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Biomedical subjects

W J Jusko

Publications and source records attributed to W J Jusko.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Evaluation of dose-related pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of prednisolone in man.

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of prednisolone were evaluated in normal male volunteers. Seven subjects completed 3 phases: 16.4- and 49.2-mg iv prednisolone, and a phase with no drug to assess baseline responses. Plasma concentrations of prednisolone and urine concentrations of prednisolone and 5 metabolites were assayed by HPLC. Protein binding of prednisolone was measured by ultrafiltration. The polyexponential disposition of free and total plasma prednisolone were evaluated and apparent parameters were compared between doses. Suppression of plasma cortisol and alterations in blood basophil and helper-T cell trafficking were used as pharmacodynamic indices. Pharmacodynamic models were used to relate total or free plasma prednisolone concentrations to each of these effects generating response parameters and IC50 (50% inhibitory) concentrations common to both doses. The pharmacokinetics of total drug were comparable to previous findings with CL and Vss increasing with dose. Free prednisolone exhibited slight capacity-limited elimination and distribution as CL and Vss decreased with the larger dose. Pharmacodynamic models jointly fitting all three phases characterized the suppression/trafficking phenomena equally well with use of total or free drug concentrations. In each case the models provided realistic values of parameters relating to steroid sensitivity--in particular IC50--and to the underlying physiology of the affected systems. This study comprehensively elucidates the complexities of prednisolone pharmacokinetics and demonstrates how plasma concentration--time profiles of total or free prednisolone can be utilized for evaluation of prednisolone pharmacodynamics.

Adult↗

Altered prednisolone pharmacokinetics in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Prednisolone pharmacokinetics were evaluated in eight patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) (aged 1.8 to 20 years) by assessing absorption of orally administered prednisone (in its active form, prednisolone) and elimination of prednisolone after intravenous administration. After an overnight fast, subjects received intravenously administered doses of prednisolone or orally administered doses of prednisone, 40 mg/1.73 m2 body surface area, before a standardized breakfast. Serial blood samples were collected for 12 hours and analyzed for prednisolone concentration. Prednisolone pharmacokinetics were compared in eight age-matched patients with asthma who required steroids after intravenous administration of prednisolone. The prednisolone pharmacokinetic parameters derived demonstrated an increased total clearance (by 60%), an increased volume of distribution (by 46%), a lower peak concentration (by 35%), and no difference in elimination half-life in patients with CF compared with those with asthma. Bioavailability averaged 88.4% +/- 20.1% of the administered dose. Prednisolone clearance was markedly increased in those with CF. There was a proportional increase in nonrenal clearance, with no difference in renal clearance in those with asthma or CF. The plasma protein binding of prednisolone was only slightly decreased in patients with CF and did not account for the observed pharmacokinetic alteration. The marked increase in prednisolone clearance may necessitate the use of more frequent or higher doses of this steroid in the treatment of patients with CF, leading to a potentially less favorable benefit/risk ratio.

Administration, Oral↗

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of methylprednisolone when administered at 8 am versus 4 pm.

The temporal variations in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of methylprednisolone at 8 AM versus 4 PM were investigated in six healthy male volunteers. Subjects completed three phases: no drug administration, 20 mg intravenous methylprednisolone at 8 AM, and the same dose at 4 PM. Methylprednisolone clearance was 28% greater in the afternoon. The suppressive effects of methylprednisolone on basophils (measured as whole blood histamine), helper T lymphocytes, and cortisol concentrations, assessed by the ratio of the area under the curve (AUC) after methylprednisolone to the baseline AUC, were not different between the phases. The 50% inhibitory concentration values for methylprednisolone derived from pharmacodynamic models were also similar, indicating no difference in intrinsic responsiveness. However, cortisol concentrations returned to baseline about 4 hours earlier after the 4 PM compared with the 8 AM dose because of the enhanced afternoon methylprednisolone clearance. These findings are in agreement with other studies that suggest adequate clinical effects and less disturbance of cortisol circadian behavior when methylprednisolone is administered as a single dose in the morning.

Adult↗

Simultaneous analysis of prednisone, prednisolone and their major hydroxylated metabolites in urine by high-performance liquid chromatography.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic technique for the simultaneous determination of prednisone, prednisolone and their major hydroxylated metabolites, viz., 20 beta-hydroxyprednisone, 6 beta-, 20 alpha- and 20 beta-hydroxyprednisolone, in human urine is presented. The retention times were 6.5, 11.4, 18.1, 24.2, 31.6 and 35.3 min, respectively. The technique employs betamethasone as the internal standard. Samples are extracted with ethyl acetate using a diatomaceous earth extraction column, and the extract was dried and injected onto a silica gel column with ultraviolet detection at 254 nm. The calibration curve is linear within the studied range 50-1500 ng/ml for prednisolone and 50-750 ng ml for the other steroids. The intra-day and inter-day coefficients of variation are less than 10% for prednisone and prednisolone but higher for the metabolites. The assay was used to study the excretion rate profile of each of these steroids in the urine of a normal male subject receiving a 49.3-mg intravenous dose of prednisolone. The results indicate that prednisone, 6 beta-, 20 alpha- and 20 beta-hydroxyprednisolone may be the major unconjugated metabolites of prednisolone while 20 beta-hydroxyprednisone may be a minor metabolite.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Disposition of methylprednisolone and its sodium succinate prodrug in vivo and in perfused liver of rats: nonlinear and sequential first-pass elimination.

