Showing papers in "Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics in 2005"

PK-PD modeling of buprenorphine in cats: intravenous and oral transmucosal administration

Abstract: The pharmacokinetics and thermal antinociceptive effects of buprenorphine after intravenous (i.v.) or oral transmucosal (OTM) administration were studied in six adult cats. Plasma buprenorphine concentrations were measured using radioimmunoassay in a crossover study after a dose of 20 microg/kg given by the i.v. or OTM route. Oral pH was measured. Blood for drug analyses was collected before, and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 15, 30, and 60 min and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h after treatment. Thermal thresholds were measured before treatment, then following treatment every 30 min to 6 h, every 1 hour to 12 h and at 24 hours postadministration. Plasma buprenorphine concentration effect relationships were analyzed using a log-linear effect model. Oral pH was 9 in each cat. Peak plasma buprenorphine concentration was lower and occurred later in the OTM group but median bioavailability was 116.3%. Thermal thresholds increased significantly between 30 and 360 min in both groups. Peak effect was at 90 min and there was no difference at any time between the two groups. There was distinct hysteresis between plasma drug concentration and effect in both groups. Overall, OTM administration of buprenorphine is as effective as i.v. treatment and offers a simple, noninvasive method of administration which produces thermal antinociception for up to 6 h in cats.

Pharmacokinetics of morphine and plasma concentrations of morphine-6-glucuronide following morphine administration to dogs

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of morphine and morphine-6-glucuronide (M-6-G) following morphine administered intravenously and orally to dogs in a randomized crossover design. Six healthy 3-4-year-old Beagle dogs were administered morphine sulfate (0.5 mg/kg) as an i.v. bolus and extended release tablets were administered orally as whole tablets (1.6 +/- 0.1 mg/kg) in a randomized crossover design. Plasma concentrations of morphine and M-6-G were determined using high-pressure liquid chromatography and electrochemical coulometric detection. Following i.v. administration all dogs exhibited dysphoria and sedation, and four or six dogs vomited. Mean +/- SE values for half-life, apparent volume of distribution, and clearance after i.v. administration were 1.16 +/- 0.15 h, 4.55 +/- 0.17 L/kg, and 62.46 +/- 10.44 mL/min/kg, respectively. One dog vomited following oral administration and was excluded from the oral analysis. Oral bioavailability was 5% as determined from naive-averaged analysis. The M-6-G was not detected in any plasma samples following oral or i.v. administration of morphine at a 25 ng/mL the limit of quantification. Computer simulations concluded morphine sulfate administered 0.5 mg/kg intravenously every 2 h would maintain morphine plasma concentrations consistent with analgesic plasma concentrations in humans. Oral morphine is poorly and erratically absorbed in dogs.

Selamectin is a potent substrate and inhibitor of human and canine P-glycoprotein.

Abstract: The transport of the antiparasitic agents, ivermectin, selamectin and moxidectin was studied in human intestinal epithelial cell monolayers (Caco-2) and canine peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). Both models expressed the mdr1-coded 170 kDa ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Fluxes of the P-gp substrate rhodamine-123 (Rh-123) across Caco-2 monolayers showed that ivermectin and selamectin acted as potent P-gp inhibitors with IC50 values of 0.1 microm. In contrast, moxidectin was a weaker P-gp inhibitor with an IC50 of 10 microm. The transport of radiolabelled ivermectin, selamectin and moxidectin through Caco-2 monolayers showed that ivermectin, selamectin and moxidectin were P-gp substrates with secretory/absorptive ratios of 7.5, 4.7 and 2.6 respectively. Secretory transport of [3H]-ivermectin and [3H]-selamectin was blocked by the P-gp inhibitor, verapamil. Ivermectin and selamectin inhibited the efflux of Rh-123 from PBL and the concentration of inhibition was similar to that of verapamil. In contrast, moxidectin did not have a significant effect on Rh-123 efflux from PBL. The data suggest that ivermectin and selamectin are potent P-gp substrates, while moxidectin is a weak one.

