Plasma Concentrations Of Radioactivity Research Articles

Disposition and Mass Balance of Etrasimod in Healthy Subjects and In Vitro Determination of the Enzymes Responsible for Its Oxidative Metabolism.

Etrasimod (APD334) is an investigational, once-daily, oral, selective sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1,4,5 modulator (S1P1,4,5 ) in development for treatment of various immune-mediated inflammatory disorders. The disposition and mass balance of a single 2-mg [14 C]etrasimod dose were evaluated in 8 healthy males. An in vitro study was also conducted to identify etrasimod's oxidative metabolizing enzymes. Peak concentrations of etrasimod and total radioactivity in plasma and whole blood were typically reached 4-7hours postdose. Etrasimod constituted 49.3% of total radioactivity plasma exposure, with multiple minor/trace metabolites making up the remainder. Etrasimod was slowly cleared mainly via biotransformation, predominantly by oxidative metabolism, with unchanged etrasimod recovered in feces accounting for only 11.2% of the dose and none in urine. The mean apparent terminal half-lives of etrasimod and total radioactivity in plasma were 37.8 and 89.0hours, respectively. Mean cumulative recovery of radioactivity in excreta over 336hours was 86.9% of the dose, mostly in feces. The prevalent metabolites eliminated in feces were M3 (hydroxy-etrasimod) and M36 (oxy-etrasimod sulfate), accounting for 22.1% and 18.9% of the dose, respectively. From in vitro reaction phenotyping, the predominant enzymes involved in the oxidation of etrasimod were CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4, with minor contributions from CYP2C19 and CYP2J2.

The Disposition and Metabolism of Bempedoic Acid, A Potent Inhibitor of ATP Citrate Lyase, In Healthy Human Subjects.

The disposition and metabolism of bempedoic acid, a selective inhibitor of ATP citrate lyase, were examined in healthy male subjects. After a single administration of [14C] bempedoic acid (240 mg, 113 μCi) oral solution, mean concentrations of total radioactivity in plasma as a function of time indicated absorption was rapid with peak concentrations achieved at 1 hour after dose administration. Radioactivity was decreased in a multiexponential fashion with an estimated elimination half-life of 26.0 hours. Radiolabeled dose was predominantly recovered in urine (62.1% of dose) and a smaller amount in feces (25.4% of dose). Bempedoic acid was extensively metabolized with 1.6% to 3.7% of dose excreted unchanged in urine and feces combined. Overall, the major clearance route of bempedoic acid is metabolism by uridine 5'‑diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases. Metabolism in hepatocyte cultures of human and nonclinical species were generally in agreement with clinical metabolite profiles. Pooled plasma samples were characterized by the presence of bempedoic acid, which accounted for 59.3% of total plasma radioactivity, ESP15228 (a reversible keto metabolite of bempedoic acid), and their respective glucuronide conjugates. The acyl glucuronide of bempedoic acid represented 23% to 36% of radioactivity in plasma and accounted for approximately 37% of dose excreted in urine. In feces, the majority of radioactivity was associated with a co-eluting mixture of a carboxylic acid metabolite of bempedoic acid, a taurine conjugate of bempedoic acid and hydroxymethyl-ESP15228, which collectively accounted for 3.1% to 22.9% of bempedoic acid dose across subjects. Significance Statement This study characterizes the disposition and metabolism of bempedoic acid, an inhibitor of ATP citrate lyase for hypercholesterolemia. This work provides further understanding of bempedoic acid clinical pharmacokinetics and clearance pathways in adult subjects.

Kinetic modeling and non-invasive approach for translocator protein quantification with 11C-DPA-713

