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Biomedical subjects

N Castagnoli

Publications and source records attributed to N Castagnoli.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

The formation of reactive intermediates in the MAO-catalyzed oxidation of the nigrostriatal toxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP).

Oxidation of MPTP by monoamine oxidase (MAO), leading to the formation of reactive metabolites, is a critical step in the expression of the nigrostriatal toxicity of this molecule. A catalytic mechanism for the 2-electron oxidation of MPTP to MPDP+ and for the further 2-electron oxidation of MPDP+ to MPP+ is proposed, involving the formation of carbon-centered radical intermediates. These radical species appear to be involved in the mechanism-based inactivation of MAO by MPTP, possibly by generating 1,4-dihydropyridine adducts with the enzyme apoprotein or its coenzyme FAD. The pathways of metabolism of MPTP in brain and peripheral tissues and the active accumulation of metabolites of MPTP in dopaminergic neurons are discussed in terms of their possible contribution to the selective cytotoxicity of the compound.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

Regio- and stereochemical studies on the alpha-carbon oxidation of (S)-nicotine by cytochrome P-450 model systems.

Results from previous studies indicate that rabbit liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 catalyzes the C-5' two-electron oxidation of (S)-nicotine stereoselectivity with preferential loss of the pro-(E)-hydrogen atom trans to the pyridine ring. We now have examined the regio- and stereochemical features of the oxidation of (S)-nicotine by peroxides in the presence of various hemoproteins and by electrochemical and photochemical methods. None of these systems gave rise to the stereochemical outcomes observed with the cytochrome P-450 mediated reaction. The results of these studies are interpreted as additional evidence for the formation of a highly ordered complex between (S)-nicotine and cytochrome P-450 that directs the regio- and diasterioselective alpha-carbon oxidation of this substrate.

Animals↗

Cation-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography assay for the nigrostriatal toxicant 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine and its monoamine oxidase B generated metabolites in brain tissues.

This paper describes a sensitive (1 pmol/mg tissue) and selective bioanalytical method for the quantitative estimation of the nigrostriatal toxicant 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and its monoamine oxidase B generated metabolites, the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydropyridinium species MPDP+ and the 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium species MPP+. The method is based on initial separation of the analytes after treatment of brain tissue homogenates with 5% trichloroacetic acid. The soluble fraction is analyzed directly by cation-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography employing a diode array UV detector. Results obtained with this assay have provided the first evidence for the presence of MPDP+ in the mouse brain following intravenous administration of MPTP.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

Bioactivation of MPTP: reactive metabolites and possible biochemical sequelae.

Expression of the selective nigrostriatal neurotoxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine [MPTP] requires its bioactivation by MAO B which leads to the formation of potentially reactive metabolites including the 2-electron oxidation product, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydropyridinium species [MPDP+] and the 4-electron oxidation product, the 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridinium species [MPP+]. The latter metabolite accumulates in brain striatal tissues, is a substrate for dopaminergic active uptake systems and is an inhibitor of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase, a respiratory chain enzyme located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. In intact mitochondria this inhibition of respiration may be facilitated by active uptake of MPP+, a process dependent on the membrane electrical gradient. In considering possible mechanisms involved in the biochemical effects of MPP+, its redox cycling potential appears to be much lower than its chemical congener paraquat, based on attempted radical formation by chemical or enzymic reduction. Theoretically, a carbon-centered radical intermediate could be formed by 1-electron reduction of MPP+, or by 1-electron oxidation of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2-dihydropyridine, the free base form of MPDP+. The 1-electron reduction of such a radical could form 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine [DHP]. Synthetic DHP is neurotoxic in C57B mice, and its administration leads to the formation of MPP+ in the brain, presumably through rapid auto-oxidation. The hydrolysis of DHP would yield 3-phenylglutaraldehyde and methylamine. Recent studies demonstrating the formation of methylamine in brain mitochondrial preparations containing MPTP support our suggestion that DHP may be a brain metabolite of MPTP.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

Processing of MPTP by monoamine oxidases: implications for molecular toxicology.

MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine), a selective nigrostriatal neurotoxin, is bioactivated by MAO-B (and less effectively by MAO-A) to 2,3-MPDP+ and this intermediate undergoes further oxidation to MPP+, partly through the activity of MAO forms. MPTP and its two primary metabolites are competitive inhibitors of both A and B forms of MAO. MPTP and 2,3-MPDP+ are also mechanism-based inactivators of both forms of the enzyme. A catalytic mechanism, involving the formation of radical intermediates, is proposed for the MAO-mediated oxidation of MPTP. Post-oxidation biochemical sequelae, possibly involved in the expression of neurotoxicity, include the active accumulation of MPP+ via dopamine reuptake systems, the energy-driven uptake of MPP+ by mitochondria and the inhibition of NADH dehydrogenase by pyridine derivatives. A scheme linking these events as steps in the molecular mechanism of action of MPTP is proposed and discussed in terms of the selective toxicity of the neurotoxin towards nigrostriatal cells.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

Role of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion formation and accumulation in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine toxicity to isolated hepatocytes.

