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Chlorination byproducts, their toxicodynamics and removal from drinking water.

No doubt that chlorination has been successfully used for the control of water borne infections diseases for more than a century. However identification of chlorination byproducts (CBPs) and incidences of potential health hazards created a major issue on the balancing of the toxicodynamics of the chemical species and risk from pathogenic microbes in the supply of drinking water. There have been epidemiological evidences of close relationship between its exposure and adverse outcomes particularly the cancers of vital organs in human beings. Halogenated trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) are two major classes of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) commonly found in waters disinfected with chlorine. The total concentration of trihalomethanes and the formation of individual THM species in chlorinated water strongly depend on the composition of the raw water, on operational parameters and on the occurrence of residual chlorine in the distribution system. Attempts have been made to develop predictive models to establish the production and kinetics of THM formations. These models may be useful for operational purposes during water treatment and water quality management. It is also suggested to explore some biomarkers for determination of DBP production. Various methods have been suggested which include adsorption on activated carbons, coagulation with polymer, alum, lime or iron, sulfates, ion exchange and membrane process for the removal of DBPs. Thus in order to reduce the public health risk from these toxic compounds regulation must be inforced for the implementation of guideline values to lower the allowable concentrations or exposure.

Acetates↗

Toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic analyses of Androctonus australis hector venom in rats: optimization of antivenom therapy.

This paper reports the simultaneous determination of toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic properties of Androctonus australis hector venom, in the absence and presence of antivenom (F(ab')(2) and Fab), in envenomed rats. After subcutaneous injection of the venom, toxins showed a complete absorption phase from the site of injection associated with a distribution into a large extravascular compartment. The injection of Fab and F(ab')(2) induced the neutralization of venom antigens in the blood compartment, as well as the redistribution of venom components from the extravascular compartment to the blood compartment. Interestingly, F(ab')(2) and Fab showed distinct efficiencies depending on their route of injection. F(ab')(2) induced a faster venom neutralization and redistribution than Fab when injected intravenously. Fab was more effective than F(ab')(2) by the intramuscular route. The hemodynamic effects of Aah venom were further investigated. Changes in mean arterial pressure and heart rate were observed in parallel with an upper airway obstruction. Fab was more effective than F(ab')(2) for preventing early symptoms of envenomation, whatever their route of administration. Intraperitoneal injection of F(ab')(2) and Fab was similar for the prevention of the delayed symptoms, even after a late administration. Fab was more effective than F(ab')(2) in the inhibition of airway resistance, independent of the route and time of administration. These results show that the treatment for scorpion stings might be improved by the intravascular injection of a mixture of Fab and F(ab')(2). If antivenom cannot be administered intravenously, Fab might be an alternative as they are more effective than F(ab')(2) when injected intramuscularly.

Airway Obstruction↗

Bayesian analysis of physiologically based toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic models.

Physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) and toxicodynamic (TD) models of bromate in animals and humans would improve our ability to accurately estimate the toxic doses in humans based on available animal studies. These mathematical models are often highly parameterized and must be calibrated in order for the model predictions of internal dose to adequately fit the experimentally measured doses. Highly parameterized models are difficult to calibrate and it is difficult to obtain accurate estimates of uncertainty or variability in model parameters with commonly used frequentist calibration methods, such as maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) or least squared error approaches. The Bayesian approach called Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis can be used to successfully calibrate these complex models. Prior knowledge about the biological system and associated model parameters is easily incorporated in this approach in the form of prior parameter distributions, and the distributions are refined or updated using experimental data to generate posterior distributions of parameter estimates. The goal of this paper is to give the non-mathematician a brief description of the Bayesian approach and Markov chain Monte Carlo analysis, how this technique is used in risk assessment, and the issues associated with this approach.

Animals↗

Insights into the toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of 1,3-butadiene.

