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D Kupfer

Publications and source records attributed to D Kupfer.

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Critical evaluation of methods for detection and assessment of estrogenic compounds in mammals: strengths and limitations for application to risk assessment.

Methods for assessing proestrogenic and estrogenic activity of xenobiotics (environmental pollutants and therapeutic agents) are critically evaluated. The uterotropic assay in vivo and the binding affinity to the uterine estrogen receptor in vitro are still the preferred methods by most investigators. Because metabolism could markedly alter the activity of estrogens and proestrogens, in vitro methods that do not consider such possibilities have only limited utility. An in vitro method, which attempts to satisfy that requirement by combining metabolic capability with binding to the estrogen receptor, has become available. However this method still needs considerable refinement and the assessment of its potential and limitations. In addition, there is a need for a facile method for determining whether a compound is a frank estrogen or a partial agonist/antiestrogen. These methods are considered in respect to their application for risk assessment.

Animals↗

Metabolism of methoxychlor by hepatic P-450 monooxygenases in rat and human. 1. Characterization of a novel catechol metabolite.

Previous investigations demonstrated that the incubation of the chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide methoxychlor [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)ethane] with rat liver microsomes generates phenolic estrogenic metabolites. The current study shows that the incubation of liver microsomes from untreated and phenobarbital-treated rats and human donors, in the presence of NADPH, yields three phenolic metabolites. Identification of the metabolites was achieved by TLC, HPLC, GC/MS, and LC/MS and by hydrodynamic voltammetric analysis. These metabolites were identified as the mon- and didemethylated phenolic derivatives (mono-OH-M and bis-OH-M, respectively) and as a novel trihydroxy derivative (tris-OH-M). The tris-OH-M was demonstrated to be a catechol [1,1,1-trichloro-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethane]. Furthermore, the tris-OH-M becomes radiolabeled by [methyl-3H3]-S- adenosylmethionine (SAM) in a reaction catalyzed by catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT), indicating that tris-OH-M behaves like a catechol. Incubation of the monohydroxy metabolite with liver microsomes from phenobarbital-treated rats (PB microsomes) yields the dihydroxy and the trihydroxy metabolites. Furthermore, the time course of methoxychlor metabolism by PB microsomes demonstrated a rapid appearance and disappearance of the monohydroxy metabolite with the subsequent formation of the dihydroxy and trihydroxy metabolites. On the basis of these findings, it is proposed that the metabolic route of methoxychlor by mono-oxygenases involves sequential demethylations to the dihydroxy derivative and a subsequent ring hydroxylation.

Animals↗

Interactions of methoxychlor, methoxychlor base-soluble contaminant, and 2,2-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane with rat uterine estrogen receptor.

Laboratory grade methoxychlor (99% pure), base-washed methoxychlor, and a metabolite of methoxychlor, 2,2-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (HPTE), were tested for their ability to compete with [3 H] estradiol-17 beta ([3 H]E2) for specific binding to the estrogen receptor from immature rat uterine cytosol. The binding was determined on 10--30% sucrose gradients and by a dextran-coated charcoal assay and subsequent Scatchard plot analysis. On gradients, laboratory grade methoxychlor, but not base-washed methoxychlor, suppressed [3 H]E2 binding to the 8S estrogen receptor. However, the base-soluble fraction from washing of laboratory grade methoxychlor caused suppression o[3 H]E2 binding on sucrose gradients at a concentration as low as 3.6 ppm. Scatchard plot analysis indicated that the inhibition of binding observed with laboratory grade methoxychlor was competitive in nature and not caused by receptor destruction. It was concluded that laboratory grade methoxychlor contained a contaminant that was potentially estrogenic. HPTE, an in vivo metabolite of methoxychlor, caused a marked suppression of [3 H]E2 binding in the 85 region of the gradients. Analysis by Scatchard plot indicated that the effect of HPTE was not to decrease the number of E2 binding sites but merely to alter the affinity of binding to the receptor, presumably in a competitive manner. The low K1 value for HPTE suggested an extremely high affinity for uterine cytosolic E2 receptors.

Animals↗

Methodological issues in linkage analyses for psychiatric disorders: secular trends, assortative mating, bilineal pedigrees. Report of the MacArthur Foundation Network I Task Force on Methodological Issues.

