Development and validation of an UPLC-MS/MS assay for quantitative analysis of the ghrelin receptor inverse agonist PF-5190457 in human or rat plasma and rat brain

PF-5190457 is a ghrelin receptor inverse agonist that is currently undergoing clinical development for the treatment of alcoholism. Our aim was to develop and validate a simple and sensitive assay for quantitative analysis of PF-5190457 in human or rat plasma and rat brain using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The analyte and stable isotope internal standard were extracted from 50 μL plasma or rat brain homogenate by protein precipitation using 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile. Chromatography was carried out on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 (2.1 mm × 50 mm) column with 1.7 μm particle size and 130 Å pore size. The flow rate was 0.5 mL/min and total chromatographic run time was 2.2 min. The mobile phase consisted of a gradient mixture of water: acetonitrile 95:5% (v/v) containing 0.1% formic acid (solvent A) and 100% acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid (solvent B). Multiple reaction monitoring was carried out in positive electro-spray ionization mode using m/z 513.35 → 209.30 for PF-5190457 and m/z 518.47 → 214.43 for the internal standard. The recovery ranged from 102 to 118% with coefficient of variation (CV) less than 6% for all matrices. The calibration curves for all matrices were linear over the studied concentration range (R(2) ≥ 0.998, n = 3). The lower limit of quantification was 1 ng/mL in rat or human plasma and 0.75 ng/g in rat brain. Intra- and inter-run mean percent accuracies were between 85 and 115% and percent imprecision was ≤15%. The assays were successfully utilized to measure the concentration of PF-5190457 in pre-clinical and clinical pharmacology studies of the compound.

Evaluation of the Drug Interaction Potential of Aplaviroc, a Novel Human Immunodeficiency Virus Entry Inhibitor, Using a Modified Cooperstown 5 + 1 Cocktail

Aplaviroc is a novel CCR5 antagonist, a class of compounds under investigation as viral entry inhibitors for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection. A modified Cooperstown 5+1 cocktail was used to assess the drug interaction potential of aplaviroc. Fifteen healthy subjects were administered single oral doses of caffeine (CYP1A2), warfarin (CYP2C9), omeprazole (CYP2C19), dextromethorphan (CYP2D6), and midazolam (CYP3A) alone (reference treatment) and during steady-state administration of aplaviroc (400 mg every 12 hours, test treatment). Metabolite-to-parent area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) ratios (paraxanthine/caffeine and 5-hydroxyomeprazole/omeprazole), oral clearance (S-warfarin), AUC (midazolam), and metabolite-to-parent urinary excretion ratio (dextrorphan/dextromethorphan) were determined. The test-to-reference treatment ratios (geometric mean ratio and 90% confidence interval) were caffeine, 1.06 (0.97-1.17); S-warfarin, 0.93 (0.76-1.15); omeprazole, 1.07 (0.98-1.16); dextromethorphan, 1.17 (0.97-1.42); midazolam, 1.30 (1.04-1.63). No significant inhibition of CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, or CYP2D6 enzyme activity was observed. Mild inhibition of CYP3A isozymes should not preclude the use of concomitant CYP3A substrates in future clinical studies with aplaviroc.

Synthesis and profiling of a diverse collection of azetidine-based scaffolds for the development of CNS-focused lead-like libraries

The synthesis and diversification of a densely functionalized azetidine ring system to gain access to a wide variety of fused, bridged, and spirocyclic ring systems is described. The in vitro physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of representative library members are measured in order to evaluate the use of these scaffolds for the generation of lead-like molecules to be used in targeting the central nervous system. The solid-phase synthesis of a 1976-membered library of spirocyclic azetidines is also described.

Liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometric assay for simultaneous quantification of compound 97/78 and its in vivo metabolite 97/63, a novel trioxane antimalarial, in human plasma and its application to a protein binding study