Introduction11C-DPA-713 is a positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer developed for imaging the expression of the translocator protein (TSPO) in glial cells, which is considered to be a marker of the neuroinflammatory burden. This study investigated the pharmacokinetic profile of 11C-DPA-713 and evaluated kinetic modeling and non-invasive TSPO quantification using dynamic PET imaging data in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive normal (CN) participants. MethodsEleven patients with AD and 6 CN participants were examined using dynamic 11C-DPA-713 PET imaging for 60 min with arterial blood sampling. Time-activity curves were calculated from the cerebellum and three composite regions of interest (ROIs), according to the anatomical definitions of Braak's stages 1 to 3, stage 4, stage 5, and stage 6 that correspond to the pathological stages of tangle deposition. The total distribution volume (VT) was evaluated using compartmental modeling and graphical analysis. Reference region–based methods were implemented using an optimal area that was assumed to be void of the radiotracer target as reference tissue. ResultsThe concentration of radioactivity in plasma demonstrated rapid clearance. 11C-DPA-713 peaked rapidly in the gray matter. Compartmental modeling resulted in a good fit, and the one-tissue model with estimated blood volume correction (1Tv) showed the best performance. The estimated VT obtained from the graphical plasma methods was highly correlated with that obtained from 1Tv. Reference region–based analysis was conducted using the Braak 6 area as the reference region, and the estimated non-displaceable binding potential was highly correlated with that obtained from 1Tv. Conclusion11C-DPA-713 possesses properties suitable for TSPO quantification with PET imaging. The Braak 6 area was shown to be a useful reference region in the patients with AD and the CN participants, and non-invasive reference tissue models using the Braak 6 area as a reference region can be employed for TSPO quantification with 11C-DPA-713-PET imaging as an alternative to the invasive compartmental model.

Predictability of human pharmacokinetics of diisononyl phthalate (DINP) using chimeric mice with humanized liver

1. In order to investigate the pharmacokinetics of diisononyl phthalate (DINP) in humans, we administered [phenyl-U-14C]DINP at a dose of 50.0 mg/kg orally to chimeric mice (humanized-liver mice) in which the liver of TK-NOG mice (control mice) was replaced with human hepatocytes.2. The plasma radioactivity concentrations peaked (18.0 and 59.9 µg equivalent of DINP/mL, respectively) at 2 h after administration in control and humanized-liver mice. Concentrations rose again at 8 h in controls, but not in humanized-liver mice.3. The cumulative excretion rates in urine and feces, respectively, were 58.1% and 37.3% of the doses in controls up to 48 h, but were 86.0% and 7.7% in humanized-liver mice.4. The main circulating metabolites in control and humanized-liver mice were monoisononyl phthalate (MINP) and the glucuronide of oxidized MINP, respectively. The urinary excretion ratio of the glucuronide of oxidized MINP in control mice was one-third of that in humanized-liver mice.5. The present results suggested that the oxidation rates of the primary metabolite of DINP and their excretion routes to urine/feces were different for control and humanized-liver mice. Species differences in liver activities could be a determinant factor in the in vivo metabolism and disposition of diallyl phthalates such as DINP.

Microliter-ordered automatic blood sampling system for fully quantitative analysis of small-animal PET.

The objective of the present study was to develop a fully automated blood sampling system for kinetic analysis in mice positron emission tomography (PET) studies. Quantitative PET imaging requires radioactivity concentrations in arterial plasma to estimate the behavior of an administered radiopharmaceutical in target organs. Conventional manual blood sampling has several drawbacks, such as the need for troubleshooting in regard to blood collection, necessary personnel, and the radiation exposure dose. We recently developed and verified the operability of a fully automated blood sampling system (automatic blood dispensing system-ABDS). Here, we report the results of fully quantitative measurements of the cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRglc) in mice using the ABDS. Under 1% isoflurane anesthesia, a catheter was inserted into the femoral artery of nine wild-type male mice. Immediately after injection of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) (13.2 ± 3.93MBq in 0.1mL saline), arterial blood samples were drawn using the ABDS and then analyzed using CD-Well, a system we previously developed that can measure radioactivity concentration (Bq/μL) using a few microliters of blood in the plasma and whole blood separately. In total, 16 blood samplings were conducted in 60min as follows: 10s × 9; 70s × 2; 120s × 1; 250s × 1; 10min × 2; and 30min × 1. Dynamic PET scans were conducted concurrently using a small-animal PET/computed tomography (CT) (PET/CT) scanner. Full kinetics modeling using a two-tissue-three-compartment model was applied to calculate CMRglc. Blood volume was also estimated. No significant differences were observed between the manual and ABDS measurements. A proportional error was detected only for plasma. The mean ± standard deviation CMRglc value in the mice was 5.43 ± 1.98mg/100g/min (30.2 ± 11 μmol/min/100g), consistent with a previous report. The automated microliter-ordered blood sampling system developed in the present study appears to be useful for absolute quantification of CMRglc in mice PET studies.

Pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and excretion of nefopam, a dual reuptake inhibitor in healthy male volunteers

1. The disposition of nefopam, a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, was characterized in eight healthy male volunteers following a single oral dose of 75 mg [14C]-nefopam (100 μCi). Blood, urine, and feces were sampled for 168 h post-dose.2. Mean (± SD) maximum blood and plasma radioactivity concentrations were 359 ± 34.2 and 638 ± 64.7 ngEq free base/g, respectively, at 2 h post-dose. Recovery of radioactive dose was complete (mean 92.6%); a mean of 79.3% and 13.4% of the dose was recovered in urine and feces, respectively.3. Three main radioactive peaks were observed in plasma (metabolites M2 A-D, M61, and M63). Intact [14C]-nefopam was less than 5% of the total radioactivity in plasma. In urine, the major metabolites were M63, M2 A-D, and M51 which accounted for 22.9%, 9.8%, and 8.1% of the dose, respectively. An unknown entity, M55, was the major metabolite in feces (4.6% of dose). Excretion of unchanged [14C]-nefopam was minimal.

Factors Governing P-Glycoprotein-Mediated Drug-Drug Interactions at the Blood-Brain Barrier Measured with Positron Emission Tomography.

The adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter P-glycoprotein (ABCB1/Abcb1a) restricts at the blood–brain barrier (BBB) brain distribution of many drugs. ABCB1 may be involved in drug–drug interactions (DDIs) at the BBB, which may lead to changes in brain distribution and central nervous system side effects of drugs. Positron emission tomography (PET) with the ABCB1 substrates (R)-[11C]verapamil and [11C]-N-desmethyl-loperamide and the ABCB1 inhibitor tariquidar has allowed direct comparison of ABCB1-mediated DDIs at the rodent and human BBB. In this work we evaluated different factors which could influence the magnitude of the interaction between tariquidar and (R)-[11C]verapamil or [11C]-N-desmethyl-loperamide at the BBB and thereby contribute to previously observed species differences between rodents and humans. We performed in vitro transport experiments with [3H]verapamil and [3H]-N-desmethyl-loperamide in ABCB1 and Abcb1a overexpressing cell lines. Moreover we conducted in vivo PET experiments and biodistribution studies with (R)-[11C]verapamil and [11C]-N-desmethyl-loperamide in wild-type mice without and with tariquidar pretreatment and in homozygous Abcb1a/1b(−/−) and heterozygous Abcb1a/1b(+/−) mice. We found no differences for in vitro transport of [3H]verapamil and [3H]-N-desmethyl-loperamide by ABCB1 and Abcb1a and its inhibition by tariquidar. [3H]-N-Desmethyl-loperamide was transported with a 5 to 9 times higher transport ratio than [3H]verapamil in ABCB1- and Abcb1a-transfected cells. In vivo, brain radioactivity concentrations were lower for [11C]-N-desmethyl-loperamide than for (R)-[11C]verapamil. Both radiotracers showed tariquidar dose dependent increases in brain distribution with tariquidar half-maximum inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 1052 nM (95% confidence interval CI: 930–1189) for (R)-[11C]verapamil and 1329 nM (95% CI: 980–1801) for [11C]-N-desmethyl-loperamide. In homozygous Abcb1a/1b(−/−) mice brain radioactivity distribution was increased by 3.9- and 2.8-fold and in heterozygous Abcb1a/1b(+/−) mice by 1.5- and 1.1-fold, for (R)-[11C]verapamil and [11C]-N-desmethyl-loperamide, respectively, as compared with wild-type mice. For both radiotracers radiolabeled metabolites were detected in plasma and brain. When brain and plasma radioactivity concentrations were corrected for radiolabeled metabolites, brain distribution of (R)-[11C]verapamil and [11C]-N-desmethyl-loperamide was increased in tariquidar (15 mg/kg) treated animals by 14.1- and 18.3-fold, respectively, as compared with vehicle group. Isoflurane anesthesia altered [11C]-N-desmethyl-loperamide but not (R)-[11C]verapamil metabolism, and this had a direct effect on the magnitude of the increase in brain distribution following ABCB1 inhibition. Our data furthermore suggest that in the absence of ABCB1 function brain distribution of [11C]-N-desmethyl-loperamide but not (R)-[11C]verapamil may depend on cerebral blood flow. In conclusion, we have identified a number of important factors, i.e., substrate affinity to ABCB1, brain uptake of radiolabeled metabolites, anesthesia, and cerebral blood flow, which can directly influence the magnitude of ABCB1-mediated DDIs at the BBB and should therefore be taken into consideration when interpreting PET results.

