Tissue Levels Of Radioactivity Research Articles

11C]Paraoxon: Radiosynthesis, Biodistribution and In Vivo Positron Emission Tomography Imaging in Rat.

Synthesis of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor paraoxon (POX) as a carbon-11 positron emission tomography tracer ([11C]POX) and profiling in live rats is reported. Naïve rats intravenously injected with [11C]POX showed a rapid decrease in parent tracer to ∼1%, with an increase in radiolabeled serum proteins to 87% and red blood cells (RBCs) to 9%. Protein and RBC leveled over 60 minutes, reflecting covalent modification of proteins by [11C]POX. Ex vivo biodistribution and imaging profiles in naïve rats had the highest radioactivity levels in lung followed by heart and kidney, and brain and liver the lowest. Brain radioactivity levels were low but observed immediately after injection and persisted over the 60-minute experiment. This showed for the first time that even low POX exposures (∼200 ng tracer) can rapidly enter brain. Rats given an LD50 dose of nonradioactive paraoxon at the LD50 20 or 60 minutes prior to [11C]POX tracer revealed that protein pools were blocked. Blood radioactivity at 20 minutes was markedly lower than naïve levels due to rapid protein modification by nonradioactive POX; however, by 60 minutes the blood radioactivity returned to near naïve levels. Live rat tissue imaging-derived radioactivity values were 10%-37% of naïve levels in nonradioactive POX pretreated rats at 20 minutes, but by 60 minutes the area under the curve (AUC) values had recovered to 25%-80% of naïve. The live rat imaging supported blockade by nonradioactive POX pretreatment at 20 minutes and recovery of proteins by 60 minutes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Paraoxon (POX) is an organophosphorus (OP) compound and a powerful prototype and substitute for OP chemical warfare agents (CWAs) such as sarin, VX, etc. To study the distribution and penetration of POX into the central nervous system (CNS) and other tissues, a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer analog, carbon-11-labeled paraoxon ([11C]POX), was prepared. Blood and tissue radioactivity levels in live rats demonstrated immediate penetration into the CNS and persistent radioactivity levels in tissues indicative of covalent target modification.

Population pharmacokinetic dosimetry model using imaging data to assess variability in pharmacokinetics of 177 Lu-PSMA-617 in prostate cancer patients.

Studies to evaluate and optimize [177 Lu]Lu-PSMA treatment focus primarily on individual patient data. A population pharmacokinetic (PK) dosimetry model was developed to explore the potential of using imaging data as input for population PK models and to characterize variability in organ and tumor uptake of [177 Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 in patients with low volume metastatic prostate cancer. Simulations were performed to identify the effect of dose adjustments on absorbed doses in salivary glands and tumors. A six-compartment population PK model was developed, consisting of blood, salivary gland, kidneys, liver, tumor, and a lumped compartment representing other tissue (compartment 1-6, respectively), based on data from 10 patients who received [177 Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 (2 cycles, ~ 3 and ~ 6GBq). Data consisted of radioactivity levels (decay corrected) in blood and tissues (9 blood samples and 5 single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography scans). Observations in all compartments were adequately captured by individual model predictions. Uptake into salivary glands was saturable with an estimated maximum binding capacity (Bmax ) of 40.4MBq (relative standard error 12.3%) with interindividual variability (IIV) of 59.3% (percent coefficient of variation [CV%]). IIV on other PK parameters was relatively minor. Tumor volume was included as a structural effect on the tumor uptake rate constant (k15 ), where a two-fold increase in tumor volume resulted in a 1.63-fold increase in k15 . In addition, interoccasion variability on k15 improved the model fit (43.5% [CV%]). Simulations showed a reduced absorbed dose per unit administered activity for salivary glands after increasing radioactivity dosing from 3 to 6GBq (0.685 Gy/GBq vs. 0.421 Gy/GBq, respectively). All in all, population PK modeling could help to improve future radioligand therapy research.

Anti-Lymphocyte Antigen 6 Complex, Locus E-Seco-Cyclopropabenzindol-4-One-Dimer Antibody-Drug Conjugate That Forms Adduct with α1-Microglobulin Demonstrates Slower Systemic Antibody Clearance and Reduced Tumor Distribution in Animals.

