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Covalent structure of turnip peroxidase 7. Cyanogen bromide fragments, complete structure and comparison to horseradish peroxidase C.

The complete amino acid sequence of turnip peroxidase TP 7, the principal isoperoxidase during winter in turnip, Brassica napus L., variety Blanc dur d'hiver, has been determined by sequence analysis of cyanogen bromide fragments and of tryptic peptides. The turnip peroxidase TP 7 enzyme is composed of 296 amino acids, one hemin group and one neutral carbohydrate side chain attached through asparagine. The molecular weight of the polypeptide part is 31,060, and including hemin and carbohydrate the molecular weight of the native enzyme is close to 33,400. The isoelectric point of turnip peroxidase TP 7 is 11.6. Comparison of turnip peroxidase TP 7 and horseradish peroxidase HRP C shows that they contain four similarly located disulfide bridges and have pyrrolidone carboxylyl N termini. Their common evolutionary origin is distant as their amino acid sequences are only 49% identical. Furthermore, turnip peroxidase TP 7 differs significantly from three other isoperoxidases of turnip root, turnip peroxidases TP 1, TP 2 and TP 3, and from horseradish peroxidase HRP C in its physico-chemical and enzymatic properties, and its pronounced season-dependent appearance. All these differences of turnip peroxidase TP 7 and of the others suggest they serve separate biological functions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation, purification, and the sequence of relaxin from spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias).

A relaxin-like molecule has been isolated from the ovaries of the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) which consists, like porcine relaxin, of two chains linked by the insulin-type disulfide bonds. The total number of amino acids is 54 of which 24 are in the A chain and 30 in the B chain. The molecular masses, calculated from the amino acid compositions, are 2510 Da for the A chain and 3370 Da for the B chain, making a total of 5880 Da. The N-terminus of the B chain is protected by a 5-oxoproline (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) residue which is also found in the same position in the relaxins of sand tiger shark, pig, and man, whereas the relaxin of the rat has its 5-oxoproline residue at the N-terminal of the A chain. By all available criteria, S. acanthias relaxin is a typical member of the relaxin family although the sequence homology to mammalian relaxins is limited to about 45% of its amino acid residues. In contrast, the dogfish relaxin shows about 80% homology with sand tiger shark relaxin (the first such interspecies similarity to be observed) and has about twice the biological activity (mouse pubic symphysis test) when compared to sand tiger relaxin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Purification and characterization of an ATP-dependent amidohydrolase, N-methylhydantoin amidohydrolase, from Pseudomonas putida 77.

N-Methylhydantoin amidohydrolase, an ATP-dependent amidohydrolase involved in microbial degradation of creatinine, was purified 70-fold to homogeneity, with a 62% overall recovery, and was crystallized from Pseudomonas putida 77. The enzyme has a relative molecular mass of 300,000. It is a tetramer of two identical small subunits (M(r) 70,000) and two identical large subunits (M(r) 80,000). The enzyme requires ATP for the amidohydrolysis of N-methylhydantoin and vice versa. Mg2+, Mn2+ or Co2+, and K+, NH4+, Rb+ or Cs+, were absolutely required concomitantly for the enzyme activity as divalent and monovalent cations, respectively. The Km and Vmax values for N-methylhydantoin were 32 microM and 9.0 mumol.min-1.mg protein-1. The hydrolysis of amide compounds and coupled hydrolysis of ATP were observed with hydantoin, DL-5-methylhydantoin, glutarimide and succimide in addition to N-methylhydantoin. 2-Pyrrolidone, 2-oxazolidone, delta-valerolactam, 2,4-thiazolidinedione, 2-imidazolidone, D-5-oxoproline methyl ester, DL-5-oxoproline methyl ester, and naturally occurring pyrimidine compounds, i.e. dihydrouracil, dihydrothymine, uracil, and thymine, effectively stimulated ATP hydrolysis by the enzyme without undergoing detectable self-hydrolysis.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Upregulation of LPS-induced chemokine KC expression by 15-deoxy-delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 in mouse peritoneal macrophages.

