Quantitative Whole-body Autoradiography Study Research Articles

Pharmacokinetics, mass balance, tissue distribution, metabolism, and excretion of [14C]aficamten following single oral dose administration to rats

The pharmacokinetics, metabolism, excretion, mass balance, and tissue distribution of [14C]aficamten were evaluated following oral administration of an 8 mg/kg dose in Sprague Dawley rats and in a quantitative whole-body autoradiography study in Long Evans rats. [14C]Aficamten accounted for ∼80% and a hydroxylated metabolite (M1) accounted for ∼12% of total radioactivity in plasma over 48-h (AUC0–48). Plasma t max was 4-h and the t 1/2 of total plasma radioactivity was 5.8-h. Tissues showing highest Cmax exposures were myocardium and semitendinosus muscle. Most [14C]aficamten-derived radioactivity was excreted within 48-h post-administration. Mean cumulative recovery in urine and faeces over 168-h was 8.3% and 90.7%, respectively. In urine and bile, unchanged aficamten was detected at <0.1 and <0.2% of dose, respectively; however, based on total radioactivity excreted in urine (8.0%) and bile (51.7%), approximately 60% of dose was absorbed. [14C]Aficamten was metabolised by hydroxylation with subsequent glucuronidation where the most abundant metabolite recovered in bile was M5 (35.2%), the oxygen-linked glucuronide of hydroxylated aficamten (M1a). The major metabolite detected in faeces was a 1,2,4-oxadiazole moiety ring-cleaved metabolite (M18, 35.3%), shown to be formed from the metabolism of M5 in incubations with rat intestinal contents solution.

Abstract 1370: ADME and toxicology profiles of first-in-class DRD2/ClpP-targeted imipridone ONC201

Abstract Imipridone ONC201 is a first-in-class DRD2 antagonist and ClpP agonist that is well tolerated and induces durable tumor regressions in H3 K27M-mutant glioma patients with once weekly dosing. We evaluated the toxicology, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of ONC201 in animals. Repeat-dose 28-day studies with weekly oral ONC201 in rats and dogs revealed NOAELs (75 and 60 mg/kg, respectively) that represent higher dose levels compared to the 625 mg clinical dose. Genotoxicity (AMES, in vitro and in vivo micronucleus assays) assays demonstrated that ONC201 is not mutagenic at exposures above the RP2D and 2µM average Cmax in patients. The 3T3 neural red uptake assay showed ONC201 is not a phototoxin (photo-irritant factor 1.1). In embryofetal development studies, ONC201 did not lead to maternal effects in rats or rabbits and caused fetal malformations in 3/61 rabbit fetuses with daily dosing (from gestation day 7-17 or 19) at 62.5 and 25 mg/kg, respectively. A quantitative whole-body autoradiography study conducted in rats with one dose of [14C]-ONC201 showed rapidly tissue distribution peaking at 1h in most tissues and exhibiting a plasma terminal half-life of 5.6h. The endocrine, metabolic/excretory, ocular and GI tract tissues contained the highest distribution of [14C]ONC201. [14C]-ONC201 was distributed evenly across CNS substructures, including the midline region. Consistent with the uniform distribution, ONC201 displayed high permeability (23-31×10-6 cm/s, 7-700 μM) and was not a substrate of efflux transporters in Caco-2 cells (efflux ratio 0.46-0.79). ONC201 exerted inhibitory potential on MDR1- and BCRP-mediated transport at 200μM. Clinical trials with ONC201 restrict use of concomitant medications that induce or inhibit CYP enzymes, but several supportive medications can affect these enzymes. In vitro studies revealed that ONC201 is not an inducer of 7 major human CYP enzymes but does inhibit and is a substrate of CYP 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 3A4 (IC50 20-90µM). Analysis of dexamethasone, a known inducer of CYP3A4, did not show a correlation between baseline dose level and ONC201 plasma concentrations in H3 K27M-mutant glioma patients (n=22). Metabolic profiling in human hepatocytes revealed only one metabolite, ONC207, that was &amp;gt;10% in abundance. ONC207 did not achieve an IC50 in cancer cell viability and DRD2 antagonism assays. Assaying by LC-MS/MS of plasma samples obtained from ONC201-treated H3 K27M-mutant glioma patients (n=20) confirmed the presence of ONC207 as the major metabolite. A mass balance study conducted in rats with one dose of [14C]-ONC201 showed that the main route of excretion was biliary (61.18%) via the feces (69.78%), with urine (24.99%) also contributing to overall recovery. Together, these data inform the administration of ONC201 to advanced cancer patients who often require a range of comedications and comorbidities. Citation Format: Sara Morrow, Rohinton Tarapore, Ailan Guo, Magdalena Nej, Yunlan Fang, Gina Theerman, Leah Lake, Martin Stogniew, Varun V. Prabhu, Joshua E. Allen. ADME and toxicology profiles of first-in-class DRD2/ClpP-targeted imipridone ONC201 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1370.