Anti-Ly6E-seco-cyclopropabenzindol-4-one dimer antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) has been reported to form an adduct with α1-microglobulin (A1M) in animal plasma, but with unknown impact on ADC PK and tissue distribution. In this study, we compared the PK and tissue distribution of anti-Ly6E ADC with unconjugated anti-Ly6E mAb in rodents and monkeys. For PK studies, animals received an intravenous administration of anti-Ly6E ADC or unconjugated anti-Ly6E mAb. Plasma samples were analyzed for total antibody (Tab) levels and A1M adduct formation. PK parameters were generated from dose-normalized plasma concentrations. Tissue distribution was determined in tumor-bearing mice after a single intravenous dosing of radiolabeled ADC or mAb. Tissue radioactivity levels were analyzed using a gamma counter. The impact of A1M adduct formation on target cell binding was assessed in an in vitro cell binding assay. The results show that ADC Tab clearance was slower than that of mAb in mice and rats but faster than mAb in monkeys. Correspondingly, the formation of A1M adduct appeared to be faster and higher in mice, followed by rats, and slowest in monkeys. Although ADC tended to show an overall lower distribution to normal tissues, it had a strikingly reduced distribution to tumors compared with mAb, likely due to A1M adduct formation interfering with target binding, as demonstrated by the in vitro cell binding assay. Together, these data 1) demonstrate that anti-Ly6E ADC that forms A1M adduct had slower systemic clearance with strikingly reduced tumor distribution and 2) highlight the importance of selecting an appropriate linker-drug for successful ADC development. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Anti-lymphocyte antigen 6 complex, locus E, ADC with seco-cyclopropabenzindol-4-one-dimer payload formed adduct with A1M, which led to a decrease in systemic clearance but also attenuated tumor distribution. These findings demonstrate the importance of selecting an appropriate linker-drug for ADC development and also highlight the value of a mechanistic understanding of ADC biotransformation, which could provide insight into ADC molecule design, optimization, and selection.

Inhibition of Tityus serrulatus venom hyaluronidase affects venom biodistribution.

BackgroundThe hyaluronidase enzyme is generally known as a spreading factor in animal venoms. Although its activity has been demonstrated in several organisms, a deeper knowledge about hyaluronidase and the venom spreading process from the bite/sting site until its elimination from the victim's body is still in need. Herein, we further pursued the goal of demonstrating the effects of inhibition of T. serrulatus venom (TsV) hyaluronidase on venom biodistribution.Methods and principal findingsWe used technetium-99m radiolabeled Tityus serrulatus venom (99mTc-TsV) to evaluate the venom distribution kinetics in mice. To understand the hyaluronidase’s role in the venom’s biodistribution, 99mTc-TsV was immunoneutralized with specific anti-T.serrulatus hyaluronidase serum. Venom biodistribution was monitored by scintigraphic images of treated animals and by measuring radioactivity levels in tissues as heart, liver, lungs, spleen, thyroid, and kidneys. In general, results revealed that hyaluronidase inhibition delays venom components distribution, when compared to the non-neutralized 99mTc-TsV control group. Scintigraphic images showed that the majority of the immunoneutralized venom is retained at the injection site, whereas non-treated venom is quickly biodistributed throughout the animal’s body. At the first 30 min, concentration peaks are observed in the heart, liver, lungs, spleen, and thyroid, which gradually decreases over time. On the other hand, immunoneutralized 99mTc-TsV takes 240 min to reach high concentrations in the organs. A higher concentration of immunoneutralized 99mTc-TsV was observed in the kidneys in comparison with the non-treated venom. Further, in situ neutralization of 99mTc-TsV by anti-T.serrulatus hyaluronidase serum at zero, ten, and 30 min post venom injection showed that late inhibition of hyaluronidase can still affect venom biodistribution. In this assay, immunoneutralized 99mTc-TsV was accumulated in the bloodstream until 120 or 240 min after TsV injection, depending on anti-hyaluronidase administration time. Altogether, our data show that immunoneutralization of hyaluronidase prevents venom spreading from the injection site.ConclusionsBy comparing TsV biodistribution in the absence or presence of anti-hyaluronidase serum, the results obtained in the present work show that hyaluronidase has a key role not only in the venom spreading from the inoculation point to the bloodstream, but also in venom biodistribution from the bloodstream to target organs. Our findings demonstrate that hyaluronidase is indeed an important spreading factor of TsV and its inhibition can be used as a novel first-aid strategy in envenoming.

Biodistribution of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) after intravenous administration to rats: Influence of technological factors

Nanoparticles for medical applications are frequently administered via parenteral administration. In this study, the tissue distribution of three lipid formulations based on Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) after intravenous administration to rats was evaluated. NLCs were prepared by a high pressure homogenization method and varied in terms of particle size, surface charge, and surfactant content. The 99mTc radiolabeled NLCs were intravenously administered to rats, and radioactivity levels in blood and tissues were measured. Cmax, AUC0–24, and MRT0–24 were obtained from the radioactivity level versus time profiles. The radiolabeled nanocarriers exhibited a long circulation time since radioactivity was detected in blood even 24h post-injection. No differences on the MRT values in blood among the NLCs were observed, in spite of the different particle size and surface charge. The highest radioactivity levels were measured in the kidney, followed by the bone marrow, the liver, and the spleen. In the kidney, there was a higher accumulation of the positive nanoparticles, and in the liver, uptake of negative nanoparticles was higher than positive ones. NLCs with the largest particle size showed a higher uptake in the lung and lower accumulation in liver and bone marrow, in comparison with the smaller ones.

