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Biomedical subjects

H N Nellans

Publications and source records attributed to H N Nellans.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effect of novel motilide ABT-229 versus erythromycin and cisapride on gastric emptying in dogs.

ABT-229 (8,9-anhydro-4"-deoxy-3'-N-desmethyl-3'-N-ethylerythromycin B-6,9-hemiacetal), a synthetic derivative of erythromycin (ERY) with no antibiotic activity, has been shown to bind to motilin receptors and stimulate contractile activity of the antrum and small intestine. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ABT-229 on canine gastric emptying (GE) and contractile activity of the antrum and duodenum in response to a solid meal. Six beagles were used to determine GE of a solid meal and contractile activity in response to either vehicle, ABT-229 (0.17, 0.83, 2.5, or 5.0 microg/kg/min), ERY (33.3 microg/kg/min), or cisapride (CIS) (10 microg/kg/min). Lag (t(lag)), half-emptying (t(1/2)), and complete emptying (t(full)) times were determined. Contractile data were analyzed for motility index and gastroduodenal coordination. Compared with vehicle, ABT-229 dose dependently accelerated GE, t(lag) was decreased at the two highest doses, t(1/2) was decreased compared with vehicle at the three highest doses, and t(full) was decreased at all doses compared with vehicle. ERY also decreased t(1/2) and t(full), whereas CIS decreased all GE parameters. The slopes of the linear phase of GE curves for all drugs and doses were greater than those for vehicle. ABT-229 dose dependently increased the motility index as well as gastroduodenal coordination. ABT-229 (two highest doses) and CIS accelerated GE of a solid meal by decreasing the lag phase and increasing the rate of GE, whereas ERY only increased the rate of GE. The data suggest that ABT-229 is 7- to 40-fold more potent than ERY in accelerating GE.

Animals↗

Synthesis of 9-deoxo-4''-deoxy-6,9-epoxyerythromycin derivatives: novel and acid-stable motilides.

In our quest toward the discovery of highly potent and acid-stable motilides, novel 4"-deoxy derivatives of 9-deoxo-6, 9-epoxyerythromycin were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their gastrointestinal prokinetic activities. These compounds, in their 9R configuration, were more potent than their 6,9-enol ether homologues in inducing well-coordinated smooth muscle contractions in an in vitro rabbit duodenal assay: e.g., (9R), (8S)-9-deoxo-4"-deoxy-3'-N-desmethyl-3'-N-ethyl-6, 9-epoxyerythromycin A (10) and (9R), (8S)-9-deoxo-4"-deoxy-3'-N-desmethyl-3'-N-ethanol-6, 9-epoxyerythromycin A (15) had a pED50 of 8.54 and 8.11 compared to a pED50 of 7.22 for compound 2 (ABT-229). Reduction of the 6,9-enol ether, which was aimed at improving the acid stability, afforded the most stable motilides to date with t1/2 of 5.5 h for 10 and 15. Compounds 10 and 15 bind specifically to rabbit antral smooth muscle motilin receptors with pIC50 values of 8.52 and 8.70.

Animals↗

Azole endothelin antagonists. 3. Using delta log P as a tool to improve absorption.

The oral absorption profile of a family of azole-based ET(A)-selective antagonists has been improved through a rational series of structural modifications which were suggested by analysis of the physicochemical parameter delta log P. Comparison of urea 2 with a series of well-absorbed compounds using delta log P analysis suggested that 2 has an excess capacity for forming hydrogen bonds with solvent. A series of urea modifications were explored as a means of reducing H-bonding capacity while maintaining affinity for the ET(A)-receptor. The correlation between delta log P values and absorption in an intraduodenal (id) bioavailability model was good; this strategy uncovered replacements for each of the urea NH groups which simultaneously improve both potency and drug absorption. A combination of these optimized modifications produces carbamate 16h, a highly-selective ET(A) antagonist with a potency/bioavailability profile consistent with an oral route of administration.

Administration, Oral↗

Synthesis of 4"-deoxy motilides: identification of a potent and orally active prokinetic drug candidate.

