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Long-term treatment of established osteoporosis with intranasal calcitonin.

We examined the long-term effects of intranasal administration of salmon calcitonin on bone and calcium metabolism in women with established osteoporosis (forearm fracture). Over a period of 5 years, 14 women received discontinuous calcitonin (200 IU) plus calcium (500 mg) daily for 3 years or 4 years. To allow assessment of the optimum duration of therapy, patients in whom treatment had been for shorter intervals were also included. At the end of the first 2 years, a group receiving placebo had lost significantly more bone from their spines and forearms than the group receiving calcitonin in the first year (P less than 0.01). In the 14 women who completed a further 3 years on calcitonin, the bone mineral contents of the spines increased continually. Bone loss in the forearm was arrested for 1 year. Treatment lasting for about 2 years prevented bone loss in both areas. Treatment for 3 years resulted in net gains in spinal bone but no further benefits in relation to forearms. Biochemical parameters of bone turnover (serum alkaline phosphatase levels, plasma bone Gla protein levels, and fasting urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine levels) exhibited similar declines irrespective of the duration of treatment. It is concluded that long-term intranasal treatment with calcitonin produced net gains in spinal bone and that optimum response in forearms was achieved using discontinuous therapy. The ratio between periods with and without treatment was between 1:2 and 2:3.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Brain potential changes after intranasal vs. intravenous administration of vasopressin: evidence for a direct nose-brain pathway for peptide effects in humans.

There is evidence that intranasal application of peptides is a way to circumvent the blood-brain barrier. This led us to compare the effects of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) on event-related potentials (ERPs) in healthy men (n = 15) after intranasal and after intravenous (i.v.) administration. In a double-blind, crossover study, subjects received on three different occasions 20 IU of AVP intranasally (IN), 1.5 IU of AVP i.v., and saline solution. ERPs were recorded during the subject's performance on a auditory attention task. Plasma concentrations of vasopressin during task performance were enhanced after AVP, with the increase after i.v. administration of AVP exceeding that after AVP (p < 0.05). Intranasal administration of AVP substantially increased the P3 component of the ERP (p < 0.05). Intranasal administration of AVP substantially increased the P3 component of the ERP (< 0.01). By contrast, i.v. administration of AVP had no consistent effects on the ERP responses. In supplementary experiments as well, i.v. administration of lower doses of AVP (0.1 and 0.025 IU) did not affect the ERP. Plasma vasopressin concentrations after the 0.025 IU dose in these experiments were comparable to those after intranasal administration of 20 IU AVP. The results provide functional evidence that in the human brain effects of peptides like AVP may be facilitated after IN as compared to i.v. administration.

Administration, Intranasal↗

The adjuvant activity of diesel exhaust particles and carbon black on systemic IgE production to ovalbumin in mice after intranasal instillation.

The adjuvant activity of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on systemic IgE production to ovalbumin (OA) was studied in mice after intranasal administration. The main purpose was to elucidate which part of the particles was responsible for the effect, the carbon core and/or the adsorbed organic substances. Female Balb/cA mice were immunized with OA either alone or in combination with DEP or carbon black particles (CB), the latter used as a surrogate for the non-extractable carbon core of DEP. Controls were given DEP, CB or buffer alone. The animals were immunized four times. 1 and 2 weeks after the last immunization anti OA IgE antibody in serum was analysed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An increased response to the antigen was observed in animals receiving OA together with DEP or CB, compared with animals receiving OA alone. The increased response was seen as both increased number of responding animals and increased serum anti OA IgE antibody. For OA + DEP 37% of the animals showed a serum anti OA IgE response, whereas 22% of the OA + CB animals and 10% of the OA animals responded. In conclusion, this work shows that not only DEP, but also CB have an adjuvant activity for specific IgE production after intranasal instillation. However, the activity of DEP may be more pronounced than that of CB. The results imply that both the organic matter adsorbed to DEP and the non-extractable carbon core are responsible for the observed adjuvant effect.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Luteolytic activity of LHRH and [D-Ser(TBU)6, des-Gly-NH2(10)]LHRH ethylamide: a new and physiological approach to contraception in women.

