[Interest in the study of dose-response relationship for determination of the optimal dose of medications].
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Publications and source records attributed to E Bellissant.
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AIMS: To investigate the pharmacokinetics of SR 33671, the main active metabolite of the calcium antagonist fantofarone, and the relationships between its concentrations and pharmacodynamic effects after a single oral administration of two doses (100 and 300 mg) of fantofarone. METHODS: A placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind and crossover study was performed in six healthy volunteers. SR 33671 plasma concentrations (C, ng ml-1 ) and effects (E) on heart rate (HR, beats min-1 ), PR interval duration (ms), brachial artery flow (BAF, ml min-1 ) and brachial vascular resistance (BVR, mmHg s ml-1 ) were determined repeatedly after drug intake. Haemodynamic effects were expressed as percent changes from initial values. Bi-exponential (pharmacokinetics), and linear [E=S.C+E0, for cardiac effects] or sigmoid [E=Emax.Cgamma/(CEgamma50+Cgamma ), for haemodynamic effects] models were fitted to individual data. RESULTS: Peak plasma concentrations and areas under the curve up to 24 h were (mean+/-s.d.) 16+/-10 ng ml-1 and 157.50+/-89.13 ng ml-1 h, and 63+/-11 ng ml-1 and 535.50+/-135.11 ng ml-1 h, after 100 and 300 mg, respectively. Terminal half-life was approximately 4 h. For pharmacodynamics, we obtained: S=-0.201+/-0.057 beats min-1/ng ml-1 for HR, S=0.526+/-0.114 ms/ng ml-1 for PR interval duration, Emax=42+/-6%, CE50=8.8+/-7.2 ng ml-1 and gamma=2.2+/-1.5 for BAF, and Emax=-28+/-4%, CE50=5.8+/-5.1 ng ml-1 and gamma=3.4+/-1.8 for BVR. At a SR 33671 concentration of 15 ng ml-1, BVR is decreased by 27% whereas HR is reduced by less than 3 beats min-1 and PR interval duration is increased by less than 8 ms. CONCLUSIONS: Fantofarone is able to induce submaximal peripheral vasodilating effects at doses that are devoid of any clinically significant cardiac effect.
UNLABELLED: The aims of this study were to investigate whether angiotensin II and/or endothelin could contribute to the hypoxic contractile response of isolated rat pulmonary artery. Experiments were performed for 1 h on noradrenaline precontracted arterial rings in hypoxic conditions (95% N2 and 5% CO2). Nicardipine, lisinopril, losartan, phosphoramidon, FR139317 and bosentan were used to block Ca2+ channels, angiotensin I-converting enzyme, AT1 receptors, endothelin-converting enzyme, ETA receptors, and ETA/ETB receptors, respectively. The profile of the hypoxic contractile response was biphasic, displaying, after a short relaxation, a weak and transient contraction (from 2-4 min) and then, before complete relaxation, a slowly developed but sustained contraction (from 14-60 min). Endothelium removal abolished the transient contraction and reduced (-59%) the sustained contraction. Nicardipine did not modify the transient contraction, but concentration-dependently decreased (from -35% to -100%) the sustained contraction (P = 0.024). Lisinopril and losartan did not affect the response (P = 0.418 and P = 0.973, respectively). Bosentan did not modify the transient contraction, but concentration-dependently decreased (from -14% to -71%) the sustained contraction (P = 0.016), whereas phosphoramidon and FR139317 did not affect the response (P = 0.830 and P = 0.806, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In rat, (i) both phases of the hypoxic contractile response are endothelium-dependent and independent of angiotensin II; (ii) the transient contraction does not depend on endothelin; (iii) the sustained contraction, which involves calcium influx, appears partly dependent on mature endothelin released from storage granules by stimulating ETB receptors.