As an approach to discovering highly potent motilides with oral activity, novel 4"-deoxy derivatives of 8,9-anhydroerythromycin 6,9-hemiacetal were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their gastrointestinal prokinetic activities. These compounds were orders of magnitude more potent than their 4"-hydroxy analogs in inducing smooth muscle contractions in an in vitro rabbit duodenal assay. Removal of the 12-hydroxy group, which was aimed at improving oral bioavailability, also afforded further potentiation in in vitro activity, leading to the identification of 8,9-anhydro-4"-deoxy-3'-N-desmethyl-3'-N-ethylerythromycin B 6,9-hemiacetal (ABT-229) as a potential prokinetic drug. ABT-229 was > 300,000 times more potent than erythromycin in vitro and had 39% oral bioavailability in dog compared to its 4",12-dihydroxy congener (EM-523), which was only 400 times more potent than erythromycin and had relatively low (1.4%) oral bioavailability.

Administration, Oral↗

Method to estimate the rate and extent of intestinal absorption in conscious rats using an absorption probe and portal blood sampling.

PURPOSE: A variety of methods exist which determine the rate and extent of intestinal absorption. The method described here employs an internal absorption reference probe and portal blood sampling in unanesthetized rat. METHODS: Theophylline and tritiated water were selected as absorption reference probes since they are quantitatively absorbed in conscious rat. The fraction of an intestinal dose which reaches portal blood was determined from the resulting portal-systemic blood concentration gradients of the drug relative to the absorption probe. The absorption probes provide a means to calculate the drug mass reaching portal blood without the need of measuring the portal blood flow rate. The technique was evaluated with verapamil and a well-absorbed 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, A-79035. RESULTS: The fraction of an intrajejunal dose of A-79035 reaching the portal vein (FG) was 0.86 using theophylline as the absorption probe. Verapamil, which is susceptible to extensive hepatic first-pass elimination, was completely absorbed (FG = 0.98) within 1 hour, but was only 21.4% bioavailable. Absorption rate constants, estimated from initial appearance rates in portal blood, were used to monitor factors that affect drug absorption. For example, with a dose solution containing 30% PEG-400, the absorption rate constants of theophylline and A-79035 were significantly reduced. Anesthesia reduced the absorption rate constant for theophylline in rats by 40% compared to conscious animals. CONCLUSIONS: The technique detailed here allows reliable, direct measurement of intestinal absorption which may assist in characterizing oral dosing for novel therapeutic agents.

Animals↗

Stereoselective glucuronidation of zileuton isomers by human hepatic microsomes.

The glucuronidation of the R-isomer and S-isomer of the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor zileuton was examined using human hepatic microsomes. The glucuronidation of both isomers followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics, but glucuronidation rates were between 3.6- and 4.3-fold greater for the S-isomer. The apparent Km's (microM) for the R-isomer (392.9 +/- 35.9) and S-isomer (322.5 +/- 22.0) glucuronidation were similar, whereas the apparent Vmax (nmol/mg protein/min) was 3.4-fold greater for the S-isomer (5.2 +/- 0.7). In combination, each isomer competitively inhibited the glucuronidation of its antipode. The average Ki (microM) determined for S-isomer inhibition of R-isomer glucuronidation (197.8 +/- 61.3) was 2.4-fold lower than the Ki for the reciprocal interaction. These data indicate that the glucuronidation of the zileuton isomers in human hepatic microsomes is stereoselective. This stereoselective glucuronidation may be the basis for the more rapid clearance of the S-isomer observed in humans receiving zileuton.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Stabilization of the N-terminal residues of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists and the effect on pharmacokinetics.

To stabilize leuprolide (1) against chymotrypsin and intestinal degradation several agonists of LHRH (2-12), modified at position 1, 2, or 3 and/or containing N-alpha-methyl at positions 1, 2, or 4, were synthesized by SPPS. These agonists were tested in vitro for (a) rat pituitary LHRH receptor binding, (b) LH release from rat pituitary cells, (c) stability against chymotrypsin, and (d) stability against rat intestinal degradation. The clearances of the compounds in the rat were determined using a RIA. Complete stabilization against chymotrypsin (t1/2) and lumenal degradation (T1/2) was achieved with substitution of NMe-Ser4 in leuprolide; however, with an increase in clearance. Substitution with 1-Nal3 increased both t1/2 and T1/2, while substitution with NAc-Sar1 increased only T1/2. [NAcSar1,NMeSer4,D-Trp6,Pro9NHEt]LHRH (12), the doubly stabilized analogue, was tested in the rat by both iv and id administrations, and its bioavailabilities were measured. No significant improvement in id absorption over leuprolide was observed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Enantiomeric activation of glucuronidation in dog hepatic microsomes.