A Task Force was assembled to address three data problems in genetic linkage analyses: (1) a secular trend, e.g. cohort effect; (2) positive assortative mating, and (3) bilineal pedigrees. All are cited as reasons for failure to replicate genetic linkage reports. However, we knew of no work demonstrating that these factors could invalidate or bias linkage analyses, nor that they were complications (e.g., variable age of onset). The Task Force concluded that these factors can reduce the power of linkage analyses and result in bias in the estimate of the recombination frequency due to the fact that they represent 'noise' in the system. There was little evidence that the three factors would invalidate a linkage analysis or be directly responsible for negating a linkage finding.

Cohort Effect↗

Role of P-450c in the formation of a reactive intermediate of chlorotrianisene (TACE) by hepatic microsomes from methylcholanthrene-treated rats.

A previous study has shown that chlorotrianisene is metabolized by hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase(s) to a reactive intermediate that binds covalently to microsomal proteins [Juedes, Bulger, and Kupfer: Drug Metab. Dispos. 15, 786 (1987)]. Covalent binding of chlorotrianisene in hepatic microsomes is dramatically stimulated by treatment of rats with methylcholanthrene (MC), which is known to induce two major P-450 isozymes, P-450c (IA1) and P-450d (IA2). To determine whether P-450c and/or P-450d are involved in catalysis of covalent binding of chlorotrianisene, antibodies to P-450c and P-450d were used. Incubations of chlorotrianisene were conducted with liver microsomes from MC-treated rats (MC microsomes) and a monoclonal antibody (mAb) raised to the major MC-induced isozyme P450c, mAb 1-7-1, or a polyclonal monospecific antibody (pAb) to P-450d, pAb anti-d (-c). At a 5:1 ratio of antibody to microsomal protein, mAb 1-7-1 inhibited covalent binding by 67%, whereas pAb anti d (-c) showed a 10% inhibition. Maximal inhibition by mAb 1-7-1 was 89% at a 100:1 ratio of antibody to microsomal protein. From these findings it was concluded that P-450c is the major isozyme responsible for the metabolism of chlorotrianisene to the covalently binding reactive intermediate in MC microsomes. Additionally, it was observed that potentiation of covalent binding occurred with the noninhibitory mAbs used in these incubations. Substituting bovine serum albumin (BSA) for antibodies showed that this increase in binding is probably due to an increase in acceptor sites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Characteristics of monooxygenase-mediated covalent binding of methoxychlor in human and rat liver microsomes.

The characteristics of the activation of methoxychlor by the hepatic microsomal monooxygenases and its covalent binding to microsomal proteins in human and untreated rat were compared. The Vmax of covalent binding is similar in both species, being 21 and 11 pmol/min/mg protein in human and rat, respectively. However, their Kmapp values show marked differences: 146 versus 5 microM for human and rat, respectively. These differences in Km values seem to reflect the affinities of the respective P-450s for methoxychlor in catalyzing the formation of the reactive intermediate (M*) and not the availability of acceptor binding sites. The observations that alternate substrates and inhibitors of P-450 monooxygenases inhibit covalent binding of methoxychlor to human liver microsomes, demonstrate that covalent binding is catalyzed by typical monooxygenases. Antioxidants/free radical scavengers, and sulfhydryl-containing compounds inhibit covalent binding in human liver microsomes, suggesting that the reactive intermediate is a free radical. A similar finding in phenobarbital (Pb)-treated rats (Bulger, Temple and Kupfer, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 68:367, 1983) indicates that the mechanism of covalent binding in the two species is similar. Of interest is the observation with human liver samples that, despite differences in age, sex, and, probably, in diet among individuals, their rates of covalent binding of methoxychlor were similar. By contrast, there is a much higher covalent binding in the mature male rat than in the mature female or immature male or female rat, suggesting that developmentally controlled male-specific P-450s contribute to covalent binding in the adult male.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Age Factors↗

Monooxygenase-mediated activation of chlorotrianisene (TACE) in covalent binding to rat hepatic microsomal proteins.

