Transplacental passage of a human relaxin administered to rhesus monkeys.

A synthetic version of the human relaxin encoded by the human gene 2 (hR1x-2) was administered to pregnant rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) on gestational days 141-158. Monkeys (three per group) received doses of 100 micrograms/kg or 2000 micrograms/kg as a continuous i.v. infusion over 2 h into a radial vein. One monkey in the low-dose group received, along with the unlabelled hR1x-2, 25.5 microCi/kg of the test material internally labelled with [35S]cysteine. Immunoreactive hR1x-2, as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, appeared in all fetuses within 30 min (the first sampling time) of beginning the infusions. Peak fetal plasma levels of hR1x-2 were only 0.8-1.5% of the maternal values. Only 8-15% of the fetal serum radioactivity was hR1x-2. Radioactivity from maternal urine pooled over the 4-h experiment did not elute at the volume corresponding to hR1x-2, but near the column volume.

Acute, multiple-dose, and genetic toxicology of AR177, an anti-HIV oligonucleotide.

AR177 (Zintevir) is a 17-mer oligonucleotide that has been shown to have anti-HIV activity and to be a potent HIV-1 integrase inhibitor in vitro, and is among the first oligonucleotides to enter human clinical trials. Acute and multiple-dose intravenous toxicity studies were performed in mice, and genetic toxicity studies were performed in vitro and in vivo in order to determine the toxicity profile of AR177. The acute toxicity study in mice showed that AR177 had an LD50 of > or = 1.5 g/kg body weight. The multipledose toxicity study in mice showed that AR177 caused male-specific mortality, and changes in serum chemistry, hematology, and histology at doses of 250 and 600 mg/kg. Clinical chemistry findings included changes in liver function, and decreased erythrocyte values at 250 and 600 mg/kg. Histopathologic findings included vacuolization of reticuloendothelial cells in phagocytic cells in lymphoid tissue, liver, lungs, heart and uterus, and extramedullary hematopoeisis in the spleen. Renal toxicity was exhibited as nephropathy and tubular necrosis in the two high-dose groups of males. A no-effect dose was not established. AR177 did not exhibit genetic toxicity in any of three mutagenic assays. In combination with previously reported toxicity studies of AR177 in monkeys, this study showed that the toxicity of AR177 is species specific.

The reproductive and developmental toxicity of the antifungal drug Nyotran (liposomal nystatin) in rats and rabbits.

Nyotran is a liposomally encapsulated i.v. formulation of the antifungal polyene nystatin. This drug was evaluated in a series of reproductive toxicity studies, according to the guidelines outlined by the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). A fertility and early embryonic development study (SEG I) and a prenatal and postnatal development (SEG III) study were conducted in rats, and embryo-fetal development (SEG II) studies were conducted in rats and rabbits. Nyotran was administered iv in all studies. In SEG I and SEG III, rats were administered daily doses of 0.5, 1.5, or 3.0 mg/kg Nyotran. In both studies, parental mortality and toxicity in the 3.0 mg/kg dose group necessitated the lowering of the high dose to 2.0 mg/kg/day. Parental toxicity, in the form of decreased body weights, decreased food consumption, and piloerection were also observed at the 1.5 mg/kg/day dose level in the SEG I and SEG III studies. Despite the parentally toxic doses in the SEG I study, there was no effect of Nyotran on F0 male or female fertility or early embryonic development of F1 offspring. In the SEG III study, lactational body weights of the F1 generation were decreased at all Nyotran dose levels. There was no effect on pre-wean developmental landmarks, but post-wean development was affected by Nyotran administration at all dosage levels. Preputional separation was delayed in the 1.5 and 3.0/2.0 mg/kg/day F1 offspring, auditory startle function was decreased in F1 females at all dose levels, and motor activity was decreased in male F1 offspring at all dose levels. However, there were no treatment-related effects on the subsequent mating of the F1 generation and resulting F2 offspring. In SEG II studies, rats and rabbits were also administered 0.5, 1.5, or 3.0 mg/kg/day of Nyotran during gestation. The high dose in these SEG II studies was not lowered, as the maternal animals were able to tolerate the shorter duration of dosing. Maternal effects in rabbits were observed only in the high-dose group and were limited to decreased food consumption and decreased absolute and relative liver weight. Decreased food consumption in high-dose dams and clinical weight loss in some animals at the mid- and high-dose levels evidenced maternal toxicity in rats. Nyotran did not have any effect on Caesarian section parameters in either rats or rabbits and no effect on the incidence of fetal malformations in rabbits. A statistically significant increase in mild hydrocephaly, observed in 4 rat fetuses, was seen at the highest dose level of 3.0 mg/kg/day. The biological significance and relationship to Nyotran treatment of this finding is not clear. This finding may represent a change in the background incidence or a change in the pattern of responsiveness of this strain of rat fetus to the test chemical. Toxicokinetic data were also collected in the SEG II rabbit and rat studies for comparison to human exposures. In both species, systemic exposure to the nystatin at effective antifungal concentrations was demonstrated. The systemic exposures in rats and rabbits were, however, considerably less than have been reported in humans administered clinical doses of 2 or 4 mg/kg/day Nyotran. Thus, humans tolerate higher dosages and systemic exposures of Nyotran relative to rats and rabbits and there is no margin of safety in either dosage level or systemic exposure to drug. Given this lack of a margin of safety and the effects on postnatal development in F1 rats, caution should be exercised when using this drug in females of childbearing potential.

