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The effects of disulfiram on the hippocampus and cerebellum of the rat brain: a study on oxidative stress.

The purpose of this investigation was to study the relationship between disulfiram (DS) toxicity, lipid peroxidation, and copper in order to further elucidate the mechanisms of DS toxicity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were dosed with either 375, 750 or 1500 mg/kg disulfiram via oral intubation for 1, 3 and 6 weeks. In the hippocampus and cerebellum, the increased accumulation of copper, increased production of malondialdehyde (MDA), increased activity of glutathione peroxidase along with alterations in glutathione and glutathione disulfide concentrations was indicative of oxidative stress. The production of MDA was directly related to the level of copper in both areas of the brain indicating that excess copper may be the primary cause of DS neurotoxicity.

Animals↗

Refractory hyperdynamic shock associated with alcohol and disulfiram.

After massive alcohol intake, a patient under disulfiram therapy developed a severe cardiovascular collapse unresponsive to dopamine but successfully reversed with norepinephrine. Resistance to dopamine could be related to norepinephrine depletion caused by disulfiram. Norepinephrine could, therefore, represent the treatment of choice of these life-threatening conditions.

Disulfiram↗

Hypothermia as an index of the disulfiram-ethanol reaction in the rat.

Decreased core temperature in female rats was investigated as one possible index of the disulfiram-ethanol reaction (DER). Core temperature was decreased in rats in a dose-dependent manner when ethanol was administered to rats treated with disulfiram 8 hours before the ethanol challenge. The decrease in temperature began within 20 minutes after ethanol administration, reaching a maximal decrease between 60 and 120 minutes post ethanol. The core temperature returned to normal 300 minutes after ethanol. The blood pressure (carotid cannulation) decreased along with the core temperature. Maximal hypotension was found 120 minutes post ethanol, and returned to normal 300 minutes after ethanol. Heart rate increased initially and returned to normal 40 minutes after ethanol challenge.

Animals↗

Differential responses of mouse UDP-glucuronosyltransferases and beta-glucuronidase to disulfiram and related compounds.

Studies on the induction of non-oxygenative detoxication enzymes in mice by anticarcinogenic thionosulfur compounds have been extended to include hepatic and pulmonary UDP-glucuronosyltransferases. Dietary administration of disulfiram and of bisethylxanthogen to female CD-1 mice enhanced microsomal glucuronidation of 4-methylumbelliferone, a characteristic GT1 substrate, and of 4-hydroxybiphenyl, a GT2 substrate. Latency of the activity toward 4-methylumbelliferone was not affected appreciably. Disulfiram also enhanced glucuronidation of 4-nitrophenol. Diethyldithiocarbamate was ineffective under the conditions used. These thionosulfur compounds caused no significant change in beta-glucuronidase activity measured in homogenates of 7 organs.

Animals↗

Quantitative analysis of disulfiram and its metabolites in human blood by gas-liquid chromatography.

A simple method is described that permits the direct quantitative determination of carbon disulphide, free diethyldithiocarbamate and disulphides derived from disulfiram in 1 ml of a patient's blood. It is based on a gas chromatographic determination of carbon disulphide produced from diethyldithiocarbamate and disulfiram using the head-space technique and a flame-photometric detector. The method is compared with a recently described spectrophotometric method.

Carbon Disulfide↗

Metallic copper-containing post-column reactor for the detection of thiram and disulfiram in liquid chromatography.

A reaction detector has been developed for the selective detection of thiram and disulfiram. The detection is based on the post-column complexation of these analytes on a solid-state reactor packed with finely divided metallic copper to form a coloured copper complex, copper(II) N,N-dimethyldithiocarbamate, with an absorption maximum at 435 nm. The method is combined with a pre-concentration and clean-up step on a pre-column to permit the sub-ppb determination of, e.g., thiram in surface water samples or disulfiram in urine. Separation is achieved by reversed-phase liquid chromatography.

Chromatography, Liquid↗

Rapid and sensitive on-line precolumn purification and high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for disulfiram and its metabolites.

The disulfiram (Antabus) metabolites diethyldithiocarbamate, diethyldithiocarbamate methyl ester, carbon disulphide and bis(diethyldithiocarbamato) copper complex were quantitatively analysed from directly injected heparin plasma by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The highly volatile metabolite, carbon disulphide, was converted to the methyl ester of dimethyldithiocarbamate before chromatography. The analytical procedure is simple and does not require sample preparation or addition of an internal standard, and the compounds are eluted from the columns in 15 min. After automated on-line precolumn enrichment, the parent compound and biotransformation products could be back-flushed and chromatographed on an ordinary reversed-phase column. The influence of plasma protein binding on the constituents in the precolumn enrichment step was also investigated. Dissociation and partition of constituents from plasma proteins gave a complete retardation on the precolumn. The time courses of diethyldithiocarbamate and its methyl ester were followed in patients receiving therapeutic doses of disulfiram.