The impact of radiochemistry in drug projects: The use of C-14 label in the AZD8529, AZD7325, and AZD6280 projects.

Understanding the metabolic transformations of a potential drug molecule is important to understanding the safety profile of a drug candidate. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry is a standard method for detecting metabolites in the drug discovery stage, but this can lead to an incomplete understanding of the molecule's metabolism. In this manuscript, we highlight the role radiolabeling played in determining the metabolism and in quantifying the metabolites of AZD8529, AZD7325, and AZD6280. A quantitative whole-body autoradiography study can detect covalent adducts in vivo as was the case with AZD5248 in which the compound was bound to the aorta. Ultimately another compound free of aortic binding was developed, AZD7986.

Tissue distribution of rIX‐FP after intravenous application to rodents

BackgroundHemophilia B is caused by coagulation factor IX (FIX) deficiency. Recombinant fusion protein linking coagulation FIX with recombinant albumin (rIX‐FP; Idelvion®) is used for replacement therapy with an extended half‐life. A previous quantitative whole‐body autoradiography (QWBA) study investigating the biodistribution of rIX‐FP indicated equal biodistribution, but more prolonged tissue retention compared with a marketed recombinant FIX product. ObjectivesTo complete and confirm the QWBA study data by directly measuring rIX‐FP protein and activity levels in tissues following intravenous (i.v.) administration to normal rats and FIX‐deficient (hemophilia B) mice. MethodsAfter i.v. administration of rIX‐FP at a dose of 2000 IU/kg, animals were euthanized at specific time points up to 72 hours postdosing. Subsequently, plasma and various tissues, which were selected based on the previous QWBA results, were harvested and analyzed for FIX antigen levels using an ELISA (both species) or an immunohistochemistry method (mice only), as well as for FIX activity levels (mice only) using a chromogenic assay. ResultsIn rats, rIX‐FP distributed extravascularly into all tissues analyzed (ie, liver, kidney, skin and knee) with peak antigen levels reached between 1 and 7 hours postdosing. In hemophilia B mice, rIX‐FP tissue distribution was comparable to rats. FIX antigen levels correlated well with FIX activity readouts. ConclusionsOur results confirm QWBA data showing that rIX‐FP distributes into relevant target tissues. Importantly, it was demonstrated that rIX‐FP available in tissues retains its functional activity and can thus facilitate its therapeutic activity at sites of potential injury.