OBJECTIVE: One third of subjects who suffer from fecal incontinence are found to have values within the normal range when anal manometry is performed. For these patients, one hypothesis is that impaired rectal adaptation to distension may occur. The aim of our study was to analyze anorectal responses to rectal isobaric distension in this population. METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted in 51 consecutive incontinent patients (45 female, six male) divided into two groups according to their functional anal state: absence (19 patients aged 55 +/- 6 yr) or presence of manometric anal weakness (32 patients aged 59 +/- 2 yr). The subjects were submitted to two randomized modes of rectal isobaric distension (tonic, phasic) with an electronic barostat. Anal pressures, perception, and volumes of the rectum were recorded at six different preselected pressures. RESULTS: As compared with those having anal weakness, patients with no anal weakness retained higher mean pressures at both upper (36.9 +/- 2.2 vs 22.9 +/- 1.4 mm Hg; p = 0.01) and lower parts (41.0 +/- 2.0 vs 23.3 +/- 1.4 mm Hg; p = 0.002) of the anal canal, similar perception scores, but much lower rectal volumes (68.5 +/- 5.5 vs 121.8 +/- 7.0 ml; p = 0.008) in response to rectal isobaric distension. CONCLUSION: A decrease in rectal adaptation could be involved in fecal leakage in patients with no anal manometric weakness.
BACKGROUND: Perception of, and adaptation of the rectum to, distension probably play an important role in the maintenance of continence, but perception studies in faecal incontinence provide controversial conclusions possibly related to methodological biases. In order to better understand perception disorders, the aim of this study was to analyse anorectal adaptation to rectal isobaric distension in subjects with incontinence. PATIENTS/METHODS: Between June 95 and December 97, 97 consecutive patients (nine men and 88 women, mean (SEM) age 55 (1) years) suffering from incontinence were evaluated and compared with 15 healthy volunteers (four men and 11 women, mean age 48 (3) years). The patients were classified into three groups according to their perception status to rectal isobaric distensions (impaired, 22; normal, 61; enhanced, 14). Anal and rectal adaptations to increasing rectal pressure were analysed using a model of rectal isobaric distension. RESULTS: The four groups did not differ with respect to age, parity, or sex ratio. Magnitude of incontinence, prevalence of pelvic disorders, and sphincter defects were similar in the incontinent groups. When compared with healthy controls, anal pressure and rectal adaptation to distension were decreased in incontinent patients. When compared with incontinent patients with normal perception, patients with enhanced perception experienced similar rectal adaptation but had reduced anal pressure. In contrast, patients with impaired perception showed considerably decreased rectal adaptation but had similar anal pressure. CONCLUSION: Abnormal sensations during rectal distension are observed in one third of subjects suffering from incontinence. These abnormalities may reflect hyperreactivity or neuropathological damage of the rectal wall.
BACKGROUND: Somatostatin is localized in the intestinal and pelvic nerves of the anorectum and it seems to act as an important neurotransmitter. However, previous analyses of octreotide (a somatostatin analog) effects on anal function showed conflicting results. By use of a dynamic model in healthy subjects, with comparison to the myogenic effect of glucagon, the aim of our study was to further investigate the pharmacologic targets of octreotide. METHODS: This was a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blinded crossover study performed in 12 healthy volunteers who received octreotide, glucagon, or placebo intravenously on separate days. During each sequence, several pressure steps in 3 different protocols of rectal isobaric distension were applied with an electronic barostat. Manometric responses of the anal canal, adaptative volumes, and perception scores of the rectum were recorded. RESULTS: During both phasic and stepwise distensions, a significant drug effect was encountered at the anal level. Compared with placebo, octreotide significantly increased pressures at both upper and lower levels of the anal canal. In contrast, glucagon decreased pressures at the upper part of the anal canal. Octreotide significantly decreased rectal volumes to phasic distension, but glucagon did not induce any change on rectal adaptation. In addition, neither drug modified perception scores. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that octreotide acts on reflex arcs and rectal myenteric neurons rather than on anal myogenic targets that respond to glucagon.