The administration of five subcutaneous 250-microgram doses of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) at 4-hour intervals on 1 or 2 consecutive days between days 1 and 9 following the spontaneous LH surge in normal women shortened the luteal phase from 1 to 4 days in 16 out of 17 treatment cycles. Treatment appeared to be more efficient when LHRH was administered on days 6 to 9 after the LH surge as compared with days 1 to 5. In fact, the luteal phase was shortened from 3.3 +/- 0.2 versus 1.4 +/- 0.2 days (P < 0.01) and the serum progesterone level was decreased to 44 +/- 5 versus 71 +/- 6% of control levels (P < 0.01) when the neurohormone was injected late as compared with early in the luteal phase. A similar luteolytic effect has been obtained after intranasal administration of 500 microgram of [D-Ser(TBU)6, des-Gly-NH2(10)]LHRH ethylamide at 0800 and 1700 h on one day between days 4 and 9 following the LH peak. In six women treated with the LHRH analogue during two consecutive cycles, the luteal phase was shortened by 2.6 +/- 0.4 days (range 0.5-4.5 days) and plasma progesterone levels were reduced to 61.3 +/- 9.2% of control. As determined by daily blood sampling for LH, FSH, estradiol, and progesterone, normal cycles occurred immediately after treatment. The present data indicate the luteolytic effect of treatment with LHRH or a LHRH agonistic analogue in normal women and support the interest of such a new and physiological approach for the control of corpus luteum function and menstrual cycle in women.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Blockade of airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness by HIV-TAT-dominant negative Ras.

We have reported previously that HIV-TAT-dominant negative (dn) Ras inhibits eosinophil adhesion to ICAM-1 after activation by IL-5 and eotaxin. In this study, we evaluated the role of Ras in Ag-induced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness by i.p. administration into mice of dnRas, which was fused to an HIV-TAT protein transduction domain (TAT-dnRas). Uptake of TAT-dnRas (t(1/2) = 12 h) was demonstrated in leukocytes after i.p. administration. OVA-sensitization significantly increased eosinophil and lymphocyte numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid 24 h after final challenge. Treatment of animals with 3-10 mg/kg TAT-dnRas blocked the migration of eosinophils from 464 +/- 91 x 10(3)/ml to 288 +/- 79 x 10(3)/ml with 3 mg/kg of TAT-dnRas (p < 0.05), and further decreased to 116 +/- 63 x 10(3)/ml after 10 mg/kg TAT-dnRas (p < 0.01). Histological examination demonstrated that inflammatory cell infiltration (largely eosinophils and mononuclear cells) and mucin production around the airways caused by OVA were blocked by TAT-dnRas. OVA challenge also caused airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine, which was dose dependently blocked by treatment with TAT-dnRas. TAT-dnRas also blocked Ag-induced IL-4 and IL-5, but not IFN-gamma, production in lung tissue. Intranasal administration of IL-5 caused eosinophil migration into the airway lumen, which was attenuated by pretreatment with TAT-dnRas. By contrast, TAT-green fluorescent protein or dnRas lacking the TAT protein transduction domain did not block airway inflammation, cytokine production, or airway hyperresponsiveness. We conclude that Ras mediates Th2 cytokine production, airway inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness in immune-sensitized mice.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Protection against influenza virus infection in mice immunized by administration of hemagglutinin-expressing DNAs with electroporation.

Electroporation for the transfer of plasmid DNA encoding influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) into muscle or nasal mucosa was tried in BALB/c mice to examine the efficacy of this method for inducing anti-HA immune responses and providing protection against homologous A/PR/8/34 (PR8) virus infection. Mice were immunized by two injections, 3 weeks apart, of HA-DNA with electroporation into the muscle wherein a pair of electrode needles was inserted to deliver the electric pulses. One or 3 weeks after the immunization, the mice were infected with a lethal dose of the PR8 virus. Ten micrograms or more of HA-DNA/dose induced strong serum anti-HA IgG antibody (Ab) responses, in which both IgG1 and IgG2a were predominant, and weak cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses. These immune responses were sufficient to provide efficient protection against the lethal infection. In addition, mice were immunized by dropping HA-DNA (12 microg) three times, 2 weeks between each dose into nostrils where each of two electrode needles was placed on the right nostril or the palate. One week after the immunization, the mice were infected with a sublethal dose of the PR8 virus. The DNA immunization by electroporation provided reduced nasal virus titers, in parallel with a relatively high levels of serum anti-HA IgG Ab and a slight nasal anti-HA IgA Ab production. The intranasal administration of cholera toxin before HA-DNA immunization by electroporation enhanced the nasal IgA Ab production together with enhancement of the efficiency of protection. These results suggest that electroporation can be used as one of the efficient gene delivery systems for the transfer of influenza DNA-vaccine into muscle or nasal mucosa to provide protection against influenza virus infection.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Combined oral/nasal immunization protects mice from Sendai virus infection.