EXTH-77. ONC201 EXHIBITS PASSIVE DIFFUSION AND BROAD DISTRIBUTION IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Abstract Imipridone ONC201 is an investigational agent in phase II clinical trials for H3 K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma with evidence of durable objective responses and clinical symptom improvements as a single agent. The systemic pharmacokinetics of ONC201 and its ability to achieve target concentrations in supratentorial glioblastoma have been demonstrated in clinical trials; however, its clearance and distribution in midline structures and other areas of the central nervous system (CNS) haven’t been evaluated. A quantitative whole-body autoradiography study was conducted in Long-Evans rats with a single dose of [14C]-ONC201. [14C]-ONC201-related material was rapidly distributed throughout the body, with concentrations peaking at 1h for most tissues. The endocrine, metabolic/excretory, ocular and gastrointestinal tract tissues contained the highest distribution of [14C]-ONC201-derived radioactivity. Importantly, [14C]-ONC201 material was distributed evenly across brain substructures, including the meninges and midline structures of the brain; all tissues had a half-life of 1.4–7.9h, with the exception of the meninges (2397.3h). Given the uniform distribution throughout the CNS, we evaluated the permeability and efflux potential of ONC201 in bidirectional transport assays using human Caco-2 cell monolayers. ONC201 displayed high permeability in the apical to basolateral direction with apparent permeability values of 23–31×10–6 cm/s at 7–700μM. In the basolateral to apical direction, apparent permeability values were 11–24 × 10–6 cm/s. The efflux ratio values were 0.46–0.79 for ONC201, suggesting that ONC201 is not a substrate of efflux transporters. However, ONC201 exerted inhibitory potential on MDR1- (90.6%) and BCRP-mediated (81.6%) transport at 200mM. In summary, ONC201 exhibits passive diffusion without being effluxed, which may enable its rapid and wide distribution throughout the CNS. This distribution profile suggests that the compound may achieve therapeutic concentrations throughout the CNS with oral administration and that investigation of additional CNS tumors will not be hindered by drug delivery to specific anatomic structures.

Pharmacological Characterization of IW-1973, a Novel Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator with Extensive Tissue Distribution, Antihypertensive, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antifibrotic Effects in Preclinical Models of Disease

Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), a key signal-transduction enzyme, increases the conversion of guanosine-5'-triphosphate to cGMP upon binding of nitric oxide (NO). Endothelial dysfunction and/or reduced NO signaling have been implicated in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis and complications of diabetes and have been associated with other disease states and aging. Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators are small-molecule drugs that bind sGC and enhance NO-mediated cGMP signaling. The pharmacological characterization of IW-1973 [1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-(((5-fluoro-2-(1-(2-fluorobenzyl)-5-(isoxazol-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl) pyrimidin-4-yl)amino)methyl)propan-2-ol], a novel clinical-stage sGC stimulator under clinical investigation for treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and diabetic nephropathy, is described. In the presence of NO, IW-1973 stimulated sGC in a human purified enzyme assay and a HEK-293 whole cell assay. sGC stimulation by IW-1973 in cells was associated with increased phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein. IW-1973, at doses of 1-10 mg/kg, significantly lowered blood pressure in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. In a Dahl salt-sensitive hypertension model, IW-1973 significantly reduced blood pressure, inflammatory cytokine levels, and renal disease markers, including proteinuria and renal fibrotic gene expression. The results were affirmed in mouse lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and rat unilateral ureteral obstruction renal fibrosis models. A quantitative whole-body autoradiography study of IW-1973 revealed extensive tissue distribution and pharmacokinetic studies showed a large volume of distribution and a profile consistent with predicted once-a-day dosing in humans. In summary, IW-1973 is a potent, orally available sGC stimulator that exhibits renoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects in nonclinical models.