Radiosynthesis and preclinical evaluation of [11C]prucalopride as a potential agonist PET ligand for the 5-HT4 receptor

BackgroundSerotonin 5-HT4 receptor (5-HT4-R) agonists are potential therapeutic agents for enterokinetic and cognitive disorders and are marketed for treatment of constipation. The aim of this study was to develop an agonist positron emission tomography (PET) ligand in order to label the active G-protein coupled 5-HT4-R in peripheral and central tissues. For this purpose prucalopride, a high-affinity selective 5-HT4-R agonist, was selected.Methods[11C]Prucalopride was synthesized from [11C]methyl triflate and desmethyl prucalopride, and its LogDoct,pH7.4 was determined. Three distinct studies were performed with administration of IV [11C]prucalopride in male rats: (1) The biodistribution of radioactivity was measured ex vivo; (2) the kinetics of radioactivity levels in brain regions and peripheral organs was assessed in vivo under baseline conditions and following pre-treatment with tariquidar, a P-glycoprotein efflux pump inhibitor; and (3) in vivo stability of [11C]prucalopride was checked ex vivo in plasma and brain extracts using high-performance liquid chromatography.Results[11C]Prucalopride was synthesized in optimised conditions with a yield of 21% ± 4% (decay corrected) and a radiochemical purity (>99%), its LogDoct,pH7.4 was 0.87. Ex vivo biodistribution studies with [11C]prucalopride in rats showed very low levels of radioactivity in brain (maximal 0.13% ID·g−1) and ten times higher levels in certain peripheral tissues. The PET studies confirmed very low brain levels of radioactivity under baseline conditions; however, it was increased three times after pre-treatment with tariquidar. [11C]Prucalopride was found to be very rapidly metabolised in rats, with no parent compound detectable in plasma and brain extracts at 5 and 30 min following IV administration. Analysis of levels of radioactivity in peripheral tissues revealed a distinct PET signal in the caecum, which was reduced following tariquidar pre-treatment. The latter is in line with the role of the P-glycoprotein pump in the gut.Conclusion[11C]Prucalopride demonstrated low radioactivity levels in rat brain; a combination of reasons may include rapid metabolism in the rat in particular, low passive diffusion and potential P-glycoprotein substrate. In humans, further investigation of [11C]prucalopride for imaging the active state of 5-HT4-R is worthwhile, in view of the therapeutic applications of 5-HT4 agonists for treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders.

The effect of digoxin dosage on the digoxin-quinidine interaction in the bile duct-cannulated rat.

Pretreating anaesthetized bile duct-cannulated rats with 9 mg kg-1 quinidine significantly decreased the cumulative biliary excretion of digoxin and its metabolites after 10 or 100 micrograms kg-1 [3H]digoxin, although the effect was more marked in animals receiving the high dose of digoxin. In contrast, however, although quinidine pretreatment raised plasma radioactivity levels by 50-80% in animals given the higher dose of digoxin, no significant effect on circulating plasma levels was observed in rats receiving 10 micrograms kg-1 digoxin. Generally, quinidine had no statistically significant effect on other aspects of digoxin disposition, although with both digoxin doses there were trends towards a reduction in the direct intestinal secretion and urinary excretion of digoxin-derived radioactivity with an increase in tissue levels of radioactivity (apart from the small intestine wall where concentrations were reduced). The radioactivity in the bile after 100 or 10 micrograms kg-1 digoxin comprised about 25 and 33% of digoxin and digoxigenin bis-digitoxoside, respectively, as well as appreciable amounts of the monodigitoxoside and a highly polar component. This metabolite profile was unaffected by quinidine. The influence of cardiac glycoside dosage shown by the present work indicates that the digoxin-quinidine interaction and possibly analogous interactions involving other cardiac glycosides, may not always be readily detectable from plasma concentration data.

Design and Synthesis of Bis-Biotin-Containing Reagents for Applications Utilizing Monoclonal Antibody-Based Pretargeting Systems with Streptavidin Mutants