1,3 Butadiene (BD) is a colorless gas used in the production of synthetic rubber and plastics. BD is carcinogenic in rats and mice, however, there are striking species differences in cancer potency and spectrum of tumors, with mice being more susceptible to tumor induction than rats. Epidemiology studies suggest an excess incidence of leukemia in workers in the styrene-butadiene rubber industry. Consideration of mechanisms of BD carcinogenicity can provide insights into differences in cancer potency between rodents and serve to elucidate the extent to which BD exposure may cause cancer in humans. Mechanistic research in the areas of biochemical toxicology, molecular biology, molecular dosimetry, and susceptibility factors can impact BD cancer risk assessment for humans. This research has focused on quantitating species differences in the metabolism of BD and BD epoxides, defining molecular lesions produced by BD epoxides, identifying biomarkers for BD exposure to explore metabolic pathways in humans, and determining potential risk factors for sensitive subpopulations. BD is activated by P450 isozymes, including CYP2E1, to at least two genotoxic metabolites, epoxybutene (EB) and diepoxybutane (DEB). Dosimetry data from several laboratories on EB and DEB following inhalation exposure to BD indicate that blood concentrations of EB were four-eight-fold higher in mice compared with rats and that blood concentrations of DEB were 25-100-fold higher in mice than in rats. The higher levels of these two DNA-reactive metabolites in mice compared with rats probably contribute to the species differences in carcinogenic effects of BD between mice and rats. In vitro metabolism studies of BD in rats, mice, and human tissues indicate that there are significant quantitative species differences in the metabolic activation of BD to EB and DEB and the detoxication of EB and DEB. Activation/detoxication ratios calculated using in vitro kinetic constants reveal that ratios in mice were greater than in both rats and humans. In vitro data are consistent with in vivo dosimetry data and cancer potency for rodents, and suggest that humans may be at a decreased risk. Data on mutagenicity and mutational spectra of BD epoxides show mechanistic differences between EB- and DEB-induced mutational events suggesting involvement of DEB in the development of cancer. Concentrations of DEB that are genotoxic in vitro are within the range of concentrations measured in mice in vivo, whereas concentrations of EB that are genotoxic in vitro are ten-100-fold greater than concentrations observed in vivo. Characterization of molecular events indicate that EB-induced genotoxicity is due to point mutations and small deletions, while DEB induces point mutations, small deletions, and large-scale deletions involving many base pairs. The extent to which epoxybutanediol is involved in BD carcinogenesis is not known. Molecular dosimetry studies in rodents and humans have focused on urinary metabolites and DNA and hemoglobin adducts. Data from these studies are consistent with in vivo and in vitro metabolism data providing further support for the differences in metabolic activation and deactivation of BD and BD epoxides across species and the role of DEB in tumor development. Research on potential susceptibility factors points to other P450 isozymes, in addition to CYP2E1, that are involved in both the metabolic activation and mutagenicity of BD. Taken together, mechanistic data on BD toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics provide an integrated insight into critical steps in initiation of cancer, metabolites responsible for cancer, sensitive biomarkers for exposure, and potential risk factors for individual susceptibility. Available evidence suggests that BD is unlikely to be a human carcinogen at the low exposure concentrations currently encountered in the environment or workplace.

Animals↗

Toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of gonyautoxins after an oral toxin dose in cats.