Metabolic disposition of the anti-cancer agent [14C]laromustine in male rats

1. Laromustine (VNP40101M, also known as Cloretazine) is a novel sulfonylhydrazine alkylating (anticancer) agent. This article describes the use of quantitative whole-body autoradiography (QWBA) and mass balance to study the tissue distribution, the excretion mass balance and pharmacokinetics after intravenous administration of [14C]VNP40101M to rats. A single 10 mg/kg IV bolus dose of [14C]VNP40101M was given to rats.2. The recovery of radioactivity from the Group 1 animals over a 7-day period was an average of 92.1% of the administered dose, which was accounted for in the excreta and carcass. Most of the radioactivity was eliminated within 48 h via urine (48%), with less excreted in feces (5%) and expired air accounted for (11%). The plasma half-life of [14C]laromustine was approximately 62 min and the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) averaged 8.3 μg/mL.3. The QWBA study indicated that the drug-derived radioactivity was widely distributed to tissues through 7 days post-dose after a single 10 mg/kg IV bolus dose of [14C]VNP40101M to male pigmented Long–Evans rats. The maximum concentrations were observed at 0.5 or 1 h post-dose for majority tissues (28 of 42). The highest concentrations of radioactivity were found in the small intestine contents at 0.5 h (112.137 µg equiv/g), urinary bladder contents at 3 h (89.636 µg equiv/g) and probably reflect excretion of drug and metabolites. The highest concentrations in specific organs were found in the renal cortex at 1 h (28.582 µg equiv/g), small intestine at 3 h (16.946 µg equiv/g), Harderian gland at 3 h (12.332 µg equiv/g) and pancreas at 3 h (12.635 µg equiv/g). Concentrations in the cerebrum (1.978 µg equiv/g), cerebellum (2.109 µg equiv/g), medulla (1.797 µg equiv/g) and spinal cord (1.510 µg equiv/g) were maximal at 0.5 h post-dose and persisted for 7 days.4. The predicted total body and target organ exposures for humans given a single 100 µCi IV dose of [14C]VNP40101M were well within the medical guidelines for maximum radioactivity exposures in human subjects.

Tu1830 Predictors of Slow Healing of Reflux Esophagitis With Potent Acid Suppression

Introduction: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are now widely used for the treatment of acidrelated diseases, such as peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). PPIs which are weak-base prodrugs are activated in an acidic condition and only inhibit H+/K+ATPase that has already been activated. Therefore, the effect of PPIs on acid-related diseases is slow onset and their maximum efficacy can be achieved after several days of dosing, leading to unmet medical needs such as nocturnal acid breakthrough and unsatisfied symptom relief. Methods: We investigated the pharmacological profiles of YH4808, a novel potent, highly selective K+-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB), in terms of hog gastric H+/K+-ATPase activity, gastric acid secretion, and acute gastroesophageal lesions in animal models, in comparison with esomeprazole. In addition, a quantitative whole body autoradiography (QWBA) study was performed with [14C]YH4808 (10 mg/kg) in rats to characterize tissue distribution. Results: YH4808 inhibited H+/K+-ATPase activity in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 3.4 nM which is more potent than that of esomeprazole. The inhibitory mechanism of YH4808 on H+/K+-ATPase was a competitive antagonism to the K+-binding site of H+/K+-ATPase, and it was also a reversible inhibition. In a selectivity assay, YH4808 showed 3,000-fold greater selectivity against Na+/K+-ATPase. In pylorus-ligated rats, oral administration of YH4808 inhibited basal acid secretion in a dose-dependent manner with the ID50 value of 1.1 mg/kg. Anti-secretory activity of YH4808 against histamine-stimulated acid secretion in rats after IV injection (ID50=0.1 mg/kg) was stronger than that of esomeprazole (ID50=0.9 mg/kg). In Heidenhain pouch dogs, IV administration of YH4808 inhibited histamine-stimulated acid secretion in a dose-dependent manner with almost complete inhibition at the dose of 0.6 mg/kg. In a reflux esophagitis model, intraduodenal administration of YH4808 prevented esophageal lesions by 30, 82 and 91% at a dose of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg, respectively while esomeprazole reduced the lesion by 47% at 10 mg/kg. A QWBA study in rats showed YH4808 accumulated and was retained in the gastric tissue for more than 24h after oral administration. Conclusion: YH4808, a novel selective P-CAB exerted a potent, longer-lasting anti-secretory efficacy through high accumulation in the gastric tissue, which translated into the more effective inhibition of reflux esophagitis than esomeprazole. These findings indicate that YH4808 can provide significant clinical benefits to patients with acid-related diseases.