A sensitive, selective and specific LC-MS/ MS assay for simultaneous quantification of compound 97/78 and its active in vivo metabolite 97/63, a novel 1,2,4-trioxane antimalarial, in human plasma has been developed and validated using alpha-arteether as internal standard (IS). Extraction from plasma involves a simple protein precipitation method. The analytes were chromatographed on a Columbus C18 column with guard by isocratic elution with acetonitrile:ammonium acetate buffer (10 mM, pH 4.0) (80:20 v/v) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.45 mL min(-1) and analyzed in multiple reaction-monitoring (MRM) positive ion mode. The chromatographic run time was 4.0 min. The weighted (1/x2) calibration curves were linear over a range of 1.56-200 ng mL(-1) with correlation coefficients > 0.998. For both analytes, the limit of detection (LOD) and lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) were 0.5 ng mL(-1) and 1.56 ng mL(-1), respectively. The recovery of 97/78, 97/63 and IS from spiked control samples were > 90% and their matrix suppression obtained were < 8 %. The accuracy (% bias) and precision (%RSD) for both analytes were < 6.78%. Both analytes were stable after three freeze-thaw cycles (% deviation < 12.80), long-term for 30 days in plasma at -60 degrees C (% deviation < 14.38), for 8 h on bench top in plasma at ambient temperature (% deviation < 1.52) and also in the auto-sampler for 12 h (% deviation < 3.9%). The validated method was successfully applied to a protein binding study of compound 97/78 and metabolite 97/63 in human plasma. Furthermore, the validated method will be applicable to pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and metabolism in various clinical phases and in drug interaction studies.

Enantioselective LC/MS method for the determination of an antimalarial agent Fenozan B07 in dog plasma

A chiral liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) bioanalytical procedure has been developed for the analysis of the antimalaric agent Fenozan B07 in dog plasma. Normal-phase chromatography involving a phenylcarbamate derivative of cellulose coated on silica gel as the chiral stationary phase was used to resolve (-)-(S,S)-B07 from (+)-(R,R)-B07. The enantiomers were detected by a mass spectrometer equipped with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) interface operated in the negative ion mode. A mass spectrum, characterized by a base peak of m/z 285, was obtained for each enantiomer. The m/z 285 ion was very specific for the analysis of both enantiomers in the plasma. The selected ion monitoring analysis of the plasma samples was therefore performed at m/z 285 for quantitative purposes. The enantiomers were extracted from the plasma in a basic medium and purified by solid-phase extraction using a hydrophilic-lipophilic balanced sorbent. A lower limit of quantification of 2 ng/mL in plasma was achieved for both enantiomers. The quantitative procedure reported in this study was highly specific and sensitive, and was validated according to the FDA guidance on bioanalytical method validation.

Gabapentin-lactam, but not gabapentin, reduces protein aggregates and improves motor performance in a transgenic mouse model of Huntington?s disease

Gabapentin (GBP), an anti-convulsant widely used in the treatment of neuropathic pain syndromes, has been suggested to have neuroprotective properties. There is evidence, however, that the neuroprotective properties attributed to GBP are rather associated with a derivative of GBP, gabapentin-lactam (GBP-L), which opens mitochondrial ATP-dependent K+ channels, in contrast to GBP. We explored whether GBP and GBP-L may attenuate the course of a monogenetic autosomal neurodegenerative disorder, Huntington's disease (HD), using a transgenic mouse model. R6/2 mice treated with GBP-L performed walking on a narrow beam better than mice receiving no treatment, vehicle or GBP, suggesting a beneficial effect of GBP-L on motor function. In addition, a marked reduction of neuronal nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions was observed in brains of mice treated with GBP-L. The pharmacokinetics of GBP-L yielded a mean plasma concentration near the EC50 of GBP-L to open mitochondrial ATP-dependent K+ channels. These findings support the role of GBP-L as a novel neuroprotective substance in vivo.

Determination of gabapentin-lactam in serum of patients under gabapentin therapy

Gabapentin (1-(aminomethyl)cyclohexane acetic acid, CAS 601 42-96-3, GBP, Neurontin) and its derivative gabapentin-lactam (8-aza-spiro[5,4]decan-9-one, GBP-L) were determined by HPLC in the serum of patients with focal epilepsy treated with GBP. In patients in whom serum was acquired within 3 h after oral intake, GBP-L could be detected at concentrations up to 8.2 micromol/l. As GBP-L has been previously shown to exert neuroprotective effects in a similar concentration range, this finding suggests that clinically relevant effects of GBP-L may occur in patients treated with GBP. The possible neuroprotective efficacy of GBP-L should be the subject of further preclinical and clinical investigations.