BACKGROUND: Despite their potential therapeutic benefit, the effects of cholinergic agents on anal function have been poorly investigated. AIM: To analyse the effects of neostigmine and atropine on anorectal responses to rectal isobaric distension. METHODS: This was a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind crossover study, performed in 12 healthy volunteers who received intravenously, on 3 separate days, neostigmine, atropine or the placebo. During each day of the experiment, seven pressure steps (ranging from 1 to 31 mmHg) in three different protocols of rectal isobaric distension (phasic, stepwise and tonic) were applied using an electronic barostat. Manometric responses of the anal canal, adaptative volumes and perception scores of the rectum were recorded. RESULTS: During stepwise distension, a significant drug effect was encountered at the anal level. No drug effect was observed on the other investigated parameters (rectal volumes and rectal perception scores) or for the other modes of distension. Compared to placebo, neostigmine significantly decreased pressures at the upper level of the anal canal for both recto anal inhibitory reflex and mean resting pressures. In contrast, atropine significantly increased pressures at the lower part of the anal canal but did not modify upper anal pressures. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that cholinergic effects result more from an indirect action on intermediate neurotransmitters and rectal myenteric neurons, than from a direct action on anal targets.
AIMS: To investigate, in healthy volunteers, the relationships between the plasma concentrations (C, ng ml(-1)) of zabiciprilat, the active metabolite of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) zabicipril, and the effects (E) induced on plasma converting enzyme activity (PCEA, nmol ml(-1) min(-1)), brachial and femoral artery flows (BAF, FAF, ml min(-1)), and brachial and femoral vascular resistances (BVR, FVR, mmHg x s ml(-1)) after a single oral administration of two doses (0.5 and 2.5 mg) of zabicipril. METHODS: The study was placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind and crossover. E was related to C by the Hill model, E = Emax x Cgamma/(CE50gamma + Cgamma), fitted to the data of both doses simultaneously. RESULTS: We obtained (mean +/- s.d.) Emax = -99 +/- 1%, CE50 = 2.2 +/- 1.0 ng ml(-1) and gamma = 1.0 +/- 0.4 for PCEA, Emax = 55 +/- 26 ml min(-1), CE50 = 5.1 +/- 4.0 ng ml(-1) and gamma = 2.4 +/- 1.6 for BAF, and Emax = -45 +/- 10%, CE50 = 2.0 +/- 1.3 ng ml(-1) and gamma = 2.3 +/- 1.4 for BVR. The parameters obtained for FAF and FVR were similar to those obtained for BAF and BVR, respectively. The CE95 (C required to induce 95% of Emax) varies from 7 to 17 ng ml(-1) for haemodynamic effects. CONCLUSIONS: As zabiciprilat peak plasma concentrations average 20 ng ml(-1) after the 2.5 mg dose of zabicipril, this dose of the drug should be sufficient to induce optimal haemodynamic effects.
AIMS: To investigate the relationship between adrenal gland function and pressor response to noradrenaline in septic shock. METHODS: Basal cortisol level, noradrenaline--mean arterial pressure dose-response curve and cortisol response to intravenous corticotrophin bolus were obtained in nine patients fulfilling usual criteria for septic shock and in six normal volunteers. In patients with septic shock, dose-response curve to noradrenaline was determined a second time 60 min after a 50 mg intravenous hydrocortisone bolus. RESULTS: As compared with controls, patients with septic shock had increased basal cortisol levels (mean+/-s.d.: 1564+/-818 vs 378+/-104 nmol l(-1) , P=0.002, 95% confidence interval for difference in means: [452, 1920]) and a blunted cortisol response to corticotrophin (403+/-461 vs 1132+/-195 nmol l(-1), P=0.008, [-1163, -2951). Five patients had impaired adrenal function reserve. As compared with controls, septic patients displayed a moderate and non significant decrease in pressor sensitivity to noradrenaline (P=0.112). As compared with patients with adequate adrenal response, patients with impaired adrenal function reserve showed a significant decrease in pressor sensitivity to noradrenaline (P=0.038). In septic patients, hydrocortisone improved pressor response to noradrenaline (P=0.032). This effect was more marked in patients with impaired adrenal function reserve so that, as compared with patients with adequate response, the difference was no longer significant (P=0.123). CONCLUSIONS: In septic shock, impaired adrenal function reserve may partly be accounted for by the depressed pressor sensitivity to noradrenaline. The latter may be substantially improved by physiological doses of hydrocortisone.