Tu1827 Yh4808, a Potent, Highly Selective K+-Competitive Acid Blocker, Suppressed Rat Acute Reflux Esophagitis More Effectively Than Esomeprazole

Introduction: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are now widely used for the treatment of acidrelated diseases, such as peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). PPIs which are weak-base prodrugs are activated in an acidic condition and only inhibit H+/K+ATPase that has already been activated. Therefore, the effect of PPIs on acid-related diseases is slow onset and their maximum efficacy can be achieved after several days of dosing, leading to unmet medical needs such as nocturnal acid breakthrough and unsatisfied symptom relief. Methods: We investigated the pharmacological profiles of YH4808, a novel potent, highly selective K+-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB), in terms of hog gastric H+/K+-ATPase activity, gastric acid secretion, and acute gastroesophageal lesions in animal models, in comparison with esomeprazole. In addition, a quantitative whole body autoradiography (QWBA) study was performed with [14C]YH4808 (10 mg/kg) in rats to characterize tissue distribution. Results: YH4808 inhibited H+/K+-ATPase activity in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 3.4 nM which is more potent than that of esomeprazole. The inhibitory mechanism of YH4808 on H+/K+-ATPase was a competitive antagonism to the K+-binding site of H+/K+-ATPase, and it was also a reversible inhibition. In a selectivity assay, YH4808 showed 3,000-fold greater selectivity against Na+/K+-ATPase. In pylorus-ligated rats, oral administration of YH4808 inhibited basal acid secretion in a dose-dependent manner with the ID50 value of 1.1 mg/kg. Anti-secretory activity of YH4808 against histamine-stimulated acid secretion in rats after IV injection (ID50=0.1 mg/kg) was stronger than that of esomeprazole (ID50=0.9 mg/kg). In Heidenhain pouch dogs, IV administration of YH4808 inhibited histamine-stimulated acid secretion in a dose-dependent manner with almost complete inhibition at the dose of 0.6 mg/kg. In a reflux esophagitis model, intraduodenal administration of YH4808 prevented esophageal lesions by 30, 82 and 91% at a dose of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg, respectively while esomeprazole reduced the lesion by 47% at 10 mg/kg. A QWBA study in rats showed YH4808 accumulated and was retained in the gastric tissue for more than 24h after oral administration. Conclusion: YH4808, a novel selective P-CAB exerted a potent, longer-lasting anti-secretory efficacy through high accumulation in the gastric tissue, which translated into the more effective inhibition of reflux esophagitis than esomeprazole. These findings indicate that YH4808 can provide significant clinical benefits to patients with acid-related diseases.

Tu1828 Impact of Regurgitation on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Introduction: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are now widely used for the treatment of acidrelated diseases, such as peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). PPIs which are weak-base prodrugs are activated in an acidic condition and only inhibit H+/K+ATPase that has already been activated. Therefore, the effect of PPIs on acid-related diseases is slow onset and their maximum efficacy can be achieved after several days of dosing, leading to unmet medical needs such as nocturnal acid breakthrough and unsatisfied symptom relief. Methods: We investigated the pharmacological profiles of YH4808, a novel potent, highly selective K+-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB), in terms of hog gastric H+/K+-ATPase activity, gastric acid secretion, and acute gastroesophageal lesions in animal models, in comparison with esomeprazole. In addition, a quantitative whole body autoradiography (QWBA) study was performed with [14C]YH4808 (10 mg/kg) in rats to characterize tissue distribution. Results: YH4808 inhibited H+/K+-ATPase activity in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 3.4 nM which is more potent than that of esomeprazole. The inhibitory mechanism of YH4808 on H+/K+-ATPase was a competitive antagonism to the K+-binding site of H+/K+-ATPase, and it was also a reversible inhibition. In a selectivity assay, YH4808 showed 3,000-fold greater selectivity against Na+/K+-ATPase. In pylorus-ligated rats, oral administration of YH4808 inhibited basal acid secretion in a dose-dependent manner with the ID50 value of 1.1 mg/kg. Anti-secretory activity of YH4808 against histamine-stimulated acid secretion in rats after IV injection (ID50=0.1 mg/kg) was stronger than that of esomeprazole (ID50=0.9 mg/kg). In Heidenhain pouch dogs, IV administration of YH4808 inhibited histamine-stimulated acid secretion in a dose-dependent manner with almost complete inhibition at the dose of 0.6 mg/kg. In a reflux esophagitis model, intraduodenal administration of YH4808 prevented esophageal lesions by 30, 82 and 91% at a dose of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg, respectively while esomeprazole reduced the lesion by 47% at 10 mg/kg. A QWBA study in rats showed YH4808 accumulated and was retained in the gastric tissue for more than 24h after oral administration. Conclusion: YH4808, a novel selective P-CAB exerted a potent, longer-lasting anti-secretory efficacy through high accumulation in the gastric tissue, which translated into the more effective inhibition of reflux esophagitis than esomeprazole. These findings indicate that YH4808 can provide significant clinical benefits to patients with acid-related diseases.