Based on the concept of a common mucosal immune system wherein mucosal associated lymphocytes traffic among the various mucous membranes, the murine gastrointestinal tract was immunized with Sendai virus antigens in order to elicit a virus-specific immune response in the respiratory tract. Multiple intragastric (oral) administration of live or killed Sendai virus induced IgA and IgG antiviral antibodies in both gastrointestinal secretions and serum. When cholera toxin as an adjuvant was included along with virus, gut IgA and IgG as well as serum IgA responses were enhanced. Antiviral antibodies induced in respiratory secretions by oral killed virus plus cholera toxin, however, were variable and protection from virus challenge was not demonstrated. Significantly higher levels of respiratory antiviral antibodies were induced if immunization with oral killed Sendai virus/cholera toxin was combined with intranasal administration of small amounts of killed virus. The combined immunization also resulted in protection of both the upper and lower respiratory tracts from virus infection. Protection of the upper respiratory tract was correlated with the presence of IgA antiviral antibodies in nasal washings. On the other hand, protection of the lower respiratory tract was correlated with IgG antiviral antibodies in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids. Immunization with intranasal killed virus alone conferred partial protection to the lower respiratory tract and no protection to the upper respiratory tract. Thus, oral immunization with killed virus antigen could prime for a protective immune response in the murine respiratory tract and this protective response included IgA antibodies.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Comparison of plasma benzodiazepine concentrations following intranasal and intravenous administration of diazepam to dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether plasma concentrations of benzodiazepines (BDZ) in dogs following intranasal (IN) administration of diazepam are comparable to concentrations following IV administration. ANIMALS: 6 (4 male, 2 female) healthy adult Greyhounds. PROCEDURE: Dogs were randomly assigned to 2 groups of 3 dogs in a crossover design. Diazepam (0.5 mg/kg of body weight) was administered intravenously to dogs in group 1 and intranasally to dogs in group 2. Blood was collected from the jugular vein of each dog into tubes containing lithium heparin before and 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 20, 30, 60, 120, 240, and 480 minutes following diazepam administration. After a 4-day washout period, dogs in group 1 received diazepam intranasally, dogs in group 2 received diazepam intravenously, and blood was again collected. Plasma concentration of BDZ was determined by use of a fluorescence polarization immunoassay. RESULTS: Mean (+/- SD) peak plasma concentration of BDZ following IV administration (1,316 +/- 216 microg/L) was greater than that following IN administration (448 +/- 41 microg/L). Time to peak concentration was < or = 3 minutes following IV administration and 4.5 +/- 1.5 minutes following IN administration. Mean bioavailability of BDZ following IN administration was 80 +/- 9%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Diazepam is rapidly and efficiently absorbed following IN administration of the parenteral formulation. Plasma concentrations match or exceed the suggested therapeutic concentration (300 microg/L). Intranasal administration of diazepam may be useful for treatment of seizures in dogs by owners or when intravenous access is not readily available.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Antimetastatic effect of endogenous tumor necrosis factor induced by the treatment of recombinant interferon gamma followed by an analogue (GLA-60) to synthetic lipid A subunit.

We have investigated the effect of endogenous production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) induced by the combination of recombinant interferon gamma (rIFN gamma) as a primer followed by GLA-60 as a trigger (rIFN gamma/GLA-60) on murine lung metastases caused by B16-BL6 melanoma. In order to examine the therapeutic effect of endogenous TNF on tumor metastasis, the ability of multiple administrations of rIFN gamma/GLA-60 to induce TNF production was also tested. The multiple administrations of rIFN gamma/GLA-60 at intervals of 2 days were effective for the induction of endogenous TNF in mice but continuous multiple administrations of them for 2-4 days were not. In tumor-bearing mice, the production of endogenous TNF by rIFN gamma/GLA-60 was less than that of normal mice, but treatment 3 days after the surgical excision of primary tumors showed the endogenous TNF production to be similar to that in normal mice. In the experimental lung metastasis model, intravenous administration of rIFN gamma followed by intravenous or intranasal administration of GLA-60 showed potent inhibition of lung metastases of B16-BL6 melanoma, whereas the reverse sequence of administration (GLA-60/rIFN gamma) or administration of a mixture of rIFN gamma and GLA-60, which cannot induce the production of TNF, caused no inhibition of lung metastases. These results indicated that the regression of tumor metastases by rIFN gamma/GLA-60 was mediated by the production of endogenous TNF in addition to the direct effects of both immunostimulants. Furthermore, the administration of rIFN gamma and GLA-60 significantly inhibited the tumor metastases in spontaneous lung metastasis model. These results may provide a promising approach for the treatment of cancer metastasis as a result of its ability to induce endogenous TNF.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

