The % IUdR-DNA in normal liver was < or =0.05% in all IPdR dosage groups. In a pharmacokinetic study in four Rhesus monkeys, we determined the plasma concentrations of IPdR after a single i.v. bolus of 50 mg/kg over 20 min. Using a two-compartment model to fit the plasma pharmacokinetic data, we found that IPdR was cleared in these non-human primates in a biexponential manner with an initial rapid distributive phase (mean T1/2alpha = 6.5 min), followed by an elimination phase with a mean T1/2 of 63 min. The mean maximum plasma concentration of IPdR was 124+/-43 microM with a mean total body clearance of 1.75+/-0.95 l/h/kg. IPdR was below detection (<0.5 microM) in the cerebrospinal fluid. We conclude that there are dose-limiting systemic toxicities to a 14-day schedule of p.o. IPdR at 1500 mg/kg/day in ferrets that were not found previously in athymic mice. However, no significant hematological, biochemical, or histopathological changes were found. Hepatic aldehyde oxidase activity was reduced in a dose-dependent in ferret liver, suggesting partial enzyme saturation by this IPdR schedule. The plasma pharmacokinetic profile in Rhesus monkeys showing biexponential clearance is similar to our published data in athymic mice. These data are being applied

Effect of serine proteinase inhibitors on neutrophil function: alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor, antichymotrypsin, and a recombinant hybrid mutant of antichymotrypsin (LEX032) modulate neutrophil adhesion interactions.

Circulating serine proteinase inhibitors (serpins) regulate a number of proteinases that participate in the inflammatory process. In this study, we investigated possible modulatory effects of serpins on neutrophil adhesion. Antichymotrypsin (ACT), alpha1-protease inhibitor (alpha1-PI), and LEX032, a recombinant hybrid of ACT and alpha1-PI were shown to inhibit neutrophil adhesion to fibronectin (FN)-coated surfaces and, to a lesser extent, adhesion to other extracellular matrix proteins. The inhibitory effect of serpins on neutrophil adhesion to FN was found to be related to inhibition of FN proteolysis based on the following observations: (1) elastase treatment of FN-coated plates, but not of neutrophils, resulted in enhanced neutrophil adhesion; and (2) serpins inhibited FN proteolysis by neutrophil proteases. Serpins also inhibited neutrophil spreading, as well as shedding of neutrophil CD43, but not L-selectin, CD18, or CD29. We conclude that serpins modulate neutrophil adhesion both by inhibiting proteolytic processing of extracellular matrix proteins and proteolytic shedding of CD43.

Methods for the study of the metabolism of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies by liver and tumor.

Methods for elucidating the mechanisms by which radiolabeled antibodies are taken up and accumulated in tumor and liver are reviewed. These include the use of isolated perfused rat livers, RES blockade using dextran sulfate, single and double labeled antibodies, micropore chambers for the accumulation of the interstitial fluid, and in vitro tissue culture studies of antibody metabolism. Each method has its utility, examples of which will be discussed along with the methods' limitations. All of the methods have value in furthering our understanding of the metabolism of monoclonal antibodies both in vivo and in vitro. Use of these procedures to create a greater understanding of radiolabeled antibody metabolism, hopefully, will result in improved clinically useful agents for diagnosis and therapy.

Characterization of in vivo chemistry of cations in the heart.

A variety of laboratory procedures can be used to define the chemistry and pharmacokinetics of myocardial cationic imaging agents. These methods are utilized to define the in vivo chemistry of cationic heart agents, in order to understand the kinetics and mechanisms of: tissue and cellular transport, subcellular distribution, and intracellular localization. Transport across cell membranes can be active, passive or facilitated. Studies performed in erythrocytes, heart cells, slices and isolated perfused hearts using methods for separation of metabolites have shown a high degree of myocardial specificity for [99mTc]hexakis alkyl isonitrile by an uptake mechanism different from 201Tl. These studies demonstrate the importance of in vivo chemistry and pharmacokinetics in the development of new radiopharmaceuticals.

Uptake of hexakis(t-butylisonitrile) technetium (I) and hexakis(isopropylisonitrile) technetium (I) by neonatal rat myocytes and human erythrocytes.

The uptake mechanism of two potential cardiac imaging agents [99mTc]hexakis(t-butylisonitrile) technetium (I) (TBI) and [99mTc]hexakis(isopropylisonitrile) technetium (I) (IPI) has been studied using neonatal rat myocytes and human erythrocytes. Uptake of these complexes was rapid, of greater magnitude than seen previously for 42K, and was unaffected by either 0.15 mM ouabain or 10 mM KCI. Both [99mTc]isonitrile complexes had a high affinity for the membranes of the myocytes and erythrocytes. The data suggest that the uptake is not dependent on the membrane Na+/K+ ATPase but may be related to the lipophilicity of these agents as evidenced by the rapidity, tenacity, and quantity of the binding observed.

Vascular volume and permeability of human and murine tumors grown in athymic mice.

99mTc-labeled red blood cells have been used to measure tumor vascular volume (VV). When combined with the use of 125I-labeled bovine serum albumin [( 125I]BSA) and 131I-labeled IgGs this method also provides the rapid simultaneous determination of tumor vascular permeability (VP). Using this technique the VV and VP of a human (Clouser) and a murine tumor (SL2) grown in athymic mice were determined. The relative VV were Clouser = SL2 greater than or equal to skin greater than muscle. The relative VP of BSA and IgG were Clouser greater than SL2 = skin greater than muscle. These results may explain the differences observed in the accumulation of monoclonal antibodies in human and murine tumors grown in the athymic mouse.