Studies of the mechanism of the hypoglycemic action of 4-pentenoic acid.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to K Brendel.
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Novel drug reservoirs are described which, after their implantation under mouse skin, continuously released organic liquids such as the anti-epileptic drug valproic acid at preselected rates for periods up to several weeks. The liquids, which were filled into the reservoirs, diffused through silastic membranes. The area and thickness of these membranes determined the administered dose. Administration of the anti-epileptic drug valproic acid at various selected doses resulted in persistent drug concentrations spanning from subtherapeutic to toxic levels. The drug reservoirs were easily refillable in situ which greatly extended the duration of the experiment. The dose administered could be determined within 5-15 per cent (rel. S.D.). It is suggested that the maintenance of persistent drug levels in small laboratory animals may be an appropriate model for the pharmacological and toxicological study of those compounds with short half-lives and high clearance rates in these species.
Species differences in the biotransformation of the antiemetic tropisetron, a potent 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist, were evident in liver slice incubates of human, rat and dog, and reflected the species differences observed in vivo with respect to the relative importance of individual pathways. The dominant biotransformation pathway of tropisetron (10 microM) in human liver slices was formation of 6-hydroxy-tropisetron, whereas in rat liver slices it was 5-hydroxy-tropisetron, and in dog liver slices N-oxide formation. Initial rates of tropisetron metabolite formation in the liver slices (8 mm in diameter, 200 +/- 25 microns thickness) of human (83 +/- 61 pmol/h/mg slice protein), rat (413 +/- 98 pmol/h/mg slice protein) and dog (426 +/- 38 pmol/h/mg slice protein) would predict less of a first-pass effect in humans compared to the rat or the dog. For human and rat, the prediction matched well with the species ranking of tropisetron bioavailability; however, for dog the in vitro data overestimated the apparent first-pass effect. The jejunum is not expected to contribute to the first-pass effect in humans, since human jejunum microsomes did not metabolize tropisetron. The major organ of excretion for tropisetron and its metabolites is the kidney, but the contribution of the kidney to the overall metabolism of tropisetron would be small. Species independent N-oxide formation (2-12 pmol/h/mg slice protein) was the major pathway in human, rat and dog kidney slices, and was comparable to N-oxide formation in the rat and human liver slices but was 1/10 the rate in dog liver slices. This study has demonstrated that the liver is the primary site of tropisetron biotransformation, and the usefulness of organ slices to characterize cross species differences in the dominant biotransformation pathways.
Addition of halogenated vinyl cysteine conjugates to isolated rabbit kidney tubule suspensions resulted in a decrease in the active transport of para-aminohippuric acid (PAH) and tetraethylammonium bromide (TEA). At 10(-5) M vinyl cysteine conjugate, tubule to medium accumulation ratios (T/M) were similar to those of controls while at 10(-3) M the T/M values decreased to 1, indicating complete inhibition of active accumulation of PAH or TEA. The decreased active transport was not caused by inhibition of mitochondrial oxidation since incubations in the presence of 10(-3) M halogenated vinyl cysteine did not inhibit tubule O2 utilization or production of 14CO2 from [14C]glucose or [14C]succinate. A mechanism is proposed whereby toxicity may result from covalent binding of an active intermediate, produced by enzyme cleavage, to membrane associated nucleophilic groups thereby decreasing active transport.
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The view that human populations may not have arrived in the Western Hemisphere before about 12,000 radiocarbon yr BP has been challenged by claims of much greater antiquity for a small number of archaeological sites and human skeleton samples. One such site is the Homo sapiens sapiens cairn burial excavated in 1971 from the Yuha desert, Imperial County, California. Radiocarbon analysis of caliche coating one of the bones of the skeleton yielded a radiocarbon age of 21,500 +/- 1,000 yr BP, while radiocarbon and uranium series analyses of caliche coating a cairn boulder yielded ages of 22,125 +/- 400 and 19,000 +/- 3,000 yr BP, respectively. The late Pleistocene age assignment to the Yuha burial has been challenged by comparing the cultural context of the burial with other cairn burials in the same region, on the basis of the site's geomorphological context and from radiocarbon analyses of soil caliches. In rebuttal, arguments in defence of the original age assignment have been presented as well as an amino acid recemization analysis on the Yuha skeleton indicating an age of 23,600 +/- 2,600 yr BP. The tandem accelerator mass spectrometer at the University of Arizona has now been used to measure the ratio of 14C/13C in several organic and inorganic fractions of post-cranial bone from the Yuha H. sapiens sapiens skeleton. Isotope ratios from six chemical fractions all yielded radiocarbon ages for the skeleton of less than 4,000 yr BP. These results indicate that the Yuha skeleton is of Holocene age, in agreement with the cultural context of the burial, and in disagreement with the previously assigned Pleistocene age of 19,000-23,000 yr.
Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD), a renal toxin and carcinogen, is thought to require bioactivation to exert toxicity. The chemically synthesized cysteine conjugate of structurally similar halogenated hydrocarbons, trichloroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, and chlorodifluoroethylene, have been shown to be nephrotoxic. Hence the cysteine conjugate of HCBD, S-pentachlorobuta-1,3-dienyl cysteine (PCBC), was assessed for potential nephrotoxicity. Active acid and base transport in isolated rabbit renal tubules was used to screen nephrotoxicity. A dose-dependent decrease in acid and base transport was observed after incubation with PCBC. At 10(-5) M PCBC transport was similar to that in controls, while at 10(-3) M PCBC completely inhibited active transport. In addition, in vivo exposure of Swiss-Webster male mice caused dose-dependent damage in the pars recta region of the proximal tubules (5-25 mg/kg ip). Genotoxicity in renal tissue was studied by using alkaline elution to detect DNA single-strand breaks and total cross-links. No DNA single-strand breaks were observed in isolated rabbit renal tubules after exposure to 10(-3) to 10(-5) M PCBC. However, at 10(-3) M PCBC there was some evidence of DNA cross-links. Therefore if cysteine conjugates of HCBD are formed in vivo, they could account for the toxicity observed with exposure to HCBD.
Precision-cut liver slices have been developed as an in vitro tool for assessing liver viability and function and for examining hepatotoxicants. Liver slices from a variety of species (including human) are prepared using mechanical slicers that produce reproducible slices of a uniform thickness, which allows optimum exchange of nutrients, waste, and gases. Slices are incubated in dynamic systems that allow the slices to be maintained viable in culture for 1-10 days. The viability of slices can be assessed by ion content (K+, Na+ ATPase status), intermediary metabolism, energy status (ATP), respiration, biosynthetic ability, and biotransformation activity. In addition, liver tissue slices allow the opportunity for extensive microscopic evaluation (light and electron) as well as newer technologies such as confocal microscopy. Assessment of the toxic potential of a chemical can be performed after a short-term or constant exposure by evaluating the viability parameters. Liver slices have been used extensively for rank-ordering the toxicity of chemicals as well as for examining the mechanisms of liver injury. Liver slices in culture also can be used for an examination of the induction of new enzymes such as cytochrome P-450 and the expression of stress proteins or peroxisomal enzymes. Finally, liver slices offer a system for evaluating whole or cryopreserved liver as well as regeneration of liver tissue after toxic insult. Liver slices have been shown to be a valid in vitro system for examining liver function and offer a bridge between in vivo and cell culture systems.
The preparation of (R) and (S) [2(-3)H]lactate as well as (S) [2(-3)H] glutamate via the coupled exchange reaction catalyzed by NAD linked dehydrogenases and NADH: lipoamide oxidoreductase (diaphorase) is described. The specific radioactivity of the hydrogen ions of the 3HOH/H2O can be obtained in the substrates (100% exchange) if equilibrium isotope effects are disregarded. By the exchange procedure substrates with higher specific radioactivity are obtained from positionally [3H]labeled racemic mixtures prepared by chemical reductions with [3H]labeled hydrides. The tritium content of one of the enantiomeres is "washed out" into water. As examples are presented the preparation of (R) [2-3H] (S) [2-H]malate as well as the corresponding carnitine, glutamate and (R) and (S) lactate.
An isotope effect of the dehydrogenation of (R) Carnitine [(R) 3-hydroxy-4-trimethylaminobutyric acid hydrochloride] catalyzed by (R) carnitine dehydrogenase [(R) carnitine: NAD oxidoreductase E.C. 1.1.1.108] from Pseudomonas aeruginosa was measured at different temperatures. It was found that k1H/k3H does not vary greatly with changes of temperature. The value of 3 for k1H/k3H measured at small initial conversions strongly indicated that the rate limiting step of the oxidation of (R) carnitine is the cleavage of the C-H bond at C3.
