Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

P Lees

Publications and source records attributed to P Lees.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Measurement of flunixin in equine inflammatory exudate and plasma by high performance liquid chromatography.

An accurate and reliable method for the separation of flunixin from, and measurement in, equine inflammatory exudate and plasma by high performance liquid chromatography has been developed. Flunixin can be detected in concentrations as low as 0.05 micrograms/ml using an ultraviolet spectrophotometric detector at 285 nm. Samples were acidified with 2M hydrochloric acid and extracted with dichloromethane. The extract was evaporated and reconstituted in acetonitrile. Iminodibenzyl was used as internal standard. The mean recovery of flunixin from plasma was 97.6 +/- 3.9 per cent. Particular advantages of the method are the short analysis time and ease of sample preparation. Data were obtained on the distribution of flunixin between plasma and acute inflammatory exudate following administration of a single intravenous dose of 1.1 mg/kg bodyweight flunixin meglumine. The drug was cleared more slowly from exudate than from plasma.

Animals↗

Use of a novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in the horse.

In a two-part cross-over experiment in six ponies, an acute inflammatory reaction was generated by injecting carrageenin solution into subcutaneously-implanted tissue-cages lined with fibrovascular granulation tissue. In each part of the cross-over, half of the ponies received a novel phenylpyrazoline anti-inflammatory agent (BW540C) orally and half received a placebo treatment. BW540C inhibited platelet cyclo-oxygenase for 24 h but the reductions in exudate eicosanoid concentrations were less pronounced. A significant suppression in the rise of surface skin temperature in BW540C-treated ponies paralleled drug-induced inhibition of thromboxane B2 bicyclic prostaglandin (PG) E2 concentrations at the inflamed site. The drug had no significant effect on 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, migrating leucocytes, lactate dehydrogenase or total protein in exudates. Maximum plasma concentrations of both compounds occurred 2 to 4 h after dosing and maximum exudate levels of drug and metabolite occurred at 12 h. Both compounds penetrated approximately three times less readily into exudate than into plasma.

Animals↗

The activation of carrageenan air pouch inflammation by silica and its effects on cartilage degradation.

We have examined the effects of carrageenan inflammation activated by silica particles on implanted femoral-head cartilage. The injection of silica particles modifies the inflammatory response, inducing a prolonged polymorphonuclear leucocyte infiltration and low exudate volume. This modification in the inflammatory response resulted in an accelerated loss of proteoglycan by the implanted femoral heads. Examination of exudate interleukin 1 (IL-1) concentrations directly by a lymphocyte-activating assay and indirectly by measuring the acute-phase response indicated that the increased loss was not due to increased levels of IL-1. High levels of lactate dehydrogenase would suggest that the increase cartilage breakdown is due to dying polymorphonuclear leucocytes releasing their intracellular enzymes. It is concluded that injection of silica together with carrageenan produces a pathological environment similar to that seen in human septic arthritis.

Animals↗

Continuous arteriovenous filtration: an effective treatment for surgical acute renal failure.

Continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration (CAVH) is a new method of renal replacement therapy that has several advantages in the surgical treatment of acute renal failure. We initially learned the technique in laboratory testing and then developed a management protocol. Since 1983 we have used CAVH to treat 61 patients with acute renal failure. This extracorporeal technique consists of arteriovenous cannulation of the femoral vessels, which provides continuous blood flow through a hollow-fiber membrane. Hydrostatic pressure (systole greater than 80 mm Hg) creates an ultrafiltrate at a typical rate of 12 L/day. Volume is replaced with an intravenous solution at a rate to achieve the desired fluid balance, usually a net loss of 1 to 2 L/day. This extracellular fluid exchange typically results in removal of 15 gm of urea nitrogen and 50 mEq of potassium per day. The technique can be used in most intensive care units and has relatively few complications. In addition to being a safe and effective means of renal replacement therapy for acute renal failure, CAVH is particularly advantageous for managing conditions of fluid overload in hemodynamically unstable patients.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Metabolism, excretion, pharmacokinetics and tissue residues of phenylbutazone in the horse.

