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PubMed1992

A fatal case of poisoning with cantharidin.

A case of fatal poisoning due to voluntary ingestion of cantharides powder for aphrodisiac purposes is reported. Clinical history, autopsy and analytical findings are described. Blood and urine samples collected during the 30 h of survival, as well as the cantharides product, were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. On the basis of the percentage of the active principle measured in the powder, an ingested dose of 26-45 mg of cantharidin could be estimated.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Comparison of three different experimental methods for the assessment of peripheral compartment pharmacokinetics in humans.

In many cases the concentration reached in a peripheral effect compartment rather than in plasma determines the clinical outcome of therapy. Therefore, several experimental approaches have been developed for direct assessment of drug kinetics in peripheral compartments. Particularly saliva sampling, skin blister fluid sampling, and in vivo microdialysis are frequently employed for measuring peripheral drug concentrations. However, data derived from these techniques have never been directly compared. In the present study, the tissue kinetics of theophylline were measured following single dose administration simultaneously in cantharides induced skin blisters, saliva and microdialysates of subcutaneous- and skeletal muscle- tissue and compared to plasma concentrations. Theophylline was administered to 9 healthy volunteers as an i.v. infusion of 240 mg. Mean ratio (AUCsaliva/AUCplasma) was 0.63 +/- 0.05, mean ratio (AUCblister/AUCplasma) was 0.69 +/- 0.12, mean ratio (AUCmuscle/AUCplasma) was 0.41 +/- 0.10, mean ratio (AUCsubcutaneous/AUCplasma) was 0.34 +/- 0.07. The time course of the concentration(peripheral)/concentration(plasma)-ratios showed that tissue concentrations obtained by microdialysis were closely correlated to free plasma levels, whereas saliva- and cantharides blister data overestimated the corresponding free plasma concentrations. It is concluded that microdialysis represents a reliable technique for the measurement of unbound peripheral compartment concentrations and is superior to saliva- and skin blister concentration measurements.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Regulation of large calcium-activated potassium channels by protein phosphatase 2A.

Vasodilating agents induce relaxation of mesangial cells, in part through cGMP-mediated activation of large calcium-activated potassium channels (BKCa). Normally quiescent in cell-attached patches, the response of BKCa to nitric oxide, atrial natriuretic peptide, and dibutyryl cGMP (Bt2cGMP) is characterized by a biphasic increase and then decrease ("rundown") in open probability. Using the patch-clamp method in conjunction with phosphatase inhibitors, we investigated whether the run-down phase was the result of dephosphorylation by an endogenous protein phosphatase. In cell-attached patches, cantharidic acid (500 nM), okadaic acid (100 nM), and calyculin A (100 nM), nondiscriminant inhibitors of protein phosphatases 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A) at these concentrations, caused a significantly greater and sustained response of BKCa to Bt2cGMP. Within 2 min, the response of BKCa to the combination of cantharidic acid and Bt2cGMP was greater than the response to these agents added separately. Incubation of mesangial cells with okadaic acid for 20 min at a concentration (5 nM) specific for PP2A increased the basal open probability of BKCa and completely inhibited rundown after activation by Bt2cGMP. Incubation with calyculin A (10 nM), a more potent inhibitor of PP1, did not affect BKCa activity. In inside-out patches, Bt2cGMP plus MgATP caused a sustained activation of BKCa that was inhibited by exogenous PP2A but not PP1. It is concluded that either BKCa or a tightly associated regulator of BKCa is a common substrate for endogenous cGMP-activated protein kinase, which activates BKCa, and PP2A, which inactivates BKCa, in human mesangial cells.

Cell Adhesion↗
PubMed2001

Cytogenetics of eight Neotropical species of Chauliognathus Henzt, 1830: implications on the ancestral karyotype in Cantharidae (Coleoptera).