Metabolism and toxicity of dinitrobenzene isomers in erythrocytes from Fischer-344 rats, rhesus monkeys and humans.

The metabolism of dinitrobenzene (DNB) isomers in Fischer-344 rat, rhesus monkey and human erythrocytes was investigated. Erythrocytes from all species metabolized o-DNB and p-DNB to S-(nitrophenyl)glutathione conjugates although there were species differences in the rate and extent of conjugate formation. No metabolites of m-DNB were detected in the erythrocytes of any species. The rank order of the ability of the DNB isomers to produce methemoglobin in vitro varied from species to species, but p-DNB was always the most effective isomer. The data suggest that although the erythrocyte can conjugate DNB isomers with glutathione, this pathway offers no substantial protection from methemoglobinemia induced by dinitrobenzenes.

Extrahepatic metabolism and distribution of aspirin in vascular beds of sheep.

The dispositions of aspirin, its metabolite, salicylic acid, and its subsequent metabolite, salicyluric acid, were studied in eight anesthetized sheep infused with aspirin (61 and 485 microgram X min-1 X kg-1) for 75 min. Plasma samples were withdrawn from the portal vein, hepatic vein, pulmonary artery, left ventricle, left femoral vein, and left femoral artery. Significant extraction of aspirin occurred across the liver and hind leg, with mean availabilities of 0.75, 0.98, and 0.82 observed across the liver, lung, and hind leg, respectively. The extraction of aspirin was not affected by coadministration of sodium salicylate (30-1200 mg equiv salicylic acid). This extraction reflected hydrolysis of aspirin to salicylic acid; the metabolism of aspirin in the hind leg, lung, and liver being confirmed with tissue homogenate studies. The metabolism of aspirin in the extrahepatic tissues is significant in relation to the proposed selective presystemic acetylation of platelet cyclooxygenase by aspirin and the use of low-dose aspirin for thrombotic indications.

Metabolite inhibition of nitroglycerin metabolism in sheep tissue homogenates.

The metabolism of nitroglycerin in sheep tissue homogenates has been examined using tritiated nitroglycerin and a HPLC separation procedure. Nitroglycerin was metabolized by liver, lung, muscle, arterial and venous tissue to its dinitrometabolites and subsequently to mononitroglycerin. Addition of the dinitrometabolites substantially inhibited the degradation of nitroglycerin in all tissue homogenates.

The availability of nitroglycerin from parenteral solutions.

The availability of nitroglycerin from solution infused from Viaflex plastic infusion bags or glass infusion bottles through Buretrol plastic giving sets has been examined. Each of the individual components of the infusion bag/giving set system (i.e. infusion bag, burette and infusion tubing) sorbed nitroglycerin to a significant extent. It was found that the event and rate of nitroglycerin disappearance from solutions stored in each of the components were in the rank order: tubing greater than burette greater than infusion bag. The disappearance kinetics of nitroglycerin from solutions stored in each component was more accurately described by a 'diffusion' model than by the 'two compartment kinetic' model reported previously. The dimensions of the components and the volume of solution used were determinants of the rate and extent of nitroglycerin disappearance. In simulated infusions of nitroglycerin through plastic infusion bag (or glass bottle)/giving set system the flow rate of solution through the plastic infusion tubing affected the concentration of nitroglycerin in the effluent and the extent of sorption by the components of the infusion delivery system. The loss of nitroglycerin in these studies could be accounted for solely by the sorption of nitroglycerin by the plastic components of the infusion bag/giving set system.

