Biomedical subjects

M Rocchetti

Publications and source records attributed to M Rocchetti.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

A mathematical model to study the effects of drugs administration on tumor growth dynamics.

A mathematical model for describing the cancer growth dynamics in response to anticancer agents administration in xenograft models is discussed. The model consists of a system of ordinary differential equations involving five parameters (three for describing the untreated growth and two for describing the drug action). Tumor growth in untreated animals is modelled by an exponential growth followed by a linear growth. In treated animals, tumor growth rate is decreased by an additional factor proportional to both drug concentration and proliferating cells. The mathematical analysis conducted in this paper highlights several interesting properties of this tumor growth model. It suggests also effective strategies to design in vivo experiments in animals with potential saving of time and resources. For example, the drug concentration threshold for the tumor eradication, the delay between drug administration and tumor regression, and a time index that measures the efficacy of a treatment are derived and discussed. The model has already been employed in several drug discovery projects. Its application on a data set coming from one of these projects is discussed in this paper.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Rate dependency of beta-adrenergic modulation of repolarizing currents in the guinea-pig ventricle.

Beta-adrenergic stimulation modulates ventricular currents and sinus cycle length (CL). We investigated how changes in CL affect the current induced by isoprenaline (Iso) during the action potential (AP) of guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. Action-potential clamp was applied at CLs of 250 and 1000 ms to measure: (1) the net current induced by 0.1 microm Iso (I(Iso)); (2) the L-type Ca2+ current I(CaL) and slow delayed rectifier current I(Ks) components of I(Iso) (I(IsoCa) and I(IsoK)), identified as the Iso-induced current sensitive to nifedipine and HMR1556, respectively; and (3) I(Iso) persisting after inhibition of both I(Ca) and I(Ks) (I(isoR)). The pause dependency of I(Ks) and its modulation were evaluated in voltage-clamp experiments. The rate dependency of the duration of the action potential at 90% repolarization (APD90) and its modulation by isoprenaline were tested in current-clamp experiments. At a CL of 250 ms I(Iso) was inward during initial repolarization and reversed at 59% of APD90. At a CL of 1000 ms I(Iso) became mostly inward in all cells. Switching to shorter CL did not change I(IsoCa) and I(IsoK) amplitudes, but moved their peak amplitudes to earlier repolarization; I(IsoR) was independent of CL. Acceleration of I(IsoK) at shorter CL was based on faster pause dependency of I(Ks) activation rate. The 'restitution' of activation rates was modulated by isoprenaline. The APD90-CL relation was rotated anticlockwise by isoprenaline and crossed the control curve at a CL of 150 ms (400 beats min(-1)). We conclude that: (1) isoprenaline induced markedly different current profiles according to pacing rate, involving CL-dependent I(Ca) and I(Ks) modulation; (2) the effect of isoprenaline on APD90 was CL dependent, and negligible during tachycardia; and (3) during sympathetic activation, repolarization stability may involve matched modulation of sinus rate and repolarizing currents.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed2003

Diverse toxicity associated with cardiac Na+/K+ pump inhibition: evaluation of electrophysiological mechanisms.

(E,Z)-3-((2-Aminoethoxy)imino)androstane-6,17-dione hydrochloride (PST2744) is a novel Na(+)/K(+) pump inhibitor with positive inotropic effects. Compared with digoxin in various experimental models, PST2744 was consistently found to be less arrhythmogenic, thus resulting in a significantly higher therapeutic index. The present work compares the electrophysiological effects of PST2744 and digoxin in guinea pig ventricular myocytes, with the aim to identify a mechanism for their different toxicity. The work showed that 1) the action potential was transiently prolonged and then similarly shortened by both agents; 2) the ratio between Na(+)/K(+) pump inhibition and inotropy was somewhat larger for PST2744 than for digoxin; 3) both agents accelerated inactivation of high-threshold Ca(2+) current (I(CaL)), without affecting its peak amplitude; 4) the transient inward current (I(TI)) induced by a Ca(2+) transient in the presence of complete Na(+)/K(+) pump blockade was inhibited (-43%) by PST2744 but not by digoxin; 5) the conductance of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger current (I(NaCa)), recorded under Na(+)/K(+) pump blockade, was only slightly inhibited by PST2744 (-14%) and unaffected by digoxin; and 6) both agents inhibited delayed rectifier current I(Ks) (<or=-21%); delayed rectifier current I(Kr) was inhibited by PST2744 only, but the effect was marginal (-6%). Thus, 1) the higher therapeutic index of PST2744 may be accounted for by inhibition of I(TI), a current directly involved in digitalis-induced arrhythmias. Indeed, the other differences observed concern quantitatively small effects; and 2) I(TI) suppression by PST2744 may be only partly accounted for by inhibition of the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Nonparametric AUC estimation in population studies with incomplete sampling: a Bayesian approach.