Meiotic chromosomes of eight Neotropical species of the genus Chauliognathus occurring in Southern Brazil were analysed from testis cells. The meioformula of all the species was n = 6 + X (with six pairs of autosomes and one X chromosome). This meioformula is also present in C. scriptus plus two other species of other genera of Cantharidae, suggesting an evolutionary tendency towards the compaction of the karyotype starting from the ancestral Polyphagan meioformula n = 9 + Xy(p). The presence of an XO sex chromosome mechanism in all cantharid species studied to date indicates that the reduction of the number of autosomes was probably paralleled by the loss of the small typical Polyphagan yp heterosome. Thus the meioformula n = 6 + X seems to be an apomorphy for Cantharidae and may have evolved soon after the separation of the ancestral cantharid from the other families of Polyphaga.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Plasma and skin blister fluid levels of cefotiam and cefmenoxime after single intramuscular application of 1 g in gonorrhea.

To predict the clinical efficacy of a new antibiotic in uncomplicated gonorrhea, data pertinent to its pharmacokinetics in man are needed. Before starting clinical trials on cefotiam and cefmenoxime, 1 g of each antibiotic was administered intramuscularly as a single dose to 5 healthy volunteers. Both blood and skin blister fluid samples (obtained by suction and cantharides blistering) were repeatedly taken. Peak plasma levels amounted on average to 24.8 and 48.2 micrograms/ml, respectively. 6 h after dose still average plasma concentrations of 3.4 and 6.52 micrograms/ml were found. Suction blister fluid levels essentially paralleled plasma levels, whereas cantharides blister fluid levels increased and decreased more slowly than plasma levels. Cefotiam penetrated more readily into suction blister fluid than cefmenoxime as obtained from area ratios. Thus, the chosen dosage regimens considered apt for gonorrhea led to high initial as well as long-standing drug levels. And this does not only hold true for the plasma. Facing their good in vitro activity on Neisseria gonorrhoeae, cefotiam and cefmenoxime well deserve further studies in this field including clinical trials.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Cantharidin enhances norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction in an endothelium-dependent fashion.

In this study we characterized the effects of the protein phosphatase (PP) type 1 and type 2A inhibitor cantharidin (Cant) and its structural analogs cantharidic acid and endothall on PP activity, force of contraction, and myosin light chain phosphorylation in rat aorta. All compounds inhibited PP activity in homogenates of rat aorta with a rank order of potency of Cant = cantharidic acid > endothall. However, only Cant increased force of contraction and myosin light chain phosphorylation in intact isolated rat aortic rings. Based on these findings, we investigated the effects of Cant on alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction. Cant (1 and 3 microM) enhanced norepinephrine-induced contraction in endothelium-intact rat aorta. In contrast, Cant did not affect norepinephrine-induced contraction in endothelium-denuded rat aorta. We suggest that inhibition of PP1 and/or PP2A activities by Cant enhances vascular contractility in endothelium-intact rat aorta by increasing the phosphorylation state of endothelial regulatory proteins.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Ketoconazole concentrations in human skin blister fluid and plasma.

To investigate ketoconazole penetration into skin, a single oral dose of 200 mg was administered to six healthy subjects. Plasma and cantharides blister fluid (CBF) levels were measured for 11 to 24 hours. In suction blister fluid (SBF) ketoconazole was determined 3, 6, and 9 hours after administration. Mean peak plasma levels of ketoconazole were found at 1 hour, they amounted to 3.03 +/- 0.55 micrograms/ml (n = 5). Apparent half-life of elimination was 1.8 hours. In cantharides blister fluid maximum ketoconazole concentrations were obtained at 6 hours being 1.05 +/- 0.32 micrograms/ml and declined rather slowly (half-life 4.2 hours; n = 3). Maximum concentrations in suction blister fluid were obtained 3 hours after administration (0.914 +/- 0.123 micrograms/ml). After 9 hours ketoconazole levels had declined to 0.216 +/- 0.044 micrograms/ml (n = 3). These concentrations exceed the ketoconazole concentrations proven to be effective in vitro up to 25 fold.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Inhibition of protein phosphatase activity and changes in protein phosphorylation following acetaminophen exposure in cultured mouse hepatocytes.

