Simultaneous Quantitative Detection of Relevant Biomarkers in Breast Cancer by Quantitative Real-Time PCR

The assessment of ERα, PgR and HER2 status is routinely performed today to determine the endocrine responsiveness of breast cancer samples. Such determination is usually accomplished by means of immunohistochemistry and in case of HER2 amplification by means of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The analysis of these markers can be improved by simultaneous measurements using quantitative real-time PCR (Qrt-PCR). In this study we compared Qrt-PCR results for the assessment of mRNA levels of ERα, PgR, and the members of the human epidermal growth factor receptor family, HER1, HER2, HER3 and HER4. The results were obtained in two independent laboratories using two different methods, SYBR Green I and TaqMan probes, and different primers. By linear regression we demonstrated a good concordance for all six markers. The quantitative mRNA expression levels of ERα, PgR and HER2 also strongly correlated with the respective quantitative protein expression levels prospectively detected by EIA in both laboratories. In addition, HER2 mRNA expression levels correlated well with gene amplification detected by FISH in the same biopsies. Our results indicate that both Qrt-PCR methods were robust and sensitive tools for routine diagnostics and consistent with standard methodologies. The developed simultaneous assessment of several biomarkers is fast and labor effective and allows optimization of the clinical decision-making process in breast cancer tissue and/or core biopsies.

Chemiluminescence immunoassay for vascular endothelial growth factor (vascular permeability factor) in tumor-tissue homogenates

We developed a two-site chemiluminescence immunoassay for human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The assay recognized both VEGF121 and VEGF165 isoforms, but had no detectable cross-reactivity with platelet-derived growth factor or placenta growth factor. The range of detection was between 30 ng/L and 30 micrograms/L VEGF. Inter- and intraassay variations were 8.2-8.3% and 7.2-7.6%, respectively. VEGF concentrations were measured in the cytosolic extracts of 45 ovarian and 142 primary breast tumors. The amount of VEGF in the ovarian tumors (median = 0.46 ng/mg total protein, range 0-15.8 ng/mg) was significantly (P = 0.03) higher compared with the breast tumors (median = 0.24 ng/mg total protein, range 0-12.3 ng/mg). In 32 and 7 extracts of normal breast tissues adjacent and distant to the tumors, respectively, VEGF concentrations were significantly much lower (P < 0.0001). The detection of substantial amounts of VEGF in two invasive tumors (compared with normal tissues) suggests that the assay should be a useful tool for investigating the prognostic value of VEGF in breast and ovarian carcinomas and for selecting patients for future anti-VEGF therapy.

Chemiluminescence immunoassay for vascular endothelial growth factor (vascular permeability factor) in tumor-tissue homogenates

We developed a two-site chemiluminescence immunoassay for human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The assay recognized both VEGF121 and VEGF165 isoforms, but had no detectable cross-reactivity with platelet-derived growth factor or placenta growth factor. The range of detection was between 30 ng/L and 30 micrograms/L VEGF. Inter- and intraassay variations were 8.2-8.3% and 7.2-7.6%, respectively. VEGF concentrations were measured in the cytosolic extracts of 45 ovarian and 142 primary breast tumors. The amount of VEGF in the ovarian tumors (median = 0.46 ng/mg total protein, range 0-15.8 ng/mg) was significantly (P = 0.03) higher compared with the breast tumors (median = 0.24 ng/mg total protein, range 0-12.3 ng/mg). In 32 and 7 extracts of normal breast tissues adjacent and distant to the tumors, respectively, VEGF concentrations were significantly much lower (P &lt; 0.0001). The detection of substantial amounts of VEGF in two invasive tumors (compared with normal tissues) suggests that the assay should be a useful tool for investigating the prognostic value of VEGF in breast and ovarian carcinomas and for selecting patients for future anti-VEGF therapy.