Plasma and interstitial fluid pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin, its metabolite ciprofloxacin, and marbofloxacin after oral administration and a constant rate intravenous infusion in dogs

Abstract: Enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin were administered to six healthy dogs in separate crossover experiments as a single oral dose (5 mg/kg) and as a constant rate IV infusion (1.24 and 0.12 mg/h.kg, respectively) following a loading dose (4.47 and 2 mg/kg, respectively) to achieve a steady-state concentration of approximately 1 microg/mL for 8 h. Interstitial fluid (ISF) was collected with an in vivo ultrafiltration device at the same time period as plasma to measure protein unbound drug concentrations at the tissue site and assess the dynamics of drug distribution. Plasma and ISF were analyzed for enrofloxacin, its active metabolite ciprofloxacin, and for marbofloxacin by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Lipophilicity and protein binding of enrofloxacin were higher than for marbofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Compared to enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin had a longer half-life, higher Cmax, and larger AUC(0-infinity) in plasma and ISF after oral administration. Establishing steady state allowed an assessment of the dynamics of drug concentrations between plasma and ISF. The ISF and plasma-unbound concentrations were similar during the steady-state period despite differences in lipophilicity and pharmacokinetic parameters of the drugs.

Approaches in the safety evaluations of veterinary antimicrobial agents in food to determine the effects on the human intestinal microflora

Abstract: The administration of antimicrobial agents to livestock creates potential for antibiotic residues to enter the food supply and be consumed by humans. Therefore, as a process of food animal drug registration, national regulatory agencies and international committees evaluate data regarding the chemical, microbiologic, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, pharmacologic, toxicologic, and antimicrobial properties of veterinary drugs to assess the safety of ingested antimicrobial residues to consumers. Currently, European, Australian and United States guidelines for veterinary drug registration require a safety assessment of microbiologic hazards from consumption of antimicrobial residues taking into account the potentially adverse effects on human intestinal microflora. The main concerns addressed are selection of resistant bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and disruption of the colonization barrier of the resident intestinal microflora. Current requirements differ among national agencies. Efforts are ongoing internationally to review and harmonize approaches and test methods and protocols for application to these microbiologic safety evaluations of antimicrobial drug residues in food. This review describes the background to current regulatory approaches used in applying in vitro and in vivo methods to set a microbiologic acceptable daily intake for residues in food derived from animals treated with an antimicrobial agent. This paper also examines the current research needs to support these evaluations.

Frequency of the nt230 (del4) MDR1 mutation in Collies and related dog breeds in Germany.

Abstract: MDR1 (ABCB1) P-glycoprotein exerts a protective function in the blood-brain barrier thereby limiting the entry of many drugs and other xenobiotics to the central nervous system. A nonsense mutation has been described for Collies and related dog breeds which abolishes this function and is associated with increased susceptibility to neurotoxic side effects of several drugs including ivermectin, moxidectin and loperamide. In order to evaluate the occurrence and frequency of this nt230 (del4) MDR1 mutation in Germany, we screened 1500 dogs. Frequency of the homozygous mutated genotype was highest for Collies (33.0%), followed by Australian Shepherd (6.9%) and Shetland Sheepdog (5.7%). Thirty-seven percent of the Waller dogs and 12.5% of the Old English Sheepdogs were heterozygous for the mutant MDR1 (-) allele. Considering the predominant role of MDR1 P-glycoprotein in drug disposition and in particular for blood-brain barrier protection, MDR1 genotype-based breeding programs are recommended for improving the safety of drug therapy in these canine breeds.

The effects of inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A, p-glycoprotein, and gastric acid secretion on the oral bioavailability of methadone in dogs.

Abstract: Methadone is an opioid, which has a high oral bioavailability (>70%) and a long elimination half-life (>20 h) in human beings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of ketoconazole [a CYP3A and p-glycoprotein (p-gp) inhibitor] and omeprazole (an H+,K(+)-ATPase proton-pump inhibitor) on oral methadone bioavailability in dogs. Six healthy dogs were used in a crossover design. Methadone was administered i.v. (1 mg/kg), orally (2 mg/kg), again orally following oral ketoconazole (10 mg/kg q12 h for two doses), and following omeprazole (1 mg/kg p.o. q12 h for five doses). Plasma concentrations of methadone were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography or fluorescence polarization immunoassay. The mean +/- SD for the elimination half-life, volume of distribution, and clearance were 1.75 +/- 0.25 h, 3.46 +/- 1.09 L/kg, and 25.14 +/- 9.79 mL/min.kg, respectively following i.v. administration. Methadone was not detected in any sample following oral administration alone or following oral administration with omeprazole. Following administration with ketoconazole, detectable concentrations of methadone were present in one dog with a 29% bioavailability. MDR-1 genotyping, encoding p-gp, was normal in all dogs. In contrast to its pharmacokinetics humans, methadone has a short elimination half-life, rapid clearance, and low oral bioavailability in dogs and the extent of absorption is not affected by inhibition of CYP3A, p-gp, and gastric acid secretion.