BACKGROUND: High recovery rates of continence are observed after surgical procedures for rectal prolapse. Increases in rectal compliance but no obvious rise in anal pressures have been reported. The authors' hypothesis was that decreased rectal adaptation to distension may contribute to incontinence in patients suffering from overt rectal prolapse. METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted in 20 consecutive incontinent patients suffering from overt rectal prolapse with no mucosal change (two men and 18 women; mean(s.e.m.) age 50(3) years). They were compared with 20 age- and sex-matched patients with incontinence without rectal prolapse and ten age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers observed during the same period. The subjects were submitted to phasic isobaric distension of the rectum with an electronic barostat. Anal pressures, perception scores and rectal volumes were recorded at six different preselected pressures. RESULTS: Compared with healthy subjects, maximum rectal volumes (mean(s.e.m) 98(6) versus 167(11) ml; P= 0.005), volumes related to compliance (56(5) versus 100(9) ml; P= 0.004) and tone (41(3) versus 67(4) ml; P = 0.003) were decreased significantly in the rectal prolapse group. Prolapse and incontinence groups did not differ significantly with respect to rectal adaptation for all three parameters and steps of distension considered. CONCLUSION: Patients suffering from overt rectal prolapse had markedly impaired rectal adaptation to distension which may contribute to incontinence.
This article presents the theoretical and practical aspects involved in the design and analysis of pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling studies. The main features of the protocol of pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic studies are discussed with special focus on experimental designs in relation to individual and population approaches. Some basic pharmacodynamic models (such as linear, log-linear, hyperbolic and sigmoid models) are presented as well as more complex time-dependent models (effect compartment and physiological indirect response, tolerance models) which are required when the concentration-effect relationship shows a hysteresis loop. The methods of estimation, with special focus on the individual and populations approaches, are covered, along with the way pharmacodynamic models and methods of estimation can be applied to real data and the information required to criticise the results of modelling. We also present some real problems frequently encountered when performing pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling and give some potential solutions (problems with hysteresis loops, lack of convergence, problems with residuals). The last section discusses the significance of pharmacodynamic parameters.
BACKGROUND: Sequential methods are particularly interesting when recruitment is difficult because they may allow a study to be stopped early while maintaining type I and II error rates. METHODS: This placebo-controlled, randomized double-blind study was aimed at assessing the efficacy of metoclopramide (0.2 mg/kg three times daily during 14 days) on gastroesophageal reflux in infancy. The main end point was the relative variation of the percentage of time at pH < 4 between inclusion (day 0) and evaluation (day 14) assessed on two 24-hour esophageal pH recordings. Statistical analysis was performed with use of a sequential method, the triangular test. RESULTS: The study was stopped after the seventh analysis (39 infants evaluated: 20 placebo and 19 metoclopramide) without showing the expected benefit. Improvement on the main end point was 30% +/- 48% (mean +/- SD). Corresponding unbiased median estimates were 22% for placebo and 39% for metoclopramide (p = 0.28, sequential analysis). On day 14, the percentage of time at pH < 4 was 8.1% +/- 11.7% for placebo and 6.7% +/- 9.2% for metoclopramide (p = 0.68, t test), and the number of reflux episodes > 5 minutes was 3.0 +/- 3.5 for placebo and 1.9 +/- 3.0 for metoclopramide (p = 0.33, t test). CONCLUSION: If a tendency for a superior improvement with metoclopramide than with placebo was observed on the main end point, it was lower than expected and the difference was not significant. Compared with the corresponding single-stage design, the triangular test allowed to stop the study with a 15% reduction in sample size.