The estimation of the AUC in a population without frequent and/or fixed individual samplings is of interest because the number of plasma samples can often be limited due to technical, ethical and cost reasons. Non-linear mixed effect models can provide both population and individual estimates of AUC based on sparse sampling protocols; however, appropriate structural models for the description of the pharmacokinetics are required. Nonparametric solutions have also been proposed to estimate the population AUC and the associated error when particular sampling protocols are adopted. However, they do not estimate the individual AUCs and lack flexibility. Also a semiparametric method has been proposed for addressing the problem of sparse sampling in reasonably well designed studies. In this work, we propose and evaluate a nonparametric Bayesian scheme for AUC estimation in population studies with arbitrary sampling protocols. In the stochastic model representing the whole population, the individual plasma concentration curves and the "mean" population curve are described by random walk processes, allowing the application of the method to the reconstruction of any kind of "regular" curves. Population and individual AUC estimation are performed by numerically computing the posterior expectation through a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2002

Pharmacological profile of the novel inotropic agent (E,Z)-3-((2-aminoethoxy)imino)androstane-6,17-dione hydrochloride (PST2744).

The novel Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibitor (E,Z)-3-((2-aminoethoxy)imino)androstane-6,17-dione hydrochloride (PST2744) was characterized for its inotropic and toxic properties. Inhibition potency on dog kidney Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase was comparable (0.43 microM) to that of digoxin (0.45 microM). PST2744 concentration-dependently increased force of contraction in guinea pig atria and twitch amplitude in isolated guinea pig myocytes; in the latter, aftercontractions developed significantly less than with digoxin. Intravenous infusion of 0.2 mg/kg/min PST2744 in anesthetized guinea pigs exerted an immediate and long-lasting inotropic effect (ED(80) of 1.89 +/- 0.37 mg/kg) without causing lethal arrhythmias up to a cumulative dose of 18 mg/kg. Conversely, an equieffective infusion of digoxin (0.016 mg/kg/min; ED(80) of 0.32 mg/kg) caused lethal arrhythmias at a cumulative dose of 0.81 mg/kg. At a higher rate (0.4 mg/kg/min), PST2744 induced lethal arrhythmias, with a lethal dose/ED(80) ratio significantly greater than digoxin (20.2 +/- 6.3 versus 3.23 +/- 0.55, p < 0.05). Decay of the inotropic effect (t(1/2), min) was significantly faster for PST2744 (6.0 +/- 0.39) than for digoxin (18.3 +/- 4.5, p < 0.05). In anesthetized dogs, PST2744 dose-dependently increased maximum velocity of pressure rise (+dP/dt(max)) in the range 32 to 500 microg/kg i.v. and was safer than digoxin. In conscious dogs with a healed myocardial infarction, PST2744 significantly increased resting values of +dP/dt(max), left ventricular pressure, and SPB, and increased +dP/dt(max) throughout treadmill exercise while reverting the increase in left ventricular end diastolic pressure seen in control animals. Digoxin significantly decreased basal heart rate, while not affecting the hemodynamic response to exercise. Thus, PST2744 represents a new class of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibitors endowed with inotropic activity comparable with that of digitalis but having greater safety.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Rate dependency of delayed rectifier currents during the guinea-pig ventricular action potential.

1. The action potential clamp technique was exploited to evaluate the rate dependency of delayed rectifier currents (I(Kr) and I(Ks)) during physiological electrical activity. I(Kr) and I(Ks) were measured in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes at pacing cycle lengths (CL) of 1000 and 250 ms. 2. A shorter CL, with the attendant changes in action potential shape, was associated with earlier activation and increased magnitude of both I(Kr) and I(Ks). Nonetheless, the relative contributions of I(Kr) and I(Ks) to total transmembrane current were independent of CL. 3. Shortening of diastolic interval only (constant action potential shape) enhanced I(Ks), but not I(Kr). 4. I(Kr) was increased by a change in the action potential shape only (constant diastolic interval). 5. In ramp clamp experiments, I(Kr) amplitude was directly proportional to repolarization rate at values within the low physiological range (< 1.0 V s(-1)); at higher repolarization rates proportionality became shallower and finally reversed. 6. When action potential duration (APD) was modulated by constant current injection (I-clamp), repolarization rates > 1.0 V s(-1) were associated with a reduced effect of I(Kr) block on APD. The effect of changes in repolarization rate was independent of CL and occurred in the presence of I(Ks) blockade. 7. In spite of its complexity, the behaviour of I(Kr) was accurately predicted by a numerical model based entirely on known kinetic properties of the current. 8. Both I(Kr) and I(Ks) may be increased at fast heart rates, but this may occur through completely different mechanisms. The mechanisms identified are such as to contribute to abnormal rate dependency of repolarization in prolonged repolarization syndromes.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed2001