The disposition of methylprednisolone (MP) and its prodrug succinate ester, methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MS), were examined both in vivo and in situ (perfused livers) in rats. In vivo studies included iv and oral dosing of 10 or 50 mg/kg of MP in both forms, while liver perfusion involved initial perfusate concentrations of 5 and 25 micrograms/mL of either compound. Steroid concentrations were measured by HPLC. In the intact rat, clearance (CL) values of both compounds were high, twice the hepatic plasma flow, and decreased by one-half after the high dose, indicating nonlinear kinetics. The volumes of distribution of MS and MP were essentially constant with dose. Incomplete availability of MP from iv MS (52-55%) and from the oral dose (10%) was found. Sequential first-pass metabolism was investigated in situ. Extensive hepatic extraction of MP (84%) occurred at the low dose, but decreased to 48% at the high dose, supporting in vivo observations of high CL and nonlinearity. Extraction of MS was also high (83%), but MP availability was slight (8%). The MS and MP data were fitted to a sequential first-pass model yielding an average fraction of MS metabolized-to-MP value of 0.22. The prodrug MS and the active metabolite MP thus demonstrate both systemic and hepatic nonlinearity in rats, and the low availability of MP from iv MS was due, in part, to sequential first-pass elimination. This factor is more extensive in rats than in other species.

Animals↗

Two-compartment basophil cell trafficking model for methylprednisolone pharmacodynamics.

A two-compartment closed model was used to characterize the movement of basophils between blood and extravascular sites resulting from methylprednisolone (MP) exposure. This model is consistent with the view that corticosteroids cause a decrease in the recirculation of these cells from peripheral compartments. Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) was given to healthy males at doses of 10, 25, and 40 mg. Blood samples were collected and assayed for MP by HPLC for pharmacokinetic analysis. Whole blood histamine, an index of circulating basophils, was assessed by RIA over 32 hr. Nonlinear least-squares analysis was carried out to solve for the model parameters reflecting cell movement between compartments and sensitivity (IC50) to the steroid. This model quantitiates the fall and return pattern of biologic response to corticosteroids with a minimal number of parameters which jointly fit several dose/response curves and yields a mean IC50 value of 8.1 ng/ml similar to receptor binding of MP. Properties of the temporal and integrated response curve and model extrapolations over a wide dose range were explored with simulations. Because corticosteroids exert similar effects on other cells in blood, this model may be applicable to various regulatory and immunosuppressive effects.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Mean residence times and distribution volumes for drugs undergoing linear reversible metabolism and tissue distribution and linear or nonlinear elimination from the central compartments.

Equations for the mean residence times in the body (MRT) and in the central compartment (MRTc) are derived for bolus central dosing of a drug and its metabolite which undergo linear tissue distribution and linear reversible metabolism but are eliminated either linearly or nonlinearly (Michaelis-Menten kinetics) from the central compartments. In addition, a new approach to calculate the steady-state volumes of distribution for nonlinear systems (reversible or nonreversible) is proposed based on disposition decomposition analysis. The application of these equations to a dual reversible two-compartment model is illustrated by computer simulations.

Computer Simulation↗

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of methylprednisolone in obesity.

Methylprednisolone pharmacokinetics and its directly suppressive effects on plasma cortisol, blood histamine (basophils), and circulating helper T cells were evaluated in six obese (at least 35% above ideal body weight) men and six nonobese male volunteers. Methylprednisolone doses of 0.6 mg/kg total body weight were administered as the 21-succinate sodium salt. Absolute clearance (in liters per hour) of methylprednisolone was 40% less in the obese subjects. Total volume of distribution (Vss) of methylprednisolone was unchanged (about 120 L), but when normalized for total body weight, Vss per kilogram was less in obesity. The patterns of cortisol, blood histamine, and helper T cell responses after methylprednisolone administration were similar in both groups, but more profound effects were observed in the obese subjects. Pharmacodynamic models were applied for these immediate effects of methylprednisolone based on the premise that receptor interactions of steroids are followed by rapid suppression of the circadian rhythm of cortisol and recirculation of basophils and helper T cells, which persist until inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of methylprednisolone disappear. Similar IC50 values for the three effects were obtained in both groups, indicating no intrinsic pharmacodynamic differences in sensitivity to these methylprednisolone effects in obesity. However, methylprednisolone should be administered on the basis of ideal body weight, and the dosing interval should be potentially lengthened because of decreased methylprednisolone clearance in obesity.

Adult↗

Lack of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between ketoconazole and prednisolone.