[In vitro activity of a liposomal nystatin formulation (Nyotran) against Cryptococcus neoformans]. / Actividad in vitro de una formulación liposómica de nistatina (Nyotran) frente a Cryptococcus neoformans.

The in vitro antifungal activity of a new liposomal nystatin formulation (NISTL, Nyotran, Aronex Ltd., EE.UU.) was evaluated by a microdilution method with RPMI based on the M27A document of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) against 22 isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans. This antifungal activity was compared with those of other seven antifungal agents, such as nystatin (NIST), amphotericin B deoxycholate, liposomal amphotericin B, amphotericin B lipid complex, amphotericin B colloidal dispersion, fluconazole, and itraconazole. NISTL was more active in vitrothan NIST, showing MIC values 2-3 fold smaller in 90% of the isolates. The results obtained suggest that this new formulation would be very helpful for the treatment of cryptococcosis.

Role of the red blood cell in drug metabolism.

Contrary to the belief that the RBC is not metabolically active towards pharmacologically active endogenous and exogenous substances, it is evident that the RBC contains moderate cytochrome P-450-like activity, in addition to the ability to catalyse various other transformations of a range of drugs. The list of drugs for which there is evidence of metabolism by RBC (Table 1) contains examples from several drug classes. However some major classes of drugs which are principally cleared in vivo by metabolism are missing (for example, benzodiazepines). Moreover, there is as yet no evidence for the RBC having the capacity for the more important drug conjugation reactions (glucuronidation, sulphation) although there is evidence of other conjugation reactions (methylation, acetylation, glutathione conjugation). It is conceivable that the RBC could be used as a convenient tissue to add to other metabolism screening procedures used in drug development. Already use has been made of the RBC in identifying fast and slow acetylators. Others have used RBC to identify a possible sex-based difference in drug metabolism. Hopefully, this review has stimulated interest in the ability of the RBC to metabolize drugs and this interest will result in further discoveries.

Metabolism of dinitrobenzenes by rat isolated hepatocytes.

The metabolism of radiolabeled dinitrobenzene (DNB) isomers was compared in hepatocytes and hepatic subcellular fractions isolated from male Fischer-344 rats. Under aerobic conditions, reduction was the major metabolic pathway for m- and p- DNB in hepatocytes with m- and p-nitroaniline accounting for 74.0 +/- 1.2 and 81.0 +/- 0.6% (mean +/- SE, n = 4), respectively, of the radioactivity present after a 30-min incubation. The major metabolite of o-DNB in similar incubations was S-(2-nitrophenyl)glutathione which represented 48.1 +/- 5.5% of the total radioactivity; o-nitroaniline accounted for 29.5 +/- 2.1% of the radioactivity. Incubations of DNBs with microsomes produced nitroanilines as well as nitrosonitrobenzenes and nitrophenylhydroxylamines. Reduction of o- and m-DNB by microsomes was NADPH-dependent. Reduction of p-DNB could be supported by NADH as well as NADPH, although the rate of reduction was slower with NADH. o- and p-DNB were reduced to nitroanilines 3-5 times faster than m-DNB in hepatocyte and microsomal incubations. Conjugation of o- and p-DNB, but not m-DNB, with glutathione occurred in cytosol incubations although only o-DNB formed the glutathione conjugate in intact hepatocytes. Thus, there are substantial isomeric differences in the aerobic metabolism of the DNBs by rat hepatic enzymes.

Nitroglycerin disposition in human blood.

The disposition in vitro of nitroglycerin (GTN) and its metabolites in erythrocyte suspensions, plasma and blood has been studied using labelled (3H) and unlabelled GTN and GTN metabolites separated by HPLC. GTN was rapidly metabolised (t1/2 3 min) to dinitro-metabolites and subsequently to the mononitronitrates in erythrocyte suspensions containing a therapeutic concentration of GTN (0.8-10 ng/ml). The metabolism of GTN and its dinitro-metabolites was concentration dependent. GTN and its dinitro-metabolites were plasma protein bound (11-60%). They had an apparent erythrocyte-plasma partition coefficient in the range 0.6 to 0.9. The metabolism of GTN by erythrocytes was partially inhibited by the presence of the dinitro-metabolites of GTN. The metabolism of GTN in blood samples collected from patients could be stopped by adding the collected blood to chilled tubes containing the enzyme inhibitor iodoacetamide.