15-Deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) (15d-PGJ(2)) was initially identified as a high affinity natural ligand for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma. Recent studies have shown that it has a potent anti-inflammatory effect by attenuating the expression of proinflammatory mediators in activated macrophages, mainly through the inhibition of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB-dependent transcription of inflammatory genes. In this study, we investigated the synergistic effect of 15d-PGJ(2) on the expression of LPS-induced chemokine KC mRNA in mouse peritoneal macrophages. The time course of KC mRNA expression in cells stimulated with 15d-PGJ(2) plus LPS simultaneously (15d-PGJ(2)/LPS) showed similar patterns to the cells treated with LPS alone, and 15d-PGJ(2) had no effect on the stability of LPS-induced KC mRNA expression. Although NF-kappaB activity in cells treated with LPS was augmented by 15d-PGJ(2), pyrrolidone dithiocarbamate (PDTC) did not block the synergistic effect of 15d-PGJ(2) on LPS-induced KC mRNA expression. However, the synergistic effect of 15d-PGJ(2) was markedly inhibited when the macrophages were treated with a inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway, 2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavine (PD98059). Therefore, the mechanism of synergistic action of 15d-PGJ(2) on the expression of LPS-induced KC mRNA in mouse peritoneal macrophages is possibly related to the MAPK signalling pathway, not to NF-kappaB activation. These data may contribute to unravelling some of the different mechanisms contrary to the anti-inflammatory effect of 15d-PGJ(2).

Animals↗

Effects of cyclic AMP analogues and phosphodiesterase inhibitors on K+-induced [3H]noradrenaline release from rat brain slices and on its presynaptic alpha-adrenergic modulation.

The possible role of cyclic AMP in the presynaptic alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated modulation of [3H]noradrenaline (NA) release induced by 13 mM K+ from superfused rat cerebral cortex slices was investigated. Both dibutyryl-cyclic AMP (db-cAMP) and 8-bromo-cyclic AMP (8-Br-cAMP) dose-dependently (10(-4) - 10(-2) M) enhanced K+-induced (3H]NA release, maximally to about 160% of control. In contrast, db-cAMP had no effect on calcium-induced [3H]NA release in the presence of the calcium ionophore A 23187. Surprisingly, the phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). 7-benzyl-IBMX, 4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-pyrrolidone (ZK 62771), and 4-(3-butoxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-2-imidazolidinone (Ro 20-1724) appeared to inhibit K+-induced [3H]NA release in a dose-dependent (10(-5) - 10(-3) M) manner. At a concentration of 10(-4) M, AK 62771 caused an inhibition of [3H]NA release by 30%, and this inhibitory effect was not affected by 10(-6) M phentolamine nor by 10(-3) M db-cAMP or 10(-4) M theophylline. Theophylline by itself enhanced [3H]NA release to about 135% of control. The inhibitor effect of the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist oxymetazoline (1 micro M) and the enhancing effect of the antagonist phentolamine (1 micro M) on [3H]NA release were significantly decreased in the presence of 10(-3) M db-cAMP or 8-Br-cAMP, whereas 10(-4) M ZK 62771 had no effect. In the presence of 10(-2) M NaF, a potent activator of adenylate cyclase, the inhibitory effect of oxymetazoline (1 micro M) on [3H]NA release was significantly decreased. The data obtained with the cyclic AMP analogues support the hypothesis that activation of presynaptic alpha-receptors modulating NA release results in an inhibition of a presynaptic adenylate cyclase. Possible causes for the anomalous effects of th PDE inhibitors are discussed.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Differential stimulation of inositol phospholipid turnover in brain by analogs of oxotremorine.