Novel system using microliter order sample volume for measuring arterial radioactivity concentrations in whole blood and plasma for mouse PET dynamic study

This study aimed to develop a new system, named CD-Well, for mouse PET dynamic study. CD-Well allows the determination of time–activity curves (TACs) for arterial whole blood and plasma using 2–3 µL of blood per sample; the minute sample size is ideal for studies in small animals. The system has the following merits: (1) measures volume and radioactivity of whole blood and plasma separately; (2) allows measurements at 10 s intervals to capture initial rapid changes in the TAC; and (3) is compact and easy to handle, minimizes blood loss from sampling, and delay and dispersion of the TAC. CD-Well has 36 U-shaped channels. A drop of blood is sampled into the opening of the channel and stored there. After serial sampling is completed, CD-Well is centrifuged and scanned using a flatbed scanner to define the regions of plasma and blood cells. The length measured is converted to volume because the channels have a precise and uniform cross section. Then, CD-Well is exposed to an imaging plate to measure radioactivity. Finally, radioactivity concentrations are computed. We evaluated the performance of CD-Well in in vitro measurement and in vivo 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose and [11C]2-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-fluorophenyl) tropane studies. In in vitro evaluation, per cent differences (mean±SE) from manual measurement were 4.4±3.6% for whole blood and 4.0±3.5% for plasma across the typical range of radioactivity measured in mouse dynamic study. In in vivo studies, reasonable TACs were obtained. The peaks were captured well, and the time courses coincided well with the TAC derived from PET imaging of the heart chamber. The total blood loss was less than 200 µL, which had no physiological effect on the mice. CD-Well demonstrates satisfactory performance, and is useful for mouse PET dynamic study.

Modeling of PET data in CNS drug discovery and development

Positron emission tomography (PET) is increasingly used in drug discovery and development for evaluation of CNS drug disposition and for studies of disease biomarkers to monitor drug effects on brain pathology. The quantitative analysis of PET data is based on kinetic modeling of radioactivity concentrations in plasma and brain tissue compartments. A number of quantitative methods of analysis have been developed that allow the determination of parameters describing drug pharmacokinetics and interaction with target binding sites in the brain. The optimal method of quantification depends on the properties of the radiolabeled drug or radioligand and the binding site studied. We here review the most frequently used methods for quantification of PET data in relation to CNS drug discovery and development. The utility of PET kinetic modeling in the development of novel CNS drugs is illustrated by examples from studies of the brain kinetic properties of radiolabeled drug molecules.

Pharmacokinetics of latanoprost in the cynomolgus monkey. 2nd communication: repeated topical administration on the eye.

Latanoprost (13,14-dihydro-15(R)-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2a isopropyl ester, CAS 130209-82-4 PhXA41, Xalatan) is an antiglaucoma prodrug which enhances the bioavailability of the drug into the eye compared to the corresponding acid. The pharmacokinetics and metabolism of this drug was studied in the cynomolgus monkey after daily topical administration on the eye of [13,14-(3) H] labelled latanoprost (6 micrograms per eye) during 21 days. Plasma, urine and homogenised faeces samples were purified by separation on a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge before analysis by reversed phase liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) with one-line radioactivity detection. The maximum plasma concentration of radioactivity obtained within 10 min post dose was as a mean 7.87 +/- 3.18 ng eq./ml on day 1 and 9.31 +/- 4.21 ng eq./ml on day 21. The plasma concentration of radioactivity declined rapidly up to 3 h post-dose both on day 1 and day 21, but a small amount of tritiated water accumulated with time. The majority of the radioactivity was recovered in urine but substantial amounts were also eliminated in the faces. No latanoprost was found in plasma after repeated topical administration on the eye. The plasma profiles from HPLC separation of samples showed a rapid and complete hydrolysis of the ester. The elimination half-life of the acid of latanoprost was estimated to be 13.8 +/- 1.7 min for day 1 and 12.4 +/- 4.8 min for day 21. No induction or inhibition of the metabolism occurred after the repeated administration. By comparison with reference substances the 15-keto acid of latanoprost was found to be present in plasma and the major metabolites in urine and faeces collected during day 2 and day 20 were identified as 1,2-dinor acid of latanoprost, 1,2,3,4-tetranor acid and 1,2,3,4-tetranor lactone of latanoprost. Tritiated water was excreted in the urine and a small amount of the acid of latanoprost was excreted in the faeces. In conclusion, latanoprost was rapidly absorbed and hydrolysed to the corresponding acid after repeated topical administration to the monkey eye. The acid of latanoprost had a short half-life in plasma and it was partly converted to the 15-keto acid of latanoprost. beta-Oxidation of the acid of latanoprost was the major metabolic pathway. No induction or inhibition of the metabolism occurred upon repeated administration and no indications of accumulation of the drug or drug metabolites were observed. The pharmacokinetics of latanoprost was similar after a single and repeated topical administration.