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relations between the plasma concentrations of spiraprilat (the active metabolite of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor spirapril) and its effects on plasma converting enzyme activity (PCEA), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), and brachial blood flow (BBF), after a single oral administration of 6 mg of spirapril in eight patients with severe congestive heart failure (CHF). Concentrations and effects were determined before and repeatedly during 48 h after drug intake. A sigmoid model was fitted to individual observations. Maximal effects, concentrations inducing half-maximal effects, and Hill coefficients were -99 +/- 2%, 3.9 +/- 1.9 ng/ml, and 2.4 +/- 0.7 for PCEA inhibition, -15 +/- 8 mm Hg, 11.8 +/- 9.2 ng/ml, and 2.6 +/- 1.3 for PCWP decrease, and 36 +/- 19 ml/min, 13.8 +/- 7.6 ng/ml, and 3.3 +/- 1.0 for BBF increase. In severe CHF, although a 14 ng/ml plasma concentration of spiraprilat may induce a 95% inhibition of PCEA, a 30 ng/ml plasma concentration is mandatory to normalize PCWP and BBF. This concentration corresponds to the peak achieved after a 6-mg oral dose of spirapril.
The effects of hypoxia on isolated arteries remain controversial, depending on the species, vascular beds and protocols. The aims of the study were to characterize the response of rat thoracic aorta to hypoxia and to examine the roles of endothelium, extracellular calcium and endothelin in this response. Hypoxia was induced by bubbling Krebs solution with 95% N2 and 5% CO2 instead of 95% O2 and 5% CO2. Experiments were performed during 1 h in norepinephrine (0.01 microM) precontracted rings. Hypoxia produced a biphasic response consisting of an initial transient partial relaxation (67% at 14 min) followed by a slow but sustained contraction (27% from 40 to 60 min). After endothelium removal, relaxation appeared faster with increased magnitude (82% at 12 min) and was followed by a weak transient contraction (16% at 25 min). In endothelium-intact rings, Ca2+ free medium (EGTA, 0.1 mM) and Ca2+ channel blockers, verapamil (0.05, 0.5 and 5 microM) or nicardipine (0.1, 1 and 10 microM), had no effect on relaxation but inhibited the contraction, the effects of both calcium antagonists being concentration-dependent. Similarly, the ETA/ETB receptor antagonist, bosentan (0.1, 10 and 1,000 nM), induced a concentration-dependent decrease in the contraction. We conclude that 1) the response of rat thoracic aorta during 1 h of hypoxia is biphasic (relaxation followed by contraction); 2) the endothelium is involved in the contraction whereas its role in the relaxation remains to be elucidated; 3) extracellular calcium is involved in the contraction; and 4) endothelin may play a role in the contraction.
The effect of repeated transient global ischemia and microdialysis on changes in aminergic neurotransmitter release was investigated using the rat four-vessel occlusion model of global ischemia. To examine the possible transient or permanent changes in neurotransmitter release, ischemia was induced at varying time points in 5 groups of rats. The first ischemia occurred either 24 h (groups I, II, IV, V) or 96 h (group III) following vertebral artery electro-coagulation and guide probe implantation(s), and the second ischemia was induced either 48 h (groups I, IV, V) or 72 h (group II) following the first ischemia. To assess the consequence of repeated microdialysis on the results, one group of rats (group IV) was not dialysed during the first ischemia and another group (group V) was bilaterally dialysed during the second ischemia. Finally, amphetamine-induced neurotransmitter release was also studied in rats submitted to ischemia and compared with that in normal rats. In each case, dopamine, serotonin and their main metabolites were measured by HPLC with electrochemical detection. Monoamine release was inhibited during the second episode of transient ischemia; this non-release was linked to the repeated microdialysis and not to the repeated ischemia. Although the results of chronic studies using brain microdialysis have been widely recognized as valid, the findings presented here indicate that combined with ischemia, probe reinsertion modifies the level of neurotransmitter release.