The pharmacokinetics, metabolism, excretion and tissue residues of phenylbutazone (PBZ) in the horse were studied following both intravenous and oral administration of the drug at a dose rate of 4.4 mg/kg. A 72-hour blood sampling schedule failed to demonstrate a third exponential phase; the plasma disposition following intravenous injection being described by a two compartment open model, with the following elimination phase parameters: beta = 0.13h-1, t1/2 beta = 5.46h, Vdarea = 0.141 1/kg and C1B = 17.9 ml/kg/h. The hydroxylated metabolites oxyphenbutazone (OPBZ) and gamma-hydroxyphenylbutazone (OHPBZ) were present in detectable concentrations in plasma for 72 and 24 h, respectively. After 36 h OPBZ concentrations exceeded plasma PBZ concentrations. In urine the principal metabolites were OPBZ and OHPBZ but smaller concentrations of another compound, probably gamma-hydroxyoxyphenbutazone (OHOPBZ), were also detected. The percentages of the administered dose recovered from urine were 30.7, 39.0 and 40.3 after 24, 48 and 72 h from the time of injection. Recovery of PBZ and its metabolites from urine was significantly reduced in the first 24 h after oral dosing when the horses had free access to hay, probably as a result of markedly delayed absorption, but this did not occur in animals deprived of food for a few hours before and after dosing. Determination of approximate values of urine/plasma (U/P) concentration ratios for PBZ and its metabolites relative to endogenous creatinine U/P concentration ratio suggested that PBZ was filtered in small amounts only because of the high degree of plasma protein binding and then excreted by diffusion trapping in the alkaline urine. Much higher U/P ratios were obtained for the hydroxylated derivatives, and one at least (OHPBZ) was secreted into urine.

Animals↗

Influence of chemotactic agents on the locomotion of equine polymorphonuclear and mononuclear leucocytes.

Subpopulations of equine leucocytes, polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells, were separated from whole blood on a discontinuous Percoll gradient and used in studies of chemokinesis and chemotaxis. Polymorphonuclear cells responded to the chemo-attractant properties of zymosan-activated plasma in Boyden chamber and agarose microdroplet assays but they responded only slightly (Boyden chamber) or not at all (agarose microdroplet) to the peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP). Equine mononuclear cell movement was increased by FMLP in both assay systems and these cells also responded to zymosan activated plasma in the Boyden chamber assay but not in the agarose microdroplet. It is concluded that factors controlling equine polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cell movements into inflammatory exudates may differ.

Animals↗

Studies of eicosanoid production in the air pouch model of synovial inflammation.

The time course of the inflammatory reaction in the rat air pouch model of synovial inflammation has been investigated at different stages of development of the lining structure using immune (pertussis vaccine) and non-immune (carrageenan) irritants. Exudate volumes and leucocyte numbers were greater with carrageenan than with pertussis vaccine but with both irritants much greater reactions were obtained when the irritant was injected at a time when the air pouch architecture most closely resembled synovium (i.e. 6 days). The time course of fluid accumulation following carrageenan in 6 day pouches was not interrupted when exudate was aspirated from the pouch six days after carrageenan injection. In the 6 day old air pouch PGE2 and 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha concentration peaked at 6 hours and 24 hours respectively. With carrageenan and pertussis vaccine stimulation, LTB4 concentrations were maximal at 3-6 hours with both irritants and low concentrations were still present at 13 days. The presence of a lining structure was found to influence concentrations of PGE2 in the air pouch. Pre-treatment with colchicine or 5-fluorouracil to reduce cell accumulation was not found to effect the modified PGE2 response. Our findings suggest that the presence of a synovial like lining structure may induce changes in composition in respect to cellular content and in putative mediator concentrations. We conclude that it is important in elucidating the mechanisms involved in arthritic inflammation to study injury in a cavity lined by macrophages and fibroblasts.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

A comparison of air pouch, sponge and pleurisy models of acute carrageenan inflammation in the rat.

A comparative assessment of the time course of changes in three models of acute carrageenan-induced inflammation, the six-day air pouch, polyester sponge and pleurisy models, was obtained by measuring exudate volume, leucocyte numbers, PGE2 concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase activity at 2, 6 and 24 h. The greatest increases in exudate volume, leucocyte numbers and PGE2 concentration and the smallest rise in protein occurred in the air pouch model. Increases in lactate dehydrogenase were greatest in the sponge and least in the pleural exudate, indicating that the least cell damage occurred in the pleurisy model. PGE2 was not detectable in most pleural exudate samples. The actions of two steroids, betamethasone and dexamethasome, at two dose levels, 80 and 160 micrograms/kg, were assessed in each model. Overall, the six-day air pouch was found to be most satisfactory and most sensitive for assessing the actions of the steroids. The sponge model was either less sensitive or gave inconsistent responses, for the variables measured, than the cavity models of inflammation. Since the six-day air pouch has previously been shown to resemble synovium, our findings indicate that it is likely to be superior to the other two models as a model of joint inflammation.

Acute Disease↗

Single step purification procedure for the rapid separation of equine leucocytes.