Isolation of a heregulin-like growth factor secreted by estrogen receptor-negative MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells that stimulates estrogen receptor-positive cells

A 52 kDa peptide growth factor secreted by the estrogen receptor (ER)-negative human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was purified to homogeneity. It induced transient membrane ruffling, lamellipodia formation, cell motility and proliferation exclusively of ER-positive human breast cancer cells. Partial sequencing revealed a high homology to the protein family of heregulins. However, the obtained amino acid sequences of the new factor were not completely identical to any of the members of the heregulin family. This finding together with the observation that the successful purification protocol was significantly different from that used to isolate other members of the heregulin family indicate the isolation of a novel heregulin-like proliferation factor for ER-positive human breast cancer cells.

Inhibition of growth-factor-activated proliferation by anti-estrogens and effects on early gene expression of MCF-7 cells

Recently, it was reported that the anti-estrogen tamoxifen not only inhibits estradiol-stimulated growth of MCF-7 cells but also significantly reduces the proliferation rate of cells stimulated by growth factors. We have confirmed this finding and also shown that the new anti-estrogen droloxifene inhibits the proliferation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I)-stimulated MCF-7 cells. The growth-factor-induced proliferation was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the anti-estrogens in the complete absence of estrogen and FCS. Of the anti-estrogens, droloxifene was considerably more potent than tamoxifen. Because the expression of the proto-oncogenes c-fos and c-myc has been considered a key event in development of the mitogenic response, we examined the effects of anti-estrogens on c-myc and c-fos gene expression. We included in these investigations the steroidal anti-estrogen ICI 164,384 because this compound has no or very little estrogenic activity. The studies revealed that all 3 anti-estrogens transiently induced c-myc mRNA expression. However, the anti-estrogens inhibited estradiol-induced c-myc mRNA expression, although with different potencies. Pre-incubation of MCF-7 cells with droloxifene and tamoxifen resulted in elevated levels of growth-factor-induced c-myc mRNA expression. In contrast, the anti-estrogens did not induce c-fos mRNA or affect the expression of c-fos mRNA induced by growth factors. In conclusion, non-steroidal anti-estrogens inhibit growth-factor-stimulated proliferation of MCF-7 cells without inhibiting growth-factor-induced c-myc or c-fos mRNA expression.

c-fos, c-jun and c-myc expressions are not growth rate limiting for the human MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) was 3 times more potent in pagating MCF-7 cell proliferation than epidermal growth factor (EGF). IGF-I stimulated c-fos mRNA expression about 5 times less than EGF. Both growth factors were equipotent in inducing c-jun and c-myc mRNA expressions. The protein level of c-Myc correlated with the mRNA level. IGF-I and EGF stimulated the transcriptional activity dependent on the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-responsive element (TRE) to the same extent, when measured by the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase activity of a transiently transfected multiple TRE construct. These results strongly indicate that the expression levels of the measured proto-oncogenes do not correlate with the increase of growth stimulation by IGF-I and EGF and are not growth rate limiting for the human MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Pharmacologic and biologic properties of droloxifene, a new antiestrogen

Pharmacologic investigations with droloxifene in vitro and in vivo revealed that droloxifene is a more efficient antiestrogen than tamoxifen. Droloxifene differs from tamoxifen in the following ways: it has a more than 10-fold higher binding affinity to the estrogen receptor; it shows lower estrogenic and higher antiestrogenic effects on rat uterus, indicating a higher therapeutic index; it more potently inhibits growth of various human ER-positive mammary carcinoma cell lines; short-term exposures with clinically relevant concentrations of droloxifene produce long-term growth inhibition of human ER-positive cancer cells and are more effective than continuous treatment with tamoxifen; it more effectively reduces S-phases and arrests ER-positive cells in G1-phase of the cell cycle; it antagonizes estrogen independent, growth factor stimulated proliferation of MCF-7 cells with higher efficiency; it blocks estrogen activated c-myc expression better than tamoxifen; it more effectively inhibits growth of various experimental tumors of animal (R 3230, DMBA) and human (T61) origin. Therefore, in all experimental systems, it was found that droloxifene is a more potent antiestrogen than tamoxifen.