Evaluation of Metabolism and Disposition of GDC-0152 in Rats Using 14C Labeling Strategy at Two Different Positions: A Novel Formation of Hippuric Acid from 4-Phenyl-5-Amino-1,2,3-Thiadiazole

The compound (S)-1-[(S)-2-cyclohexyl-2-([S]-2-[methylamino]propanamido)acetyl]-N-(4-phenyl-1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (GDC-0152) is a peptidomimetic small molecule antagonist of inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins with antitumor activity. The mass balance, pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and metabolism of GDC-0152 was investigated in rats following intravenous administration of 15 mg/kg of [(14)C]GDC-0152, labeled either at the terminal phenyl ring (A) or at the carbonyl of the 2-amino-2-cyclohexylacetyl moiety (B). In rats, 92.2%-95.1% of the radiolabeled GDC-0152 dose was recovered. Approximately 62.3% and 25.1% of A was excreted in urine and feces, respectively. By contrast, B was excreted almost equally in urine (27.2%), feces (32.2%), and expired air (27.5%). GDC-0152 underwent extensive metabolism, with less than 9% of the dose recovered as parent in excreta. Similarly, in plasma, GDC-0152 represented 16.7% and 7.5% of the area under the curve of the total radioactivity for A and B, respectively. The terminal half-life (t(1/2)) for total radioactivity was longer for B (21.2 hours) than for A (4.59 hours). GDC-0152 was highly metabolized via oxidation and amide hydrolysis, followed by subsequent sulfation and glucuronidation. The most abundant circulating metabolites were the amide hydrolyzed products, M26, M28, M30, M31, and M34, which ranged from 3.5% to 9.0% of total radioactivity. In quantitative whole-body autoradiography studies, the residence of radioactivity in tissues was longer for B than for A, which is consistent with the t(1/2) of the total radioactivity in circulation. A novel 4-phenyl-5-amino-1,2,3-thiadiazole (M28) oxidative cleavage resulted in the formation of hippuric acid (M24). This biotransformation was also observed in rat hepatocyte incubations with para-substituted M28 analogs. In addition, the formation of M24 was inhibited by 1-aminobenzotriazole, which points to the involvement of P450 enzymes.

Utility of quantitative whole-body autoradiography (QWBA) and imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) in the assessment of ocular distribution of drugs