Structural analogs of oxotremorine have been employed to examine the relationship between the binding of agonists to muscarinic receptors in guinea pig cerebral cortex and the enhancement of inositol lipid turnover. Large differences were observed in the ability of the analogs to stimulate inositol phospholipid turnover, as measured both by the increase in labeling of phosphatidate and phosphatidylinositol from 32Pi in a nerve-ending fraction, and by the stimulated release of labeled inositol phosphates from slices of cerebral cortex, a direct measure of inositol lipid breakdown. The quaternary N+ analogs, oxotremorine-M and its N-methylacetamide derivative, were five to thirteen times as effective as oxotremorine. In contrast, methyl substitution of the pyrrolidone ring of oxotremorine resulted in a complete loss of agonist activity. Receptor occupancy data obtained from the displacement of labeled quinuclidinyl benzilate bound to receptors in a nerve-ending fraction indicated that the more efficacious agonists interacted with at least two affinity forms of the muscarinic receptor, whereas the less effective agonists bound to a single affinity form. Dose-response curves obtained in the presence of oxotremorine-M for inositol lipid turnover in both the nerve-ending fraction and slice preparation correlated with the occupancy of a single low-affinity form of the muscarinic receptor. The results suggest that the differential abilities of analogs of oxotremorine to enhance inositol lipid turnover in brain are closely related to the extent of agonist-induced conformational change in the muscarinic receptor.

Animals↗

Role of adenylate cyclase in presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptor- and mu-opioid receptor-mediated inhibition of [3H]noradrenaline release from rat brain cortex slices.

Rat brain cortex slices, prelabelled with [3H]noradrenaline, were superfused and exposed to electrical biphasic block pulses (1 Hz; 12 mA, 4 ms) or to the Ca2+ ionophore A 23187 (10 microM) in the presence of 1.2 mM Ca2+. Forskolin (10 microM), 8-bromo-cyclic AMP (300 microM), and dibutyryl-cyclic AMP (300 microM) facilitated both the electrically evoked and A 23187-induced [3H]noradrenaline release, whereas the phosphodiesterase inhibitors 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX, 300 microM) and 4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-pyrrolidone (ZK 62771, 30 microM) enhanced the electrically evoked release only. The inhibitory effects of clonidine (1 nM-1 microM) and the facilitatory effect of phentolamine (0.01-10 microM) on the electrically evoked [3H]noradrenaline release were strongly reduced in the presence of 8-bromo-cyclic AMP. Clonidine (1 microM) reduced and phentolamine (3 microM) enhanced A 23187-induced [3H]noradrenaline release, provided that the slices were simultaneously exposed to forskolin. The inhibitory effects of morphine (1 microM) and [D-Ala2-D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE, 0.3 microM), like that of the Ca2+ antagonist Cd2+ (15 microM), on the electrically evoked release of [3H]noradrenaline were not affected by 8-bromo-cyclic AMP. Moreover, morphine and DADLE did not inhibit A 23187-induced release in the absence or presence of forskolin. These data strongly suggest that in contrast to presynaptic mu-opioid receptors, alpha 2-adrenoceptors on noradrenergic nerve terminals are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase and may thus reduce neurotransmitter release by inhibiting the feed-forward action of cyclic AMP on the secretion process.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

N-methyl-D-aspartate recognition site ligands modulate activity at the coupled glycine recognition site.

In synaptic plasma membranes from rat forebrain, the potencies of glycine recognition site agonists and antagonists for modulating [3H]1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine ([3H]TCP) binding and for displacing strychnine-insensitive [3H]glycine binding are altered in the presence of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) recognition site ligands. The NMDA competitive antagonist, cis-4-phosphonomethyl-2-piperidine carboxylate (CGS 19755), reduces [3H]glycine binding, and the reduction can be fully reversed by the NMDA recognition site agonist, L-glutamate. Scatchard analysis of [3H]glycine binding shows that in the presence of CGS 19755 there is no change in Bmax (8.81 vs. 8.79 pmol/mg of protein), but rather a decrease in the affinity of glycine (KD of 0.202 microM vs. 0.129 microM). Similar decreases in affinity are observed for the glycine site agonists, D-serine and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate, in the presence of CGS 19755. In contrast, the affinity of glycine antagonists, 1-hydroxy-3-amino-2-pyrrolidone and 1-aminocyclobutane-1-carboxylate, at this [3H]glycine recognition site increases in the presence of CGS 19755. The functional consequence of this change in affinity was addressed using the modulation of [3H]TCP binding. In the presence of L-glutamate, the potency of glycine agonists for the stimulation of [3H]TCP binding increases, whereas the potency of glycine antagonists decreases. These data are consistent with NMDA recognition site ligands, through their interactions at the NMDA recognition site, modulating activity at the associated glycine recognition site.