Identification of metabolites of a substance P (neurokinin 1 receptor) antagonist in rat hepatocytes and rat plasma

[3R,5R,6S]-3-(2-cyclopropyloxy-5-trifluoromethoxyphenyl)-6-phenyl-1-oxa-7-azaspiro[4.5]decane is a substance P (Neurokinin 1 receptor) antagonist. Substance P antagonists are proven in concept to have excellent potential for the treatment of major depression, and they allow superior and sustained protection from acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced emesis. The metabolism of this compound was investigated in rat hepatocytes, and circulating rat plasma metabolites were identified following oral and intravenous dosing. The turnover in rat hepatocytes within 4 h was about 30%, and the major metabolites were identified as two nitrones and a lactam associated with the piperidine ring. Although these metabolites were also observed in rat plasma, the major circulating metabolite was a keto acid following oxidative de-amination of the piperidine ring. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance were used to confirm the structure of the latter metabolite. A mechanism leading to the formation of the keto acid metabolite has been suggested, and most intermediates were observed in rat plasma.

Quantitation of TNP-470 and its metabolites in human plasma: sample handling, assay performance and stability

A selective and sensitive assay for the determination of TNP-470 and two of its metabolites, AGM-1883 and M-II, in human plasma was developed. The assay involved liquid-liquid extraction followed by analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Because TNP-470 is most stable in a pH of 4-5, an acidification procedure was utilized to prevent degradation of TNP-470 during sample collection which involved acidifying the whole blood sample collected with 5 mg of citric acid per ml of blood. Liquid-liquid extraction using an organic solvent mixture was chosen over solid-phase extraction to minimize the degradation of TNP-470 during solvent evaporation.

Determination of a novel growth hormone secretagogue (MK-677) in human plasma at picogram levels by liquid chromatography with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry

A sensitive and specific method for the determination of N-[1(R)¿[1,2-dihydro-1-methylsulfonylspiro(3H-indole-3,4'-piper idin)-1'-yl]carbonyl¿-2-(phenylmethoxy)ethyl]-2-amino-2-meth ylpropanamide (MK-677, I), a growth hormone secretagogue, has been developed. The method is based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with tandem mass spectrometric (MS-MS) detection. The analyte and internal standard (II) were isolated from the basified plasma using a liquid-liquid extraction with methyl-tert.-butyl ether (MTBE). The organic extract was evaporated to dryness, the residue was reconstituted in mobile phase and injected into the HPLC system. The MS-MS detection was performed on a PE Sciex API III Plus tandem mass spectrometer using a heated nebulizer interface. Multiple reaction monitoring of parent-->product ion combinations at m/z 529-->267 and 527-->267 was used to quantify I and II, respectively. The assay was validated in human plasma in the concentration range of 0.1 to 100 ng/ml, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.1 ng/ml. The precision of the assay, as expressed as coefficients of variation (C.V.,%) was less than 7% at all concentrations within the standard curve range, with adequate assay specificity and accuracy. The HPLC-MS-MS method provided sufficient sensitivity to completely map the pharmacokinetic time-course following a single 5-mg oral dose of I.

Enantioselective pharmacokinetics in animals of pazinaclone, a new isoindoline anxiolytic, and its active metabolite

The enantioselective pharmacokinetics of a new anxiolytic, pazinaclone (DN-2327), and its active metabolite, M-II, were studied in animals. In rats and dogs given racemic pazinaclone intravenously, the total clearance and volume of distribution of (S)-pazinaclone were lower than those of (R)-pazinaclone, whereas the opposite results were obtained in monkeys. The differences in disposition were consistent with enantioselective protein binding, where the unbound fraction was greater for (R)-pazinaclone than that for the (S)-enantiomer in rats and dogs; the reverse was noted in monkeys. Lower clearance and distribution for (S)-pazinaclone in rats and dogs, and for the (R)-enantiomer in monkeys, resulted in comparable plasma profiles for the pazinaclone enantiomers and thereby those of the corresponding enantiomers of M-II. The unbound clearance (CLu) of (S)-pazinaclone was, however, greater than that of the antipode in rats and dogs and the CLu of each enantiomer was similar in monkeys. Thus, enantioselectivity in the kinetics of (S)- and (R)-pazinaclone appears to reside largely in plasma binding differences and is unrelated to variations in intrinsic clearance. The first-pass metabolism of (S)- and (R)-pazinaclone on oral administration of the racemate was enantioselective, with respective bioavailabilities of 1.7 and 0.8% in rats, 10.4 and 1.9% in dogs, and 0 and 11.4% in monkeys. Therefore, the enantioselectivity was more pronounced after oral dosing.