Phase I clinical and pharmacokinetic study of PNU166945, a novel water-soluble polymer-conjugated prodrug of paclitaxel.

Intravenous administration of paclitaxel is hindered by poor water solubility of the drug. Currently, paclitaxel is dissolved in a mixture of ethanol and Cremophor EL; however, this formulation (Taxol) is associated with significant side effects, which are considered to be related to the pharmaceutical vehicle. A new polymer-conjugated derivative of paclitaxel, PNU166945, was investigated in a dose-finding phase I study to document toxicity and pharmacokinetics. A clinical phase I study was initiated in patients with refractory solid tumors. PNU16645 was administered as a 1-h infusion every 3 weeks at a starting dose of 80 mg/m(2), as paclitaxel equivalents. Pharmacokinetics of polymer-bound and released paclitaxel were determined during the first course. Twelve patients in total were enrolled in the study. The highest dose level was 196 mg/m(2), at which we did not observe any dose-limiting toxicities. Hematologic toxicity of PNU166945 was mild and dose independent. One patient developed a grade 3 neurotoxicity. A partial response was observed in one patient with advanced breast cancer. PNU166945 displayed a linear pharmacokinetic behavior for the bound fraction as well as for released paclitaxel. The study was discontinued prematurely due to severe neurotoxicity observed in additional rat studies. The presented phase I study with PNU166945, a water-soluble polymeric drug conjugate of paclitaxel, shows an alteration in pharmacokinetic behavior when paclitaxel is administered as a polymer-bound drug. Consequently, the safety profile may differ significantly from standard paclitaxel.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Role of the input/output relation of sinoatrial myocytes in cholinergic modulation of heart rate variability.

INTRODUCTION: Modulation of sinus rate may be viewed as the transduction of an input signal (receptor stimulation) into an output signal (cycle length [CL]) by the sinus node. This study analyzes the input/output (I/O) relation of sinoatrial pacemaking elements and tests its impact on cholinergic modulation of heart rate variability. METHODS AND RESULTS: Spontaneous activity of isolated rabbit sinoatrial myocytes was recorded by patch clamp techniques. CL and all the action potential parameters determining CL were automatically measured from >100 consecutive cycles. Acetylcholine (ACh, 5 to 50 nM) increased CL by decreasing diastolic depolarization rate (DDR) only. This was associated with a substantial increase in the coefficient of variation of CL and minor changes in the coefficient of variation of other parameters. A simple function relating CL to action potential parameters accurately described CL response to ACh (I/O relation). Numerical simulations based on this I/O relation showed that ACh-induced depression of DDR might, by its own, increase CL variability. CONCLUSION: Time-domain measurements of CL variability may not necessarily reflect variability of the neural input to the sinoatrial node, but also may be affected by its tonic level. Properties of the I/O relation of sinoatrial myocytes may fully account for the dependency of CL variability on mean heart rate, previously described in humans. Any condition depressing DDR may enhance CL variability, independent of changes in the pattern of neural activity.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed1999

Effect of rifabutin on ethambutol pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers.

The effect of repeated administration of rifabutin on the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of ethambutol was evaluated in ten healthy volunteers. The subjects received a single oral administration of 1200 mg ethambutol on days 1 and 10 and a single daily oral dose of 300 mg rifabutin from days 3 to 9. No statistically significant difference was found in plasma pharmacokinetics (C(max), t(max), AUC, half-life and MRT) and in the renal clearance, whereas a significant decrease in the amount of unchanged ethambutol excreted in urine was observed. The decrease observed in ethambutol urinary excretion may be accounted for by taking into consideration the variability of the urinary excretion of ethambutol reported in the literature. However, a slight, likely not clinically relevant, induction or activation of kidney alcohol and/or aldehyde dehydrogenase isoenzymes by rifabutin cannot be ruled out at present. Evidence exists in the present study for autoinduction of rifabutin metabolism; this is shown by the lower plasma concentrations obtained 24 h after the seventh dose as compared to the theoretical concentrations.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Lidocaine inhibition of the hyperpolarization-activated current (I(f)) in sinoatrial myocytes.