Chlorotrianisene is a therapeutic estrogen and contaminant of the pesticide methoxychlor. Incubation of [3H]chlorotrianisene with rat liver microsomes, supplemented with NADPH, yielded covalent binding of radiolabeled metabolite(s) to microsomal components. This binding was dramatically stimulated when microsomes from methylcholanthrene-treated rats were used. However, microsomes from phenobarbital-treated animals did not enhance binding. Analysis of solubilized microsomes by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed radiolabeled bands in the 45- to 66-kDa range. Furthermore, these bands were sensitive to protease degradation, indicating that the recipient macromolecules were proteins and possibly cytochrome P-450(s). Selective inhibition of binding to microsomes prepared from control, phenobarbital-, and methylcholanthrene-treated rats by inhibitors of monooxygenase activity [beta-diethylaminoethyl diphenylpropylacetate (SKF-525A) and metyrapone], by alternate substrates (ethylmorphine and benzo[a]pyrene), and by oxygen exclusion indicated that the binding was dependent upon monooxygenase activity and that a specific P-450 may be involved. Compounds containing free sulfhydryls markedly inhibited covalent binding, suggesting that the reactive intermediate is an epoxide or a free radical. The epoxide hydratase inhibitor (1,1,1-trichloropropane oxide) failed to enhance covalent binding, suggesting that an epoxide of chlorotrianisene was not the reactive intermediate. By contrast, free radical scavengers (propyl gallate, N,N'-diphenylenediamine, and ascorbic acid) markedly inhibited covalent binding, indicating that binding was mediated via a free radical. Since both methylcholanthrene and phenobarbital did not enhance demethylation of chlorotrianisene and methylcholanthrene increased covalent binding, it appears that demethylation products are not involved in covalent binding or that demethylation is not the rate-limiting step. A possible pathway for the metabolism and covalent binding of chlorotrianisene is presented.

Animals↗

Metabolism of the proestrogenic pesticide methoxychlor by hepatic P450 monooxygenases in rats and humans. Dual pathways involving novel ortho ring-hydroxylation by CYP2B.

Previous studies demonstrated that methoxychlor [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethane] is a proestrogen and is toxic to mammalian reproductive processes. Mammalian liver microsomes sequentially demethylate methoxychlor (I), yielding two estrogenic metabolites, mono-OH-M (II) and bis-OH-M (III). Liver microsomes from phenobarbital (PB)-treated rats (PB microsomes) additionally formed a catechol product, tris-OH-M (VII) (Kupfer et al., Chem. Res. Toxicol. 3, 8-16, 1990). This study shows that, in addition to compounds II, III and VII, male and female rat PB microsomes catalyze the formation of a novel ring-hydroxylated methoxychlor metabolite, ring-OH-M (IV). Liver microsomes from male rats treated with pregnenolone-16 alpha-carbonitrile formed the same metabolites as PB microsomes, but the ring-OH-M was formed only in minute amounts, and there was no tris-OH-M. Liver microsomes from methylchlolanthrene-treated and control male rats demethylated methoxychlor, but did not form ring-hydroxylated products. Similarly, human liver microsomes exhibited demethylation but not ring-hydroxylation. Incubation of mono-OH-M (II) with control rat liver microsomes yielded only bis-OH-M (III), whereas incubation of ring-OH-M (IV) resulted in monodemethylated (dihydroxy) compounds V/VI and didemethylated ring-hydroxylated compound, tris-OH-M (VII). Incubation of (IV) with PB microsomes led to compounds V and/or VI and tris-OH-M (VII), whereas incubation of mono-OH-M (II) yielded bis-OH-M (III) and tris-OH-M (VII). The evidence indicates that ring-hydroxylation is catalyzed by CYP2B: a) induction of CYP2B was required for ring-hydroxylation; b) antibodies against CYP2B1/2 strongly inhibited the formation of the ring-hydroxylated products by PB microsomes; c) incubation of methoxychlor with reconstituted CYP2B1 yielded both the hydroxylated (IV and VII) and the demethylated (II and III) metabolites; and d) reconstituted CYP2B1 converted mono-OH-M into bis-OH-M and tris-OH-M, whereas bis-OH-M was converted into tris-OH-M. Human CYP2B6 exhibits ring-hydroxylation, indicating that this reaction is catalyzed by several CYP2B isozymes. In addition, this study demonstrates that the formation of the catechol tris-OH-M involves two metabolic pathways: via O-demethylation followed by ring-hydroxylation and via ring-hydroxylation and subsequent O-demethylation.

Animals↗

Metabolism of the antimammary cancer antiestrogenic agent tamoxifen. I. Cytochrome P-450-catalyzed N-demethylation and 4-hydroxylation.