Animals↗

A new endogenous anxiolytic agent: L-pyroglutamic acid.

By use of a simple anticonflict procedure (Vogel test), it was demonstrated that L-pyroglutamic acid (L-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid [L-PCA]), an amino acid naturally occurring in mammalian tissues and fluids, possesses anxiolytic activity. This tissues and fluids, possesses anxiolytic activity. This effect was stereospecific (D-PCA was inactive) and, in the rat, it was not associated with a decrease in motor activity. Ro 15-1788, a benzodiazepine antagonist, did not modify L-PCA actions. Furthermore, anxiolytic doses of the amino acid did not change the content of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) or of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the rat cortex and hippocampus. These results suggest that the mechanism of the anxiolytic activity of L-PCA is different from that of the benzodiazepines and of 5-HT1a agonists.

Animals↗

Effects of cyclic AMP- and cyclic GMP- phosphodiesterase inhibitors on immunological release of histamine and on lung contraction.

1 Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP)- and cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic GMP)-phosphodiesterase activities from rat lung were selectively inhibited by ZK 62711 and M & B 22948, respectively. Theophylline and papaverine inhibited both activities. 2 Rat lung strips contracted by carbachol were relaxed by 4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-pyrrolidone (ZK 26711, EC25 = 7 x 10(-8)M) and 2-O-propoxyphenyl-8-azapurin-6-one (M & B 22948, EC25 = 5 x 10(-7)M) indicating relaxant properties of both cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP. 3 The antigen-induced histamine release from human basophils was inhibited by ZK 62711 (IC25 = 8 x 10(-7)M), whereas M & B 22948 had no effect. On the contrary, the release from rat mast cells was inhibited by M & B 22948 (IC25 = 10(-6)M), while ZK 62711 had no effect. 4 These data show an inhibitory effect of cyclic AMP on histamine release to be involved with basophils, whereas cyclic GMP is predominantly involved with mast cells. Is is suggested that the antianaphylactic properties of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitors are mainly linked to the increase of cyclic GMP.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Advanced glycosylation end products induce inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression via a p38 MAPK-dependent pathway.

BACKGROUND: Advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) accumulation in tissue has been implicated in diabetic related complications, including diabetic nephropathy. Activation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) ameliorates diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: In the present study, we investigated the effects of AGEs on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and nitric oxide production, and the effects of rosiglitazone, an activator of PPAR-gamma, on AGE-induced iNOS expression and nitrite release in glomerular mesangial cells. RESULTS: AGEs caused a dose- and time-dependent increase of iNOS induction and nitrite accumulation in mesangial cells. A protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor (genistein), or a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor (SB203580) suppressed AGE-induced iNOS expression and nitrite release from mesangial cells. Addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-AGEs to mesangial cells increased p38 MAPK activities. Activation of PPAR-gamma by rosiglitazone inhibited AGE-induced iNOS expression, nitrite release, and p38 MAPK activation in mesangial cells. AGE-stimulated nitrite release was attenuated by pretreatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and anti-transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) antibodies. AGE-induced iNOS expression was inhibited by treatment with a nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibitor, pyrrolidone dithiocarbamate. Addition of BSA-AGEs to mesangial cells stimulated p65 NF-kappaB translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that cytokine release, NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK-dependent pathways may play a role in AGE-induced iNOS expression and subsequent nitric oxide production in mesangial cells. Rosiglitazone may prevent AGE-induced iNOS expression by interfering with p38 MAPK activity.

Animals↗

Magnesium prophylaxis of menstrual migraine: effects on intracellular magnesium.