Pharmacokinetics of NS-49, a Phenethylamine Class α1A-Adrenoceptor Agonist

The tissue distribution, placental transfer and milk secretion of 14C-NS-49 ((R)-(-)-3'-(2-amino-1-hydroxyethyl)-4'-fluoro-methanesulfonanilide hydrochloride, CAS 137431-04-0), a phenethylamine class alpha 1A-adrenoceptor agonist, have been studied after a single oral administration (1 mg/kg) of a suspension formulation to rats. Radioactivity concentrations in tissues were generally highest 1 or 4 h, and for most tissues, exceeded those in the corresponding plasma. Concentrations were generally similar in male and female rats and persisted for at least 24 h. Radioactivity concentrations in most tissues declined in parallel with those in plasma. Placental transfer of radioactivity was low accounting for < 0.1% of the maternal dose. In milk, concentrations were of a similar order to those in the plasma but reached a peak later: the data implied that 14C-NS-49 readily diffused from the plasma into the milk. The absorption, distribution and excretion of 14C-NS-49 have been studied after the repeated administration (1 mg/kg) of a suspension formulation to rats for up to 21 days. At 21 days, radioactivity concentrations in plasma reached a peak 1 h and declined with a terminal half-life of 67 h. Steady state concentrations were reached during 14 days. Peak concentrations in tissues occurred 1 h and, in most tissues exceeded the plasma value. Radioactivity concentrations in tissues appeared to reach steady state during the 21-day dosing period. Tissue and blood cell concentrations declined more slowly than those in the plasma. Radioactivity excretion was relatively constant during the repeated administration and similar in urine (mean 45.8% total dose) and feces (mean 48.2% total dose). At 7 days after the last of 21 daily oral doses, only 0.2% of the total dose remained in the body, indicating that there is no marked accumulation of radioactivity in the tissues. The results obtained in these studies indicated that rats receiving NS-49 at 24 h intervals during chronic and reproductive toxicity studies would be continually exposed to the parent compound and/or its metabolites.

Comparative effects in rats of intact wheat bran and two wheat bran fractions on the disposition of the mutagen 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5- f]quinoline

Wheat bran protects against mutations and cancer, but contains different plant cell types that are likely to have different protective effects. We previously described the production and chemical characterisation of an aleurone-rich fraction (ARF) and a pericarp-rich fraction (PRF) from wheat grain. We compared these with whole bran (WB), fed to rats as 10% of a high fat AIN-76 diet. All bran-supplemented diets increased faecal bulk, in the order PRF > WB > ARF. PRF increased the activity of NAD(P)H:quinone acceptor oxidoreductase only in the forestomach, whereas ARF and WB enhanced levels of glutathione S-transferase in the duodenum. ARF but not PRF was digested and fermented, and also encouraged bacterial growth. Rats were gavaged with the radioactive mutagen 14C-labelled IQ (2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5- f]quinoline), and effects of the brans on plasma radioactivity measured. Compared with the control diet, all bran-supplemented diets reduced the concentration of radioactivity in plasma, in the order ARF > PRF > WB. All brans increased faecal elimination of radioactivity, but only ARF and PRF enhanced urinary radioactivity. These data suggest that wheat bran may reduce mutation and cancers through direct adsorption and enhanced elimination of a dietary mutagen and/or its metabolites, and that wheat bran enriched in pericarp or aleurone cell walls may exert protective effects through different mechanisms.