Modulation of extracellular-matrix synthesized by cultured stromal cells from normal human breast tissue by epidermal growth factor

A routine, reproducible procedure was developed for the preparation and characterization of stromal cells from normal human breast tissue obtained by reduction mammaplasty. Isolates (n = 15) all exhibited enhanced rates of proliferation, even in the presence of 20% fetal calf serum, when exposed to epidermal growth factor or transforming growth factor a (both 10(-8) M). Cellular responsiveness to these growth factors was consistent with expression of specific surface receptors for epidermal growth factor (approximately 10(4)/cell). In cultures, stromal cells elaborated an extensive, cross-linked, insoluble extracellular matrix which remained firmly associated with the plastic surface of tissue culture ware upon lysis of cells. The insoluble matrix material was analyzed using enzymatic digestion procedures following incorporation of radiolabelled precursors into macromolecular material prior to lysis and preparation. The relative proportion of glycoconjugate (glycopeptides and proteoglycans) and collagenous material present in matrix material was approximately 45% and approximately 55%, respectively, and this was modulated by inclusion of epidermal growth factor into culture medium to approximately 60% and approximately 40%, respectively. Under similar culture conditions stromal cells synthesized twice as much hyaluronate as was produced by control cultures. By use of specific antibody preparations we identified at least four species of glycopeptide present in stromal matrices (namely, fibronectin, laminin, tenascin, and thrombospondin) as well as three types of collagen (types I, III, and IV). The rapid and reproducible procedure for the preparation of radiolabelled insoluble matrix material from normal human breast tissue allows for the study of cellular interaction involving extracellular matrix turnover and degradation.

Regulation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase in human mammary tumor cells: effect of estrogen, growth factors and phorbol ester

Growth of human mammary tumor cells ZR-75-1 is stimulated by estradiol (E2), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). In these cells ribosomal protein S6 kinase is activated by EGF, IGF-I, insulin and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA) but not by E2. The human mammary tumor cell line MDA-MB 231, which is E2-receptor negative, has receptors for EGF, IGF-I and insulin but is unresponsive to these factors in terms of growth and S6 kinase activation. The role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the activation of S6 kinase by growth factors and TPA was investigated in ZR-75-1 cells. Down regulation of PKC activity by treatment with TPA for 48-h blocks the stimulation of S6 kinase by TPA but leaves the activation by EGF, IGF-I and insulin unaffected. In intact ZR-75-1 cells staurosporine blocks activation of S6 kinase by EGF and TPA, however with different IC50. The results show that S6 kinase is not activated by estradiol, that its activation by EGF, IGE-I and insulin does not depend on the presence of PKC activity and that its activation by TPA is mediated by a different (PKC-dependent) pathway.

Role of extracellular electrolytes in the activation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase by epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor 1, and insulin in ZR-75-1 cells

Activation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase by epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) was studied in the human mammary tumor cell line ZR-75-1 in isotonic buffers. In contrast to growth factor-dependent S6 phosphorylation which is strongly dependent on extracellular pH (Chambard, J. C., and J. Pouyssegur. 1986. Exp. Cell Res. 164:282-294.) preincubation of cells in buffers with different pH values ranging from 7.5 to 6.5 had no effect on basal or EGF-stimulated S6 kinase activity. Replacement of extracellular Na+ with choline or replacement of extracellular Ca++ with EGTA also did not inhibit stimulation of S6 kinase by EGF. When intracellular Ca++ was buffered with the permeable Ca++ chelator quin2, EGF stimulation was reduced 50%. A similar inhibition of the EGF response was observed when cells were incubated in buffers with high K+ concentrations or in the presence of the K+ ionophore valinomycin. Insulin and IGF1 stimulation of S6 kinase were also inhibited by high K+ concentrations and by buffering intracellular Ca++. In contrast to the responses to EGF, insulin- and IGF1-activation of S6 kinase was enhanced when glucose was present and depended on the presence of bicarbonate in the medium. The results indicate that ionic signals generated by growth factors and insulin, such as increases in intracellular pH or Na+, do not seem to be involved in the activation of S6 kinase. However, effects of growth factors or insulin on membrane potential and/or K+ fluxes and redistribution of intracellular Ca++ may play a role in the activation process. Furthermore, the mechanism of insulin activation of S6 kinase is distinct from the growth factors by its dependency on extracellular bicarbonate.