Protein phosphorylation was determined in cultured mouse hepatocytes exposed to an hepatotoxic concentration of acetaminophen (APAP) for selected times up to 12 h. Cultures were radiolabled with 32P-orthophosphoric acid and the cell extracts were analyzed by 2D gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. APAP exposure selectively increased the phosphorylation state of proteins of molecular weight 22, 25, 28, and 59 kDa and decreased the phosphorylation of a 26-kDa protein. Evidence is presented that these changes (1) are dependent on cytochrome P-450 activation of APAP; (2) occur well before enzyme leakage in this in vitro model; (3) are not likely attributed to GSH depletion alone; (4) are in part mimicked by okadaic acid, calyculin A, and cantharidic acid, three structurally distinct inhibitors of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A; and (5) are paralleled by a decline in protein phosphatase activity. The physiological consequences of protein phosphatase inactivation could be significant in APAP overdose since these enzymes are involved in the dephosphorylation of regulatory proteins that control many cell functions. This study also provides the first evidence for disruption in signal transduction pathways as a response to or component of APAP-induced hepatic injury.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed1988

Plasma and skin blister fluid concentrations of trimethoprim following its oral administration.

Plasma and skin blister fluid concentration-time curves following a single oral dose of trimethoprim have been evaluated. Skin blisters were produced by the cantharides technique, using patches with cantharidin ointment. Trimethoprim concentrations in plasma following multiple doses of 200 mg were also determined. The maximal concentration in plasma after a single oral dose of 400 mg trimethoprim was 3.95 +/- 1.08 mg/l, and it was observed after 2 h, whereas in skin blister fluid the level was 2.21 +/- 0.62 mg/l, and it was delayed for up to 6 h. This means that a certain time is required for drug transfer from the capillaries via the basal membrane into blister fluid. Penetration of the drug into blister fluid, defined as the ratio of the areas under the trimethoprim level time curve in skin blister fluid to that of plasma, was 0.826 +/- 0.096. The steady-state concentration of trimethoprim in plasma during routine treatment with 200-mg doses ranged between 2 and 3.5 mg/l.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1985

Human plasma and skin blister fluid levels of griseofulvin after its repeated administration.

Griseofulvin was administered orally to 6 healthy volunteers for 6 days. The subjects received 500 mg of a microsize formulation and 330 mg of an ultramicrosize formulation, according to a cross-over design. The drug was determined in plasma, suction blister fluid (SBF) and cantharides blister fluid (CBF) following the last dose. Urinary excretion of the main metabolites 6-demethylgriseofulvin (6-DMG) and its glucuronic acid conjugate was also measured. The pharmacokinetic parameters were compared with those obtained from a recent single dose experiment. On repeated administration, the bioavailability of griseofulvin was significantly lower from the microsize formulation; the urinary recovery of total 6-DMG was 33.8% versus 53.6% on administration of the ultramicrosize material. Bioavailability was reduced as compared to ingestion of a single dose. The reduction was more prominent following the microsize (36%) than the ultramicrosize (17%) formulation. Penetration into skin blister fluid was not altered as compared to the single dose experiment. Relative areas under the blister fluid-time curves amounted to 51% (SBF) and 80% (CBF) of the area under the plasma level-time curve. The concentration of unbound griseofulvin in these body fluids was identical throughout the entire dosage interval. Unbound griseofulvin levels were low in comparison with the minimum inhibitory concentrations for strains of trichophyton and microsporum.

Blister↗
PubMed1985

Human plasma and skin blister fluid levels of griseofulvin following a single oral dose.

Griseofulvin and 6-demethylgriseofulvin (6-DMG) in plasma, suction blister fluid (SBF) and cantharides blister fluid (CBF) and urinary excretion of 6-DMG, were evaluated following administration of single oral doses of an ultramicrosize and a microsize formulation of griseofulvin to 6 healthy volunteers. The bioavailability of griseofulvin was higher following the ultramicrosize formulation when 64% of the dose was recovered (via metabolites) versus 52% after the microsize preparation. Penetration into skin blister fluid was delayed as compared to plasma levels; the peak concentration in plasma was observed at 3-4 h, whereas griseofulvin in CBF increased up to 6 h. The terminal half-live was calculated from plasma levels to 9.3 h. The half-lives calculated from SBF and CBF concentrations were 9.2 and 9.8 h, respectively, (n = 5). In plasma 84% of griseofulvin was bound to proteins, predominantly to albumin; binding in SBF and CBF was 72 and 82%, respectively. 3 h after drug administration the free concentration in plasma significantly exceeded the free concentrations in SBF and CBF. Distribution equilibrium between plasma and skin blister fluid was observed after 27 h. Thus, during chronic administration, the plasma griseofulvin level should reflect its concentration in the target organ.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1990

Skin tissue fluid levels of cefotiam in healthy man following oral cefotiam hexetil.