Development and validation of a high-sensitivity assay for an antipsychotic agent, CP-88,059, with solid-phase extraction and narrow-bore high-performance liquid chromatography

An analytical method has been developed and validated for the quantitation of CP-88,059 in human serum. The compound and internal standard were extracted from serum by solid-phase extraction with a weak cation-exchange phase. The analytes were resolved from endogenous interferences using narrow-bore (2.1 mm I.D.) C18 reversed-phase HPLC. Column effluent was monitored by UV absorbance detection at 215 nm. The standard curve range was 1 to 250 ng/ml. The accuracy and precision values for the method were within +/- 10% and +/- 15%, respectively. A four-fold detectability enhancement was achieved using a 2.1 mm I.D. HPLC column relative to the more common 4.6 mm I.D. column. A performance comparison was made between the 2.1 mm I.D. column used for validation and a 4.6 mm I.D. column with the same stationary phase.

Enantioselective determination of pazinaclone, a new isoindoline anxiolytic, and its active metabolite in rat plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography

A sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of the enantiomers of pazinaclone (DN-2327), a new anxiolytic agent, and those of its active metabolite, M-II, in rat plasma. Organic solvent extraction of pazinaclone, M-II, and internal standard (I.S.) in plasma was followed by separation of the analytes from other metabolites using an achiral reversed-phase column. Fluorescence detection was employed with excitation and emission wavelengths of 328 and 367 nm, respectively. Separation of all the enantiomers and I.S. was then accomplished with normal- and chiral-phase columns connected in series. For each analyte, the lower quantitation limit was 0.5 ng/ml. The assay has been applied to a chiral inversion study in rats. Chiral conversion from one enantiomer of pazinaclone to the other hardly occurred. This method is suitable for enantioselective pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic studies in animals.

Disposition of DN-2327, a new anxiolytic, in rats, dogs, and monkeys

The disposition of DN-2327 after oral dosing of 14C-labeled DN-2327 ([14C]DN-2327) to rats, dogs and monkeys was studied. DN-2327 was absorbed from the small intestine after oral administration. In the plasma of these animals, a small amount of unchanged compound and M-I were detected, with M-II (a pharmacologically active metabolite) as a major component. The concentration of the unchanged compound in rat plasma attained a peak (Cmax 0.002 microgram/ml), then declined, with a half-life (t1/2) of 3 h. Tmax, Cmax and t1/2 of DN-2327 in dogs and monkeys were 0.6 h, 0.332 microgram/ml and 1.5 h, and 2.3 h, 0.036 microgram/ml and 6.2 h, respectively. About 60, 75 and 48% of the radioactivity dosed was absorbed in rats, dogs and monkeys, respectively, whereas the bioavailability in rats, dogs and monkeys was less than 1, 34 and 10%, respectively, indicating that DN-2327 had been subjected to the first pass effect. In rats given [14C]DN-2327 orally, the radioactivity was distributed widely in various tissues, including the brain. In the brain regions, DN-2327 and M-II were distributed and M-II was major component, indicating that the pharmacological effects of DN-2327 may depend largely on M-II. In these animals, [14C]DN-2327 was excreted in feces via bile mostly as metabolites. During repeated oral administration, DN-2327 and its metabolites did not accumulate in rat tissues, except in the kidney.

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of the new quinolone antibacterial agent DU-6859a in human serum and urine using solid-phase extraction with photolysis-fluorescence detection

A sensitive and specific HPLC method for the determination of DU-6859a (I), a fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent, in human serum and urine was developed. Compound I and the internal standard extracted from serum and urine by means of a Bond Elut C8 LRC cartridge showed recoveries of 96%. The extracts were chromatographed on a reversed-phase column with photolysis-fluorescence detection. This unique detection method was 42.5 times more sensitive than intrinsic fluorescence detection, the limits of detection being in 3.43 ng/ml for serum and 4.35 ng/ml for urine. In addition, I was stable in serum and urine for at least 1 month at -20 degrees C. The proposed method was sensitive and selective enough to apply to pharmacokinetic studies of I in humans after a single oral dose of 100 mg.