Percoll gradients have been used to separate relatively pure populations of viable equine polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear (MN) cells. In preliminary studies, a continuous density gradient of 70% Percoll solution was used to separate two distinct leucocyte-rich bands. After measurement of the density of each band on the continuous gradient, discontinuous Percoll gradients, using 60% and 75% Percoll solutions, were used to provide a rapid means of separating PMN and MN cells. The yield of viable cells per ml of blood was 3.0 X 10(6) and 3.2 X 10(6) for MN and PMN cells, respectively. Corresponding values for recovery were 45% and 72%. The purity was 94% for PMNs and 99% for MNs.

Animals↗

Phenylbutazone in the horse: a review.

Phenylbutazone is an acidic, lipophilic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is extensively metabolized in the horse. The metabolites so far identified, oxyphenbutazone, gamma-hydroxyoxyphenbutazone, account for some 25-30% of administered dose over 24 h. The plasma half-life of phenylbutazone and termination of its pharmacological action are determined primarily by its rate of hepatic metabolism. Phenylbutazone acts by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme system, which is responsible for synthesis of prostanoids such as PGE2. It appears to act on prostaglandin-H synthase and prostacyclin synthase, after conversion by prostaglandin-H synthase to reactive intermediates. It markedly reduces prostanoid-dependent swelling, edema, erythema, and hypersensitivity to pain in inflamed tissues. Its principal use in the horse is for treatment of soft tissue inflammation. Phenylbutazone is highly bound (greater than 98%) to plasma protein. After i.v. injection, blood levels decline with an elimination half-life of 3-10 h. The plasma kinetics of phenylbutazone may be dose dependent, with the plasma half-life increasing as the drug dosage level increases. Plasma residues of the drug at 24 h after a single i.v. dose of 2 g/450 kg average about 0.9 microgram/ml, but considerable variation occurs. If dosing is repeated, the plasma residue accumulates to give mean residual blood levels of approximately 4.5 microgram/ml on Day 5 after 4 days of dosing. Approximately similar blood levels are found after a combination of oral and i.v. dosing. Experiments on large numbers of horses in training have been undertaken to ascertain the population distributions of residual blood levels after such dosing schedules. Absorption of phenylbutazone from the gastrointestinal tract is influenced by the dose administered and the relationship of dosing to feeding. Access to hay can delay the time of peak plasma concentration to 18 h or longer. Under optimal conditions, the bioavailability of oral phenylbutazone is probably in the region of 70%. Paste preparations may be more slowly absorbed than other preparations and yield higher residual plasma levels at 24 h after dosing, but further controlled studies are required. Phenylbutazone is easily detected in the plasma and urine of horses but concentrations in saliva are low. It is quantitated for forensic purposes by HPLC. The variability of this method between laboratories is about +/- 25%. Increasing urinary pH increases the urinary concentration of phenylbutazone and its metabolites up to 200-fold.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

Absorption and pharmacokinetics of phenylbutazone in Welsh Mountain ponies.

The disposition of phenylbutazone (4.4 mg/kg), administered intravenously to six Welsh Mountain ponies, was described by a two-compartment open model. Pharmacokinetic parameters were not significantly different after morning dosing in comparison with afternoon dosing. When phenylbutazone (4.4 mg/kg) was administered orally to the same ponies, marked variations in time to peak concentrations were produced with different feeding schedules. When access to hay was permitted before and after dosing, the mean time to peak concentration was 13.2 +/- 1.2 h and double peaks in the plasma concentration-time curve were common. Double peaks were also encountered when phenylbutazone was given to ponies deprived of food prior to, and allowed access to hay after, dosing. In this circumstance, mean times to peak concentration were much shorter (3.8 +/- 1.3 h after morning dosing and 5.3 +/- 1.5 h followed afternoon dosing). Absorption was more regular and double peaks were less apparent when food was withheld both before and after dosing. In order to explain these findings, it is tentatively postulated that, whereas some of the administered dose of phenylbutazone may be absorbed quickly, some may become adsorbed on to the feed and subsequently released by fermentative digestion in the large intestine and/or caecum. The consequences of delayed absorption in fed animals for toxicity and clinical efficacy, and for the use of phenylbutazone in equestrian sports, are considered. Delayed absorption in ponies given access to hay was not accompanied by a significant reduction in total absorption. Bioavailability was estimated to be approximately 69% in fed and 78% in unfed ponies. Estimates of bioavailability gave similar values for morning (72%) and afternoon (71%) dosing.

Administration, Oral↗

Phenylbutazone and oxyphenbutazone distribution into tissue fluids in the horse.