Estrogen stimulates growth of mammary tumor cells ZR-75 without activation of S6 kinase and S6 phosphorylation. Difference from epidermal growth factor and alpha-transforming growth-factor-induced proliferation

Growth of the human mammary tumor cell line ZR-75-1 is stimulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and alpha-type transforming growth factor (alpha TGF), as well as by estradiol (E2). The role of activation of S6 kinase and S6 phosphorylation in the EGF(alpha TGF)-induced and E2-induced growth was investigated. Maximal effects on growth are observed at 10 nM EGF or alpha TGF. EGF as well as alpha TGF treatment of serum-starved cells leads to rapid activation of S6 kinase; the activity is increased about tenfold after 30 min of EGF treatment and declines with the time reaching about 25% of the maximal activity after 2 h of EGF treatment. Similar to the growth response, S6 kinase is activated at lower doses of EGF than alpha TGF and shows a maximal response at 10 nM for both growth factors. In contrast to this finding the incubation of serum-starved cells with E2 over a concentration range between 1 pM and 10 nM and times from 30 min to 4 h does not lead to increased S6 kinase activity. On investigating whether this lack of response to E2 is due to desensitization of the system by induction of alpha TGF it was found that preincubation of cells with alpha TGF for 2-6 h desensitizes them to reactivation of S6 kinase by alpha TGF, whereas preincubation with E2 does not. When S6 phosphorylation is monitored over times from 1 h to 6 h, it is observed that EGF leads to increased S6 phosphorylation, whereas E2 does not. The rate of onset of protein synthesis in the first 2 h of stimulation, when EGF-induced S6 phosphorylation is maximal, is more rapid with EGF than with E2. The results suggest that different pathway are involved in E2-induced and EGF(alpha TGF)-induced proliferation.

Epidermal growth factor binding and protein kinase C activities in human breast cancer cell lines: possible quantitative relationship

Quantitative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of Ca2+, phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (PKC) of human mammary tumor cell lines (MCF-7, ZR-75, T-47-D, MDA-MB-231, BT-20, and HBL-100) revealed that 80% of the total cellular PKC resided in the cytosol. The tumor cells with no detectable levels of estrogen receptors (MDA-MB-231, HBL-100, and BT-20 cells) exhibited significantly larger (P less than 0.001) cytosolic PKC activities than those cells that contained estrogen receptors (MCF-7, T-47-D, and ZR-75 cells). In addition, in estrogen receptor-negative cell lines, relatively high levels of specific low-affinity (apparent Kd = 700 pM) epidermal growth factor (EGF) binding activities were found as compared with estrogen receptor-positive cells with significantly (P less than 0.001) lower levels of specific high-affinity (apparent Kd = 90 pM) EGT binding. A significant positive correlation (P less than 0.01) was observed between the number of EGF receptor (Rs = 0.50) and/or the EGF receptor dissociation constants (Rs = 0.78) with the cytosolic PKC activity levels. These data indicate that, in human breast cancer cells, a positive relationship may exist between PKC activity, estrogen, and EGF receptors.

The disposition and metabolism of 14C-oxprenolol.HCl in man

The disposition and metabolism of oxprenolol have been investigated in two healthy male volunteers, following a single 160 mg oral dose of racemic 14C-labelled oxprenolol. Absorption was rapid and complete. Peak blood concentrations of total radioactivity were 8.83 and 8.21 nmol X g-1 after 1 and 1.5 h in the two subjects. After 4 days 93.4 and 81.9% of the dose was excreted in urine, and a total of 96.6 and 84.5% found in the excreta. Mean peak blood concentrations of unchanged R(+)- and S(-)- oxprenolol were 0.83 and 0.81 nmol X g-1. Maximal concentrations of the glucuronides of the R(+)- and S(-)- isomers were 1.98 and 3.51 nmol X g-1. The mean half-lives of both oxprenolol enantiomers were 1.8 h, those of their glucuronides were 3.2 h (R(+] and 4.6 h (S(-]. Unchanged oxprenolol and the oxprenolol glucuronides constituted 11.4 and 66.5% of the area under the blood concentration-time curve (AUC, 0-24 h) of total radioactivity. The AUC-ratio of R(+) to S(-) was 1.19 for free oxprenolol and 0.36 for the glucuronides. Free metabolites II-X represented together 4.3% of 14C-AUC, and their glucuronides 15.2%. In urine, 1.8 and 1.0% of the total radioactivity was present as unchanged R(+)- and S(-)- oxprenolol, respectively. The glucuronides of the enantiomers accounted for 24.5 and 26.5%. The percentages of free 4- and 5-hydroxy oxprenolol were 0.7 and 2.4% while those of their glucuronides were 12.3 and 7.5%. Metabolites IV-X constituted together 6.2% in free form and 5.3% in conjugated form. In conclusion, the good mass balances in blood and urine has enabled the comprehensive and quantitative description of the metabolic fate of oxprenolol in man. Oxprenolol is extensively metabolized, direct O-glucuronidation being the major metabolic pathway and oxidative reactions minor ones. The disposition of the oxprenolol enantiomers revealed no remarkable stereoselective differences.