Analysis of dog and rat plasma for metabolites of a new isoindoline anxiolytic, DN-2327, by liquid chromatography/thermospray mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry

Combined liquid chromatography/thermospray mass spectrometry (full scan) and its tandem mass spectrometry (precursor ion, product ion and neutral loss scan) were used to characterize rat and dog plasma metabolites of an anxiolytic candidate (DN-2327; (+-)-2-(7-chloro-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)-3-[(1,4-dioxa-8- azaspiro[4.5]dec-8-yl)carbonylmethyl]isoindolin-1-one) . The results indicated that DN-2327 was metabolized to M-I by hydrolysis of the dioxolane ring which was subsequently reduced at the carbonyl moiety to form M-II. M-II was further metabolized to diol isomers, M-III and M-IV, by hydroxylation on the hydroxypiperidine moiety. M-V was an acyclic diol resulting from cleavage of the piperidine ring followed by reduction of the aldehyde. By the methodology used here, detailed structural information could be obtained without recourse to individual metabolite isolation and this provided a great saving in time and effort.

Isolation of an unknown compound, from both blood of Bhopal aerosol disaster victims and residue of tank E-610 of Union Carbide India Limited--chemical characterization of the structure

A total of more than 28 chemical entities/reaction products in the form of gases, vapour and particulate matter were reported from the tank E-610 of methyl isocyanate (MIC) storage tank of Union Carbide India Limited on the night of 2/3 December 1984 in Bhopal. In earlier studies, methyl isocyanate and its trimer, with a few other compounds, were reported in the human victims preserved in deep freeze. Randomly selected samples were analysed by gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometer (ITD-800, Finnigan MAT, UK). Four of the cases showed the peaks and fragmentation pattern identified with one of the unidentified compound of molecular weight 269 amu in the Tank Residue, which constituted about 0.2 area per cent on GC-ITD. After isolation by column chromatography and being exposed to characterization, it was identified as a Spiro compound. It was possibly formed by the polymerization of five molecules of methyl isocyanate.

Determination of L-691,121, a new class III antiarrhythmic, and its principal metabolite in plasma by differential radioimmunoassay

A sensitive and specific method based on radioimmunoassay (RIA) has been developed for the analysis of L-691,121, a new antiarrhythmic agent, and its major metabolite, L-692,199, in plasma. Two RIAs using immunogens and radioligands prepared from different derivatives of L-691,121 were used in conjunction to determine both parent compound and metabolite concentrations by solving simultaneous equations, since neither assay alone was adequately specific. Variable cross-reactivity factors were incorporated into the calculations to correct for non-parallel drug and metabolite displacement curves. The direct assay using 30 microliters of plasma is sensitive to 0.1 ng ml-1 and has sufficient precision, accuracy and specificity for the analysis of clinical samples.

Assay of the antiangiogenic compound TNP-470, and one of its metabolites, AGM-1883, by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography in plasma

This paper describes a reversed-phase, high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the isolation, detection, and quantification of TNP-470 (I) and one of its active metabolites, AGM-1883 (II), from plasma. These compounds are initially extracted from plasma with an organic solvent and then separated from one another on a C18 column. Those fractions eluting from the C18 column and containing either I or II are then derivatized through their epoxide moieties with sodium 8-quinolinethiolate (SQT). This derivatization produces fluorescent species that are isolated and quantified by a second reversed-phase HPLC analysis. The assay yields a lower limit of reliable quantification of 2.5 ng/ml and is linear to a concentration at least as high as 160 ng/ml. The inter-assay percent coefficient of variation is less than 18%.

Stereoselective pharmacokinetics of pazinaclone, a new non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic, and its active metabolite in healthy subjects

1. Serum and urine concentrations of enantiomers of pazinaclone (DN-2327) and an active metabolite MII, were measured after single and twice daily oral doses of 4 and 8 mg racemic drug to healthy subjects. 2. The kinetics of rac-pazinaclone and rac-MII were dose-independent and no unchanged drug was recovered in urine. 3. The terminal elimination half-lives of the drug isomers were similar (about 10.5 h), but mean steady-state values of AUC were twofold higher for the S-isomer than those of the antipode (e.g., 8 mg dose: 127 vs 69 ng ml(-1) h). However, the corresponding AUC values based upon unbound drug were similar (5.71 vs 5.73 ng ml(-1) h) indicating no stereoselectivity in intrinsic metabolic clearance. 4. The terminal elimination half-lives of S- and R-MII were similar to those of parent compound indicating that the elimination of these metabolites is formation rate-limited. 5. The R:S-ratio for the AUCs of MII was 4:1. Both enantiomers were excreted in the urine mainly as glucuronide conjugates, with stereoselectivity toward S-MII. 6. Since only the S-enantiomers of DN-2327 and MII bind to the benzodiazepine receptor, further measurements of drug effect in patients should be related to combine serum concentrations of the S-enantiomers of both parent drug and MII.