The clinically recommended dose rate of phenylbutazone (4.4 mg/kg) was administered intravenously as a single dose to five Welsh Mountain ponies. Distribution of phenylbutazone and its active metabolite oxyphenbutazone into body fluids was studied by measuring concentrations in plasma, tissue-cage fluid, peritoneal fluid and acute inflammatory exudate harvested from a polyester sponge model of inflammation. The ready penetration of phenylbutazone into inflammatory exudate was demonstrated by the relatively high mean value for Cmax of 12.4 micrograms/ml occurring at a time of 4.6 h and a mean AUC0-24 of 128 microgram X h/ml. A high mean exudate:plasma AUC0-24 ratio of 0.83 was recorded. Plasma:exudate concentration ratios for phenylbutazone were initially greater than and subsequently less than one; the slower clearance from exudate was indicated by approximate t1/2 beta) values of 4.8 and 24 h for plasma and exudate, respectively. These findings may help to explain the relatively long duration of action of phenylbutazone, in spite of a plasma elimination half-life of less than 5 h. Lower values of Cmax and AUC0-24 for phenylbutazone passage into peritoneal fluid (6.3 micrograms/ml and 45 micrograms X h/ml) were recorded, and a limited number of sampling times indicated a similar degree of penetration as into tissue cage fluid. Mean concentrations of oxyphenbutazone in all fluids were lower than phenylbutazone concentrations at all times, but ready penetration of the metabolite into body fluids, especially into inflammatory exudate, occurred suggesting that oxyphenbutazone may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effect. The hyperaemia of acute inflammation and the high protein levels in inflammatory exudate may both assist passage of phenylbutazone and oxyphenbutazone into exudate.

Animals↗

Effects of a phenylbutazone paste in ponies: model of acute nonimmune inflammation.

In a 12-day treatment schedule, 5 ponies were given orally a paste formulation of phenylbutazone (PBZ) and 5 matched ponies were given equivalent doses of a placebo paste. On day 12, a mild, nonimmune inflammatory reaction was induced subcutaneously in the neck of each pony by inserting sterile, polyester sponge strips soaked in a 2% carrageenan solution. Exudate was collected at 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours by serial removal of sponges. There were no significant (P less than 0.05) differences in exudate protein concentration and leukocyte numbers between the treatment groups, but the group given PBZ had significantly reduced exudate concentrations of eicosanoids 6-keto-prostaglandin F 1 alpha (the stable metabolite of prostacyclin) at 4, 8, and 12 hours; thromboxane B2 at 8, 12, and 24 hours; and bicyclic prostaglandin E2 at 8 hours. The maximal depression of eicosanoid synthesis occurred at times of peak exudate concentrations of PBZ (8 and 12 hours). Phenylbutazone was cleared more slowly from exudate than from plasma. Changes in surface skin temperature were measured by infrared thermometry. Lesional temperatures were recorded 1 cm below the base of the incision line, and mean increases were significantly (P less than 0.05) less in PBZ-treated than in placebo-treated ponies between 4 and 24 hours. The importance of the findings for the clinical efficacy of this dosage schedule is considered.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Effect of induced hypomagnesaemia on the toxicity of imidocarb in calves.

The hypothesis that the toxic effects of imidocarb mediated by reduced cholinesterase activity might be intensified by hypomagnesaemia was tested in calves. Hypomagnesaemia was induced in 12 males (50 kg) using an artificial milk based on a commercial nondairy coffee creamer. Although plasma magnesium levels reached 0.33 mmol litre-1 in two weeks no clinical signs were detected. In 12 control calves a daily magnesium supplement of 0.6 g was inadequate although the published requirement is 0.45 g; it was raised to 1.2 g to keep plasma magnesium normal. Lighter calves developed hypomagnesaemia more readily and fast-growing calves had lower plasma urea concentrations. Plasma calcium, but not plasma magnesium, showed significant positive correlation with plasma albumin. The only statistically significant effects of hypomagnesaemia were slight elevations of white cell count and plasma sodium. The hypomagnesaemic and normomagnesaemic calves were divided into two equal groups and treated with 3.3 mg kg-1 of imidocarb dipropionate or a placebo. The drug produced the expected clinical signs of mild toxicity and depression of cholinesterase but no other adverse effects. Transient slight depressions of plasma calcium and potassium concentration, a transient rise of plasma sodium and elevation of creatine kinase occurred. None of the effects of imidocarb treatment was intensified by hypomagnesaemia except, perhaps, constriction of the pupils; generally, hypomagnesaemic animals were affected less.

Animals↗

Absorption of phenylbutazone from a paste formulation administered orally to the horse.

The absorption pattern of phenylbutazone was studied in five horses during administration of the drug in a paste formulation on days 1, 5, 8 and 12 of a 12-day dosing schedule. Since two or more plasma concentration peaks were usually obtained following each oral dose, it was concluded that phasic absorption was a particular feature of the oil:water formulation of the product. Possible causes of this unusual absorption pattern are discussed and the therapeutic implications of both phasic absorption and the recorded values of Cmax, tmax and AUC024 for phenylbutazone and its active metabolite oxyphenbutazone are considered.

Absorption↗