GnRH agonist as luteal phase support in assisted reproduction technique cycles: results of a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate whether intranasal (IN) administration of a GnRH agonist could provide luteal support in IVF/ICSI patients. METHODS: Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) was performed using hMG/FSH and a GnRH antagonist. Patients were then randomly allocated to either 10,000 IU hCG, followed by vaginal administration of micronized progesterone (3x 200 mg/day) (group A), or 200 microg IN buserelin followed by either 100 microg every 2 days (group B), or 100 microg every day (group C), or 100 microg twice a day (group D), or 100 microg three times a day (group E). Luteal support was continued for 15 days. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were randomized. Groups B and C were discontinued prematurely in view of the short luteal phase. The luteal phase was significantly shorter in groups B, C and D, whereas group E was comparable with group A, 13.5 and 13.0 days, respectively. In the mid-luteal phase, median progesterone levels were significantly lower in groups B, C and D, whereas group E was comparable with group A, 68.9 and 98.0 ng/ml, respectively. Estradiol (E2) was significantly reduced in groups B and D but sustained in group E. In the hCG group, LH levels were undetectable (<0.1 IU/l), whereas LH was detectable and significantly higher in groups C, D and E. Two pregnancies were obtained in the hCG group (two of five), one ectopic and one ongoing. Three pregnancies were obtained in group E, one miscarriage and two ongoing twin pregnancies (three of five). CONCLUSION: IN administration of buserelin may be effective in triggering follicular maturation and providing luteal phase support in patients undergoing assisted reproduction techniques (ART).

Administration, Intranasal↗

Adjuvant activity of monophosphoryl lipid A for nasal and oral immunization with soluble or liposome-associated antigen.

The effectiveness of monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) as a mucosal adjuvant was investigated following oral or intranasal (i.n.) administration of an aqueous adjuvant formulation of MPL (MPL-AF) added to soluble antigen or liposomal antigen or incorporated into liposomal antigen membranes. Groups of BALB/c female mice were immunized with 50 to 100 microg of free or liposomal Streptococcus mutans crude glucosyltransferase (C-GTF) with or without MPL-AF added to the vaccine or incorporated into the liposomal membrane. Plasma, saliva, vaginal wash, and fecal extract samples were collected biweekly following immunization and assessed for antigen-specific antibody activity by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mice immunized by the i.n. route had higher levels of salivary, plasma, and vaginal immunoglobulin A (IgA) anti-C-GTF responses and higher levels of plasma IgG anti-C-GTF than the orally immunized groups. A second administration of the vaccine 14 weeks after the initial immunization resulted in an anamnestic response to C-GTF resulting in 10- and 100-fold increases in saliva and plasma IgA and plasma IgG, respectively (in the i.n. immunized groups). Mice receiving a second i.n. immunization with liposomal antigen and MPL-AF had higher salivary IgA anti-C-GTF responses than mice immunized with antigen plus MPL-AF or liposomal antigen (P < 0.05). Plasma IgG anti-C-GTF activity was highest in mice immunized by the i.n. route with antigen formulations containing MPL-AF (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate the effectiveness of MPL-AF as an adjuvant for potentiating mucosal and systemic immune responses to liposomal C-GTF following i.n. immunization.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intranasal insulin administered to healthy subjects in escalating doses.

BACKGROUND: This exploratory study examined the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (North Hampton, NH) proprietary insulin formulation utilizing CPE-215 technology designed for intranasal administration. METHODS: Eight fasting healthy volunteers (four men, four women; body mass index, 23.6 +/- 1.7 kg/m2) received up to four doses of intranasal insulin at least 1 week apart. Serum insulin, C-peptide, and plasma glucose were measured in the 4-h period following administration. RESULTS: At doses of 18.75 IU and above, a rise in serum insulin levels accompanied by a decrease in plasma glucose and serum C-peptide levels was seen. Insulin levels peaked in 10-20 min and remained elevated for approximately 1 h, and the resultant hypoglycaemic effect peaked at 40 min and returned to normal 1.5-2 h post-dosing. At 25 IU (n = 11 doses; eight subjects with three replicates), there was a mean fall in plasma glucose of 20.49%; a greater fall in plasma glucose was seen with higher insulin doses. In addition, mean peak insulin levels increased with dose escalation. For the 25 IU dose (a single 90-microL spray), the maximum measured insulin concentration was 19.52 +/- 9.28 mIU/L, and the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 4 h was 19.06 +/- 5.56 mIU/L/h. Three subjects with repeated 25 IU doses demonstrated similarly reproducible peaks for maximum measured insulin concentration and for plasma glucose reductions. As seen with other insulin studies, the inter-individual responsiveness to insulin was variable. CONCLUSIONS: This intranasal formulation was generally well tolerated and demonstrated rapid onset of action and appropriate duration of action for the potential use in controlling postprandial hyperglycaemia.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Efficacy of intranasal or subcutaneous luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist inhibition of ovarian function in the treatment of endometriosis.