The aim of this study was to provide information on the dose dependence and biophysical details of lidocaine blockade of the hyperpolarization-activated current (I(f)) in the sinoatrial node. Isolated rabbit sinoatrial myocytes were patch-clamped in the whole-cell configuration at 36+/-0.5 degrees C, in the presence of 1 mM Ba2+ and 2 mM Mn2+ to minimize contamination by K+ and Ca2+ currents, respectively. Lidocaine inhibited I(f) dose-dependently with a maximal inhibition of 69.5% at 75 microM and a half-maximal effect at 38.2 microM. Lidocaine reduced the conductance of fully activated I(f), without affecting the current reversal potential; the blocking effect was independent of membrane potential. Voltage dependence of I(f) activation gating was not affected by lidocaine, whose effect was independent of use and rate. Lidocaine did not modify the time course of I(f) activation. At therapeutic concentrations, lidocaine significantly inhibited I(f) by reducing fully activated channel conductance. Lack of voltage and rate dependence of effect differentiates lidocaine from most of other blockers of this current.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

A toxin to nervous, cardiac, and endocrine ERG K+ channels isolated from Centruroides noxius scorpion venom.

Toxins isolated from a variety of venoms are tools for probing the physiological function and structure of ion channels. The ether-a-go-go-related genes (erg) codify for the K+ channels (ERG), which are crucial in neurons and are impaired in human long-QT syndrome and Drosophila 'seizure' mutants. We have isolated a peptide from the scorpion Centruroides noxius Hoffmann that has no sequence homologies with other toxins, and demonstrate that it specifically inhibits (IC50=16+/-1 nM) only ERG channels of different species and distinct histogenesis. These results open up the possibility of investigating ERG channel structure-function relationships and novel pharmacological tools with potential therapeutic efficacy.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed1998

Sulfonylureas blockade of neural and cardiac HERG channels.

The human ether-a-go-go-related gene (herg) encodes a K+ current (I(HERG)) which plays a fundamental role in heart excitability and in neurons by contributing to action potential repolarization and to spike-frequency adaptation, respectively. In this paper we show that I(HERG), recorded in neuroblastoma cells and guinea-pig ventricular myocytes, was reversibly inhibited by the K(ATP) channel blocker glibenclamide (IC50 = 74 microM). The voltage and use dependence of glibenclamide blockade were also evaluated. Another sulfonylurea, glimepiride, had less effective results in blocking I(HERG). The findings of this study are relevant to the interpretation of glibenclamide effects on cellular electrophysiology and suggest that oral antidiabetic therapy with sulfonylureas may contribute to iatrogenic QT prolongation and related arrhythmias.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed1998

Dynamic Ca2+-induced inward rectification of K+ current during the ventricular action potential.

Inward rectification, an important determinant of cell excitability, can result from channel blockade by intracellular cations, including Ca2+. However, mostly on the basis of indirect arguments, Ca2+-mediated rectification of inward rectifier K+ current (IK1) is claimed to play no role in the mammalian heart. The present study investigates Ca2+-mediated IK1 rectification during the mammalian ventricular action potential. Guinea pig ventricular myocytes were patch-clamped in the whole-cell configuration. The action potential waveform was recorded and then applied to reproduce normal excitation under voltage-clamp conditions. Subtraction currents obtained during blockade of K+ currents by either 1 mmol/L Ba2+ (IBa) or K+-free solution (I0K) were used to estimate IK1. Similar time courses were observed for IBa and I0K; both currents were strongly reduced during depolarization (inward rectification). Blockade of L-type Ca2+ current by dihydropyridines (DHPs) increased systolic IBa and I0K by 50.7% and 254.5%, respectively. beta-Adrenergic stimulation, when tested on I0K, had an opposite effect; ie, it reduced this current by 66.5%. Ryanodine, an inhibitor of sarcoplasmic Ca2+ release, increased systolic IBa by 47.7%, with effects similar to those of DHPs. Intracellular Ca2+ buffering (BAPTA-AM) increased systolic IBa by 87.7% and blunted the effect of DHPs. Thus, IK1 may be significantly reduced by physiological Ca2+ transients determined by both Ca2+ influx and release. Although Ca2+-induced effects may represent only a small fraction of total IK1 rectification, they are large enough to affect excitability and repolarization. They may also contribute to facilitation of early afterdepolarizations by conditions increasing Ca2+ influx.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed1998

A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of tallimustine [PNU 152241 (FCE 24517)] in patients with advanced cancer.