Although the action of Gonyautoxins (GTXs) and Saxitoxin (STX) mechanisms is well known at the molecular level, there are still many unresolved questions associated with the intoxication syndrome in mammals. For example, how are these toxins absorbed in the digestive system? Where are they absorbed? What is the absorption rate? What is the maximal concentration in plasma (C(max)) and the time taken to reach this C(max) (T(max)) in the case of oral toxin administration? These questions are addressed in this paper, which describes an experimental design which allowed us to follow the toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of GTX 2/3 epimers poisoning in vivo, when an oral dose of toxin was administered to an anaesthetized cat permanently coupled to an artificial ventilator. The GTX 2/3 epimers was orally administered with a dose of 70 microg/kg, then urine and blood samples were collected during a 5 h experimental period. The toxins were quantified using a post column derivatisation high performance liquid chromatography method. Procedure of extraction, clean up and detection of GTX 2/3 epimers are described. The arterial pressure of the cats was continuously monitored. The GTX 2/3 epimers oral dose was completely absorbed at intestinal level. This dose was sufficient to decrease arterial pressure and to produce death within the experimental time. However, with the intravenous (i.v.) administration of 2.5 microg/min kg of dobutamine, hemodynamic parameters were restored which allowed the animal to overcome the cardiovascular shock. The renal clearance of GTX 2/3 epimers measured in the cats was 4.6 ml/min kg, indicating that like STX, in cats with normal cardiovascular parameters and diuresis, the GTX 2/3 excretion mainly involves glomerular filtration. Oral doses of 35 microg/kg of GTX 2/3 epimers and plasma level of 36 ng/ml are lethal limits for cats. This is the first report that shows the effects of the GTX 2/3 epimers at different plasmatic levels and their relationship to their toxic effects when they are administered orally, resembling the intoxication illness in mammals.

Administration, Oral↗

Toxicodynamic modelling and the interpretation of in vitro toxicity data.

The results of in vitro toxicity experiments are not easily extrapolated to 'toxicological risk' for an intact organism. One of the most obvious differences between the situation in vitro and in vivo is the absence of the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion that govern the exposure of the target tissues of the organism in vivo. The development of biokinetic models is aimed at estimating the relevant target tissue concentration of a compound. In our study, biokinetic models were constructed, where possible, solely on the basis of in vitro derived parameters for biotransformation as well as on partition coefficients determined or calculated from physicochemical structures. Another requirement is the existence of appropriate in vitro biological systems for the measurement of relevant effects. This requires a thorough knowledge of the possible mechanisms of toxic action, and of the physiology of the target organs. When these prerequisites are met (i.e. when the appropriate parameters can be quantified in a non-animal system), then an estimate of the dynamics in vitro can be made (e.g. as a critical active concentration). This will then result in a model describing a compound's dynamics. Eventually, the result of biokinetic and toxicodynamic models will need to be integrated in a compound's hazard and/or risk evaluation. A study carried out in the ECITTS programme showed promising results for the estimation of the acute and chronic systemic toxicity of a number of neurotoxic compounds.

Acrylamide↗

Assessment of toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics following intravenous administration of etoposide phosphate in beagle dogs.

The toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of etoposide phosphate (BMY-40481), a water soluble phosphate ester derivative of etoposide, were investigated in beagle dogs (N = 4) following 5 min i.v. infusion doses equivalent to 57, 114 and 461 mg/m2 of etoposide. The doses were administered in sequence starting with the low dose. There was a 28 day wash-out period between the doses. Serial blood samples were collected over 32 hr and the levels of intact BMY-40481 and etoposide in plasma were measured using validated HPLC assays. Hematology profiles were obtained at pre-dose, and twice a week post-dose for 28 days to correlate systemic exposure to etoposide and hematologic toxicity. Following i.v. administration, plasma concentrations of BMY-40481 declined rapidly. For the 3 doses, mean t 1/2 of BMY-40481 ranged from 0.11-0.17 hr (6.6-11 min). The mean Cmax and AUC values of BMY-40481 ranged from 1.72-40.5 micrograms/ml and 0.16-4.14 hr.micrograms/ml, respectively. Both systemic clearance and steady state volume of distribution of BMY-40481 decreased significantly at the high dose. In contrast, the mean Cmax and AUC values of etoposide ranged from 5.46-39.4 micrograms/ml and 2.28-22.6 hr.micrograms/ml, respectively. Cmax occurred at the end of infusion (5 min) at all dose levels, indicating that etoposide was rapidly formed from BMY-40481. The apparent systemic clearance (range: 342-435 ml/min/m2) and apparent steady state volume of distribution (range: 21.5-26.6 l/m2) of etoposide were dose-independent. The AUC of etoposide was significantly correlated with hematologic toxicity, i.e., percent decreases in white blood count (WBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and platelets.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Biomarkers for toxicodynamic monitoring of immunosuppressants: NMR-based quantitative metabonomics of the blood.