Cefotiam hexetil is a pro-drug of cefotiam available for oral administration. To evaluate cefotiam concentrations at the active site in skin and soft-tissue infections, drug levels in skin suction blister fluid (SBF), cantharides blister fluid (CBF) and serum were determined. Six healthy subjects received oral cefotiam 400 mg as cefotiam hexetil. On an other day 200 mg was injected intravenously. Following the oral dose, the bioavailability of cefotiam was 45.5%, and the maximum concentration in serum of 2.6 mg.l-1 was obtained at 2.1 h. Peak concentrations in both types of blister fluid (0.9 mg.l-1) were significantly lower than after the iv dose (SBF 1.4 mg.l-1, CBF 1.5 mg.l-1), and the peak levels occurred later (3.3 versus 1.5 h in CBF). Despite the delay, the extent of penetration was about 100% following either mode of administration (SBF, iv dose 112%, oral dose 117%). The cefotiam level in skin blister fluids declined significantly more slowly than the serum level. Following the oral dose, the mean terminal half life was serum 0.8 h, SBF 2.6 h and CBF 4.6 h. Cefotiam concentrations in the blister fluids were close to the MIC90 of Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermis and H. influenzae and exceeded the MIC90 of Streptococci, E. coli and Proteus mirabilis. Thus, the oral administration of cefotiam 400 mg t.i.d. should be curative in the majority of bacterial infections of the skin and soft-tissues.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1987

Cantharidin poisoning associated with specific binding site in liver.

Cantharidin, the potent vesicant and toxicant of blister beetles, was prepared as a radioligand to probe its mechanism of action. [3H]Cantharidin interacts in a saturable and specific manner with a binding site in mouse liver cytosol with apparent Kd and Bmax values of 30 nM and 1.8 pmol/mg protein, respectively. Comparisons of cantharidic acid, the related herbicide endothal, and 20 other oxabicycloheptane-dicarboxylic acids show that their potency as inhibitors of [3H]cantharidin binding is closely correlated with their intraperitoneal toxicity to mice. This binding site is also inhibited in vivo by toxic doses of cantharidin. The [3H]cantharidin binding site in mouse liver cytosol therefore represents, or serves as a model for, the site of toxic action of cantharidin and structurally-related compounds.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Protein phosphatase 2A and its [3H]cantharidin/[3H]endothall thioanhydride binding site. Inhibitor specificity of cantharidin and ATP analogues.

The target site for cantharidin (CA) and its analogues was isolated recently from mouse liver and identified as protein phosphatase (PP2A) in the heterodimeric form known as PP2A2. The most toxic CA analogue, endothall thioanhydride (ETA) (mouse i.p. LD50 0.3 mg/kg), appears to have the same binding site in mouse liver and brain based on studies comparing [3H]ETA and [3H]CA. ATP and its nonhydrolyzable analogues and pyrophosphate and related compounds including phosphonoformic acid inhibited both [3H]CA and [3H]ETA binding with IC50 values ranging from 2 to 81 microM. As with CA itself, the most potent inhibitors have two negatively charged groups in close proximity to each other. Inhibition of [3H]CA binding by 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) and stimulation by N-ethylmaleimide indicated the involvement of a thiol site in the CA-binding domain. CA and three analogues (cantharidic acid, palasonin and endothall) inhibited PP2A and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) but not PP2B or PP2C. The catalytic subunit of PP2A was 5- to 12-fold more sensitive to these CA analogues than the catalytic subunit of PP1. CA and the herbicide endothall also inhibited spinach leaf PP1 and PP2A and, at 50 microM, decreased the PP2A-mediated light-induced activation of nitrate reductase in intact spinach leaves by 62 and 56%, respectively. This is consistent with PP2A as their site of action in plants, and indicates the potential use of CA analogues as pharmacological probes to investigate cellular processes that are regulated by reversible protein phosphorylation in vivo.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1986

Teicoplanin, its pharmacokinetics, blister and peritoneal fluid penetration.