We have previously reported reversible hypogonadism induced by the intranasal administration of the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist buserelin as a new therapeutic approach for endometriosis. Thirteen patients were randomized to receive intranasal buserelin (400 micrograms 3 times a day) or subcutaneous buserelin injection (200 micrograms once daily) for a 6- to 9-month period. Both routes of administration were effective in inhibiting serum estradiol levels to near the menopausal range after 1 month of treatment. The two dosage regimens had also a comparable efficacy in alleviating endometriosis symptoms and in reducing the revised American Fertility Society scoring at laparoscopic examination. The implant score mainly decreased by more than 70%. The occurrence of side effects was similar in both groups, and side effects were mainly hot flushes, dyspareunia secondary to decreased vaginal secretion, and decreased libido. Results of hemogram, urinalysis, and serum biochemical and hormonal tests remained in the normal range. The ovulatory cycle rapidly returned after the cessation of treatment, and three pregnancies occurred in six previously infertile patients. Intranasal and subcutaneous buserelin were well accepted and equally effective in inhibiting the pituitary-ovarian function, which caused mild menopausal symptoms but an important regression of endometriosis.

Administration, Intranasal↗

[Study of the safety, reactogenicity, and allergenicity of swine leukocyte interferon in experiments on animals and observations of volunteers].

The results of comparative experiments in guinea pigs sensitized with human and porcine leukocyte interferon are presented. The animals were inoculated either intracardially or intradermally with the appropriate interferon 18-24 days after a single intramuscular or a single subcutaneous interferon injection, the latter with Freund adjuvant. The results of anaphylaxy reaction and dermal reaction permit a conclusion of lower allergenicity of porcine interferon than of human one. Daily intranasal inoculation of both porcine and human interferon for 5 days did not produce sensitization of guinea pigs, and three daily intranasal inoculations for 5 days of porcine interferon to 22 human volunteers produced no untoward systemic or local reactions nor allergic reaction to intradermal inoculation of these volunteers with porcine interferon 24 hours after termination of intranasal administration. These results justify limited clinical trials of therapeutic and prophylactic effectiveness of porcine interferon in viral ARD, using the intranasal route of interferon administration.

Adolescent↗

Cocaine disposition in discrete regions of rat brain.

It has been proposed that various effects of psychoactive drugs on the central nervous system may be related to the capacity of the drug to selectively concentrate in specific regions of the brain. In rat brain, cocaine effects on striatal and nucleus accumbens dopaminergic systems show quantitative differences. However, the disposition of cocaine in various brain regions has not been reported. In the present studies we examined the cocaine concentrations over time in serum and discrete brain regions of the rat after single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. At different time points (5, 10, 20, 30, 60, 120, and 240 min) after i.p. injection of cocaine hydrochloride (10 mg kg-1, free base) the rats were decapitated and cocaine in serum and various brain regions was quantitated by a specific gas liquid chromatographic method. There was large inter-individual variability in different rats at each time-point. The disposition pattern of cocaine in rats after i.p. administration was similar to that observed in humans after intranasal administration. Initial absorption rate was rapid and, on average, the peak levels of cocaine were achieved in 10 min. The cocaine levels remained relatively high over the next 50 min indicating continual absorption, and then declined with a rate such that the levels 4 h after cocaine administration were undetectable in most of the animals. The overall changes in cocaine levels in various brain regions paralleled the serum concentrations. The area under the cocaine concentration-time curve (AUC) revealed more than three-fold differences in cocaine accumulation in various brain regions. This unequal disposition of cocaine may be responsible in part for differential biochemical effects in different brain regions.

Animals↗

A rho kinase inhibitor, Y-27632 inhibits pulmonary eosinophilia, bronchoconstriction and airways hyperresponsiveness in allergic mice.