Previous studies have shown that pretargeting protocols, using cancer-targeting fusion proteins, composed of 4 anti-CD20 single chain Fv (scFv) fragments and streptavidin (scFv(4)-SAv), followed by a biotinylated dendrimeric N-acetyl-galactosamine blood clearing agent (CA), 1, then a radiolabeled DOTA-biotin derivative (a monobiotin), 3a, can provide effective therapy for lymphoma xenografts in mouse models. A shortcoming in this pretargeting system is that endogenous biotin may affect its efficacy in patients. To circumvent this potential problem, we investigated a pretargeting system that employs anti-CD20 scFv(4)-SAv mutant fusion proteins with radioiodinated bis-biotin derivatives. With that combination of reagents, good localization of the radiolabel to lymphoma tumor xenografts was obtained in the presence of endogenous biotin. However, the blood clearance reagents employed in the studies were ineffective, resulting in abnormally high levels of radioactivity in other tissues. Thus, in the present investigation a bis-biotin-trigalactose blood clearance reagent, 2, was designed, synthesized, and evaluated in vivo. Additionally, another DOTA-biotin derivative (a bis-biotin), 4a, was designed and synthesized, such that radiometals (e.g., (111)In, (90)Y, (177)Lu) could be used in the pretargeting protocols employing scFv(4)-SAv mutant fusion proteins. Studies in mice demonstrated that the CA 2 was more effective than CA 1 at removing [(125)I]scFv(4)-SAv-S45A mutant fusion proteins from blood. Another in vivo study compared tumor targeting and normal tissue concentrations of the new reagents (2 and [(111)In]4b) with standard reagents (1 and [(111)In]3b) used in pretargeting protocols. The study showed that lymphoma xenografts could be targeted in the presence of endogenous biotin when anti-CD20 fusion proteins containing SAv mutants (scFv(4)-SAv-S45A or scFv(4)-SAv-Y43A) were employed in combination with CA 2 and [(111)In]4b. Importantly, normal tissue concentrations of [(111)In]4b were similar to those obtained using the standard reagents (1 and [(111)In]3b), except that the blood and liver concentrations were slightly higher with the new reagents. While the reasons for the higher blood and liver concentrations are unknown, the differences in the galactose structures of the clearance agents 1 and 2 may play a role.

Pharmacokinetics and Distribution of [35S]Methylsulfonylmethane following Oral Administration to Rats

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sulfur-containing compound found in a wide range of human foods including fruits, vegetables, grains, and beverages. More recently, it has been marketed as a dietary supplement worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile and distribution of radiolabeled MSM in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered a single oral dose of [35S]MSM (500 mg/kg), and blood levels of radioactivity were determined at different time points for up to 48 h. Tissue levels of radioactivity at 48 and 120 h and urine and fecal radioactivity levels were measured at different time points for up to 120 h following [35S]MSM administration to rats. Oral [35S]MSM was rapidly and efficiently absorbed with a mean tmax of 2.1 h, Cmax of 622 microg equiv/mL, and AUC0-inf of 15124 h.microg equiv/mL. The t1/2 was 12.2 h. Soft tissue distribution of radioactivity indicated a fairly homogeneous distribution throughout the body with relatively lower concentrations in skin and bone. Approximately 85.8% of the dose was recovered in the urine after 120 h, whereas only 3% was found in the feces. No quantifiable levels of radioactivity were found in any tissues after 120 h, indicating complete elimination of [35S]MSM. The results of this study suggest that [35S]MSM is rapidly absorbed, well distributed, and completely excreted from the body.

THE EVALUATION OF RADIOLABELED ARTESUNATE ON TISSUE DISTRIBUTION IN RATS AND PROTEIN BINDING IN HUMANS

The present study reports the tissue distribution, pharmacokinetics, mass balance, and elimination of [(14)C] artesunate (AS) following single intravenous administration in rats. Protein binding was performed with rat and human plasma. Radioactivity and drug levels in blood, plasma, tissues, urine, and feces up to 192 hours were collected and measured. The mean terminal half-life of plasma (76 h) and blood (105 h) radioactivity was prolonged compared with that of unchanged AS (0.43 h) and dihydroartemisinin (0.75 h), an active metabolite of AS. Drug was widely distributed after 1 hour in select tissues. After 24 hours, the radioactivity rapidly declined in all tissues except spleen until 96 hours. Only 1% of total radioactivity was detected in brain tissue. AS revealed a higher binding capacity with human and rat plasma proteins (73-81%). The radioactivity in whole blood was higher (two to fourfold) than that in plasma throughout the period of the treatment, suggesting that AS binding to RBCs may relate to its powerful antimalarial activity.