Abstract 1291: A phase 1 open-label single-radiolabeled dose study of PF299804 in healthy male volunteers

Abstract Objectives: To characterize the primary routes of elimination of the second-generation, oral, irreversible, pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor, PF299804; to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of total radioactivity and of PF299804; and to identify the metabolites of PF299804 in plasma, urine, and feces in healthy volunteers (HVs). Methods: This Phase 1 study evaluated the mass balance and PK of PF299804 in HVs (18-55 yrs), following a single 45-mg oral dose containing ∼100 µCi [14C] PF299804. Serial samples were collected over an 18-day period. Radioactivity measurements of blood, plasma, urine, and feces were conducted by liquid scintillation spectroscopy. Plasma samples were analyzed for PF299804 and the metabolite PF5199265 using high-performance liquid chromatography with atmospheric pressure ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma, urine, and fecal samples were analyzed for metabolic profiling of PF299804; major metabolites of PF299804 were identified where possible. Results: 6 HVs (male; median age 31.5 yrs) received treatment and were evaluated for PK and safety. 78.8% of the radiolabeled material was excreted in feces, and a further 3.2% was recovered in urine. Peak concentrations of PF299804 in plasma generally occurred 12 hrs after oral dosing, and 6 hrs post-dose for PF5199265. Plasma exposure for the metabolite was approximately one-third of that for the parent compound. Terminal plasma half-life (t1/2) averaged about 55 hrs for PF299804 and 73 hrs for PF5199265. Peak concentrations of total radioactivity in plasma occurred at 12 hrs. Geometric mean Cmax was approximately 2-fold higher and total exposure (AUCinf) was almost 6-fold higher for total radioactivity than for PF299804 in plasma. t1/2 for plasma radioactivity was 182 hrs. PF299804 and its O-desmethyl metabolite, PF5199265, were the major drug-related components in plasma. Other trace components were observed in the profile. The most abundant drug-related components identified in excreta were proposed to be PF299804, PF5199265, a cysteine conjugate (M2), and a mono-oxygenated metabolite (M7). There were no serious adverse events (AEs), severe AEs, or deaths during the study. Mild AEs were reported in 2 HVs: dermatitis acneiform, dizziness, insomnia, and photophobia (all considered related to study drug). Conclusions: Following single-dose administration of [14C] PF299804 the radiolabeled material was primarily eliminated in feces (78.8%) and, to a lesser degree, in urine (3.2%). Estimates of exposure for total radioactivity in plasma (Cmax and AUCinf) were 2- and 6-fold higher, respectively, than exposure for plasma PF299804, indicating the presence of circulating metabolic product(s). The metabolic profiles indicated that [14C] PF299804 underwent oxidative and conjugative metabolism in HVs. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1291. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1291

The nasal absorption of sodium cromoglycate in the albino rat.

The intranasal absorption of sodium cromoglycate has been investigated in the adult male COBS/Wistar rat. Sodium cromoglycate (1 mg kg-1) was instilled into the nasal cavities and for comparison animals were also similarly dosed intravenously or sub-lingually. Serial samples of blood or bile were collected. After intravenous administration, the area under the plasma concentration curve (AUC0-infinity) was 32 micrograms min ml-1 corresponding to a plasma clearance of 13 ml min-1 and an elimination rate constant of 0.049 min-1. Plasma concentrations of radioactivity after intranasal administration rose to a mean peak of 0.3 micrograms ml-1 approximately 20 min after dosing and fell to 0.03 micrograms min ml-1 at 3 h. The AUC0-3 was 19 micrograms min ml-1 corresponding to an absorption of 60% over 3 h. The absorption rate constant (ka) was 0.059 min-1. The total amount of sodium cromoglycate excreted in bile after intravenous administration was 56%. The amount of compound excreted in the bile was 30% after intranasal administration corresponding to an absorption of 53%. Plasma and bile data therefore show good agreement. Total excretion in the bile over 3 h after sub-lingual administration was 3%, demonstrating that this route made no significant contribution to the intranasal results. The absorption of sodium cromoglycate is independent of variations in the technique including changes in the orientation of the rat or blocking of the nasopalatine. The techniques used minimized other competing nasal clearance processes such as mucociliary clearance.

Pharmacokinetics of [6]-shogaol, a pungent ingredient of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Part I).

