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Biomedical subjects

T D Bjornsson

Publications and source records attributed to T D Bjornsson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Time of peak drug concentration after a single dose and a dose at steady state.

The time of peak concentration after administration of oral drug is an often quoted and used pharmacokinetic parameter. It is not well appreciated, however, that the peak times after a single dose and a dose at steady state during a multiple administration regimen can differ significantly. This article derives the mathematical relationships that determine how a peak time at steady state differs from that after a single or first dose. These relationships are then evaluated using three different approaches: 1) graphic simulations of time courses of drug concentration for three hypothetical drugs; 2) comparisons of predicted and observed peak times using examples from the literature; and 3) comparisons of predicted and simulated peak times based on different sampling schedules for three hypothetical drugs. The key finding is that peak times after a dose at steady state can occur considerably earlier after administration than after a single dose. However, the manner by which peak times are usually determined, that is, the sampling time corresponding to the highest measured drug concentration, imposes significant limitations on the usefulness of this parameter.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1997

Pharmacologic inhibition of transglutaminase-induced cross-linking of Alzheimer's amyloid beta-peptide.

The brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients contains deposits of amyloid beta-peptide (A beta). Recent studies have shown that A beta is a substrate for tissue transglutaminase (TGase), which induces the formation of cross-linked dimers and polymers, and that tacrine, indomethacin and deferoxamine, which have widely different chemical structures, attenuate the progression of symptoms of AD. This report evaluated the potential of a total of ten different pharmacological agents to inhibit TGase-induced cross-linking of A beta, including known TGase inhibitors (dansylcadaverine, spermine), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (indomethacin, meclofenamic acid, diflunisal, salicylic acid), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (tranylcypromine, phenelzine), an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (tacrine), and an iron chelating agent (deferoxamine). All but one (salicylic acid) of these ten agents had an inhibitory effect on TGase-induced A beta cross-linking. These results suggest that inhibition of TGase-induced cross-linking of A beta is a potential pharmacologic target for the treatment of AD. A method is also presented for the determination of percent inhibition of TGase-induced A beta cross-linking based on the separated monomer, dimer and polymer bands on SDS-PAGE gels.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗
PubMed1996

A classification of drug action based on therapeutic effects.

A systematic classification system has been developed for the categorization of therapeutic effects of individual drugs based on their relationships to the underlying disease processes being treated or prevented, rather than on the pharmacologic or biochemical effects of the individual drugs. This system involves a total of six categories of different therapeutic specificities, involving four categories based on disease process-oriented mechanisms of drug action (Categories I through IV), and two additional ones (Categories 0 and V) to complete the classification system. Category 0 includes drugs or drug uses that prevent the development of a disease when none exists; Category I, those that affect etiologic factors of a disease; Category II, those that affect specific disease processes; Category III, those that affect specific disease manifestations; Category IV, those that affect non-specific disease manifestations or symptoms; and Category V includes drug uses or drugs used to diagnose or facilitate treatment of a disease. Examples are provided for each category as well as for applications of the classification system.

Drug Therapy↗
PubMed1996

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tepoxalin after single oral dose administration to healthy volunteers.

This study was conducted to examine the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tepoxalin in healthy volunteers, an antiinflammatory compound that inhibits cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. Tepoxalin was absorbed after oral administration of single doses from 35 to 300 mg, after which it was rapidly converted to an acidic metabolite, RWJ 20142, which inhibits cyclooxygenase but not lipoxygenase. The areas under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of tepoxalin and RWJ 20142 in plasma increased in a dose-dependent fashion. Administration of the lowest dose of tepoxalin completely inhibited whole blood cyclooxygenase for the entire period of observation. This inhibition correlated closely with that of secretion and aggregation induced by collagen of platelets obtained from these subjects. Similarly, administration of tepoxalin was associated with significant inhibition of lipoxygenase in whole blood. Lipoxygenase was inhibited a maximum of 60% in a time-dependent fashion, and the duration of inhibition was dose-dependent. These studies demonstrate that tepoxalin inhibits whole blood cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and platelet function after oral administration in humans.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1995

Losartan does not affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin.