The parkinsonian-inducing compound 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is converted by isolated hepatocytes to its primary metabolite, the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydropyridinium ion (MPDP+), and to its fully oxidized derivative, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+). Only the latter, however, accumulates in the cells. Incubation of hepatocytes in the presence of MPDP+ also results in the selective intracellular accumulation of MPP+. Conversion to MPP+ is more rapid and extensive after exposure to MPDP+, than with MPTP and the former is also more toxic. Addition of MPP+ itself is toxic to hepatocytes but only after a long lag period, which presumably reflects its limited access to the cell and its relatively slow intracellular accumulation. As previously shown with MPTP and MPP+, the cytotoxicity of MPDP+ is dose-dependent and is consistently preceeded by complete depletion of intracellular ATP. Similar to MPP+ but not MPTP, MPDP+ causes a comparable rate and extent of cytotoxicity and ATP loss in hepatocytes pretreated with the monoamine oxidase inhibitor pargyline. Pargyline blocks hepatocyte biotransformation of MPTP to MPP+, but it has no significant effect on MPP+ accumulation after exposure to either MPDP+ or MPP+. It is concluded that MPTP is toxic to hepatocytes via its monoamine oxidase-dependent metabolism and that MPP+ is likely to be the ultimate toxic metabolite which accumulates in the cell, causing ATP depletion and eventual cell death.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

Stereochemical studies on the cytochrome P-450 catalyzed oxidation of (S)-nicotine to the (S)-nicotine delta 1'(5')-iminium species.

Mammals metabolize the tobacco alkaloid (S)-nicotine primarily to the lactam (S)-cotinine by a pathway involving an initial cytochrome P-450 catalyzed two-electron oxidation at the prochiral 5'-carbon atom. The stereochemical course of this oxidation was examined with human microsomal preparations and the E and Z diastereomers of (S)-nicotine-5'd1. The metabolically generated delta 1'(5')-iminium ion intermediate was trapped and analyzed as the corresponding diastereomeric 5'-cyano derivatives by a capillary column GC-EIMS selected ion monitoring assay. The results of these studies established that this biotransformation proceeds with the stereoselective abstraction of the 5'-pro-E proton, that is, the C-5' proton trans to the bulky pyridyl group. The observed stereoselectivity was independent of proton vs. deuteron abstraction. Additionally, the extent of (S)-cotinine formation was minor and did not influence the stereochemical composition of the metabolically derived alpha-cyano amines. Studies with male Dutch rabbit liver microsomal preparations gave similar results. These findings suggest that the structure of the complex formed between (S)-nicotine and the active site of cytochrome P-450 is highly ordered and dictates the stereochemical course of the reaction pathway.

Animals↗

Regulation of murine contact sensitivity to urushiol components by serum factors.

Mice epicutaneously painted with components of poison ivy urushiol oil exhibit contact sensitivity (as detected by ear swelling reactions) that persist for about 25 days. Sera taken from mice at times when the contact sensitization response is waning suppressed the induction of sensitization to 3-n-pentadecylcatechol (PDC), a urushiol component, in recipients. The suppressive serum factor was present in greatest amount 25 days after sensitization, but was no longer detectable 40 days post sensitization. Suppression was antigen-specific, absorbed out with PDC-immune, but not normal lymph node cells, and transferable with a single 0.6 ml dose 7 days prior to sensitization of recipients. Suppression was transferable by the purified IgG fraction of desensitized mice. Results indicate that contact sensitivity to urushiol in mice is regulated by serum factors.

Animals↗

Pharmacokinetics and excretion of unique beta-adrenergic agonists.

beta-Adrenergic agonist analogs (congeners) of isoproterenol in which the N-isopropyl group has been linked to a p-methyl- (119) or p-trifluoromethyl- (143) anilide moiety through a four carbon methylene spacer have been investigated with respect to their plasma pharmacokinetic profiles and biliary and urinary elimination characteristics in rats. In spite of the differences in selectivity of pharmacologic effects and durations of action between these unique beta-adrenergic agonists and isoproterenol, no differences were observed in their pharmacokinetic parameters in plasma after intravenous administration. Plasma clearances were rapid (67-78 ml/min) and the compounds were widely distributed. In contrast to the known elimination characteristics of isoproterenol, biliary excretion was the major pathway for elimination of 119 and 143. Parent drug and 'one' major metabolite peak appeared in HPLC chromatograms of bile collected from rats that received 119 and 143 by intravenous administration. Preliminary evidence suggests that this metabolite peak consists of one or more glucuronide and/or sulfate conjugates. Urinary excretion appears to be of lesser quantitative importance for 119 and 143 than for isoproterenol. The protracted duration of residence of the derivatives in the heart may help to explain the unusual effects and tissue-specific pharmacological properties of these unique beta-adrenergic agonists.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

A comparison of in vivo and in vitro metabolites of the H1-antagonist N,N-dimethyl-N'-2-pyridyl-N'-(2-thienylmethyl)-1,2-ethanediamine (methapyrilene) in the rat.