Alcoholism↗

Disulfiram facilitates intracellular Cu uptake and induces apoptosis in human melanoma cells.

The alcohol-abuse deterrent disulfiram (DSF) is shown to have a highly selective toxicity against melanoma in culture, inducing a largely apoptotic response, with much lower toxicity against several other cell lines. Melanoma cell lines derived from different stages (radial, vertical, and metastatic phase) were all sensitive to DSF treatment in vitro; melanocytes were only slightly affected. A required role of extracellular Cu is demonstrated for DSF toxicity. Low concentrations of DSF alone decreased the number of viable cells, and the addition of CuCl(2) significantly enhanced the DSF-induced cell death to less than 10% of control. Significantly, the intracellular Cu concentration of melanoma cells increased rapidly upon DSF treatment. Both the intracellular Cu uptake and the toxicity induced by DSF were blocked by co-incubation with bathocuproine disulfonic acid (BCPD, 100 muM), a non-membrane-permeable Cu chelator. Chemical studies demonstrated a complicated, extracellular redox reaction between Cu(II) and DSF, which forms the complex Cu(deDTC)(2) in high yield, accompanied by oxidative decomposition of small amounts of disulfiram. The Cu complex has somewhat higher activity against melanoma and is suggested to be the active agent in DSF-induced toxicity. The redox conversion of DSF was unique to Cu(II) and not engendered by the other common biological metal ions Fe(II or III), Mn(III), and Zn(II). The implications of this work are significant both in the possible treatment of melanoma as well as in limiting the known side-effects of DSF, which we propose may be diminished by cotreatment to decrease adventitious Cu.

Apoptosis↗

Effects of disulfiram on the amphetamine-induced behavioral syndrome in the cat as a model of psychosis.

We have previously reported that, from a phenomenological standpoint, the behavioral manifestations of cats chronically intoxicated with amphetamine parallel the evolution of the paranoid psychosis induced by the drug in humans. However, certain manifestations in the cat, such as frozen postures, disjunctive behaviors and postures, cataleptic-like phenomena, obstinate progression, loss of righting reflex and pupillary changes, did not appear to be consistent with the phenomenology of the paranoid psychosis. Since treatment of schizophrenic patients with disulfiram, an inhibitor of norepinephrine synthesis that acts at the level of the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase, thereby leading to increased dopamine concentrations, had been found to profoundly exaggerate psychotic symptomatology, amphetamine behavioral syndrome in the cat as it is modified by pretreatment with disulfiram. Following such pretreatment, a faster development of certain end-stage components of the amphetamine syndrome was obtained. Thus, on the first day, development of a Reactive attitude and of more prominent behavioral disjunction occurred with the combined drug administration as compared with amphetamine alone. In contrast with the facilitation of these behaviors was the absence of dyskinesias and hyperreflexia on that day. Stereotyped behavior, loss of motor initiative and hyperkinetic activity were markedly enhanced and appeared with a shorter latency period on subsequent days of the intoxication cycle. Loss of righting reflex was an early manifestation in these animals. During the later days, the particularly high level of compulsive activity was evident from the occurrence of an obstinate progression syndrome and the performance of stereotyped movements of the head in the presence of a crucifixion posture. In general, modification of the amphetamine effects on behavior was in a direction consistent with comparable features in experimental catatonia and the catatonic form of schizophrenia. The need to integrate such phenomena in any amphetamine model of psychosis is stressed and analogies are drawn with similar features reported in animals treated with bulbocapnine or other psychotogenic compounds and with symptoms of human amphetamine psychosis and schizophrenia.

Animals↗

The separation of sheep liver cytoplasmic and mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenases by isoelectric focusing, and observations on the purity of preparations of the cytoplasmic enzyme, and their sensitivity towards inhibition by disulfiram.