Tallimustine [PNU 152241 (FCE 24517)] is a synthetic derivative of the DNA minor groove binder distamycin A, in which the NH2-terminal formyl group is substituted by benzoyl mustard. In this Phase I clinical trial, patients with advanced solid tumors received i.v. bolus injections of tallimustine daily for 3 consecutive days. Patients were treated at six dosage levels of 33.3 micrograms/m2/day to 250 micrograms/m2/day for 3 consecutive days, with courses of therapy repeated every 28 days. Detailed pharmacokinetic blood sampling was performed during the first 3 days of the first course of tallimustine. The plasma samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Forty-eight eligible patients were treated at all six dosage levels. The dominant dose-related toxicity of tallimustine was neutropenia, becoming dose limiting at 250 micrograms/m2/day. At this dosage level, one patient experienced febrile neutropenia, and a second patient died on study of indeterminate cause. Thrombocytopenia was not observed, and only 10 patients developed anemia < 8.0 gm/dl. Sporadic elevation of liver enzymes or bilirubin was observed but was not dose related. Pharmacokinetic analysis gave reliable results for 33 patients. For most patients, analysis of the data best fit a three-exponential model. Dose-related increases in areas under the concentration-time curve and end-of-infusion concentrations were observed. There was no significant plasma accumulation of tallimustine over the 3 days of administration. The terminal half-life of tallimustine in individual patients ranged from 6.83 to 39.02 h following the last dose. In summary, the recommended Phase II dosage for tallimustine is 200 micrograms/m2/day for 3 consecutive days every 28 days. Neutropenia is the principal toxicity of this agent at this dosage and schedule.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Ionic currents during sustained pacemaker activity in rabbit sino-atrial myocytes.

1. The contribution of various ionic currents to diastolic depolarization (DD) in rabbit sinoatrial myocytes was evaluated by the action potential clamp technique. Individual currents were identified, during sustained pacemaking activity reproduced under voltage clamp conditions, according to their sensitivity to specific channel blockers. 2. The current sensitive to dihydropyridines (DHPs), blockers of L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L), was small and outward during most of DD. Diastolic DHP-sensitive current was affected by changes in the driving force for K+, but it was insensitive to E-4031, which blocks the current termed IK,r; it was abolished by cell dialysis with a Ca2+ chelator. 3. The current sensitive to 2 mM Cs+ (ICs), a blocker of hyperpolarization-activated current (I(f)), was inward during the whole DD and it was substantially larger than the net inward current flowing during this phase. However, diastolic IK,r, identified in the same cells as the current sensitive to the blocker E-4031, exceeded ICs 2-fold. 4. These findings suggest that: (a) Ca2+ influx during the pacemaker cycle increases a K+ conductance, thus inverting the direction of the net current generated by L-type Ca2+ channel activity during DD; (b) the magnitude of I(f) would be adequate to account fully for DD; however, the coexistence of a larger IK,r suggests that other channels besides I(f) contribute inward current during this phase.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed1996

Modulation of the hyperpolarization-activated current (I(f)) by adenosine in rabbit sinoatrial myocytes.

BACKGROUND: Modulation of sinoatrial pacemaking by adenosine (Ado) in the absence of concomitant adrenergic stimulation (direct modulation) has been attributed to activation of a K+ conductance. In the present study, we evaluated the direct effects of Ado on the pacemaking current I(f) and tested their interaction with those of acetylcholine (ACh). METHODS AND RESULTS: Rabbit sinoatrial myocytes were patch-clamped at 35 degrees C in the presence of 1 mmol/L BaCl2 and 2 mmol/ L MnCl2, Ado (1 mumol/L) reversibly reduced I(f) by 33.1 +/- 5.7% of control (n = 5; P < .05). Ado (1 mumol/L) reversibly shifted I(f) midactivation potential by -6.63 +/- 1.18 mV (n = 4; P < .05). Fully activated I(f) conductance (0.262 +/- 0.037 versus 0.254 +/- 0.036 nS/ pF; n = 6, NS) and reversal potential (-17.35 +/- 0.99 versus -18.01 +/- 1.42 mV; n = 6, NS) were not changed by 10 mumol/L Ado. The Ado receptor antagonist 8-PST (10 mumol/L) reversed the effect of 0.3 mumol/L Ado by 64.9 +/- 4.2% (n = 6; P < .05). Ado maximally shifted the I(f) activation curve by -5.85 mV, with a half-maximal concentration of 0.0796 mumol/L (n = 93). The shifts in I(f) activation induced by Ado (0.3 mumol/L) and ACh (1 mumol/ L) separately were -4.89 +/- 0.05 and -8.84 +/- 0.51 mV, respectively; concomitant Ado and ACh superfusion shifted activation by -9.7 +/- 0.45 mV (NS versus ACh alone; n = 9). Threshold Ado concentrations dose-dependently reduced the rate of spontaneous pacemaker activity (eg, -18.8 +/- 3.4% at Ado 0.03 mumol/L). CONCLUSIONS: Submicromolar Ado directly inhibits I(f) and slows pacemaking in sinoatrial myocytes; the mode of I(f) inhibition is similar to that previously described for ACh. Thus, Ado may exert local modulation of sinus rate through signaling pathways similar to those used by ACh.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed1996