Losartan, on orally active, nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonist is being developed as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. Many patients requiring anticoagulant therapy with warfarin also may have hypertension or heart failure, and thus, are potential candidates for losartan therapy. This study was designed to investigate whether losartan at likely dosage levels would alter the anticoagulant response to warfarin. In a two-period, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover study, ten healthy male subjects received a single oral dose of 30 mg warfarin sodium on the seventh day of a 13-day treatment with losartan, 100 mg daily by mouth, or placebo. Multiple plasma samples were collected over a 6-day period after both warfarin doses for the measurements of R- and S-warfarin concentrations and prothrombin times. The pharmacokinetics of R- and S-warfarin were comparable in the absence and presence of losartan (no significant effects of losartan on area under the curve, Cmax, or tmax). Losartan also had no significant effect on the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, as assessed by the area under the prothrombin time versus time curve and the maximum response for prothrombin time. The lack of pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction between warfarin and losartan observed in this investigation suggests that a clinically important interaction between these drugs is unlikely to occur in patients requiring concomitant administration of both drugs.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1995

Novel oral medication delivery system for famotidine.

A famotidine wafer that rapidly disperses on the tongue without water is a novel alternative to other histamine2 (H2)-antagonist dosage forms. Benefits associated with such a dosage form include convenience and potentially improved compliance for patients who dislike or have difficulty taking tablets and capsules. This report describes the research of three studies on the famotidine wafer dosage form. In the first trial, the bioequivalence and tolerability of the new 40-mg famotidine wafer and the marketed 40-mg famotidine tablet were studied in a 2-period crossover study (n = 18). The two formulations were bioequivalent as assessed by area under the plasma concentration versus time curve and maximum plasma concentration of famotidine. The plasma concentration of famotidine associated with 50% inhibition of pentagastrin stimulated gastric acid secretion (EC50; 10 ng/mL) was attained on average within 0.5 hours post-dose for the wafer and tablet. In a second trial, the tolerability of the famotidine 20-mg and 40-mg wafers or placebo given twice daily (bid) for 14 days were evaluated (n = 192). Both wafer strengths were well and equally tolerated. In a third trial of 450 subjects, the 40-mg wafer was preferred over tablets by 75% of the subjects, when they were asked to consider the method of administration and flavor. When used as an alternative to tablets and other conventional dosage forms, the wafers have the potential therapeutic benefit of improved compliance. It is concluded that similar systemic exposure, excellent tolerability, palatability, and preference make the famotidine wafer a clinically acceptable and convenient dosage from for patients on H2-antagonist therapy.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1995

The regulation of plasminogen activators and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 in endothelial cells by sex hormones.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of 17 beta-estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone on secretion of plasminogen activators and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 by cultured endothelial cells. STUDY DESIGN: Bovine aortic endothelial cells were cultured in medium that contained 17 beta-estradiol, progesterone, or testosterone at various concentrations (10(-13) to 10(-6) mol/L). Plasminogen activator activity in culture medium in the presence of cells was assayed after a 36-hour incubation using chromogenic substrate and iodine 125-labeled fibrin plate assays. Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 antigen was detected in conditioned media of bovine aortic endothelial cells by Western blotting analysis. RESULTS: All three steroid hormones exhibited biphasic dose-response effects, characterized by stimulation of plasminogen activator secretion at lower concentrations and inhibition of plasminogen activator secretion at higher concentrations. A significant stimulatory effect on plasminogen activator secretion (74% over control) was observed at a 17 beta-estradiol concentration of 10(-12) mol/L (p < 0.03). At higher concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, inhibition of plasminogen activator secretion was observed (p < 0.05). Decreased levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 antigen were detected in supernatants treated with either 17 beta-estradiol or progesterone at a concentration of 10(-12) mol/L and were maximal at 10(-7) mol/L 17 beta-estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. CONCLUSION: The secretion of plasminogen activators and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 is regulated in a biphasic dose-dependent manner by sex hormones in bovine aortic endothelial cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Pharmacokinetics of losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, and its active metabolite EXP3174 in humans.

The pharmacokinetics of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist losartan potassium and its active carboxylic acid metabolite EXP3174 were characterized in 18 healthy male subjects after administration of intravenous losartan, intravenous EXP3174, and oral losartan. In these subjects, the average plasma clearance of losartan was 610 ml/min, and the volume of distribution was 34 L. Renal clearance (70 ml/min) accounted for 12% of plasma clearance. Terminal half-life was 2.1 hours. In contrast, the average plasma clearance of EXP3174 was 47 ml/min, and its volume of distribution was 10 L. Renal clearance was 26 ml/min, which accounted for 55% of plasma clearance; terminal half-life was 6.3 hours. After oral administration of losartan, peak concentrations of losartan were reached in 1 hour. Peak concentrations of EXP3174 were reached in 3 1/2 hours. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve of EXP3174 was about four times that of losartan. The oral bioavailability of losartan tablets was 33%. The low bioavailability was mainly attributable to first-pass metabolism. After intravenous or oral administration of losartan the conversion of losartan to the metabolite EXP3174 was 14%.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1995

Biochemical effects of losartan, a nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonist, on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in hypertensive patients.