Chirality, Hydrogen Transfer, myo-Inositol Dehydrogenase. The chirality of the hydrogen transfer to NAD catalyzed by myo-inositol dehydrogenase (myo-Inositol: NAD 2-oxydoreductase, EC 1.1.1.18) from Klebsiella pneumoniae (formerly classified taxonomically as Aerobacter aerogenes or Kleb siella aerogenes) was investigated. [4-3H] NAD was enzymatically reduced to [4-3H] NADH with non-labeled myoinositol and myo-inositol dehydrogenase. The stereochemistry of the prochiral center at C4 of the NADH produced was determined. It was found that the label was exclusively located at the (4S) position of the produced NADH. Since the hydrogen transferred from non-labeled myo-inositol to [4-3H] NAD must have entered the opposite of (R) position, myo-inositol dehydrogenase from K. pneumoniae should be classified as an (R) or A-type enzyme with respect to the stereochemistry of the hydrogen transfer to NAD.
This study assesses the contribution of cyclosporin A (CsA) metabolism at sites of CsA-induced toxicity: kidney and liver, and a site of absorption, the intestine. With organ slice cultures (8 mm phi), it has been possible to demonstrate that the extrahepatic metabolism of CsA is significant. Both human kidney and colonic mucosal tissue metabolize CsA (1 microM, 24 hr) as analyzed by HPLC. The major metabolite M17 was formed in the kidney at an initial rate of 3 pmol/hr/mg slice protein, which was comparable to M17 formation in the liver slices (5 pmol/hr/mg slice protein). The rate of total CsA metabolism by human kidney slices represents about 42% the rate in liver slices. The metabolism of CsA to M17 was the same in the human kidney cell line 293; however, CsA metabolism was not detectable using human kidney microsomes, nor was metabolism clearly evident in either rat or dog kidney slice cultures. The metabolism of CsA by human colonic mucosal slices to at least three metabolites and the metabolism of CsA by the human intestinal cell line FHs74 Int indicates that the intestinal metabolism of CsA contributes to the first-pass effect of the drug. The liver proved to be the major site of CsA biotransformation in terms of the complexity of metabolites produced, whereas the human liver HepG2 cell line proved not to be a suitable model for CsA metabolism. A time course revealed that the first metabolites formed in the liver slice cultures were the monohydroxylated, M1 and M17, and N-demethylated, M21, followed by the secondary metabolites (including M8, M13, and M18).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
N-Acetyltransferase (NAT) polymorphism has been implicated in differences in the susceptibility of individuals to the toxicity of chemicals metabolized by this enzyme system. Investigation into the toxicological consequences of acetylator polymorphism and the mechanism of these effects in humans, however, has been greatly hindered due to the lack of a suitable human tissue culture system for determination of hepatic NAT activity and acetylator status of individuals. An in vitro system has been developed to study NAT activity using human liver slices in dynamic organ culture. Acetylation of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and sulfamethazine (SMZ) by human liver slices was monitored by measuring the disappearance of the parent amine from the incubation medium using the colorimetric procedure of Bratton and Marshall. Presence of the acetyl conjugate was confirmed using HPLC. PABA acetylation rates varied from 0.72-2.52 nmol/hr/mg protein (N = 8). This small variation (less than 4-fold) is consistent with the classification of PABA as a monomorphic substrate. The variation in the rate of SMZ acetylation was greater than 20-fold (0.144-3.68 nmol/hr/mg protein; N = 9). This larger variation is characteristic of SMZ as a polymorphic substrate. A good correlation of N-acetylation activities for SMZ was also found between cytosol and slices prepared from the same human livers. The results obtained indicate that human liver slices in dynamic organ culture can be used for the determination of hepatic NAT activity in humans. These slices may be useful in toxicological studies that seek to relate N-acetylation of chemicals in the human liver with potential toxicity.
The biotransformation of halothane was studied using liver slices. Precision-cut Hartley male guinea pig liver slices (1 cm diameter; 250-300 microns thick) were incubated in sealed roller vials containing supplemented Krebs-Henseleit buffer at 37 degrees C under different O2 tensions (2.5, 21, and 95%). After a 1-hr preincubation, halothane was vaporized in the vial producing a 1.9 mM medium concentration. Halothane metabolites (Br-, trifluoroacetic acid, F-) were measured at 2, 4, and 6 hr. Viability of the incubated slices was verified by determining intracellular K+ content and levels of cytochrome P-450, which were maintained under 95% O2 atmosphere but decreased with lower O2 tensions (2.5%). The highest fluoride production was 300 +/- 22 pmol/mg slice weight/6 hr at low O2 tension (2.5%). Defluorination decreased with increasing O2 tension to undetectable levels under 95% O2. Production of the oxidative metabolite, trifluoroacetic acid, was highest at 95% O2 (2.35 +/- 0.17 nmol/mg slice weight/6 hr). Trifluoroacetic acid production decreased with decreasing O2 tension. Br- production was the highest at 21% O2 (1.8 +/- 0.13 nmol/mg slice weight/6 hr). Production of Br- was not dependent on the O2 tension. The guinea pig slices are capable of biotransforming halothane (oxidative/reductive); therefore, this in vitro system appears suitable for studying the biotransformation of halothane.