Metabonomics is the latest "omics" science and provides metabolic endpoints of drug toxicity, drug efficacy, and pathophysiology. With high-resolution 'H-NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance)spectroscopy on body fluids (eg, urine, blood samples) used in combination with statistical tools, metabolic biomarkers of drug toxicity can be distinguished and validated. For 2 decades, immuno-suppressant cyclosporine (CsA) has been used in transplantation medicine as a potent calcineurin inhibitor with well-known nephrotoxic side effects. The combination of CsA with novel macrolide immunosuppressants-sirolimus (SRL) or everolimus (RAD)-has proved to have a beneficial synergistic immunosuppressive effect but may also possess an increased nephrotoxic potential. 1H-NMR spectroscopy was performed on the blood from CsA-, SRL-, and RAD (alone and in combination)-treated rats to predict metabolic toxicity and to identify and quantify specific metabolic biomarkers. After 6 days of treatment with 10 mg/kg CsA, a significant increase in blood glucose, hydroxybutyrate, creatine+creatinine, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), and cholesterol as well as a decrease in total glutathione concentrations were observed. SRL (3 mg/kg) enhanced the magnitude of CsA metabolic changes (enhanced toxicity),whereas combination with RAD (3 mg/kg) partly curtailed them. Together with pharmacokinetic studies, quantitative NMR-based metabonomics represents a powerful tool for pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic-toxicodynamic evaluation in drug research.

Animals↗

Pharmacokinetic-toxicodynamic relationships of adriamycin in rat: prediction of butylated hydroxyanisole-mediated reduction in anthracycline cardiotoxicity.

Adriamycin, an anthracycline antibiotic, has broad antitumour activity with cumulative dose-dependent cardiotoxicity as its major side effect. This study was designed to quantify and correlate the cardiotoxicity and pharmacokinetics of adriamycin in-vivo in rat. The influence of antioxidant (butylated hydroxyanisole, BHA) co-therapy on the cardiotoxicity and disposition of adriamycin was also studied. Cardiotoxicity was estimated by serially measuring serum creatine kinase (CK) levels after intravenous administration of adriamycin (4, 10, 20, and 30 mg kg-1) and adriamycin-BHA (10 and 30 mg kg-1 each). Peak serum CK concentrations (CKmax) and area under serum CK-time curves (AUCCK) were used as cardiotoxicity indices. Pharmacokinetic studies were undertaken by sampling plasma and urine from distinct groups of rats treated with [14C]adriamycin (at the above doses) and [14C]adriamycin-BHA (10 mg kg-1 each). Co-administration of BHA resulted in a significant reduction in CKmax and also resulted in a significant reduction in the renal clearance of adriamycin which was fully compensated by an increase in its metabolic clearance. A linear increase in the area under the plasma adriamycin concentration-time curves (AUC) with increasing adriamycin doses suggested dose-independent disposition of the drug. The most significant pharmacokinetic-toxicodynamic relationships included: CKmax = 2.25 x 10(2) exp (4 x 10(-4) AUC), r2 = 0.941, P < 0.05 and AUCCK = 1.3 x 10(4) exp(2 x 10(-4) AUC0-tmax), r2 = 0.918, P < 0.05 where, AUC0-tmax is the area under the adriamycin concentration-time curve from time 0 to the time of the peak CK level. The results strongly indicate that the drug-induced cardiotoxicity is initiated shortly after dosing when drug concentrations are high and accumulates with continued exposure. The predicted cardiotoxic indices, obtained from altered adriamycin pharmacokinetic parameters as a result of BHA co-therapy, compared favourably with the observed values.