We investigated the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor blockade with losartan on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in hypertensive patients (supine diastolic blood pressure, 95 to 110 mm Hg). Qualifying patients (n = 51) were allocated to placebo, 25 or 100 mg losartan, or 20 mg enalapril. Blood pressure, plasma drug concentrations, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system mediators were measured on 4 inpatient days: end of placebo run-in, after first dose, and 2 and 6 weeks of treatment. Plasma drug concentrations were similar after the first and last doses of losartan. At 6 weeks, 100 mg losartan and 20 mg enalapril showed comparable antihypertensive activity. Four hours after dosing, compared with the run-in day, 100 mg losartan increased plasma renin activity 1.7-fold and Ang II 2.5-fold, whereas enalapril increased plasma renin activity 2.8-fold and decreased Ang II 77%. Both drugs decreased plasma aldosterone concentration. For losartan, plasma renin activity and Ang II increases were greater at 2 than at 6 weeks. Effects of losartan were dose related. After the last dose of losartan, plasma renin activity and Ang II changes were similar to placebo changes by 36 hours. These results indicate that long-term blockade of the feedback Ang II receptor in hypertensive patients produces modest increases of plasma renin activity and Ang II that do not appear to affect the antihypertensive response to the antagonist.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Estimation of pharmacokinetic parameters for simulations of time courses of drug concentrations after oral administration.

Simulations of time courses of drug concentrations after oral administration are frequently hampered by the lack of pharmacokinetic parameters after oral dosing. This article presents methods by which to estimate such parameters from pharmacokinetic parameters after intravenous dosing and knowledge of time of peak concentration and bioavailability after oral dosing. The application of these approaches enables the generation of meaningful graphic simulations of time courses of drug concentrations after oral administration that can have educational and illustrative uses.

Absorption↗
PubMed1993

Simultaneous determination of free tissue-type and free urokinase-type plasminogen activators in biological fluids by a solid-phase immunoassay.

Tissue-type and urokinase-type plasminogen activators (t-PA and u-PA) coexist in numerous biological fluids, where their fibrinolytic activities are determined by the concentration of the free, uncomplexed species. A simple, sensitive method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of free t-PA and u-PA concentrations in biological fluids using a solid-phase immunoassay. Microtiter plates were coated with polyclonal goat antibodies and incubated with PA standards or unknown samples. The absorbed PAs were then assayed by incubation with a mixture of plasminogen, poly-L-lysine, and the chromogenic substrate H-D-norleucylhexahydrotyrosyllysine-p-nitroanilide. Free t-PA and free u-PA were detectable in human plasma and urine, and in conditioned media from different endothelial cell cultures. The method is sensitive, with lower limits of quantitation being 0.76 mU/ml (1.25 pg/ml) for free t-PA and 0.16 mU/ml (2.0 pg/ml) for free u-PA. There was no cross-reaction between the two PA species and the recovery in plasma was greater than 95% for both. The intra- and interassay coefficients of variation for t-PA and u-PA were 3.5-12.2 and 3.2-11.3%, and 2.4-11.8 and 1.6-10.4%, respectively. The presence of PA-inhibitor complexes and PA inhibitors in biological fluids did not interfere with the assay. Application of the assay has demonstrated that free u-PA levels are several fold higher than free t-PA levels in human plasma and in conditioned media of human vascular endothelial cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Lovastatin does not affect oral glucose tolerance in hypercholesterolemic patients.

In 15 non-diabetic Type II hypercholesterolemic patients, the effect of 80 mg lovastatin daily on oral glucose tolerance was investigated. Using a randomized, double-blind, two-panel, parallel design, patients on a low cholesterol diet received lovastatin (n = 7) or placebo (n = 8) for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks of treatment, patients receiving lovastatin had a significant reduction in total cholesterol (30%), LDL-cholesterol (36%), and triglycerides (26%). Time courses of plasma glucose and serum insulin changes from baseline after the oral glucose tolerance test were evaluated by AUC. No statistically significant differences were observed in the AUC of changes from baseline between treatment groups or within either treatment group at prestudy, 6 weeks, and poststudy. No patient had a clinically important laboratory or clinical drug-related adverse effect during the study. This study demonstrated that short-term administration of 80 mg lovastatin daily effectively lowers cholesterol without having adverse effects on oral glucose tolerance.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Extracellular matrix produced by cultured corneal and aortic endothelial cells contains active tissue-type and urokinase-type plasminogen activators.