Isomer-specific mechanisms of conjugation were investigated by evaluating the hepatic glucuronidation of the enantiomers of the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor zileuton. The glucuronidation of the individual isomers was stereoselective, as dog hepatic microsomes glucuronidated the S-isomer but failed to generate a glucuronide conjugate of the R-isomer. In combination, the nonglucuronidated R-isomer caused a concentration-dependent increase in the rate of glucuronidation of its enantiomorph. Kinetic analysis of this interaction indicated that the R-isomer affected rates of glucuronidation by decreasing the Km of the S-isomer for this process. This effect appeared enantioselective as the achiral analogue A-65838 had no effect on the Vmax and Km of S-isomer glucuronidation. The data were modeled using Michaelis-Menten kinetics in which the Km of S-isomer glucuronidation was reduced in a saturable manner by the concentration of the R-isomer. These data indicate that the nonconjugated R-isomer competitively activates the glucuronidation of its enantiomorph. To our knowledge, these data represent the first demonstration of enantiomeric activation of an enzyme involved in hepatic drug metabolism.

Animals↗

Gastrointestinal motor effects of erythromycin in humans.

The effects of an antibacterially effective IV dose of erythromycin on gastrointestinal motor activity were investigated in eight normal healthy human volunteers in the fasted state and the fed state. Motor activity was recorded by a multilumen manometric tube. Data were analyzed visually and by a computer method. Blood samples were obtained for erythromycin and motilin assays. In the gastric antrum, erythromycin significantly increased the total duration, amplitude, and area under contractions from 0 to 60 minutes and frequency of contractions from 0 to 30 minutes from the start of its infusion in the fasted state. A similar response in the fed state occurred mostly from 0 to 30 minutes after the start of erythromycin infusion. By contrast, erythromycin inhibited the frequency and decreased the duration of small intestinal contractions in the fed state but had no effect in the fasted state. The gastric motor response was related to the plasma concentration of erythromycin, but not to plasma motilin. Erythromycin significantly shortened the duration of migrating motor complex disruption by a meal. Erythromycin also induced symptoms of upper abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea. Abdominal pain was related to strong antral contractions in both fasted and fed states; bloating occurred only in the fed state. Nausea occurred in both fasted and fed states, but it was not related to any specific pattern of motor activity. It is concluded that the strong antral contractions induced by erythromycin may accelerate the rate of gastric emptying, but they may also be responsible for causing the sensations of upper abdominal pain and bloating. The motor response to erythromycin is less during the fed than during the fasted state. The strong antral contractions induced by erythromycin are not mediated by the release of motilin.

Abdominal Pain↗

Intestinal calcium absorption. Interplay of paracellular and cellular pathways.

Intestinal absorption of calcium as characterized by studies in the rat follows both mediated mechanisms through enterocytes as well as fluxes between epithelial cells. Data summarized in this review suggests that the extracellular or paracellular route in distal small intestine plays a dominant role in calcium absorption at luminal calcium concentrations above 1 mM; proximal small intestine and cecum/colon show a much greater dependence on cellular translocation processes. The wide spectrum of paracellular:cellular transport ratios found in the intestine suggests a well-adapted mechanism to minimize energy expenditure for calcium absorption in the presence of adequate dietary calcium with capacity for efficient calcium scavenging when dietary supplies are limited. No evidence to date supports a role for vitamin D in the control of paracellular calcium absorption. Other mechanisms regulating paracellular calcium absorption will undoubtedly become a significant new area for future inquiry.

Animals↗

Suppression by cathepsin L inhibitors of the invasion of amnion membranes by murine cancer cells.

Cysteine proteinases, particularly cathepsins B and L, have been strongly implicated in fostering metastasis in mice. In this work four different inhibitors of cysteine proteinases have been shown to inhibit the invasion of the human amnion by murine melanoma and mammary carcinoma cells in vitro. Two of the inhibitors are synthetic peptides [ZPhePheCHN2 (benzyloxycarbonyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-phenylalanyldiazomethane) and ZPheAlaCH2F [3-(N-benzyloxycarbonylphenylalanylamido)-DL-1-fluoro-2-butanone]] and two are thiol protease inhibitors (TPIn, TPId) isolated from the skeletal muscle of the hind limbs of normal and dystrophic mice, respectively. The inhibitors (ZPhePheCHN2, TPId), with apparent selectivity for cathepsin L, blocked invasion as effectively as inhibitors (ZPheAlaCH2F, TPIn) effective on both cathepsins. The data reveal that in these cell lines the cysteine proteinases contribute significantly to the invasive capacity of the cells, but to a lesser extent than do the metalloproteinases. We suggest that the cysteine proteinases facilitate the action of metalloproteinases (collagenase, gelatinase, and stromelysin), possibly by activating them, by inactivating the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases, and/or by making basement membrane matrix more accessible.