Conjugation to Polyethylene Glycol Polymer Promotes Aptamer Biodistribution to Healthy and Inflamed Tissues

Here, we examine biodistribution of radiolabeled aptamers and assess the relative ability of different stabilized aptamer compositions (mixed 2'-F/2'-O-Me; fully 2'-O-Me modified) to access inflamed tissues in a murine inflammation model. Biodistribution of 3H-labeled aptamers, including pegylated and unpegylated compositions, was assessed 3 hours postadministration using quantitative whole body autoradiography (QWBA). Aptamer penetration of cells in kidney and liver was also examined at a qualitative level by microautoradiography. To evaluate aptamer distribution to diseased tissues, inflammation was induced locally in animal hind limbs by treatment with carrageenan just prior to aptamer dosing. Aptamer compositions examined exhibited significant variation in distribution levels among organs and tissues. Highest concentrations of radioactivity in whole body tissues for all animals were observed in the kidney and urinary bladder contents. Relatively little radioactivity was associated with brain, spinal cord, and adipose tissue. Overall, the total level of radioactivity in whole body tissues was significantly higher for a 20-kDa PEG conjugate than for other aptamers. Comparatively high levels of the 20-kDa conjugate were seen in well-perfused organs and tissues, including liver, lungs, spleen, bone marrow, and myocardium. A fully 2'-O-Me composition aptamer had the lowest level of radioactivity in whole body tissues but distributed to higher concentrations in the gastrointestinal tract contents relative to other aptamers. Interestingly, the 20-kDa PEG-conjugated aptamer showed significantly higher levels of distribution to inflamed paw tissues than did either unconjugated or fully 2'-O-Me-modified aptamers.

131I]Iodoazomycin arabinoside for low-dose-rate isotope radiotherapy: radiolabeling, stability, long-term whole-body clearance and radiation dosimetry estimates in mice

Background The preliminary characterization of [ 131I]iodoazomycin arabinoside ([ 131I]IAZA) as a potential radiotherapeutic radiopharmaceutical is described. Methods High-specific-activity [ 131I]IAZA was prepared in therapeutic doses (up to 3 GBq per batch) by isotope exchange in pivalic acid melt and was purified on Sep-Pak cartridges. Stability in 15% ethanol in saline at 4°C was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. IAZA cytotoxicity (IC 50, ∼0.1 mM) against both murine (EMT-6) and human (143B, 143B-LTK) tumor cells determined by MTT test was in the range previously reported for EMT-6 cells using a clonogenic assay. Tissue radioactivity levels were measured in a murine tumor model for the 24- to 168-h postinjection period. Radiation dose estimates obtained from the tissue activity levels for this period were calculated from pharmacokinetic (WinNonlin) and dosimetry (MIRD and RAdiation Dose Assessment Resource) parameters. Results The radioiodination efficiency was >90%, but with systematic losses during Sep-Pak purification, the recovered yields of [ 131I]IAZA were ∼75%. The product (specific activity, 4.6–6.4 GBq/μmol) was stable for at least 2 weeks, with only ∼6% degradation over this storage period. Extended biodistribution studies in Balb/c mice bearing implanted EMT-6 tumors showed that the highest tumor/blood radioactivity ratio (T/B; 4.8) occurred 24 h after dosing; the T/B ratio was ∼1.5 at the end of the 7-day study. The 24- to 168-h tissue radioactivity data fit a one-compartment model except for liver data, which best fit a two-compartment model. Dosimetry estimates showed a tumor self-dose of 7.4 mGy/MBq, which is several-fold higher than for the liver or the kidney. Conclusions [ 131I]IAZA can be efficiently radiolabeled at high specific activity, purified by a simple Sep-Pak technique and stored with little radiolysis or chemical decomposition at these specific activities. Based on measured radioactivity burdens during the week following injection and on published animal ([ 125I]IAZA) and clinical ([ 123I]IAZA) dosimetry data, the current dose estimates point to selective tumor irradiation at low dose rates.

Biodistribution and excretion of radioactivity after the administration of 166Ho-chitosan complex (DW-166HC) into the prostate of rat

The objective of this study was to determine the fate of the 166Ho-chitosan complex (DW-166HC) in rats by examining its absorption, distribution and excretion after administration into the prostate. About 100 microCi of DW-166HC [containing 0.1875 mg of Ho(NO3)3.5H2O and 0.25 mg of chitosan] was administered intraprostatically. The level of radioactivity in blood, urinary and faecal excretion, and radioactivity distribution were examined. To determine the effect of chitosan in DW-166HC, 166Ho nitrate alone [0.1875 mg of Ho(NO3)3.5H2O] was administered into the prostate of male rats, and radioactivity distribution was examined using whole-body autoradiography. After administration of DW-166HC into the prostate, cumulative urinary and faecal excretion over the period 0-72 h was 0.35% and 0.11%, respectively. The radioactivity at the administration site was extremely high at all time points up to 144 h (>98% of injected dose). The small amount of radioactivity which did transfer from the administration site distributed mainly to the liver, spleen, kidney cortex and bone. Compared with the DW-166HC group, the group that received 166Ho nitrate alone displayed three- to fourfold higher levels of radioactivity in the main tissues, including liver, spleen, kidney cortex and bone, at 24 h after administration (P < 0.05). The results of this study show clearly that most of the administered DW-166HC remained at the administration site. It is concluded that the chitosan complex may be used to retain 166Ho within a limited area in cancer of the prostate.