Availability of isosorbide dinitrate, diazepam and chlormethiazole, from i.v. delivery systems.

The loss of isosorbide dinitrate from aqueous solutions stored in plastic infusion bags and/or infused through plastic giving sets was investigated. During simulated infusions, the loss of isosorbide dinitrate was found to be flow-rate dependent. The clinical and pharmacokinetic significance of this loss is discussed. Infusion o isosorbide dinitrate from a glass syringe through high density polyethylene tubing overcame the loss associated with its administration via plastic infusion bags and intravenous giving sets. This method was also applied successfully to minimise the previously reported loss of diazepam and chlormethiazole during infusions.

Distribution and metabolism of nitroglycerin and its metabolites in vascular beds of sheep.

The disposition of nitroglycerin (NTG) and its metabolites has been examined in anesthetised sheep after infusion of 0.4, 5.7 and 22.1 micrograms of NTG/min/kg through the right femoral vein. Several blood samples were collected from the left ventricle, pulmonary artery, left femoral artery, left femoral vein, portal vein and hepatic vein. Significant extraction of NTG across all vascular beds was demonstrated. The extraction was shown to be dose-dependent reflecting hemodynamic and metabolic events. Evidence for metabolism of NTG was provided by the formation of the dinitro and mononitrate metabolites. A preliminary study also showed that administration of the dinitroglycerin significantly impaired NTG metabolism across the hind leg without affecting markedly the hemodynamic response associated with the infusion of NTG.

Inhibition of platelet function by a controlled release acetylsalicylic acid formulation--single and chronic dosing studies.

The extent to which a controlled release acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) formulation inhibited platelet function has been evaluated in single and chronic dosing studies. In the single dose study, the platelet inhibitory effect of the controlled release formulation was compared with that of an equivalent dose of soluble ASA and an equimolar dose of sodium salicylate (SA). In the chronic dosing study, ASA dose-response curves for platelet function, including cyclooxygenase activity, were determined for various doses (20-1300 mg) of the controlled release (enteric coated pellets) ASA formulation taken by volunteers daily for one week. Platelet function was assessed by the degree of inhibition of aggregation for several aggregating agents, and the degree of inhibition of activity of platelet cyclooxygenase quantified by the estimation of malondialdehyde (MDA) production. Plasma ASA and SA concentrations were also determined in each study. The controlled release product inhibited platelet function to the same extent as an equimolar dose of soluble ASA, but did so with much lower and sometimes undetectable peak systemic plasma ASA concentrations. SA, the direct metabolite of aspirin, did not have any effect on platelet function. The ASA dose-platelet function response curves obtained from chronic dosing with the controlled release formulation appeared to be similar to those reported previously for the soluble product. The inhibition of platelet function appeared to be unrelated to plasma ASA concentrations.

Single-dose hemodynamic toxicity and pharmacokinetics of a partial phosphorothioate anti-HIV oligonucleotide (AR177) after intravenous infusion to cynomolgus monkeys.

5' GTGGTGGGTGGGTGGGT-3' (AR177) is a 17-mer oligonucleotide with anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity that is composed of a phosphodiester backbone and single phosphorothioate linkages at the 3' and 5' ends. A hemodynamic toxicity study was conducted in which cynomolgus monkeys were infused i.v. over a 10-minute period with single doses of 5, 20 or 50 mg AR177/kg or saline. Blood pressure, ECG, clinical chemistry, hematology, complement factors, coagulation parameters and the AR177 plasma concentration were determined. AR177 did not cause any mortality in this study, nor did it cause changes in blood pressure, ECG, clinical chemistry or hematology parameters at any dose. There was a minimal, dose-dependent increase in the levels of complement split product Bb and total hemolytic complement. There was a significant dose-dependent and reversible inhibition of coagulation with the 20- and 50-mg/kg doses that lasted up to several hours after infusion. The time course of the inhibition of coagulation closely matched the plasma levels of AR177. There was a no-effect plasma AR177 concentration vs. activated partial thromboplastin time of approximately 60 to 100 micrograms AR177/ml, above which there was prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time. These data demonstrate that AR177 does not cause significant hemodynamic toxicity at the doses studied and that this drug could be administered as a rapid infusion without any acute, life-threatening effects at doses that produce plasma concentrations that have shown anti-HIV activity in vitro.