The effect of food on cabergoline pharmacokinetics and tolerability in healthy volunteers.

The effect of food on the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of cabergoline in man was investigated. For this purpose an open, randomized, single-dose study was conducted in 12 healthy male volunteers who received 1 mg cabergoline as tablets both under fasting conditions and after a breakfast containing a substantial amount of carbohydrates, fat, and proteins, in a crossover fashion. The two treatments were separated by a 4 week washout period. Plasma and urine were collected up to 336 and 168 h respectively after administration and cabergoline concentration was measured in both fluids using a validated radioimmunoassay. Tolerability assessment included haematology, blood chemistry, and urinalysis, blood pressure and heart rate measurements, and ECG. Under both fasting and fed conditions low but persistent cabergoline plasma levels were observed in the present study up to 2 weeks after drug intake, in agreement with the long-lasting prolactin-lowering activity of the drug. In subjects receiving cabergoline under fed or fasting conditions, Cmax values averaged 44 and 54 pg mL(-1), AUC(0-336 h) averaged 6392 and 5331 pg h mL(-1), Ae(0-168 h) averaged 12.7 and 11.9 micrograms, and t1/2 averaged 109.7 and 101.3 h, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found when Cmax, AUC(0-336 h), t1/2, and Ae(0-168 h) from subjects treated under fasting and fed conditions were compared. Median tmax values in subjects treated under fasting or fed conditions were identical (2.5 h). The statistical analysis applied to the parameters chosen to evaluate the variations in the blood pressure profiles observed either supine or standing did not show any significant difference between the fed and fasting conditions. Heart rate values were not significantly modified after cabergoline under either fed or fasting conditions. Laboratory evaluation showed some minor deviations from normal, which were not clinically relevant (only one subject showed an occasional and transient elevation in alkaline phosphatase which disappeared in the subsequent laboratory evaluations) and were considered for the most part not to be drug related. Eleven subjects reported adverse events (one after both treatments, five only after drug intake under fasting conditions, and five only after drug intake with food.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Pharmacokinetics of reboxetine in healthy volunteers. Single oral doses, linearity and plasma protein binding.

The pharmacokinetics of reboxetine, a new antidepressant agent, were found to be close to linear in a crossover study comparing administration of single 2, 3, 4, and 5 mg capsule doses in 15 healthy male volunteers, and in the same study the capsules were bioequivalent to the proposed therapeutic tablet formulation (4 mg). Kinetic analysis was based on HPLC assay of reboxetine in plasma and urine collected up to 72 h after each administration. Plasma levels indicated a rapid absorption (tmax approximately equal to 2 h) and an elimination half-life of about 13 h. Clearance and volume of distribution were modest (ratios to bioavailability: CL/F approximately equal to 29 mL min-1; Vz/F approximately equal to 32 L); urinary excretion was approximately 9% of dose, corresponding to a renal clearance of only 3 mL min-1 (a value consistent with the rate of glomerular filtration of unbound drug). In vitro, binding to plasma proteins, estimated from radioactivity levels following dialysis of 14C-labelled reboxetine, appeared to be dominated by alpha 1-acid glycoprotein without marked saturation up to plasma concentrations of over 500 ng mL-1 (2.8-3.1% unbound with human plasma from three additional volunteers; 1.8-2.0% for 2 gL-1 orosomucoid alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, and 46.4-47.4% for 40 g L-1 albumin), whilst the mean Cmax in the current study was much lower (164 ng mL-1 after a 5mg dose).

Adult↗