Correlation between hormone dependency and the regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor by tumor promoters in human mammary carcinoma cells

The effects of the tumor promoter phorbol 12-tetradecanoate 13-acetate (TPA) on the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor levels were investigated in hormone-dependent (MCF-7, T-47-D, and ZR-75-1) and hormone-independent (MDA-MB-231, HBL-100, and BT-20) human mammary carcinoma cell lines. In the absence of TPA, hormone-independent cell lines contained high concentrations of low-affinity EGF receptors (apparent Kd = 8 X 10(-10) M), whereas hormone-dependent cell lines exhibited low concentrations of high-affinity receptors (apparent Kd = 1 X 10(-10) M). TPA causes a change of the receptor from a high- to the low-affinity state in hormone-dependent cell lines (MCF-7, T-47-D, and ZR-75-1), as well as in the hormone-independent HBL-100, whereas the affinity remained unchanged in MDA-MB-231 and BT-20 cells. In addition, progesterone receptor levels are decreased after TPA treatment in the hormone-dependent cell lines MCF-7, T-47-D, and ZR-75-1, whereas the estrogen receptor levels remained unchanged. Tumor promoters such as TPA or teleocidin inhibited the proliferation of these cell lines at concentrations above 10 microM with the exception of the T-47-D cells. The most sensitive cell line towards growth inhibition by tumor promoter was the hormone-dependent MCF-7 cell line. Evaluation of different TPA analogs indicated a positive correlation between the growth-inhibitory effects and their ability to stimulate the subcellular redistribution of protein kinase C activity in MCF-7 cells. These data suggest a protein kinase C-mediated down-regulation of the progesterone receptor concentration and of the EGF receptor affinity, which is supposed to mediate the mitogenic response. Furthermore, these results support the hypothesis that the tumor-derived growth factors induced by estradiol act via the EGF receptor in hormone-dependent mammary carcinoma cells.

The cytosolic phorboid receptor correlates with hormone dependency in six mammary carcinoma cell lines

Potent, structurally different tumor promoters inhibited growth of 6 human mammary carcinoma cell lines (ROOS et al, PNAS in press). This growth inhibition was investigated by measuring the phorboid receptor binding using [3H] PDBu (4 beta-phorbol 12, 13 dibutyrate). Specific, high affinity receptors were found in all six cell lines. [3H] PDBu binding affinities were higher in the cytosolic fractions than in the corresponding intact cells (K alpha = app. 1nM vs K alpha = app. 15nM). The hormone-independent cell lines (BT-20, HBL-100 and MDA-MB-231) exhibited significantly higher levels of cytosolic [3H] PDBu receptors than the hormone-dependent cells (MCF-7, T-47-D and ZR-75-1). The subcellular distribution of the [3H] PDBu binding correlated well with the distribution of the protein kinase C activity (r = 0.95).