BACKGROUND: Converting enzyme inhibitors meet most of the criteria required to be used in acute pulmonary edema. However, they could also induce deleterious effects on renal function and electrolytes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single intravenous 2-hour infusion of enalaprilat (1 mg) after an acute pulmonary edema. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study performed in 20 congestive heart failure patients (New York Heart Association class III or IV). Systemic and regional hemodynamic parameters, biological parameters, and blood gases were measured before and repeatedly after the onset of infusion. Compared with placebo, enalaprilat decreased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (-37% versus -10%, P = .001), diastolic and mean systemic blood pressures (-21% versus 0%, P = .009, and -18% versus -1%, P = .026, respectively), diastolic and mean pulmonary blood pressures (-21% versus -8%, P = .040; -18% versus -9%, P = .046), and brachial and renal resistances (-44% versus -14%, P = .017, and -22% versus -2%, P = .014, respectively); increased brachial and renal blood flows (+77% versus +8%, P = .036, and +12% versus 0%, P = .043, respectively), arterial oxygen tension (+2% versus -16%, P = .041), and arterial oxygen saturation (+1% versus -2%, P = .045); and tended to decrease rate-pressure product (-19% versus -7%, P = .076), increase brachial artery diameter (+13% versus 0%, P = .081), and improve intrapulmonary shunt (-18% versus +16%, P = .080). Enalaprilat did not affect cardiac output or carotid or hepatosplanchnic hemodynamics. CONCLUSIONS: Early administration of enalaprilat is effective and well tolerated in acute pulmonary edema.
In cancer, phase II clinical trials are usually noncomparative. Their purpose is to determine whether a new chemotherapy is effective enough to warrant further evaluation in phase III. Therefore, in order to meet ethical requirements, decision-making methods must allow for early termination when inefficacy (or efficacy) is clear. We previously extended the Triangular Test, a group sequential method initially proposed for phase III trials, to phase II trials and demonstrated its advantages (i.e., type I error rate alpha and power close to the nominal values, reduction of the sample size) over other methods. The aim of this paper is to present the Triangular Test from a practical standpoint that will facilitate its application to phase II clinical trials in oncology. After summarizing the minimal theoretical knowledge required to use the method appropriately, we discuss its use in the design and analysis of a phase II cancer trial.
In a previous placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, cross-over study performed in 6 healthy volunteers, we investigated the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a single oral administration of two doses (5 and 20 mg) of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), lisinopril. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relation between lisinopril plasma concentrations (C, ng/ml), and lisinopril-induced effects on plasma converting enzyme activity (PCEA, nmol/ml/min), brachial artery flow (BAF, ml/min), and brachial vascular resistance (BVR, mm Hg . s/ml). PCEA and BVR were expressed in percent changes from initial values and BAF was expressed in absolute values. Effects (E) were related to C by the Hill model: E = Emax . C gamma/CE50 gamma + C gamma). For PCEA, the model was fitted to the data of both doses simultaneously. Emax was fixed at -100%, and we obtained (mean +/- SD) CE50 = 1.4 +/- 0.6 ng/ml and gamma = 0.6 +/- 0.1. For BAF and BVR, the model was fitted to the data of the 20-mg dose for 5 subjects and to those of the 5-mg dose for 1 subject. We obtained Emax = 45 +/- 20 ml/min, CE50 = 24.0 +/- 12.4 ng/ml, and gamma = 3.2 +/- 1.3 for BAF, and Emax = -45 +/- 15%, CE50 = 22.0 +/- 10.2 ng/ml, and gamma = 3.1 +/- 1.1 for BVR. Therefore, the concentration-effect relations for BVR (or BAF) and PCEA display quite different shapes (CE50, gamma), which emphasizes the necessity of performing pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modeling on hemodynamic parameters to determine the optimal dosages of ACEIs.