The effects of ketoconazole on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous prednisolone (14.8 mg) were assessed in six healthy volunteers. Subjects were studied with and without receiving ketoconazole, 200 mg orally for 6 days. The addition of ketoconazole did not significantly change the clearance (96 +/- 11 versus 90 +/- 11 ml/hr/kg), mean residence time (4.29 +/- 0.43 versus 4.45 +/- 0.59 hours), volume of distribution (0.41 +/- 0.02 versus 0.40 +/- 0.02 L/kg), or plasma protein binding characteristics of prednisolone. The suppressive effects of prednisolone on serum cortisol, blood basophil, and helper T lymphocyte values, assessed by the ratio of the area under the curve (AUC) after prednisolone administration to the baseline AUC, was not altered significantly by ketoconazole. The 50% inhibitory concentration values derived from pharmacodynamic models developed to describe the direct suppressive effects of corticosteroids indicated no alteration in intrinsic sensitivity in the presence of ketoconazole. Ketoconazole does not appear to alter the pharmacokinetics or the pharmacodynamic response patterns of selected direct suppression effects of single low doses of prednisolone.

Adult↗

Verofylline pharmacokinetics in dietary-induced obese rats: role of fat mass and protein binding in determining volume of distribution.

1. Verofylline, a lipophilic polysubstituted methylxanthine, was utilized to examine how severely altered body composition in obesity affects drug disposition; the role of fat-free mass, fat mass and protein binding in determining the volume of distribution (Vss) was investigated. Obesity was induced by feeding Sprague-Dawley rats for 8 months with a calorie-dense diet; the obese rats showed increases of 50% in total body mass and 150% in body fat. 2. Both the absolute Vss and the clearance (Cl) in the obese rats increased 2-fold over control. Since Cl and Vss increased similarly, the half-life of verofylline in obese rats did not change. 3. The increase of Cl in obese rats can be accounted for by metabolic function related to fat-free mass and decreased serum binding. Similarly, an increase in fraction unbound and in total body mass accounted for the increase in Vss. 4. Based on in vitro measurements of muscle and fat tissue uptake of verofylline, and the assumed body space (from tritium dilution method), the predicted values for Vss closely approximated those of observed values. The semi-physiological model proposed here appears adequate to relate changes of body composition and serum protein binding in obesity to Vss.

Adipose Tissue↗

Monitoring FK 506 concentrations in plasma and whole blood.

The FCL provides support for clinical trials of FK 506 in liver transplantation by monitoring drug concentrations in plasma and whole blood. The sensitive EIA method of Tamura et al was adapted for routine use. Extraction of drug from 300 microL plasma or 20 microL whole blood samples was carried out using MeCl. An alternative solid phase (Sep-Pak) extraction method was also tested. Nonlinear temperature-sensitive binding of FK 506 to red cells necessitates plasma separation from whole blood at 37 degrees C. The analytical procedure entails numerous steps and efforts were made to improve the accuracy of the method. Interday CVs of FK 506 in plasma (0.3 to 3.0 ng/mL) and whole blood (4 to 60 ng/mL) ranged up to about 20% during validation testing and are maintained below 30% during routine assay use. However, daily QC samples occasionally yield unexpectedly high FK 506 concentrations. The MeCl and solid phase extraction methods yield FK 506 concentrations that reasonably correlate but the MeCl method produces plasma concentrations that are about 30% lower. FK 506 is appreciably bound in red cells with a nonlinear WBPR of 20 to 50 at low plasma concentrations (0 to 2 ng/mL) and a ratio of about 11 at plasma concentrations above 5 ng/mL. This may complicate conversion from plasma to whole blood for routine therapeutic monitoring. The described procedures for FK 506 are being implemented at various clinical sites in the United States with the FCL providing assistance with a quality assurance program to assure intersite comparability of assays results.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Effect of ketoconazole on methylprednisolone pharmacokinetics and receptor/gene-mediated pharmacodynamics.

The disposition of methylprednisolone (MPL) and its metabolite, methylprednisone, and the receptor/gene-mediated pharmacodynamics of methylprednisolone were examined in control and ketoconazole-treated rats. Oral doses of ketoconazole (50 mg/kg/day) for 3 days increased plasma MPL clearance by 50% (NS) with no change in volumes of distribution. The mean residence time decreased from 0.60 +/- 0.15 (control) to 0.43 +/- 0.10 hr with ketoconazole (P less than .05) after 5 mg/kg of MPL (free alcohol). The methylprednisone to MPL area under the curve ratio decreased from 0.19 +/- 0.04 in control to 0.14 +/- 0.03 in ketoconazole-treated rats (P less than .05) due to altered interconversion between these steroids. An improved pharmacokinetic/dynamic receptor/gene-mediated model characterized the steroid receptor binding and induction of tyrosine aminotransferase activity after i.v. MPL sodium succinate (10 mg/kg). In contrast to previous in vitro studies, ketoconazole at maximally tolerated doses failed to antagonize the steroid receptor-mediated activity of MPL. Although ketoconazole at high concentrations competitively inhibited the in vitro binding of steroid to hepatic receptors, no in vivo inhibition was detected after large p.o. ketoconazole doses. Efficiency of tyrosine aminotransferase induction was slightly enhanced in ketoconazole animals. Pharmacokinetic/dynamic factors accounting for the lack of antiglucocorticoid activity primarily include the low ketoconazole receptor binding affinity.

Animals↗