The effects of oral Magnesium (Mg) pyrrolidone carboxylic acid were evaluated in 20 patients affected by menstrual migraine, in a double-blind, placebo controlled study. After a two cycles run-in period, the treatment (360 mg/day of Mg or placebo) started on the 15th day of the cycle and continued till the next menses, for two months. Oral Mg was then supplemented in an open design for the next two months. At the 2nd month, the Pain Total Index was decreased by both Placebo and Mg, with patients receiving active drug showing the lowest values (P less than 0.03). The number of days with headache was reduced only in the patients on active drug. Mg treatment also improved premenstrual complaints, as demonstrated by the significant reduction of Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) scores. The reduction of PTI and MDQ scores was observed also at the 4th month of treatment, when Mg was supplemented in all the patients. Intracellular Mg++ levels in patients with menstrual migraine were reduced compared to controls. During oral Mg treatment, the Mg++ content of Lymphocytes (LC) and Polymorphonucleated cells (PMN) significantly increased, while no changes in plasma or Red Blood Cells were found. An inverse correlation between PTI and Mg++ content in PMN was demonstrated. These data point to magnesium supplementation as a further means for menstrual migraine prophylaxis, and support the possibility that a lower migraine threshold could be related to magnesium deficiency.

Administration, Oral↗

Is glutamate a trigger factor in epileptic hyperactivity?

The effects of glutamate and aspartate antagonists were studied on limb-jerk frequency and EEG patterns in rats made epileptic by cobalt implantation in the sensorimotor cerebral cortex. The results of this study were as follows: (1) alpha-Amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (0.055--1.10 mM) decreased or completely prevented the epileptic manifestations. The effect was reversible 30 min after washing with artificial CSF solution. (2) DL-Pyroglutamic acid completely abolished the myoclonic jerks and EEG spikes. (3) alpha-Amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid and alpha-D-amino-adipic acid significantly reduced the frequency of epileptic spikes and myoclonic jerks. (4) Other analogs, alpha-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (0.6 mM), alpha-amino phosphonocaproic acid (0.95), and hydroxy-3-amino pyrrolidone-2 were without effect. (5) Glutamate itself did not decrease the epileptic manifestations.

Amino Acids↗

Anticonvulsant properties of the novel nootropic agent nefiracetam in seizure models of mice and rats.

PURPOSE: Nefiracetam (NEF) is a novel pyrrolidone-type nootropic agent, and it has been reported to possess various pharmacologic effects as well as cognition-enhancing effects. The present study focused on the anticonvulsant effect of NEF and its potential for antiepileptic therapy. METHODS: The anticonvulsant properties of NEF were investigated in experimental seizure models of mice and rats, compared with levetiracetam (LEV) and other standard antiepileptic drugs [AEDs; zonisamide (ZNS), phenytoin (PHT), carbamazepine (CBZ), valproic acid (VPA), diazepam (DZP), and ethosuximide (ESM)]. With reference to standard programs for evaluating potential AEDs, the study included the traditional maximal electroshock seizure and subcutaneous chemoconvulsant (pentylenetetrazole, bicuculline, picrotoxin, strychnine, or N-methyl-D-aspartate) seizure tests and two threshold models (the increasing-current electroshock seizure test and intravenous pentylenetetrazole seizure threshold test). Neurotoxic activities were examined with the rotarod test and traction test. RESULTS: NEF inhibited electroshock-induced seizures at nontoxic doses, whereas it had no effect on seizures chemically induced by pentylenetetrazole, bicuculline, picrotoxin, strychnine, or N-methyl-D-aspartate. The anticonvulsant spectrum of NEF paralleled that of ZNS, PHT, and CBZ. The anticonvulsant efficacy of NEF was comparable with that of ZNS and less potent than that of PHT, CBZ, and DZP. However, the safety margin of NEF was superior to that of ZNS, CBZ, VPA, and DZP. LEV showed only slight anticonvulsant effects in threshold models, and it was not effective in conventional screening models. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that NEF has distinct anticonvulsant spectrum and mechanisms from those of LEV. NEF is an orally active and safe AED, and it possesses a potential for antiepileptic therapy.