Differences in the stereoselective pharmacokinetics of pazinaclone (DN-2327), a new anxiolytic, and its active metabolite after intravenous and oral single doses to dogs

The stereoselective pharmacokinetics of the new nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic compound pazinaclone (DN-2327) were studied in four beagle dogs after oral (2.5 mg/kg) and intravenous (0.5 mg/kg) administration of racemate in a two-way, crossover study design. Racemic pazinaclone was highly cleared after intravenous administration at 2.09 +/- 0.78 l hr-1 kg-1. The total clearance and volumes of distribution (Vc, V beta, and Vss) of (S)-pazinaclone were significantly lower than those of the antipode. The differences in disposition were consistent with stereoselectivity in protein binding, where the unbound fraction of (R)-pazinaclone was almost 5-fold greater than that of the (S)-enantiomer. Lower clearance and distribution for (S)-pazinaclone resulted in comparable elimination half-lives for the two enantiomers. As projected from the intravenous results, the firstpass metabolism of (S)- and (R)-pazinaclone on oral administration of racemic pazinaclone was very extensive and stereoselective, with mean bioavailabilities of 6.0 and 1.2%, respectively, but the rates of absorption of the enantiomers were similar. Simultaneous model-dependent analysis of the intravenous plasma profiles for parent drug and metabolite suggested stereoselectivity of the active metabolite MII with shorter formation half-life for (S)-MII. However, in vitro metabolism by liver slices and our in vivo data indicated exclusive elimination of (S)- and (R)-pazinaclone through complete conversion to the MII metabolite (fm = 1). Thus, the clearances of (S)- and (R)-MII were calculated to be 0.89 and 7.89 l hr-1 kg-1, respectively, indicating pronounced stereoselectivity in the metabolite clearance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

High-performance liquid chromatographic method for determination of DN-2327, a novel non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic, and/or its active metabolite in human plasma and urine

A sensitive and precise high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure has been developed for the determination of a new non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic agent, DN-2327 (I), and its pharmacologically active metabolite, MII (II), in human plasma and urine. Extraction of I, II, and the internal standard from plasma and urine samples were achieved using solid-phase extraction. Separation of the analytes was performed on a reversed-phase C18 column. The effluent was monitored with fluorescence detection at excitation and emission maxima of 328 and 367 nm, respectively. The work-up procedure was reproducible and recovered more than 92% of I and II from either plasma or urine. The chromatographic system for plasma and urine extracts allowed complete resolution of I and II from the internal standard with excellent selectivity. For each analyte, the lower detection limits were 0.1 and 1 ng/ml in plasma and urine, respectively. For each analyte, standard curves were linear in the ranges of 0.1-50 and 1-500 ng/ml in plasma and urine, respectively. The method was highly precise, with coefficients of variation for each analyte in quality controls that were generally below 7 and 5% for plasma and urine samples, respectively. The accuracy of the method was good with the deviations between added and calculated concentrations of each analyte being typically within +/- 10% and +/- 5.6% for plasma and urine samples, respectively. The stability of I and II in standard solutions, plasma and urine samples protected from laboratory light was excellent, with no evidence of degradation after 72 h at room temperature, five months at 4 degrees C, or three months at -20 degrees C.

Enantioselective determination of DN-2327, a novel non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic, and/or its active metabolite in human plasma and urine using high-performance liquid chromatography

A new rapid, specific and sensitive reversed-phase HPLC method has been developed for simultaneous measurement of the R- and S-enantiomers of DN-2327 (I), a novel non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic, and those of its pharmacologically active metabolite, MII (II), in human plasma or urine. Extraction of all the enantiomers and internal standard was achieved using solid-phase extraction on C8 columns. Resolution was achieved using a Chiral-AGP column with mobile phase comprising 6.5% (v/v) acetonitrile in 50 mM potassium acetate buffer, pH *q3 3.10, at typical flow-rates of 0.35 ml/min for plasma and 1.0 ml/min for urine assays. Fluorescence detection was employed using excitation and emission maxima of 328 and 367 nm, respectively. Analytes were well resolved and no interfering endogenous peaks were observed either from plasma or urine. Standard curves for urine were linear for concentrations up to 500 ng/ml for R- and S-II, with correlation coefficients higher than 0.994 and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 1 ng/ml for each enantiomer. The LOQ in plasma was 0.1 ng/ml for each of the four enantiomers. The precision and accuracy of the method for the enantiomers of both I and II were good for plasma and urine with coefficients of variations typically within 10%. The stability of the R- and S-enantiomers of II and I in plasma and those of II in urine was excellent, with no evidence of degradation or interconversion during storage and handling.