Development of a PCR-based diagnostic test detecting a nt230(del4) MDR1 mutation in dogs: verification in a moxidectin-sensitive Australian Shepherd.

Abstract: A subpopulation of dogs of the Collie and Australian Shepherd breeds show increased sensitivity to central nervous actions of ivermectin, doramectin, loperamide, and probably several other drugs. The molecular background for this greater sensitivity is a nonsense mutation in the MDR1 efflux pump, which is part of the functional blood-brain barrier and normally limits drug penetration into the brain. This report describes a rapid PCR-based method for detection of this nt230(del4) MDR1 mutation using a small amount of genomic DNA from blood cells. Thereby, homozygous intact, homozygous mutated, and heterozygous mutated MDR1 genotypes can be clearly differentiated by high resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Using this diagnostic test two Collies and one Australian Shepherd were screened for the nt230(del4) MDR1 mutation. The Collies had no history of altered drug sensitivity and showed homozygous intact and heterozygous mutated MDR1 alleles, respectively. However, the Australian Shepherd developed clear signs of neurotoxicity including ataxia, crawling, acoustic and tactile hyperexcitability, and miosis after a single dose of moxidectin (400 microg/kg). For this dog two mutated MDR1 alleles were detected. This report describes for the first time moxidectin neurotoxicosis in a dog with a homozygous MDR1 mutation.

Distribution of emamectin benzoate in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.).

Abstract: The aims of this study were to investigate the content of emamectin in blood, mucus and muscle following field administration of the recommended dose, and correlation with sea lice infection on the same fish (elimination study). The tissue distribution of tritiated emamectin benzoate after a single oral dose in Atlantic salmon was also investigated by means of whole-body autoradiography and scintillation counting (distribution study). In the elimination study, concentrations of emamectin benzoate reached maximum levels of 128, 105 and 68 ng/g (p.p.b.) for blood, mucus and muscle respectively, on day 7, the last day of administration. From day 7, the concentration in the blood declined until concentration was less than the limit of detection on day 77. The concentration was higher in mucus compared with plasma (P < 0.05) except on days 7 and 21. The concentration of emamectin benzoate decreased gradually from the end of treatment (day 7) to day 70 with half-lives of 9.2, 10.0 and 11.3 days in muscle, plasma and mucus respectively. The distribution study demonstrated a high quantity of radioactivity in mucous membranes (gastrointestinal tract, gills) throughout the observation period (56 days). Activity was high in the epiphysis, hypophysis and olfactory rosette throughout the study. The highest activity was observed in the bile, indicating this to be an important route for excretion. The distribution study confirmed the results from the elimination study with respect to concentrations in blood, skin mucous and muscle.

Relationship between plasma concentrations and analgesia after intravenous fentanyl and disposition after other routes of administration in cats.

Abstract: Data allowing rational use of analgesics in cats are limited. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of fentanyl were studied in cats. Plasma fentanyl concentrations were measured using radioimmunoassay in a crossover study in six cats after 10 microg/kg (i.v.) or by application of fentanyl in pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO) to the inner ear pinna. On a separate occasion thermal thresholds were measured after i.v. fentanyl (10 microg/kg) or saline. Plasma fentanyl concentrations reached 4.7-8.31 ng/mL 2 min after i.v. administration and were undetectable after 95 min. Fentanyl was not detected in plasma at any time after PLO use. Thermal thresholds did not change following saline administration but were increased above baseline from 5 to 110 min after i.v. fentanyl. In this model a plasma concentration of >1.07 ng/mL was required to provide analgesia. Plasma concentrations were measured in additional cats after intranasal or oral dosing (2 microg/kg) and after 30 microg/kg in PLO gel. After oral and nasal dosing, Cmax values were 0.96 and 1.48 ng/mL at 5 and 2 min, respectively. Plasma fentanyl was not detected after application of the higher dose of fentanyl in PLO.

Superiority of the gastroduodenal safety profile of licofelone over rofecoxib, a COX-2 selective inhibitor, in dogs.