To investigate the pharmacokinetics of [6]-shogaol, a pungent ingredient of Zingiber officinale Roscoe, the pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by using (14)C-[6]-shogaol (labeled compound) and [6]-shogaol (non-labeled compound). When the labeled compound was orally administered to rats, the maximum plasma concentration (C (max)) and the area under the curve (AUC) of plasma radioactivity concentration increased in a dose-dependent manner. When the labeled compound was orally administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg, 20.0 + or - 1.8% of the radioactivity administered was excreted into urine, 64.0 + or - 12.9% into feces, and 0.2 + or - 0.1% into breath. Thus, more of the radioactivity was excreted into feces than into urine, and almost no radioactivity was excreted into breath. Furthermore, when the labeled compound was orally administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg, cumulative biliary radioactivity excretion over 48 h was 78.5 + or - 4.5% of the radioactivity administered, and cumulative urinary radioactivity excretion over 48 h was 11.8 + or - 2.7%, showing that about 90% of the dose administered orally was absorbed from the digestive tract and most of the fecal excretion was via biliary excretion. On the other hand, when the non-labeled compound [6]-shogaol was orally administered, the plasma concentration and biliary excretion of the unchanged form were extremely low. When these results are combined with those obtained with the labeled compound, it would suggest that [6]-shogaol is mostly metabolized in the body and excreted as metabolites.

Comparative evaluation of absorption, distribution, and excretion of YM758, a novel If channel inhibitor, between albino and non-albino rats

1. YM758 is a novel If channel inhibitor for the treatment of stable angina and atrial fibrillation. The absorption, distribution, and excretion of YM758 have been investigated in albino and non-albino rats after a single oral administration of 14C-YM758 monophosphate.2. YM758 was well absorbed from all segments of the gastrointestinal tract except for the stomach. After oral administration, the ratio of AUC0–1 h between the plasma concentrations of radioactivity and the unchanged drug was estimated to be 17.7%, which suggests metabolism.3. The distribution of the radioactivity derived from 14C-YM758 in tissues was evaluated both in albino and non-albino rats. The radioactivity concentrations in most tissues were higher than those in plasma, which indicates that the radioactivity is well distributed to tissues. Extensive accumulation and slower elimination of radioactivity were noted in the thoracic aorta of albino and non-albino rats as well as in the eyeballs of non-albino rats. The recovery rates of radioactivity in urine and bile after oral dosing to bile duct-cannulated albino rats were 17.8% and 57.3%, respectively.4. These results suggest that YM758 was extensively absorbed, subjected to metabolism, and excreted mainly into the bile after oral administration to rats, and extensive accumulation of the unchanged drug and/or metabolites into tissues such as the thoracic aorta and eyeballs was observed.

Disposition and metabolic fate of prasugrel in mice, rats, and dogs

The disposition and metabolism of prasugrel, a thienopyridine prodrug and a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation in vivo, were investigated in mice, rats, and dogs. Prasugrel was rapidly absorbed and extensively metabolized. In the mouse and dog, maximum plasma concentration of radioactivity was observed in less than 1 h after an oral [14C]prasugrel dose. Most of the administered prasugrel dose was recovered in the faeces of rats and dogs (72% and 52–73%, respectively), and in mice urine (54%). Prasugrel is hydrolysed by esterases to a thiolactone, which is subsequently metabolized to thiol-containing metabolites. The main circulating thiol-containing metabolite in the three animal species is the pharmacologically active metabolite, R-138727. The thiol-containing metabolites are further metabolized by S-methylation and conjugation with cysteine.

Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Elimination of the Direct Renin Inhibitor Aliskiren in Healthy Volunteers