The conjugation of harmol and the disposition of harmol metabolites by isolated rat hepatocytes were investigated. Harmol sulfation was saturated at very low concentrations and exhibited a maximum velocity of 1.2 +/- 0.2 nmol/min/10(6) hepatocytes. Glucuronidation of harmol proceeded with a Km of 17 +/- 5.7 microM and a maximal velocity of 2.1 +/- 0.3 nmol/min/10(6) hepatocytes. After synthesis, harmol glucuronide and harmol sulfate were distributed between cells and incubation media, and at equilibrium, a large concentration gradient between cells and media existed for both conjugates. Experiments with preformed metabolites indicated that hepatocytes removed harmol glucuronide from the incubation media by single Michaelis-Menten process with a Km of 384 +/- 63 microM and Vmax of 1.8 +/- 0.3 nmol/min/10(6) hepatocytes. Harmol sulfate was taken up by two Michaelis-Menten processes, a high affinity process with a Km of 33 +/- 8 microM and a Vmax of 0.97 +/- 0.2 nmol/min/10(6) cells and a low affinity process with a Km of 452 +/- 71 microM and Vmax of 25.2 +/- 4.1/min/10(6) hepatocytes. Harmol sulfate was released from hepatocytes by a process which did not exhibit saturation. Hepatocytes converted preformed harmol glucuronide to harmol sulfate.
Several lines of evidence suggest that nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs may be effective in preventing colorectal cancer. These include animal experiments, case-control studies, and clinical experience with sulindac in promoting the regression of adenomatous colon polyps in adenomatous polyposis coli. We determined the antiproliferative activity of various nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, including two sulindac derivatives, against human colon cancer cells in vitro. Ht-29, SW480, and DLD-1 cells were continuously incubated with serial drug dilutions for 6 days prior to fixation. Cell number was determined using the sulforhodamine B assay, and drug concentrations which inhibited cell growth by 50% were estimated for each agent by interpolation. All drugs exhibited antiproliferative activity against Ht-29 and DLD-1 cells, and most inhibited SW480 cells. For Ht-29 cells, the 50% inhibitory concentration varied from 55 microM for diclofenac to 2100 microM for 5-aminosalicylic acid, with three drug groups of high, intermediate, and low potency evident. Inhibition of cell growth by sulindac sulfide was reversible following drug removal. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs exert an antiproliferative effect against human colon cancer cells with a wide range of potencies. A cytostatic response was demonstrated with sulindac sulfide. These data further support the potential role of these agents for chemoprevention of colorectal neoplasia.
Liver slice cultures from humans, dogs, and rats were used to investigate the biotransformation of the dopaminergic ergot agonist CQA 206-291 and to predict pharmacokinetic values for hepatic intrinsic clearance and plasma clearance. CQA 206-291 was extensively metabolized in the liver slice cultures and in vivo. The HPLC metabolite patterns from the liver slice cultures were similar for all three species, indicating the occurrence of the same metabolic pathways for CQA 206-291 biotransformation. The rate of formation of CQ 32-084, a pharmacologically active N-deethylated metabolite, exceeded that of metabolite d, a primary metabolite, by 1.4 fold in human liver slices, and by 1.7 fold in rat liver slices. In dog liver slice cultures, metabolite d formation exceeded CQ 32-084 formation by 1.3 fold and was formed at a statistically significantly greater rate (3 fold) than in either human or rat liver slices. The metabolism of ergots like CQA 206-291 by human fetal liver was also demonstrated in this study. However, the prominent metabolite from fetal and adult human liver microsomes was metabolite d with minor amounts of CQ 32-089 being formed. A major route of excretion for the metabolites of CQA 206-291 is the kidney, yet the kidney does not contribute to the metabolism of CQA 206-291. Kidney slices derived from humans, rats, and dogs did not metabolize CQA 206-291 within 24 hr. CQA 206-291 intrinsic clearance was derived from the half-life of parent drug disappearance in the liver slice and hepatocyte cultures, and from the ratio of Vmax/Km of human and rat liver microsomes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)