Synthesis and evaluation of inhaled [ 11C]butane and intravenously injected [ 11C]acetone as potential radiotracers for studying inhalant abuse

The phenomenon of inhalant abuse is a growing problem in the US and many countries around the world. Yet, relatively little is known about the pharmacokinetic properties of inhalants that underlie their abuse potential. While the synthesis of 11C-labeled toluene, acetone and butane has been proposed in the literature, none of these compounds has been developed as radiotracers for PET studies. In the present report we extend our previous studies with [ 11C]toluene to include [ 11C]acetone and [ 11C]butane with the goal of comparing the pharmacokinetic profiles of these three volatile abused substances. Both [ 11C]toluene and [ 11C]acetone were administered intravenously and [ 11C]butane was administered via inhalation to anesthesized baboons. Rapid and efficient uptake of radiolabeled toluene and acetone into the brain was followed by fast clearance in the case of toluene and slower kinetics in the case of acetone. [ 11C]Butane was detected in the blood and brain following inhalation, but the levels of radioactivity in both tissues dropped to half of the maximal values over the period of less than a minute. To our knowledge, this is the first reported study of the in vivo brain pharmacokinetics of labeled acetone and butane in nonhuman primates. These data provide insight into the pharmacokinetic features possibly associated with the abuse liability of toluene, acetone and butane.

Lipid absorption in different segments of the gastrointestinal tract of Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar L.)

Gastrointestinal lipid absorption in Atlantic salmon was studied following force-feeding with a standard grower diet to which isotope-labelled free fatty acid (FFA) [1- 14C]-decanoic acid ( 14C-10:0) and triacylglycerol (TAG) [9,10- 3H(N)]-triolein (trioleic acid; 3H-18:1) were added. Following force-feeding, the 15 fish, with an average weight of 704 g, were kept in five circular tanks, three fish per tank, supplied with seawater (salinity, 32 g l −1). At 3, 6, 12, 18 and 48 h, the fish from one tank were killed, and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract was removed and divided into six segments: stomach (ST), anterior, mid, and distal pyloric ceca (PCA, PCM, and PCD, respectively), mid intestine (MI), and distal intestine (DI). The levels of radioactivity (dpm [disintegrations per minute] μg −1 tissue) from the 14C-10:0 and the 3H-18:1 substrates were measured in tissue samples from each segment, allowing an estimation of the amounts of fatty acid substrates absorbed from the lumen into the intestinal cells. The highest levels of radioactivity from both fatty acid substrates were measured in tissue from pyloric ceca (PC) 12 to 18 h after force-feeding. The level of radioactivity from the 14C-10:0 substrate was significantly higher in the PCA than in the PCM and PCD, while there was no clear difference in the level of radioactivity from the 3H-18:1 substrate measured among the different PC tissue segments and the level measured in MI. The level of radioactivity in tissue from DI was negligible to low for both fatty acid substrates. Total lipid accumulation in tissue from PCM, MI and DI was quantified morphometrically at each sampling point using light microscopy and image analysis. These results confirmed the findings from the isotope study, where the highest levels of fat were present at 12 and 18 h following force-feeding. In conclusion, PC was the most important site for fatty acid absorption in the GI tract of Atlantic salmon.

Radiolabeled 2'-fluorodeoxyuracil-beta-D-arabinofuranoside (FAU) and 2'-fluoro-5-methyldeoxyuracil-beta -D-arabinofuranoside (FMAU) as tumor-imaging agents in mice.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate, in conjunction with the National Cancer Institute, the feasibility of using two thymidine analogs, 2'-fluorodeoxyuracil-beta-D-arabinofuranoside (FAU, NSC-678515) and 2'-fluoro-5-methyldeoxyuracil-beta-D-arabinofuranoside (FMAU, NSC-678516), as 18-fluorine-labeled positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents. The in vivo distribution and DNA incorporation of [2-(14)C]FAU, [2-(14)C]FMAU, and [2-(14)C]thymidine (as a control) were studied in SCID mice bearing human xenografts of T-cell leukemia CCRF-CEM. Levels of drug-associated radioactivity in blood, tumor and normal tissues including liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, spleen, brain, and skeletal muscle were determined. At 1 h after dosing, radioactivity from all three compounds was distributed in a generally nonspecific manner, except that spleen and tumor tissue had relatively high concentrations of radioactivity from [(14)C]thymidine. At 4 h after dosing, the concentrations of radioactivity from [(14)C]thymidine and [(14)C]FMAU were relatively high in spleen and tumor tissue, and that from [(14)C]FAU was highest in tumor tissue. The tumor/skeletal muscle concentration ratios were 2.25+/-0.69 and 3.07+/-0.42 for [(14)C]FAU and [(14)C]FMAU, respectively. At 24 h after dosing, only spleen and tumor tissues contained appreciable amounts of radioactivity from either compound. In tumor tissue, the levels of radioactivity from [(14)C]FMAU were two- to threefold greater than those from [(14)C]thymidine or [(14)C]FAU. Examination of purified genomic DNA from tumor, liver, kidneys, brain, and skeletal muscle showed that, at 24 h after dosing, only DNA from tumor tissue contained appreciable concentrations of radioactivity. Radioactivity from [(14)C]FMAU in tumor DNA was 45% greater than that from [(14)C]thymidine and about threefold greater than that from [(14)C]FAU. The extent of accumulation of [(14)C]FMAU in tumor tissue and incorporation into tumor DNA indicate that [(18)F]FMAU could be useful as a functional PET tumor-imaging agent.