Abstract: This study assessed the gastroduodenal safety profile of licofelone, a new nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with dual inhibitory activity against 5-lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase (COX), by using endoscopic evaluations and by comparing licofelone to rofecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor. Twenty-one dogs underwent blinded gastroduodenoscopies, during which the mucosa of the gastroduodenal tract was assessed and scored. Blood analyses were monitored on days 0 (baseline), 14, 28, 42, and 56. Examinations to detect fecal occult blood were performed daily. Dogs were randomly assigned to three groups that received either a placebo, licofelone at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg twice daily, or rofecoxib at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg daily, respectively. Significant differences between the groups in gastric (P = 0.003), duodenal (P = 0.009), and gastroduodenal (P = 0.002) endoscopic lesion scores were observed at day 56. Rofecoxib-treated dogs had more lesions in all areas when compared with placebo-treated dogs, more duodenal lesions when compared with licofelone-treated dogs and more lesions than they had at baseline. In contrast to licofelone, rofecoxib was found to induce significant gastric and gastroduodenal lesions in dogs that lacked pre-existing lesions at baseline. Blood analyses and fecal examinations did not reveal abnormalities in any of the experimental groups. Treatment with licofelone was well tolerated and was shown to be safer than rofecoxib in terms of upper gastrointestinal damage. In this way, this study demonstrates the gastroduodenal safety profile of licofelone for chronic treatment.

Efficacy and safety of glycosylated undenatured type‐II collagen (UC‐II) in therapy of arthritic dogs§

Abstract: DeParle L. A., Gupta R. C., Canerdy T. D., Goad J. T., D'Altilio M., Bagchi M., Bagchi D. Efficacy and safety of glycosylated undenatured type-II collagen (UC-II) in therapy of arthritic dogs. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.28, 385-390. In large breed dogs, arthritis is very common because of obesity, injury, aging, immune disorder, or genetic predispositions. This study was therefore undertaken to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of undenatured type-II collagen (UC-II) in obese-arthritic dogs. Fifteen dogs in three groups received either no UC-II (Group I) or UC-II with 1 mg/day (Group II) or 10 mg/day (Group III) for 90 days. Lameness and pain were measured on a weekly basis for 120 days (90 days treatment plus 30 days post-treatment). Blood samples were assayed for creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (markers of renal injury); and alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (evidence of hepatic injury). Dogs receiving 1 mg or 10 mg UC-II/day for 90 days showed significant declines in overall pain and pain during limb manipulation and lameness after physical exertion, with 10 mg showed greater improvement. At either dose of UC-II, no adverse effects were noted and no significant changes were noted in serum chemistry, suggesting that UC-II was well tolerated. In addition, dogs receiving UC-II for 90 days showed increased physical activity level. Following UC-II withdrawal for a period of 30 days, all dogs experienced a relapse of overall pain, exercise-associated lameness, and pain upon limb manipulation. These results suggest that daily treatment of arthritic dogs with UC-II ameliorates signs and symptoms of arthritis, and UC-II is well tolerated as no adverse effects were noted.

Enrofloxacin pharmacokinetics in the European cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, after a single i.v. injection and bath administration

Abstract: Enrofloxacin pharmacokinetics were studied in European cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, after a single 5 mg/kg i.v. injection or a 2.5 mg/L 5 h bath. A pilot study with two animals was also performed following a 10 mg/kg p.o. administration. The concentration of enrofloxacin in hemolymph was assayed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and pharmacokinetic parameters were derived from compartmental methods. In the i.v. study, the terminal half-life (t 1 / 2 ), apparent volume of distribution, and systemic clearance were respectively 1.81 h, 385 mL/kg, and 4.71 mL/min/kg. Following bath administration the t 1 / 2 , peak hemolymph concentration (C m a x ), and area under the curve to infinity (AUC 0 - ∞ ) were 1.01 h, 0.5 ′ 0.12 μg/mL, and 0.98 μg.h/ mL, respectively. After oral administration, the t 1 / 2 , C m a x , and AUC 0 - ∞ were 1.01 h, 10.95 μg/mL, 26.71 μg.h/mL, respectively. The active metabolite of enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, was not detected in any samples tested. The hemolymph concentration was still above minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for shrimp and fish bacterial isolates at. 6 h after i.v. administration, therefore, a dose of 5 mg/kg i.v. every 8-12 h is suggested for additional studies of efficacy. The C m a x value for the water bath was lower than for the i.v. study, but a bath of 2.5 mg/L for 5 h once to twice daily is suggested for additional studies to test efficacy against highly susceptible organisms. Although only two animals were used for the oral study, a dose of 10 mg/kg produced hemolymph concentrations of enrofloxacin that were in a range consistent with therapeutic efficacy in other species.