Introduction Assessment of drug candidate properties and potential liabilities can greatly benefit from issue driven studies that are designed to address specific toxicological effects such as ocular phototoxicity. If a compound absorbs light in the wavelength range of 290–700 nm (UV-A, UV-B, and visible light) and generates a positive response in a standard in vitro neutral red uptake phototoxicity assay in Balb/c 3T3 mouse fibroblasts, a single-dose in vivo study may be conducted to assess the potential for drug-induced phototoxicity in the eyes and skin of pigmented Long–Evans rats. Critical to ocular phototoxicity assessment is the hypothesis that the drug or drug-related material must be present in the affected substructures such as the uveal tract, retina, lens, or cornea. For compounds that induce a positive ocular response in the in vivo phototoxicity assay, data on distribution patterns to substructures of the eye can inform decisions regarding the nature of the ocular findings and possibly influence compound advancement. Methods Quantitative whole-body autoradiography (QWBA) and imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) on an ion trap mass spectrometer employing higher order mass spectrometric scanning functions were utilized for localization of dosed drug or metabolites in eye substructures. Results In investigative studies designed to simulate an in vivo phototoxicity study, rats were administered radio-labeled test article for QWBA analysis and un-labeled test article for IMS analysis. Autoradiograms from the QWBA study indicated that the radio-labeled analyte(s) preferentially distributed to the uveal tract and not the cornea. However, QWBA did not provide information on the nature of the detected analyte(s); i.e. intact parent drug versus potential metabolites or degradants. Multistage MS experiments performed directly on tissue sections demonstrated semi-quantitative localization in the uveal tract and unequivocal identification of the analyte as the dosed parent drug; no potential metabolites were detected. Discussion Image analysis by QWBA and IMS by MALDI proved complementary in the localization and identification of small molecule drug distribution within the eye.

Localization of artesunate and its derivatives in the pregnant rat and fetus following oral administration and relationship to developmental toxicity

The antimalarial drug artesunate affects erythroid cells leading to developmental toxicity and adult reticulocytopenia. We report on a kinetic study in rats and the tissue distribution of radioactivity following oral administration of [(3)H]-artesunate to pregnant rats using quantitative whole-body autoradiography (QWBA). Rats were dosed orally with chlorproguanil/dapsone/artesunate (including 11.8 mg/kg artesunate) and plasma concentrations of artesunate and the active metabolite dihydroartemisinin (DHA) were determined. In the QWBA study, 6 rats received 13 mg/kg [(3)H]-artesunate on day 18 of gestation. Groups of 2 rats were euthanized at 1, 6, and 24 hours after dosing, rapidly frozen, and sectioned in a cryostat. Sagittal sections were freeze-dried and placed in contact with imaging plates. Tissue concentrations of radioactivity were quantified. Systemic exposure to DHA was up to 22-fold higher than the parent compound and was higher in non-pregnant females than males. In the QWBA study, high concentrations of radioactivity were seen in maternal tissues involved in absorption and excretion, the bone marrow and spleen. Fetal blood and liver levels were 3.8- to 8.8-fold higher than maternal blood levels at all timepoints. Excluding tissues involved in absorption and excretion, the highest concentrations of radioactivity were observed in tissues involved in hemoglobin synthesis and/or destruction in both the mother and the fetus and likely account for the maternal reticulocytopenia and embryotoxicity. Radioactivity concentrations in the fetal blood were 2.1- to 2.8-fold higher than maternal bone marrow at all timepoints and this difference could contribute to the lower dose threshold for embryotoxicity.

Direct Molecular Analysis of Whole-Body Animal Tissue Sections by Imaging MALDI Mass Spectrometry

Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) that utilizes matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) technology can provide a molecular ex vivo view of resected organs or whole-body sections from an animal, making possible the label-free tracking of both endogenous and exogenous compounds with spatial resolution and molecular specificity. Drug distribution and, for the first time, individual metabolite distributions within whole-body tissue sections can be detected simultaneously at various time points following drug administration. IMS analysis of tissues from 8 mg/kg olanzapine dosed rats revealed temporal distribution of the drug and metabolites that correlate to previous quantitative whole-body autoradiography studies. Whole-body MALDI IMS is further extended to detecting proteins from organs present in a whole-body sagittal tissue section. This technology will significantly help advance the analysis of novel therapeutics and may provide deeper insight into therapeutic and toxicological processes, revealing at the molecular level the cause of efficacy or side effects often associated with drug administration.