Absorption, distribution and excretion of 3H-labeled cephaeline- and emetine-spiked ipecac syrup in rats.

The maximum plasma radioactivity levels of tritium (3H)-labeled cephaeline, (24.3, 28.7 and 40.6 ng eq./mL) were reached at 2.00-3.33 hours following oral dosing of ipecac syrup. The maximum plasma radioactivity levels of 3H-emetine (2.71, 6.47 and 9.62 ng eq./mL) were reached at 1.08-2.33 hours following ipecac syrup administration. The Cmax values of 3H-cephaeline were followed by a biexponential decrease with half-lives t 1/2(lambda z) of 3.45-9.40 hours. On the other hand, the t 1/2 (lambda z)of 3H-emetine were 65.4-163 hours, which revealed a biexponential decrease. The radioactivity of both tritium-labeled compounds was distrbuted maximally in most tissues at 24 hours. For 3H-cephaeline, the maximum radioactivity levels in tissues were approximately 100-150 times greater than in plasma. For 3H-emetine, the radioactivity levels in tissues were approximately 1000-3000 times greater than in plasma. Tissue radioactivity levels decreased at a substantially slower rate than that observed in plasma. Tissue radioactivity of 3H-emetine decreased more slowly than that of 3H-cephaeline. For 3H-cephaeline, the cumulative biliary excretion of radioactivity was 57.5% at 48 hours. The cumulative urinary and fecal excretion of radioactivity in these rats was 16.5% and 29.1%, respectively, of the dose at 48 hours following dosing. For 3H-emetine, the cumulative biliary excretion of radioactivity was 12.5% at 48 hours. The cumulative urinary and fecal excretion of radioactivity was 9.4% and 34.1%, respectively, of the administered dose at 48 hours. The radioactivity level of 3H-emetine remaining in the carcasses at 48 hours was equivalent to approximately 50% of the dose. A portion of each tritium-labeled compound was subjected to entero-hepatic circulation. Thus, the absorption rate of 3H-cephaeline and 3H-emetine was estimated to be approximately 70% on the basis of the data obtained from excretion studies. There was no difference in the absorption process between these two compounds. However, the difference was admitted in the biliary clearance, which is the main excretion route of both compounds. Delayed excretion of 3H-emetine may be primarily due to its resorption as related to entero-hepatic circulation and tissue retention. This study has determined the absorption, distribution and excretion of 3H-cephaeline and 3H-emetine in rats.

Studies on the Metabolic Fate of M17055, a Novel Diuretic. (2): Tissue Distribution and Transfer of Radioactivity into Fetus and Milk in Rat after a Single Intravenous Administration of [14C]M17055.

Tissue distribution and the transfer of radioactivity into the fetus or milk were studied following a single intravenous administration of [14C]M17055 to rats at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg. 1. Tissue levels of radioactivity in male rats showed maximum level in most tissues at 5 minutes after administration. The concentrations in kidney and liver showed respectively 11.7 and 8.1 fold greater levels than that in plasma, while the levels in other tissues were lower than those in plasma. Then the levels of radioactivity in most tissues decreased to undetectable levels within 168 hours after administration. 2. Although higher kidney/plasma ratio of radioactivity was observed in female rats, the distribution of radioactivity in female rats showed similar pattern when compared with that in male rats. 3. After administration to pregnant rats on 12th and 19th day of gestation, a little radioactivity was transferred into the fetus and eliminated slowly in the rats on 19th day of gestation. Although temporary rising of radioactivity was observed in the intestine and its contents of the fetus, the radioactivity decreased to undetectable level in newborn rats at 168 hours after administration to the maternal rats. The distribution of radioactivity in pregnant rats showed similar pattern compared with that in non-pregnant female rats, which suggested that the influence of pregnancy on the distribution seems to have minimal effect in female rat. 4. The level of radioactivity in the milk reached a maximum level (63 ng eq./mL) at 2 hours and exceeded the plasma level within 2 ?? 12 hours after administration. Then the radioactivity decreased rapidly and reached lower level than that in plasma at 48 hours after administration.