Animals↗

Piracetam-induced improvement of mental performance. A controlled study on normally aging individuals.

A double-blind, intra-individual cross-over comparison of the mental performance of 18 aging, non-deteriorated individuals during two 4-week periods of piracetam (1-acetamide-2-pyrrolidone) and placebo administration was performed using conventional and computerized perceptual-motor tasks. In a majority of these tasks the subjects did significantly better when on piracetam than on placebo, a finding consistent with ratings completed by two independent observers. The findings indicate new avenues for the treatment of individuals with reduced mental performance possibly related to disturbed alertness--a neglected group of psychiatric conditions.

Aged↗

Alterations in lipid fluidity induced by cholesterol and cholesterol hemisuccinate modulate the organization of microtubule skeletons in epithelial cells.

This study was designed to evaluate the role that cholesterol, and the more hydrophilic ester, cholesterol hemisuccinate (CHS) have on the ability of epithelial cells to attach, spread and reorganize microtubule skeletons on a defined substratum. A431 carcinoma cells were grown and incubated with cholesterol, or CHS in polyvinyl pyrrolidone. Subsequently the cells were plated either on plastic petri dishes or plasticware coated with collagen IV or laminin. The alteration in apparent membrane microviscosity was ascertained using fluorescence polarization measurements. Organization of microtubules was determined by immunofluorescence, and by transmission electron microscopy. Cholesterol and CHS inhibited attachment and spreading of epithelial cells. Cells previously attached and spread became spherical after treatment with cholesterol and CHS, but microtubules were unaffected. However, when the cells were pretreated in suspension with cholesterol or CHS the membrane microviscosities markedly increased, and upon subsequent plating those cells adhering neither spread nor organized microtubule skeletons. These results suggest that cholesterol-induced changes in lipid microviscosity modulate the membrane dynamics that control the ability of epithelial cells to attach, spread and organize microtubule skeletons.

Carcinoma↗

Effect of experimental trichinosis on unrelated humoral and cell mediated immunity.

Immune responses to unrelated antigens were studied during the course of Trichinella spiralis infection in mice. A transitory depression of the IgM response to the thymus dependent antigen, sheep erythrocytes, was seen three weeks after infection and this effect was more pronounced after challenge. A depression of the IgG response also was observed, however, not until 6 weeks after infection. The humoral response to the thymus independent antigen, polyvinyl pyrrolidone showed a slight increase which was most evident in challenged mice. The nonspecific cellular immune response, as measured by the split heart allograft technique, showed a profound and longlasting depression. This effect was mot pronounced one week after inoculation, when the parasite resides mainly in the intestine. The time at which the nonspecific cellular immunity was most depressed coincides with the period of strong specific cell mediated immunity. It is also shown that experimental trichinosis in CBA mice is accompanied by profound but transient changes in the thymus reflected mainly as a depletion of cortical thymocytes. These changes were not due to corticosteroids or malnutrition. There is reason to believe that thymic depletion is of significance for the depressed antibody response, but not for the prolonged survival of allografts. These findings indicate that T. spiralis affects the nonspecific immunity at different levels.

Adrenalectomy↗

Encapsulated hydrophilic polymer beads containing indomethacin as controlled release drug delivery systems.

Encapsulated hydrophilic polymer beads containing indomethacin were prepared by a combined technique of bead polymerization and phase separation. The drug delivery system consisted of the copolymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and acrylamide as the core matrix and ethyl cellulose as the barrier membrane. The drug was incorporated into the polymer matrix during the formation of the beads. The system was found to be useful as a sustained release dosage form. Release of drug from the coated beads followed a zero-order rate up to 40% of the drug released. A linear relationship exists between the rate of release and the reciprocal amount of ethyl cellulose used for coating, indicating that the drug release was controlled by the coating thickness. Addition of polyvinyl pyrrolidone in the formulation significantly increased the amount of drug released. Blood level studies showed that drug absorption from the encapsulated beads was lower than that of indomethacin powder. It appeared that indomethacin was completely absorbed from the encapsulated beads.

Animals↗