Disposition and pharmacokinetics of cadralazine and individual metabolites in man

The absorption, biotransformation and elimination of the antihypertensive drug cadralazine, 2-(3-[6-(2-hydroxypropyl)ethylamino]pyridazinyl)-ethylcarbazate , have been studied in two healthy male volunteers, following single 20 mg oral doses of the 14C-labelled preparation. Absorption was rapid and complete. In plasma total 14C-compounds reached maximum levels of 395 and 312 ng/g after 0.5 and 1.5 h in subject A and B, respectively. The levels rapidly declined to 3 and 6 ng/g after 24 h. Unchanged cadralazine constituted the major fraction, 72%, of the integrated plasma concentration (AUC, 0-24 h) of total radioactivity. As determined by an isotope dilution technique, about 1% of the AUC of plasma-14C was attributable to a pharmacologically active hydrazino-metabolite (IV) formed by decarbethoxylation and 2% to the acetylation product of the latter (V). Excretion of the radioactivity occured predominantly by the kidneys, 91 and 94% within 0-24 h in subject A and B. After 96 h 94 and 99% of the dose were found in the excreta. In the 0-48 h urine 73% of total 14C consisted of unchanged drug. The hydrazino-metabolite (IV) accounted for about 2% of urinary radioactivity, and two secondary products of the same pathway (II, V) for another 2%. Products of N-dealkylation (VI, VII) and C-oxidation (VIII) constituted together another 5%.

The metabolic fate of 14C-oxaprotiline X HCl in man. III. Stereospecific disposition

The disposition of the enantiomers of oxaprotiline has been investigated after single 100 mg oral doses of racemic 14C-labelled oxaprotiline X HCl in two healthy subjects. Absorption was complete. Peak blood concentrations of total 14C were 804 and 1010 ng equiv. g-1 after 4-6 h in the two subjects. After 9 days 85 and 80 per cent of the dose were excreted in urine, and a total of 93 and 87 per cent were found in the excreta. Mean peak blood concentrations of unchanged S(+)- and R(-)-oxaprotiline amounted to 25 and 10 ng g-1 before, and 474 and 422 ng g-1 after acid hydrolysis (free plus O-glucuronide). The mean blood half-lives of the S(+) and R(-) isomers were 22 and 23 h. Direct O-glucuronidation is the major metabolic pathway and N-demethylation a minor one. The former is more marked with the S(+) isomer and the latter with the R(-) isomer. For oxaprotiline, the AUC-ration of S(+) to R(-) was 2.2 before and 1.4 after hydrolysis. For desmethyl oxaprotiline the corresponding ration was 0.8 after hydrolysis. In urine, 0.8 and 0.5 per cent of total 14C were present as unchanged S(+)- and R(-)-oxaprotiline. After acid hydrolysis of the O-glucuronides, the enantiomers account for 44.7 and 37.1 per cent. The O-glucuronides of S(+)- and R(-)-desmethyl oxaprotiline account for 4.6 and 5.7 per cent.

Correlation of estrogen receptors and charge alterations of regulatory subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinases in human mammary tumor cells

The soluble cAMP-dependent protein kinase activities of two estrogen receptor-containing (MCF-7 and ZR-75-1) and two estrogen receptor-lacking (BT-20 and MDA-MB-231) established human mammary tumor cell lines were analyzed by DEAE-cellulose chromatography and photoaffinity labeling with 8-azido-[32P]cAMP. Predominantly, type I isoenzyme was present in MDA-MB-231 cells, type II protein kinase was the main form in ZR-75-1 and BT-20 cells; whereas MCF-7 cytosols contained equal amounts of both protein kinase types. No correlations between estrogen receptor content and cAMP-dependent protein kinase holoenzyme ratios of isoenzymes were found. A distinctly greater heterogeneity of charge isomers of cAMP-binding proteins (regulatory subunits) was observed in estrogen receptor-containing cells.

Growth stimulation of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells by dibutyryl cyclic AMP

Dibutyryl cAMP significantly stimulated cell proliferation of human mammary MCF-7 cells in estradiol-deficient medium. In the presence of estradiol (which strongly stimulated MCF-7 cell growth), dbcAMP had only slight additional stimulatory effects. At very high concentrations (1 mM), dbcAMP inhibited cell proliferation in the presence of estradiol and stimulation was less effective without estradiol. The actions of high dbcAMP concentrations are probably caused by the butyrate component of dbcAMP. It is concluded that dbcAMP is a growth-promoting agent for MCF-7 cells.