Animals↗

Biokinetic and toxicodynamic modelling and its role in toxicological research and risk assessment.

Toxicological risk assessment for chemicals is still mainly based on highly standardised protocols for animal experimentation and exposure assessment. However, developments in our knowledge of general physiology, in chemicobiological interactions and in (computer-supported) modelling, have resulted in a tremendous change in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity of chemicals. This permits the development of biologically based models, in which the biokinetics as well as the toxicodynamics of compounds can be described. In this paper, the possibilities are discussed of developing systems in which the systemic (acute and chronic) toxicities of chemicals can be quantified without the heavy reliance on animal experiments. By integrating data derived from different sources, predictions of toxicity can be made. Key elements in this integrated approach are the evaluation of chemical functionalities representing structural alerts for toxic actions, the construction of biokinetic models on the basis of non-animal data (for example, tissue-blood partition coefficients, in vitro biotransformation parameters), tests or batteries of tests for determining basal cytotoxicity, and more-specific tests for evaluating tissue or organ toxicity. It is concluded that this approach is a useful tool for various steps in toxicological hazard and risk assessment, especially for those forms of toxicity for which validated in vitro and other non-animal tests have already been developed.

Animal Use Alternatives↗

Contradistinction between doxorubicin and epirubicin: in-vivo metabolism, pharmacokinetics and toxicodynamics after single- and multiple-dosing in rats.

There is compelling in-vitro evidence that the evaluation of doxorubicin or epirubicin pharmacokinetics based solely on plasma concentration may not fully elucidate the differences between the two drugs. Both compounds bind to erythrocytes and their different binding to haemoglobin may influence their disposition in the body. The purpose of the present study was to compare the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of doxorubicin and epirubicin based on the plasma concentration, amount associated with blood cells and simultaneous monitoring of biliary and urinary elimination of unchanged drug and metabolites after single- and multiple-dose injections. The level of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase in the heart was also measured as a biomarker of cardiotoxicity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated in a parallel design with doxorubicin or epirubicin on a multiple-dosing basis (4 mg kg(-1) per week) or as a single dose injection (20 mg kg(-1)). Blood, urine and bile samples were collected periodically after each dose in the multiple-dosing regimen and the single dose injection, and at the end of each experiment the hearts were removed. The concentrations of each drug in plasma, blood cells, bile and urine samples were determined, and by simultaneous curve-fitting of plasma and bile data according to compartmental analysis, the pharmacokinetic parameters and constants were estimated. The concentration of drug associated with blood cells was analysed according to non-compartmental analysis. The bile and urine samples provided the in-vivo metabolic data. The level of Ca2+ATPase in the heart, determined by Western blotting, was used as the toxicodynamic parameterto correlate with the kinetic data. Multiple-dosing regimens reduced the total plasma clearance and increased the area under the plasma concentration-time curve of both drugs. Also, the area under the curve of doxorubicin associated with blood cells increased with the weekly doses, and the related mean residence time (MRT) and apparent volume of distribution (Vdss) were steadily reduced. In contrast to doxorubicin, the MRT and Vdss of epirubicin increased significantly. Metabolic data indicated significant differences in the level of alcohol and aglycones metabolites. Doxorubicinol and doxorubicin aglycones were significantly greater than epirubicinol and epirubicin aglycone, whereas epirubicinol aglycone was greater than doxorubicinol aglycone. The area under the blood cells concentration-time curve correlated linearly with the changes in Ca2+ATPase net intensity. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of the kinetics of epirubicin and doxorubicin associated with blood cells. Linear correlation between the reduction of net intensity of the biomarker with the area under the curve of doxorubicin associated with blood cells confirms that the differences between the two compounds are related to their interaction with blood cells. This observation together with the observed differences in metabolism may underline a significant role for blood cells in distribution and metabolism of doxorubicin and epirubicin.

Animals↗

Characterization of toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics with linear systems theory: application to lead-associated cognitive decline.