Preparations of sheep liver cytoplasmic aldehyde dehydrogenase obtained by published methods were found by analytical isoelectric focusing in the pH range 5--8 to contain 5--10% by weight of the mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase. Under the conditions used the pI of the cytoplasmic enzyme is 6.2 and that of the mitochondrial enzyme 6.6. The mitochondrial enzyme can be removed from the preparation by selective precipitation of the cytoplasmic enzyme with (NH4)2SO4. Kinetic experiments and inhibition experiments with disulfiram show that the properties of the two sheep liver enzymes are so different that the presence of 10% mitochondrial enzyme in preparations of the cytoplasmic enzyme can introduce serious errors into results. Our results suggest that the presence of 10 microM-disulfiram in assays may completely inactivate the pure cytoplasmic enzyme. This result is in contrast with a previous report [kitson (1978) Biochem. U. 175, 83--90].

Aldehyde Oxidoreductases↗

Mechanism of inactivation of sheep liver cytoplasmic aldehyde dehydrogenase by disulfiram.

Stoicheiometric amounts of [14C]disulfiram react rapidly with sheep liver cytoplasmic aldehyde dehydrogenase to give loss of catalytic activity and incorporation of the expected amount of radioactivity. In a subsequent slower reaction the label is lost from the enzyme without re-emergence of enzymic activity. The results imply that in vivo disulfiram may act as an oxidation-reduction catalyst for the inactivation of aldehyde dehydrogenase.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase↗

Effect of disulfiram on the pre-steady-state burst in the reactions of sheep liver cytoplasmic aldehyde dehydrogenase.

Stopped-flow spectrophotometric experiments show that modification by disulfiram not only lowers the steady-state rates but also decreases the size of bursts seen in both dehydrogenase and esterase reactions catalysed by sheep liver cytoplasmic aldehyde dehydrogenase. This observation is consistent with the proposal that a catalytically essential group is modified by disulfiram and that this group mediates both dehydrogenase and esterase activities.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase↗

Effect of some thiocarbamate compounds on aldehyde dehydrogenase and implications for the disulfiram ethanol reaction.

The effects of S-methyl diethyldithiocarbamate, S-methyl diethylmonothiocarbamate and bis(diethylcarbamoyl) disulphide on sheep liver cytoplasmic aldehyde dehydrogenase were investigated in vitro. The first compound has negligible effect. The second one is a weak inhibitor of the esterase activity of the enzyme and a weaker inhibitor of the dehydrogenase activity. A very low concentration of the third compound, however, acts as a potent inactivator of aldehyde dehydrogenase, similar in this respect to disulfiram, although somewhat slower to react. The possible involvement of these compounds in the physiological phenomenon known as the disulfiram ethanol reaction is discussed.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase↗

Effect of diclofenac, disulfiram, itraconazole, grapefruit juice and erythromycin on the pharmacokinetics of quinidine.

AIMS: In vitro studies suggest that the oxidation of quinidine to 3-hydroxyquinidine is a specific marker reaction for CYP3A4 activity. To assess the possible use of this reaction as an in vivo marker of CYP3A4 activity, we studied the involvement of cytochromes CYP2C9, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 in the in vivo oxidative metabolism of quinidine. METHODS: An open study of 30 healthy young male volunteers was performed. The pharmacokinetics of a 200 mg single oral dose of quinidine was studied before and during daily administration of 100 mg diclofenac, a CYP2C9 substrate (n=6); 200 mg disulfiram, an inhibitor of CYP2E1 (n=6); 100 mg itraconazole, an inhibitor of CYP3A4 (n=6); 250 ml single strength grapefruit juice twice daily, an inhibitor of CYP3A4 (n=6); 250 mg of erythromycin 4 times daily, an inhibitor of CYP3A4 (n=6). Probes of other enzyme activities, caffeine (CYP1A2), sparteine (CYP2D6), mephenytoin (CYP2C19), tolbutamide (CYP2C9) and cortisol (CYP3A4) were also studied. RESULTS: Concomitant administration of diclofenac reduced the partial clearance of quinidine by N-oxidation by 27%, while no effect was found for other pharmacokinetic parameters of quinidine. Concomitant administration of disulfiram did not alter any of the pharmacokinetic parameters of quinidine. Concomitant administration of itraconazole reduced quinidine total clearance, partial clearance by 3-hydroxylation and partial clearance by N-oxidation by 61, 84 and 73%, respectively. The renal clearance was reduced by 60% and the elimination half-life increased by 35%. Concomitant administration of grapefruit juice reduced the total clearance of quinidine and its partial clearance by 3-hydroxylation and N-oxidation by 15, 19 and 27%, respectively. The elimination half-life of quinidine was increased by 19%. The caffeine metabolic index was reduced by 25%. Concomitant administration of erythromycin reduced the total clearance of quinidine and its partial clearance by 3-hydroxylation and N-oxidation by 34, 50 and 33%, respectively. Cmax was increased by 39%. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm an important role for CYP3A4 in the oxidation of quinidine in vivo, and this applies particularly to the formation of 3-hydroxyquinidine. While a minor contribution of CYP2C9 to the N-oxidation of quinidine is possible, a major involvement of the CYP2C9 or CYP2E1 enzymes in the oxidation of quinidine in vivo is unlikely.