1. The H1-antagonist N,N-dimethyl-N'-2-pyridyl-N'-(2-thienylmethyl)-1,2-ethanediamine (methapyrilene) is carcinogenic in rats. 2. The compound, which is inactive in short-term tests and does not bind to DNA, has been classified as a non-genotoxic carcinogen. 3. Studies have been made in vitro and in vivo in F344 and Sprague-Dawley rats. New metabolites included N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethyl)-2-aminopyridine and the corresponding N'-oxide, a derivative in which methapyrilene is hydroxylated on the 5-position of the pyridine ring, 2-(N',N'-dimethylamino)-N-2'-pyridylacetamide, N-(2-pyridyl)-N-2"-thienylmethyl)aminoacetaldehyde, and 2-hydroxymethylthiophene. 4. Both strains of rat metabolize methapyrilene to reactive species which may be of importance in the carcinogenic process.

Aminopyridines↗

Interactions of the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydropyridinium species with synthetic dopamine-melanin.

This paper describes interactions between the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydropyridinium (MPDP+) metabolite of the nigrostriatal toxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) with synthetic dopamine-melanin, a polymeric pigment which is similar to the neuromelanin found in the nigrostriatal cell bodies of humans and primates. Although MPTP and its 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) metabolite bind to the synthetic pigment at physiological pH, both compounds are recovered quantitatively upon treatment with acid. Unlike MPTP and MPP+, MPDP+ proved to be unstable in the presence of synthetic dopamine-melanin which promoted its conversion to the fully oxidized pyridinium product MPP+. The possible biological significance of this interaction is discussed.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

Interactions of the neurotoxic amine 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine with monoamine oxidases.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a thermal breakdown product of a meperidine-like narcotic used by drug abusers as a heroin substitute, produces Parkinsonian symptoms in humans and primates. The nigrostriatal toxicity is not due to MPTP itself but to one or more oxidation products resulting from the action of monoamine oxidase (MAO) on this tertiary allylamine. Both MAO A and B catalyse the oxidation of MPTP to the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydropyridinium species (MPDP+), which undergoes further oxidation to the fully aromatic 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium species (MPP+). These bio-oxidations are blocked by selective inhibitors of MAO A and B. Additionally, MPTP, MPDP+ and MPP+ are competitive inhibitors of MAO A and B. The A form of the enzyme is particularly sensitive to this type of reversible inhibition. Both MAO A and B also are irreversibly inactivated by MPTP and MPDP+, but not by MPP+. This inactivation obeys the characteristics of a mechanism-based or 'suicide' process. The inactivation, which is accompanied by the incorporation of radioactivity from methyl-labelled MPTP, is likely to result from covalent modification of the enzyme.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

Unexpected adduct ion formation under chemical ionization conditions.

As part of our efforts to characterize the in vivo metabolic fate of the antihypertensive agent alpha-methyldopa, we have examined the urine of alpha-methyldopa-treated rats with the aid of a direct insertion probe chemical ionization mass spectral assay. The mass spectrum of the sample obtained by chromatographic purification followed by treatment with ethanolic hydrochloric acid and pentafluoropropionic anhydride displayed an intense ion at m/z 812, consistent with the beta-ethoxy-N,O,O,O-tetrakispentafluoropropionyl derivative of 6-hydroxy-alpha-methyl-norepinephrine, a potential aromatic hydroxylation product of the known alpha-methyldopa metabolite alpha-methyl-norepinephrine. Comparison of this spectrum with the spectrum obtained with the corresponding synthetic 6-hydroxy-alpha-methylnorepinephrine, however, ruled out this possibility. A more thorough examination of the mass spectral data established that the ion at m/z 812 observed with the metabolic species was due to the formation of an unexpected adduct ion between a known metabolite of alpha-methyldopa and an impurity ion formed from a common constituent of urine. This paper summarizes the characterization of this adduct ion.

Animals↗

Quantitative estimation of quaternary ammonium neuromuscular blocking agents in serum by direct insertion probe chemical ionization mass spectrometry.