Two-step generation of spirocyclic dipeptides from linear peptide ethyl ester precursors

Linear tri- and tetrapeptide precursors of 2,5-piperazinedione were prepared and their conversion to spirocyclic dipeptidase enzymes, the spirocyclic dipeptides (SpDp) were generated from the precursors by a two-step mechanism consisting in the proteolytic release of the C-terminal dipeptide ethyl ester and its subsequent spontaneous cyclization. After intraperitoneal administration of urokinase and Ac-Leu-Lys-Gly-Acp-OEt, a SpDp precursor targeted to endogenous plasmin, or the administration of the activated Hageman factor fragment and Ac-Leu-Arg-Ala-Acp-OEt, a SpDp precursor, targeted to endogenous kallikrein, the generated corresponding C-terminal dipeptide ethylester intermediates and SpDp, cyclo(Gly-Acp) and cyclo (Ala-Acp), respectively, were detected in the blood serum of C57B1 mice. Suppression of partial amnesia induced by sodium nitrite was observed in rats where it was subcutaneously administered with H-Leu-Ala-Acp-OEt, a peptide precursor of alaptide, the active SpDp, i.e. cyclo(1-amino-1-cyclopentanecarbonyl-L-alanyl).

Mass spectrometric identification of urinary and plasma metabolites of 6-(6'-carboxyhexyl)-7-n-hexyl-1,3-diazaspiro-[4-4]-nonan-2,4-dione, a new cytoprotective agent

The compound IBI-P-01028, or R,S-cis-6-(6'-carboxyhexyl)-7-trans-n-hexyl-1,3-diazaspiro-[4-4]-nona n-2,4- dione, is a new cytoprotective agent under development. To study the metabolites of this compound in laboratory animals, we administered it to dogs and rats, and analyzed extracts from dog and rat urine, and from dog plasma, by GC-MS. The metabolic profiles were different in the rat and dog. In the dog (plasma and urine), one metabolite was found, and in the rat urine two other metabolites were found. The unmetabolized drug was found only in the dog plasma and urine.

Radioreceptor assay of dopamine binding activity in human serum after tiospirone administration

Tiospirone has demonstrated preclinical activities that predict utility as an antipsychotic drug which lacks the potential to produce extrapyramidal side effects. Indeed, human safety trials after single and multiple dose administration did not reveal the presence of any neurological effects. Serum samples from these studies were obtained for radioreceptor assay to determine the level of dopamine binding activity present. After a single 75 mg dose of tiospirone, demonstrable levels of dopamine binding activity were present. A variety of time points were sampled during the multiple dose study wherein subjects received 60 mg, t.i.d. for 28 days. A comparison of levels of dopamine binding activity present in serum samples taken immediately prior to dosing on various days during the course of the study suggested that steady-state was achieved within seven days with repeated administration. No further rises were seen in the remainder of the study, suggesting that further accumulation of the drug did not occur. Furthermore, hourly monitoring on the last day of drug administration did not reveal any difference, relative to the first dose, in peak levels, time to peak level appearance, or rate of disappearance of dopamine binding activity. This suggests that active metabolites do not accumulate nor is there induction of drug metabolism. Plasma levels of tiospirone were also obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography assay at similar time points. With repeated drug administration plasma tiospirone concentrations also achieved a steady state. Statistically significant increases in plasma half-life and area under the time-concentration curve were observed between day 1 and 28.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The determination of fenspiride in human plasma and urine by liquid chromatography with electrochemical or ultraviolet detection

A selective and sensitive method for the determination of fenspiride in biological fluids is described. The method involves liquid-liquid extraction followed by separation on a reversed-phase column with electrochemical detection for low levels of the drug in plasma (less than or equal to 100 ng ml-1) or UV absorption for higher concentrations in plasma or urine. The method is suitable for pharmacokinetic analyses and drug monitoring studies.