Previous studies suggested that the therapeutic effect of the antimammary cancer agent tamoxifen might be related to its metabolism. This study examined the cytochrome P-450 enzymes in rat and human liver catalyzing the metabolism of tamoxifen. Incubations of tamoxifen with rat liver microsomes yielded three major polar metabolites identified as the N-oxide, N-desmethyl, and 4-hydroxy derivatives. N-Oxide formation was catalyzed by the flavin-containing monooxygenase (see part II). Carbon monoxide, SKF-525A, metyrapone, and benzylimidazole strongly inhibited N-demethylation and 4-hydroxylation, indicating the participation of P-450 monooxygenase in these reactions. Antibodies to NADPH-P450 reductase inhibited N-demethylation and 4-hydroxylation. Comparison of the metabolism of tamoxifen in untreated male and female rats demonstrated some sexual dimorphism. N-Demethylation was higher in the male rat and 4-hydroxylation was higher in the female. Treatment of rats with phenobarbital (PB), pregnenolone-16 alpha-carbonitrile (PCN), and methylcholanthrene (MC) enhanced N-demethylation, demonstrating the potential participation of multiple P-450s in N-demethylation. Evidence strongly indicates that CYP3A enzyme(s) catalyzes N-demethylation in liver microsomes of PB- and PCN-treated rats (PB and PCN microsomes, respectively): i) N-demethylation was inhibited by cortisol and erythromycin (alternate substrates) and a time-dependent inhibition was observed with troleandomycin (TAO) in vitro; ii) treatment of female rats with TAO, followed by dissociation of the microsomal TAO-P-450 complex, elevated N-demethylation; iii) treatment of PCN-induced female rats with chloramphenicol inhibited N-demethylation; and iv) polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) to CYP3A1 inhibited N-demethylation in PCN- and PB-treated female rats. Although we were unable to reconstitute the N-demethylation activity with purified CYP3A1, which is difficult to reconstitute, collectively the evidence demonstrated that CYP3A enzymes catalyze N-demethylation in PB and PCN microsomes. By contrast, antibodies against CYP2B1/B2 did not inhibit N-demethylation and reconstituted 2B1 did not catalyze N-demethylation of tamoxifen, indicating that 2B1 was not involved. The increase in N-demethylation by MC treatment appears to be due to elevation of CYP1A1/1A2 (P-450c/d). Alternate substrates of CYP1A1/1A2 inhibited N-demethylation and reconstituted rat CYP 1A1-catalyzed N-demethylation. Surprisingly, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against CYP1A1/1A2 only partially inhibited, and PAbs against CYP1A1 did not inhibit N-demethylation in MC microsomes, indicating that in MC microsomes, 1A1 does not contribute significantly to that reaction. Mab anti-CYP2C11/2C6 (P-450h/k) inhibited N-demethylation in PB, PCN, and control male rat liver microsomes, suggesting that CYP2C11 and/or CYP2C6 catalyze this reaction to some extent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

Metabolism of the antimammary cancer antiestrogenic agent tamoxifen. II. Flavin-containing monooxygenase-mediated N-oxidation.

Earlier studies demonstrated that the major metabolites of tamoxifen generated by mammalian liver microsomes are the corresponding N-oxide, N-desmethyl, and 4-hydroxy derivatives. This study examines the enzymatic activity catalyzing the formation of tamoxifen N-oxide by mammalian liver microsomes. Incubations of tamoxifen with liver microsomes from the various species, supplemented with NADPH, yielded the N-oxide, N-desmethyl, and 4-hydroxy derivatives. Inhibition of N-oxide accumulation by mild heat and low concentrations of methimazole in rat liver microsomes indicated that this reaction is catalyzed by the flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO). Antibodies to NADPH-P-450 reductase inhibited N-demethylation and 4-hydroxylation, but not N-oxidation, supporting the aforementioned conclusion. Purified mouse liver microsomal FMO converted tamoxifen solely into the N-oxide, providing direct evidence for FMO involvement. Human liver microsomes formed the same tamoxifen metabolites, albeit at a much lower rate. Inhibitors of FMO diminished the accumulation of N-oxide by human liver microsomes, indicating involvement of FMO. Tamoxifen-N-oxide was found to be readily reduced to tamoxifen by rat or human liver microsomes, in the presence of NADPH; the extent of reduction was dramatically increased when incubations were supplemented with methimazole. The facile reduction of tamoxifen N-oxide back to tamoxifen suggests that the N-oxide may serve as a storage form for tamoxifen in vivo.

Animals↗