Biotransformation of diclofenac sodium (Voltaren) in animals and in man. I. Isolation and identification of principal metabolites

1. The anti-inflammatory agent diclofenac sodium (o-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)amino]phenylacetic acid sodium salt) is extensively metabolized by rat, dog, baboon and man. The main metabolites were isolated from the urine of all species and from the bile of rat and dog and identified by spectroscopy. 2. Metabolism involves direct conjugation of the unchanged drug, or oxidation of the aromatic rings usually followed by conjugation. Sites of oxidation are either position 3' or 4' of the dichlorophenyl ring or, alternatively, position 5 of the phenyl ring attached to the acetic acid moiety. 3. In the urine of rat, baboon and man conjugates of the hydroxylated metabolites predominate, but the major metabolite in dog urine is the taurine conjugate of unchanged diclofenac. 4. In the bile of rat and dog, the main metabolite is the ester glucuroniade of unchanged diclofenac.

Retinoic acid-binding protein in human breast cancer and dysplasia

Seventy-five specimens of human breast tissue were checked for the presence of cellular retinoic acid-binding protein (cRABP). Fifty-two percent of the primary carcinomas and 43% of the dysplastic breast lesions (stage MII) contained detectable amounts of crabp, whereas no cRABP was found in normal tissue. Sucrose gradient centrifugation and electrophoresis on agarose were used for analysis of the presence of cRABP. The cRABP of human origin (normal uterus and neoplastic mammary tissue) differed in its mobility in agarose electrophoresis from that of rat testis cRABP.

Plasma free and total tryptophan during the oestrus cycle, in ovariectomized and in male rats

Plasma free tryptophan was higher during prooestrus and early oestrus than at metoestrus or in ovariectomized or male rats. In contrast, total tryptophan was higher in ovariectomized and male rats than at any time in cycling females.

Measurement of clomipramine, N-desmethyl-clomipramine, imipramine, and dehydroimipramine in biological fluids by selective ion monitoring, and pharmacokinetics of clomipramine

To quantitatively determine tricyclic antidepressant agents, we used a combined gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer system, and deuterium-labeled internal standards. Recovery exceeds 95% and the coefficient of variation is less than 4% for human whole-blood samples supplemented with 5 to 15 ng of clomipramine hydrochloride or 20 to 60 ng of dehydroimipramine hydrogen fumarate per milliliter. For both amines, the detection limit is 0.3 mug/liter; Six healthy volunteers who received a single oral dose of 50 mg of clomipramine hydrochloride showed peak drug concentrations in the blood 3 to 5 h after administration, ranging between 14.4 and 30.1 mug/liter. Plasma/whole blood concentration ratios varied from 0.70 to 1.20, and the cumulative renal elimination from 0 to 72 h is less than 0.2% of the dose. This method is suitable for in vivo bioavailability studies of unchanged clomipramine, dehydroimipramine, and imipramine after a single oral dose of as little as 25 mg.

Measurement of clomipramine, N-desmethyl-clomipramine, imipramine, and dehydroimipramine in biological fluids by selective ion monitoring, and pharmacokinetics of clomipramine

To quantitatively determine tricyclic antidepressant agents, we used a combined gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer system, and deuterium-labeled internal standards. Recovery exceeds 95% and the coefficient of variation is less than 4% for human whole-blood samples supplemented with 5 to 15 ng of clomipramine hydrochloride or 20 to 60 ng of dehydroimipramine hydrogen fumarate per milliliter. For both amines, the detection limit is 0.3 mug/liter; Six healthy volunteers who received a single oral dose of 50 mg of clomipramine hydrochloride showed peak drug concentrations in the blood 3 to 5 h after administration, ranging between 14.4 and 30.1 mug/liter. Plasma/whole blood concentration ratios varied from 0.70 to 1.20, and the cumulative renal elimination from 0 to 72 h is less than 0.2% of the dose. This method is suitable for in vivo bioavailability studies of unchanged clomipramine, dehydroimipramine, and imipramine after a single oral dose of as little as 25 mg.