Asthma is a complex inflammatory disorder involving obstruction, constriction, oedema, remodelling and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. These effects are induced by a raft of mediators, many of which exert their actions by stimulating specific G-protein-coupled receptors linked to a signal transduction pathway involving the monomeric GTPase; rho, and a downstream effector; rho kinase. The aim of this study was to determine whether administration of a selective inhibitor of rho kinase, Y-27632, attenuates airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction and hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of acute allergic inflammation. Intranasal administration of Y-27632 caused a dose-dependent inhibition in the number of eosinophils recovered from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of ovalbumin-sensitised and challenged (allergic) mice. These inhibitory effects of intranasal Y-27632 on pulmonary eosinophilia were accompanied by a significant inhibition of the development of airways hyperresponsiveness in allergic mice. In additional studies, intranasal Y-27632 inhibited methacholine-induced increases in airways resistance in a time-dependent manner. In conclusion, these findings indicate that activation of rho kinase contributes to bronchoconstriction and eosinophil trafficking in murine models of acute allergic airway inflammation and to the development of airway hyperresponsiveness.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of peptide T for HIV-associated cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment is a common consequence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and dementia is one of the diseases that defines the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Peptide T (d-ala-peptide-T-amide) has been reported to block the binding of gp120 to brain tissue and to protect neurons from the toxic effects of gp120 in vitro. In pilot studies, administration of peptide T to HIV-positive patients with cognitive impairment was associated with improvement in cognition and constitutional symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the intranasal administration of peptide T would improve cognitive function of HIV-positive patients with cognitive impairment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a 3-site, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of peptide T given intranasally at a dosage of 2 mg 3 times a day for 6 months. Participants were HIV-seropositive persons with evidence of cognitive deficits on a screening test battery. Concomitant antiretroviral therapy was allowed. Randomization to the 2 study arms was balanced according to several stratification variables, such as CD4+ cell count, severity of cognitive impairment, and antiretroviral therapy at study entry. A comprehensive neuropsychological (NP) battery, which yielded 23 scores, was administered at baseline and the study end point. The primary outcome measure was a global NP score derived from the 23 standardized scores. The efficacy end point was the change in NP score at 6 months compared with baseline. Secondary efficacy measures were 7 cognitive domain scores and deficit scores of global and domain performance. The patients who completed the baseline and final NP evaluations (after at least 4 months in the randomized treatment arm) were included in the efficacy analyses. Additional analyses were conducted on subgroups of patients according to the CD4+ count and baseline NP deficit. The incidence of NP improvement in the 2 treatment arms was also compared. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the peptide T and placebo groups on the global NP change score, the individual domains, or the deficit scores. Because of an imbalance in the baseline CD4+ cell count between treatment arms, analyses were also adjusted for this variable. These CD4+-adjusted analyses suggested (P = .07; analysis of covariance [ANCOVA]) a greater improvement in the peptide T group. Subgroup analyses indicated a treatment effect for patients whose CD4 cell count was above 0.200 x 10(9)/L (200 cells/microL) at baseline. Moreover, peptide T treatment was associated with overall cognitive improvement in patients with baseline global deficit scores of at least 0.5, while overall deterioration was more common among the placebo group (P = .02; Mantel-Haenszel chi(2) test). CONCLUSIONS: Peptide T was not significantly different from placebo on the study primary end points. However, additional analyses indicated that peptide T may be associated with improved performance in the subgroup of patients with more evident cognitive impairment (ie, NP global deficit score > or = 0.5) or with relatively preserved immunological status (ie, CD4+ cell count > 0.200 x 10(9)/L).

AIDS Dementia Complex↗

Compared protective effect of nasal immunoprophylaxis using a new human monoclonal IgM antibody, human polyclonal antibodies, F(ab')2, amantadine, and zanamivir for prophylaxis of influenza A virus pneumonia in mice.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of five human monoclonal antibodies in comparison with human polyclonal antibodies, F(ab')2, amantadine, and zanamivir in a mouse model of lethal influenza A virus infection. A single intranasal administration of antibodies was done for immunoprophylaxis. Zanamivir was administered intranasally and amantadine was administered orally. Mice were fully protected by a single dose of 30 mg/kg intravenous Ig administered at least 3 days before challenge. This treatment was equivalent to zanamivir. F(ab')2 were less effective (p < 0.001). One of the monoclonal antibodies tested was less efficient than both zanamivir (p < 0.001) and intravenous Ig (p < 0.001) but similar to amantadine.

Amantadine↗