Repeat-dose toxicity and pharmacokinetics of a partial phosphorothioate anti-HIV oligonucleotide (AR177) after bolus intravenous administration to cynomolgus monkeys.

5'GTGGTGGGTGGGTGGGT-3' (AR177) is a partial phosphorothioate, 17-mer oligonucleotide that has been shown to have anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity in vitro and to be a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 integrase. A repeat-dose toxicity and pharmacokinetic study was conducted in which cynomolgus monkeys were given bolus i.v. injections of 2.5, 10 or 40 mg AR177/kg/day every other day for a total of 12 doses. Control monkeys received saline. ECG, clinical chemistry, hematology, coagulation parameters, histopathology and the AR177 plasma concentration were evaluated. AR177 did not cause any mortality in this study, nor did it cause changes in ECG, clinical chemistry, hematology values or histology. However, there was a dose-dependent inhibition of coagulation measured by a prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time; this inhibition was reversible with drug washout. Analysis of plasma samples by HPLC demonstrated that there was no difference between the AR177 plasma concentrations that were achieved after the 1st and 12th (last) doses of 2.5, 10 or 40 mg/kg. There was a direct relationship between the AR177 plasma concentration and activated partial thromboplastin time. These results indicate that repeated bolus i.v. administration of AR177 to cynomolgus monkeys at doses as high as 40 mg/kg was well tolerated and was not associated with the serious cardiovascular responses previously observed with other oligonucleotides administered i.v.

Loss of nitroglycerin from intravenous infusion sets.

During initial studies with nitroglycerin infusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction, higher doses than previously reported were required to achieve the desired haemodynamic effect. A flow-rate-dependent loss of drug from the plastic infusion set was demonstrated during simulated infusion. This loss was considerably reduced when nitroglycerin was infused from glass syringes through high-density polyethylene tubing.

The effects of different doses of some acetylsalicylic acid formulations on platelet function and bleeding times in healthy subjects.

In an attempt to find the most appropriate dose and formulation(s) of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for thrombosis prophylaxis, healthy volunteers were given doses of ASA for 1 wk daily ranging from 50 to 3900 mg as either Aspro-Clear (soluble), Astrix (enteric coated pellets) or Ecotrin (enteric coated tablets). Platelet function and bleeding times were monitored. All doses of ASA significantly inhibited platelet function (p less than 0.05) and increased bleeding times (p less than 0.05) relative to control values. Irrespective of the formulation, maximum increases in bleeding time and platelet dysfunction were obtained with daily doses of about 100 mg, and no further changes were observed with higher doses.

Species differences in the proportion of plasma lipoprotein lipid carried by high-density lipoproteins influence the distribution of free and liposomal nystatin in human, dog, and rat plasma.

The objective of this study was an interspecies comparison of free nystatin (NYS) and liposomal NYS (Nyotran) distribution in plasma. NYS and liposomal NYS at concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 microg of NYS/ml were incubated in human, dog, and rat plasma for 5, 60, and 180 min at 37 degrees C. Following these incubations, plasma samples were separated into their high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride-rich lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and lipoprotein-deficient plasma (LPDP) fractions by density-gradient ultracentrifugation, and each fraction was assayed for NYS by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Total plasma and lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and protein concentrations in each human, dog, or rat plasma sample were determined by enzymatic assays. When NYS and liposomal NYS were incubated in human, dog, or rat plasma, the majority of the NYS was recovered in the LPDP fraction. For the 5- and 60-min incubation times for all plasmas measured, a significantly greater percentage of NYS was recovered in the lipoprotein fraction (primarily HDL) following the incubation of liposomal NYS than following the incubation of NYS. There was a significant correlation between the lipoprotein lipid and protein profiles in human, dog, and rat plasmas and the distribution of NYS and liposomal NYS in plasma. In particular, differences in the proportion of plasma lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and apolar lipids (cholesteryl ester and triglycerides) carried by HDL influenced the distribution of NYS and liposomal NYS within plasmas of different species. These findings suggest that the distribution of NYS among plasma lipoproteins of different species is defined by the proportion of lipid carried by HDL, and this is possibly an important consideration when evaluating the pharmacokinetics, toxicities, and activities of these compounds following administration to different animal species.