Adult↗

Correlation between prevention of cataract development by disulfiram and fates of selenium in selenite-treated rats.

PURPOSE: We found a new pharmacological effect of disulfiram (DSF) against rat pups with cataract induced by selenite injection. The possible reactive mechanism is discussed in this present paper. METHODS: Wistar male and female rats aged 13 and 30 days, and male rats aged 7 weeks were used this present study. Cataract was induced by injection of selenite (19 micromol/kg, s.c.) to 13-day old rats. The lens opacification was monitored by using the slit lamp equipped with an anterior eye segment analysis system (EAS-1000, Nidek). The selenium contents in rat organs were detected fluorimetrically. Liposomes containing DSF (DSF-liposomes) were prepared by the reverse-phase evaporation method. Rat pups were instilled 5 microl of DSF-liposomes into both eyes 4 times per day. Adult rats were administered with DSF suspensions (100 mg/kg) by nasal cannulation. The changes of plasma concentration of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), which was a metabolite of disulfiram, were determined by HPLC method. RESULTS: Intraocular treatment with DSF-liposomes prevented the onset of cataract development in rat pups injected with sodium selenite. Treatment with DSF also significantly reduced the selenium contents in plasma at 1 h post-treatment and in the eye at 96 h post-treatment. No significant differences of selenium content in liver and kidney were observed in 13-day old rats instilled with DSF-liposomes or DSF free liposomes. Cataract could not be induced in the 30-days-old rats with the same dose of selenite (19 micromol/kg) and the liver, kidney, and especially eye of the older rats had lower levels of selenium than 13-day old rats. Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), an active metabolite of DSF, was decreased in the plasma following a subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite. The selenium concentration in the plasma was decreased by the intranasal administration of DSF suspensions. CONCLUSIONS: Instillation of DSF-liposomes into the eyes of rat pups given a subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite to induce cataracts prevented the formation of cataracts. The mechanism of inhibition may have resulted from a decreased level of selenium in the eyes following the treatment with DSF. On the other hand, as it is known that the cataracts may result from selenite-induced oxidative stress in the lens, DSF and DDC may react as anti-oxidants.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Oxidation of N-butyl-N-(3-formylpropyl)nitrosamine to N-butyl-N-(3-carboxypropyl)nitrosamine in rat liver and inhibition by disulfiram.

The metabolism of N-butyl-N-(3-formylpropyl)nitrosamine, a presumptive intermediate metabolite of the urinary bladder carcinogen N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine, by rat liver has been examined. N-Butyl-N-(3-formylpropyl)nitrosamine was metabolized by an NADH-dependent reduction to N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine and by an NAD+-dependent oxidation to N-butyl-N-(3-carboxypropyl)nitrosamine. The reduction of N-butyl-N-(3-formylpropyl)nitrosamine was inhibited by pyrazole. The oxidation of N-butyl-N-(3-formylpropyl)nitrosamine was studied further. The rate of oxidation in total rat liver was 3 mumol/min/g liver or 21 nmol/min/mg protein and was similar to that found for the oxidation of propionaldehyde, a model substrate for isozymes of rat liver aldehyde dehydrogenase. The rate of oxidation of N-butyl-N-(3-formylpropyl)nitrosamine by isozymes in rat liver cytosol was 2-2.5 times that found for propionaldehyde. The apparent Km for the NAD+-dependent oxidation of N-butyl-N-(3-formylpropyl)nitrosamine was 20-30 microM, which is considerably lower than values reported for known substrates of aldehyde dehydrogenase. The NAD+-dependent oxidation of N-butyl-N-(3-formylpropyl)nitrosamine was inhibited 40-50% by 50 microM disulfiram, 60-70% by 100 microM disulfiram, and 50% by 0.4 mM sodium arsenite. These studies show that N-butyl-N-(3-formylpropyl)nitrosamine is very rapidly oxidized to N-butyl-N-(3-carboxypropyl)nitrosamine in rat liver by aldehyde dehydrogenase and the results may help to explain why the 3-formylpropyl intermediate has not been directly identified as a metabolite of N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine in urine or in isolated hepatocytes.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase↗