We present a theoretical approach to analysis of toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics using linear systems theory. In our approach, we define two impulse response functions that characterize the kinetic behavior of an environmental agent in the body and the dynamic time-course behavior of its effect on the body. This approach provides a formalism for understanding the relation among exposure, dose, and cumulative biologically effective dose and for understanding the implications of an effect time-course on cross-sectional and longitudinal data analyses. We use lead-associated cognitive decline as a specific example where the approach may be applied.

Cognition Disorders↗

Toxicokinetic and Toxicodynamic Influences on Endocrine Disruption by Polychlorinated Biphenyls.

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixtures and individual chlorobiphenyl (CB) congeners have various endocrine-disrupting effects, but ultimate responses may be altered by concurrent effects on enzyme levels and enzyme activities. The toxicodynamics of estrogenic PCBs and metabolites have been studied in vitro, but nonlinear dose-response relationships in vivo suggest that tests must integrate toxicokinetic parameters to explain whole-animal responses. To determine if any such interactions occurred, relatively large doses were subdivided into different treatment regimens for immature female Sprague-Dawley rats. Aroclor 1242 was uterotropic when 120 mg/kg (total) was administered (intraperitoneally) in two, three or five doses. CB 47 (2,2',4,4'-tetraCB) and CB 153 (2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexaCB) increased absolute uterine weights at 30 mg/kg on days 20 and 21. Results at 25 days in rats that received zero, two, three or five doses between days 20 and 24 were much more variable due to changes in tissue responsiveness and/or toxicokinetic interactions. In rats receiving treatment for 5 days, pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase (PROD) activity was inversely related to CB serum residues; in rats receiving CB 153 for 2 days, PROD activity was directly related to serum residues. It was not clear whether PROD activity was the cause of or a reflection of lower serum residues; however, nonplanar CBs are better substrates for PROD than are planar CBs, and the longer-term dosing may enhance metabolism and excretion, changing the biological effects observed.

Journal Article↗

[Toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic indices in persons exposed to lead and manganese].

Subject to examination are 161 workers (118 men and 43 women) in professional contact with manganese and lead of the agglomeration production of Kremikovtsi. A complex of toxicokinetic (content of manganese in blood, urine and hair) and toxicodynamic indices is applied. Increased levels of manganese are established in the examined biological media. No plumbemia above 2.88 mumol/l is registered. The excretion of 5-amino-levulinic acid in urine is increased at a low rate. There are no considerable deviations in the clinic and chemical indices.

Adult↗

[Toxicodynamic properties of liquids used for cooling high-power turbines. I. Acute, subacute and chronic toxicity].

Oils IWiOL-3 and OMTI are used to cool the high-power turbines. Their toxicodynamic properties are little known, therefore the studies described herein have been undertaken. The studies did not reveal high acute toxicity, as A-DL50 was found to exceed 15 g/kg of body weight. The simultaneous measurements of cholinesterase activity demonstrated its clear decrease, The studies of subacute toxicity after Lim showed that OMTI after a year's exploitation is the most toxic fluid, as C-LD50 for this compound is 6,21 g/kg of body weight, whereas C-LD50 for the other oils is: 22.449 g/kg of body weight for IW i 02-3-n and 20.93 g/kg of body weight for IWiOL-3-e. Studies of chronic toxicity showed decreased cholinesterase activity and no significant changes in the measurements of certain biochemical and haematological. indices.

Acute Disease↗

Exposure limits for unconventional shifts: toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic considerations.