Pharmacokinetics of SNI-2011. (1): Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion of 14C-SNI-2011 in Rats.

The absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and plasma protein binding of SNI-2011, a novel muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist developed as an agent improving the symptoms of dry mouth or dry eye caused by Sjogren's syndrome, were studied in rats. 1. After a single oral administration of 14C-SNI-2011 to male rats, plasma level of radioactivity reached the maximum at approximately 30 minutes, and declined by the bi-exponential manner. Oral absorption rate of radioactivity was 94%. Plasma level and pharmacokinetic parameters of radioactivity in female rats were comparable with those of male rats. 14C-SNI-2011 was considerably absorbed from duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon. Plasma level of radioactivity at 8hr after daily oral administration of 14C-SNI-2011 increased with the number of dosing, and reached a steady state by the 3rd day. 2. After a single oral administration of 14C-SNI-2011 to male or female rats, radioactivity was distributed rapidly in whole body, and then eliminated rapidly. Tissue levels of radioactivity in male rats at 8hr after daily oral administration increased with the number of doses reaching approximately 4 times higher levels than those after the 1st administration. In pregnant rats on the 18th day of gestation, radioactivity was transferred into fetal tissues, and then decreased similarly as from maternal plasma. 3. SNI-2011 trans-sulfoxide (SNI-t-SO), SNI-2011 cis-sulfoxide (SNI-c-SO), SNI-2011 sulfone (SNI-SO2) and SNI-2011 N-oxide (SNI-NO) were identified in rat urine. As judged from the result on TLC/ radioluminography of plasma and urine samples, SNI-t-SO appeared to be the main metabolite in rats. Plasma concentration and urinary excretion rates of the unchanged SNI-2011 in female rats were higher than those in male rats. Repeated administration of SNI-2011 had no effect on liver weight, microsomal protein contents and activities of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes. 4. Main excretion route of 14C-SNI-2011 was urine in both of male and female rats, and approximately 100% of the dose was excreted in urine within 168 hours after administration. Fecal excretion rate of radioactivity was below 1% of the administered dose. Residual radioactivity in carcass accounted only for 0.1% of the dose. Daily urinary and fecal excretion rates of radioactivity in the period and after repeated oral administration were almost constant, and these rates were similar to those after a single administration. Radioactivity in the milk was 3.0 to 4.7 times higher than that in plasma. 5. Plasma protein binding rates of 14C-SNI-2011 in rats, dogs and human in vitro were relatively low (15.2 to 20.6%), and the binding rate was not affected by drug concentration or test species.

Pharmacokinetics of Buprenorphine Hydrochloride (BN HCl). (1). Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion after Percutaneous (TSN-09: BN HCl Containing Tape Application) or Subcutaneous Administration of BN HCl in Rats.

The Pharmacokinetics of 3H-BN·HCl in male rats was studied after a single percutaneous (3HTSN-09 : 3H-BN·HCl containing tape) or subcutaneous administration of 3H-BN·HCl. 1. The radioactivity level in blood reached the Cmax at 21.6 hr after a single percutaneous administration, then decreased with the t1/2 of 4.8 days, and the unchanged drug concentration in plasma reached the Cmax at 8 hr after dosing. When 3H-BN·HC1 was administered percutaneously as a tape formulation (3H-TSN-09) at the dosage of 20, 40 or 80μg of 3H-BN·HCl/animal, the Cmax and AUC0-∞ value increased in proportion to the administered dose. From the AUC0-∞ values in percutaneous and subcutaneous administration, the absorption ratio of percutaneous administration was calculated to account for about 14% of dose. The Tmax of each dose was observed at around the end of application period, indicating the absorption of 3H-BN·HCl through skin to continue during application period. 2. When 3H-TSN-09 was applied to the shaved area skin in rats, the whole body autoradiogram showed high level of radioactivity of the application site of the skin, low level of radioactivity in the gastro-intestinal contents and little level of radioactivity in most other tissues. 3. Within 168 hr after a single percutaneous administration, 1.0 and 8.2% of dose was excreted into urine and feces, respectively. 4. The binding of BN·HCl to plasma protein varied from 88.9 to 97.4% in rat, dog or human. BN·HCl bound to human serum albumin, γ-globulin and α1-acid glycoprotein and their binding ratios were 65.5, 41.5 and 84.9%, respectively. 5. After a single percutaneous administration of 3H-BN·HCl to rats, two metabolites, RP1 and RP2 were detected in plasma. The structures of RP1 and RP2 were identified as norbuprenorphine-glucuronide and BN-glucuronide, respectively. These two metabolites were also found in rat plasma after a single subcutaneous administration. So it was considered that the metabolic pathway of BN·HCl might be the same in both administration routes.