Incubation of plasminogen with the subendothelial extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesized by cultured bovine corneal and aortic endothelial cells resulted in generation of fibrinolytic activity, indicated by proteolysis of 125I-fibrin in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Both tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) were identified in the ECM by fibrin zymography, immunoblotting, and inhibition of plasminogen activation by anti-u-PA and anti-t-PA antibodies. Most of the ECM-resident plasminogen activator (PA) activity did not originate from intracellular PA release occurring when the endothelial cells were lyzed and the ECM exposed, since a comparable amount of PA was associated with the ECM when the cells were lyzed with Triton X-100 or removed intact by treatment with 2 M urea. Active u-PA and t-PA were released from ECM by treatment with heparanase (endo-beta-D-glucuronidase), indicating that some of the ECM-resident PA activity is sequestered by heparan sulfate side chains. These results indicate that both u-PA and t-PA produced by endothelial cells are firmly sequestered in an active form by the subendothelial ECM. It is suggested that ECM-resident plasminogen activators participate in sequential matrix degradation during cell invasion and tumor metastasis. PA activity may also function in release of ECM-bound growth factors (i.e., basic fibroblast growth factor) and activation of proenzymes (i.e., prothrombin), resulting in modulation of the ECM growth-promoting and thrombogenic properties.

Absorption↗
PubMed1993

Effects of losartan on blood pressure, plasma renin activity, and angiotensin II in volunteers.

Losartan is an orally active, nonpeptide angiotensin II (Ang II) (site-1) receptor antagonist. We conducted a multiple-dose study in healthy male volunteers to investigate the tolerability, blood pressure effects, and changes in plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma Ang II concentration associated with once-daily administration of 100 mg losartan for a week. Subjects were studied on a standardized sodium diet (24-hour urinary sodium excretion, 98 +/- 37 [SD] mEq per 24 hours on the placebo run-in day). Measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, PRA, Ang II, and aldosterone were taken during a placebo run-in day and after single and multiple (7 days) daily doses of losartan (100 mg, n = 10) or placebo (n = 4). Ang II was measured specifically by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with radioimmunoassay. In subjects given losartan, respective decreases (systolic/diastolic) from run-in in supine blood pressure 6 hours after dosing were (mean +/- SD), compared with the placebo run-in day, first dose: -8.8 +/- 9.6/-6.8 +/- 5.0, last dose: -11.6 +/- 8.9/-7.0 +/- 4.8 mm Hg (p < 0.05 for all changes). At this 6-hour time point, corresponding increases from run-in in PRA were from 1.2 +/- 0.6 to 12.0 +/- 6.3 (first dose) and 9.6 +/- 4.9 (last dose) ng angiotensin I per milliliter per hour and in Ang II were from 4.3 +/- 1.7 to 72.4 +/- 33.3 and 45.7 +/- 14.1 pg/mL. All changes in PRA and Ang II were statistically significant within the losartan-treated group, and the biochemical changes were significantly greater than those in the placebo-treated group. The increment in Ang II was less after the last dose than after the first (p < 0.05). The drug was well tolerated by all subjects. These data indicate that, under the conditions of this study, losartan administration (100 mg/day for eight doses over 9 days) results in treatment-related decreases in blood pressure and increases in PRA and Ang II octapeptide.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Molecular cloning of the alcohol/hydroxysteroid form (hSTa) of sulfotransferase from human liver.

A cDNA encoding the human alcohol/hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase (h-ST-a), which catalyzes the sulfo-conjugation of many drugs and hormones, was isolated from a human liver cDNA library using a rat STa (rSTa) cDNA probe. The cDNA, designated as hSTa, consists of 1069 base pairs (bp) and contains an 855-nucleotide open reading frame beginning at nucleotide 65, which encodes a 285 amino acid polypeptide of 33.76 kDa. A second cDNA clone (1563 bp) was truncated 5' at nucleotide 231 (lacking the first 15 amino acids) with identical coding region, however, it had a much longer 3' untranslated region (UTR). Both clones contained a short segment of poly(A)+ tail. Northern blot analysis of an adult human liver showed that there are at least 2 mature mRNA with sizes ranging from approximately 1.1 kb to 1.7 kb, verifying the authenticity of the obtained cDNA clones. From the sequence alignment, the hSTa shares 62%/74%, 39%/59%, 35%/48%, 36%/54% identity with rSTa, rSTp (phenol), rSTe (estrogen), and bovine STe (bSTe) at the deduced amino acid and DNA levels, respectively, indicating that there are at least three subfamilies (alcohol, phenol and estrogen) of genes that encode for sulfotransferases in mammals.

Amino Acid Sequence↗