Adjustment factors (AF) for inhalation exposure to chemical agents during unconventional work schedules were derived on toxicokinetic bases. AFs depend on the half-life of the agent and on the work schedule. Because they are grossly affected by cumulation, AFs were calculated for steady-state conditions. They were based on the following measures of chemical body burden: (1) end-of-shift biological level as used previously by other investigators; and (2) areas under the curves, AUCexp, AUCday, and AUCweek, which correlate with average biological levels during the shift, work day, and work week, respectively. The dependence of AFs on the half-life was studied on 50 possible work schedules using agents with a half-life of 1 hr to 2 years. Based on the data, simple equations suitable for field conditions were derived for determination of AFs. Since AFs based on individual measures of body burden are not the same, the pharmacodynamics of the toxic endpoint should be considered when selecting the measure of body burden and the half-life for AF determination.

Body Burden↗

Stereospecific pharmacokinetics and toxicodynamics of ketorolac after oral administration of the racemate and optically pure enantiomers to the rat.

To determine the stereospecific pharmacokinetics and gastrointestinal permeability (GI) changes (surrogate measures of toxicity) in the rat following oral administration of S, R, and racemic ketorolac (KT), optically pure enantiomers (S and R 2.5 mg/kg), and racemic KT (5 mg/kg) were administered orally to male Sprague-Dawley rats and plasma samples were collected for 6 h post-dose for pharmacokinetic assessments. KT-induced changes in GI permeability were assessed using sucrose and 51Cr-EDTA as markers of gastroduodenal and distal intestinal permeability, respectively. After the racemate, R-KT was predominant in plasma (AUC S/R, 0.45). No significant differences in pharmacokinetic indices were evident following administration of the racemate as compared with individual enantiomers. In plasma, there was only negligible S-KT after administration of R-KT. After S-KT, on the other hand, AUC of R-KT was found to be 6.7% of that of S-KT. Both permeability markers showed considerable interanimal variability. Gastroduodenal permeability was significantly increased from baseline by the racemate but not by either of the two enantiomers administered alone. Permeability to 51Cr-EDTA was not significantly increased above baseline for any of the treatments. The plasma concentration of R-KT found after administration of S-KT may be from the < 2% chiral impurity which appears magnified due to its slower clearance as compared with its antipode. There is no evidence of a pharmacokinetic interaction between the enantiomers. Since 2.5 mg/kg S-KT is somewhat less toxic on the gastroduodenum than 5 mg/kg racemate, it may be a safer alternative to the latter, at least in the rat model.

Animals↗

Toxicant-inflicted injury and stimulated tissue repair are opposing toxicodynamic forces in predictive toxicology.

These studies were designed to investigate the dose response for liver injury and tissue repair induced by exposure to four structurally and mechanistically dissimilar hepatotoxicants, individually and as mixtures. The objective was to illuminate the impact of the extent and timeliness of tissue repair on the ultimate outcome of toxicity. Dose-response relationships for trichloroethylene (TCE), allyl alcohol (AA), thioacetamide (TA), and chloroform alone or as mixtures were studied. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) received a single intraperitoneal injection of individual toxicants as well as mixtures of these toxicants. Liver injury was monitored by plasma enzyme (ALT and SDH) levels and histopathology. Tissue regeneration was measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation into hepatic nuclear DNA. Individually, TCE, TA, and AA administration, over a 10- to 12-fold dose range, revealed a dose-related increase in injury as well as tissue repair up to a threshold dose. Beyond this threshold, tissue repair was delayed and attenuated, and liver injury progressed. Mixtures of the four chemicals at the higher doses used in individual dose-response studies resulted in 100% mortality. Hence, mixtures at the lower two doses were selected for further study. Additional lower doses were also included to better understand the dose-response relationship of mixtures. Results of these studies support the observations of individual chemicals. Higher and sustained repair was observed at low dose levels. These studies show that the extent of injury at early time points correlates well with the maximal stimulation of the opposing response of tissue repair. It appears that the toxicity of the mixture employed in these studies is roughly additive and correlates well with tissue repair response. These initial studies suggest that a biologically based mathematical model can be constructed and tested to extrapolate the outcome of toxicity from a given dose of individual compounds as well as their mixtures, where the responses measured are injury on the one hand and compensatory tissue repair on the other.

Animals↗