The pharmacokinetics of a 440 mg iv dose of teicoplanin were studied in six male volunteers. The levels of the compound were measured microbiologically in serum, blister fluid and urine. The mean serum level 0-5 h after injection was 44.6 mg 1(-1), falling to 3.6 mg 1(-1) at 49 h. The serum elimination half-life of teicoplanin when fitted to a two-compartment model was 34.2 h; a three-compartment model gave a longer half-life. The apparent distribution half-life was 1.5 h. Penetration into cantharides induced blister fluid was moderately fast, the mean maximum concentration (14.8 mg 1(-1)) occurring at 2.7 h, the mean percentage penetration being 77.4%. Urinary recovery of the drug was 48.3% by 96 h. The drug penetrated rapidly into the non-inflammed peritoneal fluid of 34 patients undergoing elective surgery. The percentage penetration being 40% within the first hour, and 94.6% over the period of the study.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Insect-derived crude drugs in the Chinese Song dynasty.

Fifty-four kinds of crude drug derived from insects are listed in the "herbal" Jing-shi-zheng-lei-da-guang-ben-cao (1108 A.D.) edited during the Chinese Song dynasty (960-1280 A.D.). We considered each of them from the viewpoint of various herbals and have commented on them, the order being adhered to in most cases. We added our own findings of identification of insect crude drugs available on the market. The crude drugs emphasized are mantis egg case, wasp's nest, scarab larva, red cicada, snipe fly, horse fly, flying cockroach, Eupolyphaga, Chinese Cantharides and scarab beetle. Others are discussed to a lesser extent.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Structure activity analysis of the pro-apoptotic, antitumor effect of nitrostyrene adducts and related compounds.

In the present study, we outlined the part of the molecule mediating the prominent pro-apoptotic effect of the Michael adduct of ascorbic acid with p-chloro-nitrostyrene, a new synthetic phosphatase inhibitor. The nitrostyrene (NS) moiety was identified as the structure essential for apoptosis induction. NS and its ascorbic acid adducts displayed LC(50) values of 10-25 microM with no significant reduction of potency in okadaic acid resistant cells overexpressing the MDR1 P-glycoprotein. Induction of apoptosis by NS derivatives and the protein phosphatase 2A inhibitor cantharidic acid was proven by the analysis of caspase-3 activation and subsequent fragmentation of DNA. Further structure activity analysis revealed the necessity of the nitro group at the beta-position of the side chain. The pro-apoptotic potential of adducts of NS with pyrimidine- or pyridine-derivatives varied between NS and a progressive reduction in potency up to a nearly complete loss of cytotoxicity. Substitutions at the benzene core of NS suggested a prominent enhancement of toxicity only by substitutions at the 2- or 3-position. Heterocyclic aromatics can substitute for the benzene ring of NS albeit with a 2-3-fold reduced potency. In conclusion, nitrostyrene was identified as the core structure mediating the pro-apoptotic effect of a new synthetic phosphatase inhibitor. Further studies defined a nitrovinyl side chain attached to an aromatic ring as the pharmacophore structure of a new group of pro-apoptotic agents. These observations present the basis for the development of a new group of anticancer drugs.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Characterization of two pituitary GH3 cell sublines partially resistant to apoptosis induction by okadaic acid.

Pituitary GH3 cells die by apoptosis when treated with okadaic acid, a specific inhibitor of ser/thr phosphatases. Incubations starting at concentrations of 5 and 12.5 nM followed by stepwise rises resulted in two populations (the S1 and S2 sublines) that proliferated at initially lethal 30 nM. Cells were partially resistant to higher concentrations of okadaic acid and its derivative methyl okadaate. Toxicity of the structurally distinct inhibitors cantharidic acid and calyculin A was differently affected in the two resistant lines. The enhanced expression of the P-glycoprotein was one mechanism of resistance in S1 and S2. Resistance was reversed completely (S1) or partially (S2) by the addition of verapamil. In addition, phosphatase activity, presumably PP2A, was increased in S2. Therefore, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms can protect pituitary GH3 cells from apoptotic cell death by okadaic acid.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