Determination of functionally-relevant serum levels of MJ 13859-1 in the dog: relationship to blockade of amphetamine stereotypy

The ability of drugs to block dopamine-agonist induced stereotypy in animals has proven to be a reliable in vivo predictor of antipsychotic efficacy in man. Assessment of a drug's potency at displacing [3H]spiperone from rat striatal membranes is an in vitro test which also has predictive validity for antipsychotic actions. Methods are described for assessing stereotyped behavior in the dog, and for measuring the ability of serum samples taken from treated animals at behaviorally interesting time points, to displace [3H]spiperone from washed synaptic membranes of rat striata. In these studies, oral administration of the potential antipsychotic agent MJ 13859-1 blocked amphetamine-induced stereotyped behavior in the dog for 6 hours. This behavioral effect was accompanied by sustained serum levels of [3H]spiperone displacing moieties derived from MJ 13859-1.

A Phase I trial of spirogermanium administered on a continuous infusion schedule

We have evaluated the toxicity of the antitumor agent spirogermanium on a schedule of continuous intravenous administration for periods up to five days. The doses tested were between 100 mg/m2/day and 500 mg/m2/day. Peripheral vein phlebitis occurred at all dose levels and was not relieved by addition of hydrocortisone or heparin to the infusion. No phlebitis occurred when the drug was administered through a central vein. The dose limiting toxicity of spirogermanium was neurologic, notably tremors and mental confusion. These problems became progressively more severe at doses above 250 mg/m2/day. There was no discernible bone marrow, renal or hepatic toxicity. One patient developed reversible interstitial pneumonitis. The recommended Phase II dose of spirogermanium is 200 mg/m2/day for five days, with the possibility of escalation in selected patients. Because spirogermanium is more toxic to tumor cells with prolonged exposure than with intermittent exposure, this schedule could be considered for Phase II trials, particularly in diseases thought to be especially sensitive such as ovarian and prostatic carcinoma or lymphomas.

Effect of tumors on the concentration of leucogenenol in the serum of mice

It was found that inoculation of several strains of mice with several types of tumor cells resulted, within 24 hr, in a significant decrease in the serum leucogenenol levels of the mice. Serum leucogenenol levels of the mice inoculated with tumors that are rejected become normal or temporarily above normal at approximately the time the tumor is observed to be rejected. Contrariwise, serum leucogenenol levels of mice inoculated with tumors that are not rejected remain at significantly lower than normal levels during the life of the mice. Unlike tumors, skin allografts increase serum leucogenenol levels. When tumors are rejected because of the previous immunization of the mice, serum leucogenenol levels become normal at approximately the time the tumor is observed to be rejected. Excision of the tumor after 1 week of growth, with the consequent recovery of the mice, is accompanied by a recovery of normal serum leucogenenol levels. Also, it was found that injection of mice with a cell-free 0.9% NaCl solution extract of a tumor results in a temporary decrease in serum leucogenenol levels comparable to that observed with the inoculation of a viable tumor which lasts from 24 to 96 hr. It is suggested that the suppression of serum leucogenenol levels is one of the factors responsible for the immunosuppression associated with a growing tumor.

Effect of skin or muscle incisions or the loss of blood on serum leucogenenol level

It has been found that damage to a tissue of a rabbit or a rat, such as results from a skin incision or an incision through the skin and muscles into the abdominal cavity, is followed 24 hr later by a significant increase in the concentration of leucogenenol in the animal's serum. Likewise, loss of approximately one-quarter to one-half of the blood in the circulation of rabbits or rats causes an increase 24 hr later in the animals' serum leucogenenol concentration.

Association of leucogenenol with specific proteins in serum

Determination of the concentration of leucogenenol in the IgM, IgG, albumin, and low molecular weight protein fractions of serum demonstrated that leucogenenol is found only in protein fractions of molecular weights in the range of IgM and IgG. Determination of the distribution of leucogenenol in chromatographically separated serum proteins showed that leucogenenol has a maximum concentration in the proteins intermediate between those with the molecular weights of IgM and IgG. Comparison of the ratio of effluent to void volumes with the ratios of known proteins suggest that the associated or carrier protein of leucogenenol has a molecular weight of approximately 3 x 10-5. When additional leucogenenol is added to serum it is found in the same protein fractions as the leucogenenol normally present, indicating that there is excess carrier protein for leucogenenol in the serum.