A new method based on selected ion monitoring chemical ionization mass spectrometry was developed to measure the quaternary ammonium neuromuscular blocking agents, pancuronium and vecuronium, in serum. An ion-pair extraction procedure is utilized to separate the compounds of interest from biological fluids. The intensities of the ion currents produced by the bisamines formed from the drugs and the corresponding deuterated internal standards through thermolytic dequaternization are monitored. The assay shows good linearity over the range of 1-500 ng/ml. This assay has been utilized in a variety of clinical pharmacokinetic studies involving surgical pediatric, geriatric and obstetric patients requiring anesthesia.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Influence of chemical reactivity of urushiol-type haptens on sensitization and the induction of tolerance.

Contact sensitization to components of the urushiol oils of poison oak and poison ivy appears to require covalent bond formation between the o-quinones derived from urushiol catechols and nucleophilic groups on proteins. Previous studies using a murine delayed hypersensitivity model demonstrated that 5-methyl-3-pentadecylcatechol (5-Me-PDC) is an epicutaneous tolerogen to the parent compound and a weak sensitizer to itself. To investigate further the structural requirements for sensitization vs suppression, 5,6-dimethyl-3-pentadecylcatechol (5,6-di-Me-PDC) and 4,5,6-trimethylpentadecylcatechol (4,5,6-tri-Me-PDC) were synthesized. The former compound is blocked at both preferred sites for covalent bond formation and the latter is completely blocked towards conjugate addition reactions. These compounds were tested for sensitizing and suppressive ability. Epicutaneous application of both analogs suppressed subsequent induction of sensitization to 3-pentadecylcatechol (PDC) and 3-heptadecylcatechol (HDC). Lymph node cells from animals treated with 5,6-di-Me-PDC could transfer suppression. The dimethyl analog, 5,6-di-Me-PDC, but not the trimethyl analog also exhibited weak sensitizing capacity. The urushiol analogs 5-pentadecylresorcinol (PDR) and 3-heptadecylveratrole (HDV) which cannot form o-quinones were found to be ineffective sensitizers as well. HDV in addition produced no blastogenesis in draining lymph nodes whereas lymph node cell proliferation induced by 4,5,6-tri-Me-PDC followed the same kinetics as previously observed for HDC. PDR elicited weak proliferation with a different time course. These and previous studies indicate that blocking the C5-position on the catechol ring favors the induction of suppression, although some sensitizing capacity may be retained. Covalent bond formation may not be necessary for the induction of active suppressor cell populations.

Animals↗

Morphine metabolism revisited. III. Confirmation of a novel metabolic pathway.

Previous studies have led to the partial structural characterization of a glutathionylmorphine adduct which was isolated from rat liver microsomal incubations. The formation of this adduct was shown to be catalyzed by cytochrome P-450. As an extension of this work, we have carried out similar studies with N-acetylcysteine in an attempt to obtain a product amenable to complete NMR analysis and unambiguous structure assignment. Incubation of [3H]morphine and N-acetylcysteine with microsomal preparations isolated from human and from phenobarbital-treated rats led to the isolation by HPLC of a labeled species displaying a fast atom bombardment mass spectrum consistent with the expected N-acetylcysteinyl adduct of morphine. Data obtained from the high resolution 1H-NMR spectrum of the adduct and that of synthetic 10 alpha-hydroxycodeine established the structure of the metabolite as 10 alpha-S-(N-acetylcysteinyl)morphine. The results are consistent with the biotransformation of morphine involving oxidation at the benzylic C-10 position to form an electrophilic species capable of reacting with nucleophilic thiols such as N-acetylcysteine and glutathione.

Animals↗

Induction of tolerance to poison ivy urushiol in the guinea pig by epicutaneous application of the structural analog 5-methyl-3-n-pentadecylcatechol.

Previous studies have established that epicutaneous application of 5-methyl-3-n-pentadecylcatechol (5-Me-PDC), a synthetic analog of a poison ivy urushiol component, leads to immune tolerance to 3-n-pentadecylcatechol (PDC) in mice. The induction of tolerance by 5-Me-PDC may be mediated by a protein conjugate formed via selective reaction of thiol nucleophiles present on the carrier macromolecule with the corresponding o-quinone derived from the parent catechol. In order to examine further the tolerogenic properties of 5-Me-PDC, we have extended our studies to the guinea pig, the generally accepted experimental species for the study of contact allergy. The results have established that specific immune tolerance to poison ivy urushiol is induced following 2 epicutaneous applications of the PDC analog. Furthermore, we were able to show that the treated animals remained tolerant for at least 6 weeks, a period of time comparable to that observed following the intravenous administration of the O,O-bis-acetyl derivative of PDC. The data point to the possibility of developing a therapeutically effective topical tolerogen for poison ivy contact dermatitis.

Administration, Topical↗