Aliskiren (2(S),4(S),5(S),7(S)-N-(2-carbamoyl-2-methylpropyl)-5-amino-4-hydroxy-2,7-diisopropyl-8-[4-methoxy-3-(3-methoxypropoxy)phenyl]-octanamid hemifumarate) is the first in a new class of orally active, nonpeptide direct renin inhibitors developed for the treatment of hypertension. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of [(14)C]aliskiren were investigated in four healthy male subjects after administration of a single 300-mg oral dose in an aqueous solution. Plasma radioactivity and aliskiren concentration measurements and complete urine and feces collections were made for 168 h postdose. Peak plasma levels of aliskiren (C(max)) were achieved between 2 and 5 h postdose. Unchanged aliskiren represented the principal circulating species in plasma, accounting for 81% of total plasma radioactivity (AUC(0-infinity)), and indicating very low exposure to metabolites. Terminal half-lives for radioactivity and aliskiren in plasma were 49 h and 44 h, respectively. Dose recovery over 168 h was nearly complete (91.5% of dose); excretion occurred almost completely via the fecal route (90.9%), with only 0.6% recovered in the urine. Unabsorbed drug accounted for a large dose proportion recovered in feces in unchanged form. Based on results from this and from previous studies, the absorbed fraction of aliskiren can be estimated to approximately 5% of dose. The absorbed dose was partly eliminated unchanged via the hepatobiliary route. Oxidized metabolites in excreta accounted for at least 1.3% of the radioactive dose. The major metabolic pathways for aliskiren were O-demethylation at the phenyl-propoxy side chain or 3-methoxy-propoxy group, with further oxidation to the carboxylic acid derivative.

Role of NMDA receptors in the increase of glucose metabolism in the rat brain induced by fluorocitrate

The effect of inhibition of glial metabolism by infusion of fluorocitrate (FC, 1 nmol/μl, 2 μl) into the right striatum of the rat brain on the glucose metabolism was studied. Significant increases in [ 18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([ 18F]FDG) uptake (45 min) in the right cerebral cortex and striatum were observed 4 h after the infusion of FC, both as determined by the tissue dissection method and autoradiography. No significant increase in the initial uptake of [ 18F]FDG (1 min) was seen in the striatum. Pretreatment with dizocilpine (MK-801), an N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, reduced [ 18F]FDG uptake in not only FC infused hemisphere but also in the contralateral hemisphere (saline-infused side). The radioactivity concentrations in plasma at 1, 5 and 45 min after the [ 18F]FDG injection were not altered by MK-801. This effect of MK-801 on glucose metabolism observed in the rat brain infused with FC was different from previous reports which indicated an increase in glucose metabolism in some areas of normal rat brain. In addition, the enhancement of glucose metabolism in the striatum induced by FC was almost completely abolished by pretreatment with MK-801. In the cerebral cortex, the relative ratio of radioactivity concentration in the right hemisphere to that in the left hemisphere still remained 1.37 (tissue dissection method) or 1.55 (autoradiography), which indicated that MK-801 partially blocked the effect of FC of enhancing glucose metabolism in this region. These results indicate an important role of NMDA-mediated signal transmission on the increase of glucose utilization induced by inhibition of glial metabolism.

Blood–Brain Barrier Penetration of Zolmitriptan—Modelling of Positron Emission Tomography Data

Positron emission tomography (PET) with the drug radiolabelled allows a direct measurement of brain or other organ kinetics, information which can be essential in drug development. Usually, however, a PET-tracer is administered intravenously (i.v.), whereas the therapeutic drug is mostly given orally or by a different route to the PET-tracer. In such cases, a recalculation is needed to make the PET data representative for the alternative administration route. To investigate the blood-brain barrier penetration of a drug (zolmitriptan) using dynamic PET and by PK modelling quantify the brain concentration of the drug after the nasal administration of a therapeutic dose. [11C]Zolmitriptan at tracer dose was administered as a short i.v. infusion and the brain tissue and venous blood kinetics of [11C]zolmitriptan was measured by PET in 7 healthy volunteers. One PET study was performed before and one 30 min after the administration of 5 mg zolmitriptan as nasal spray. At each of the instances, the brain radioactivity concentration after subtraction of the vascular component was determined up to 90 min after administration and compared to venous plasma radioactivity concentration after correction for radiolabelled metabolites. Convolution methods were used to describe the relationship between arterial and venous tracer concentrations, respectively between brain and arterial tracer concentration. Finally, the impulse response functions derived from the PET studies were applied on plasma PK data to estimate the brain zolmitriptan concentration after a nasal administration of a therapeutic dose. The studies shows that the PET data on brain kinetics could well be described as the convolution of venous tracer kinetics with an impulse response including terms for arterial-to-venous plasma and arterial-to-brain impulse responses. Application of the PET derived impulse responses on the plasma PK from nasal administration demonstrated that brain PK of zolmitriptan increased with time, achieving about 0.5 mg/ml at 30 min and close to a maximum of 1.5 mg/ml after 2 hr. A significant brain concentration was observed already after 5 min. The data support the notation of a rapid brain availability of zolmitriptan after nasal administration.