Amnion↗

Azido glycols: potent, low molecular weight renin inhibitors containing an unusual post scissile site residue.

Azidomethyl-substituted 1,2- and 1,3-diols were prepared from Boc-cyclohexylalanal and evaluated as transition state analogue renin inhibitors, leading to the development of a small (MW less than 600), nanomolar inhibitor. Remarkable aqueous solubility enhancement followed the incorporation of an N-terminal urea functionality. Evaluation of selected compounds both in vivo and in vitro demonstrated that while transport across the intestine occurred upon id administration, extensive liver extraction resulted in low systemic levels.

Animals↗

Effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on enterocyte basolateral membrane Ca transport in rats.

One, twenty-five dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], commonly known as calcitriol, stimulates intestinal Ca absorption through increased activity of a cellular transport process. To determine whether transcellular Ca transport involves energy-dependent Ca efflux across enterocyte plasma membrane in vitamin D-sufficient rats, in vitro bidirectional Ca fluxes were measured under short-circuited conditions across proximal duodenum from rats fed diets adequate in vitamin D and containing a normal Ca diet (NCD), a low Ca diet (LCD), or fed NCD and injected with 50 ng of 1,25(OH)2D3 daily for 4 days before study. LCD or 1,25(OH)2D3 increased Ca net flux [Jnet, mucosal-to-serosal flux minus the serosal-to-mucosal flux] by increasing Ca mucosal-to-serosal flux (Jm----s) (mean +/- SE, NCD vs. LCD vs. 1,25(OH)2D3, 16 +/- 4 vs. 179 +/- 18 vs. 82 +/- 21 nmol.cm-2. h-1, P less than 0.0001). Initial ATP-dependent Ca uptake rates by duodenal basolateral membrane vesicles (BLMV) was greater in vesicles from rats fed NCD compared with LCD and not different from NCD injected with 1,25(OH)2D3. These studies suggest that in vitamin D-replete animals, 1,25(OH)2D3 increases epithelial Ca Jm----s by mechanisms that do not involve ATP-dependent BLM Ca efflux. ATP-dependent Ca exit from the cell under these conditions may play a role in intracellular Ca homeostasis rather than Ca absorption.

Animals↗

Effects of quinacrine on calcium active transport by rat intestinal epithelium.

To determine the possible role of acidic lysosomal vesicles in the transcellular transport of Ca, bidirectional Ca fluxes were measured across intestinal segments in vitro in the absence of electrochemical gradients. Mucosal addition of the weak base quinacrine (0.2 mM) caused a 67% decline in the mucosal-to-serosal Ca flux (Jm----s) across duodenum (175 +/- 34 vs. 58 +/- 9 nmol.cm-2.h-1, P less than 0.007) and reduced cecal Ca Jm----s (177 +/- 15 vs. 45 +/- 4, P less than 0.0001). Higher concentrations of up to 2.0 mM caused no further decline in cecal Ca Jm----s. Inhibition of cecal Ca Jm----s by mucosal chloroquine (0.1 mM) or ammonium chloride (10 mM) varied from 37 to 50%. Addition in vitro of quinacrine to enterocyte basolateral membrane vesicles failed to inhibit ATP-dependent Ca uptake. The present studies demonstrate that agents that collapse lysosomal pH gradients inhibit transcellular Ca transport. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that Ca destined for transcellular transport is functionally associated with acidic lysosomes and that these organelles play an important role in transepithelial Ca translocation.

Ammonium Chloride↗

Contributions of cellular and paracellular pathways to transepithelial intestinal calcium transport.

The small intestine may supply adequate levels of nutritionally required calcium in the absence of stimulated (1,25(OH)2-D3) cell-mediated mechanism of absorption if dietary calcium levels are sufficiently high. This same route may also account for net loss of systemic calcium due to asymmetrical paracellular calcium secretion in the absence of sufficient dietary calcium. Fine adjustments in net calcium balance may occur in the large intestine where inefficiencies of paracellular leaks are significantly reduced and larger calcium gradients can be sustained.

Animals↗