Inhibitory effect of several fluoroquinolones on hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 1A activities in dogs.

Abstract: We examined inhibitory effects of ofloxacin (OFX), orbifloxacin (OBFX), ciprofloxacin (CFX), enrofloxacin (EFX) and norfloxacin (NFX) on cytochrome P-450 1A (CYP1A) activities using hepatic microsomes from four beagle dogs. Ethoxyresorufin O-de-ethylation was referred as CYP1A activities. All the fluoroquinolones inhibited the reaction in a noncompetitive manner. The determined inhibitory constants were the followings; 10.1 +/- 3.8 mM for OFX, 6.43 +/- 2.01 mM for OBFX, 0.726 +/- 0.134 mM for CFX, 4.06 +/- 1.19 mM for EFX and 4.75 +/- 1.63 mM for NFX respectively. As these values are >100-fold of plasma concentrations after a clinical single dose of the fluoroquinolones, it is suggested that the inhibitory effect on CYP1A activities is not so high to elicit drug-drug interaction with CYP1A substrates, when these fluoroquinolones are co-administered. Mechanism based inhibition was also examined in this study. Of the five fluoroquinolones examined, OFX, OBFX and CFX had this inhibition manner. As this inhibition is irreversible, inhibitory effects of the three fluoroquinolones may accumulate, when they are repeatedly administered. Therefore, OFX, OBFX and CFX may result in substantial drug-drug interaction with a CYP1A substrate even in clinical states. As EFX is metabolized to CFX in the body, it may also have the same possibility.

Pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).

Abstract: Pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen have been established in numerous mammalian species; however, no published pharmacokinetic data exist for avian species, although some studies have evaluated the pharmacodynamics (Machin et al., 2001) and analgesic effects (Machin & Livingston, 2002) of this nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug in ducks. Ketoprofen is a chiral compound that exists as two enantiomers, R()) and S(+) ketoprofen. Products approved for clinical use in both human and veterinary medicine are the racemic mixtures (50:50) of the two enantiomers. Dosage regimens for birds are extrapolated from those of small mammals, although there are anatomic and metabolic differences between avian species and mammals that make extrapolation of drug dosages dangerous (Dorrestein, 1992). In addition, even if dosages for birds were available, extrapolation within the Aves class could potentially be problematic since a previous study comparing pharmacokinetic parameters for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reported avian species differences (Baert & DeBacker, 2003). Another concern regarding the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is that toxic effects may be seen at therapeutic concentrations (MacAllister et al., 1993). This has been demonstrated clinically in male Eider ducks where ketoprofen has been reported to be lethal (Mulcahy et al., 2003). For all of the aforementioned reasons, pharmacokinetic studies are important to determine appropriate therapeutic dosages for avian species. The objective of this study was to establish the pharmacokinetics of intravenous, intramuscular, and orally administered ketoprofen in adult Japanese quail, a popular laboratory animal avian species. A three-period cross-over design was used so that each adult domestic Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica; n 1⁄4 45) received ketoprofen (2 mg/kg) intravenously, intramuscularly, or orally. The average body weight of the birds was 146 g (±26). Twoweek intervals were allowed between each period of the study. No remarkable findings were found on physical examination. Food and water were provided ad libitum throughout the study. The University of California, Davis, Animal Care and Use Committee approved this study. In period 1, quails 1–15 were administered ketoprofen (Ketofen, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501, USA; 2 mg/kg) intravenously via the right jugular vein; quails 16–30 received ketoprofen (2 mg/kg) intramuscularly in the pectoral muscle; and quails 31–45 received ketoprofen (2 mg/kg) orally via ingluvial gavage. To ensure accurate dosing, the commercial ketoprofen solution was diluted with sterile 0.9% NaCl and administered immediately after dilution. In periods 2 and 3, treatments were altered so that each route of drug administration was delivered in sequence. Blood samples (0.5 mL/sample) were collected from the right jugular vein 1 week prior to drug administration (time 1⁄4 0) and at times 0.08, 0.17, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 4, and 8 h following drug administration. Following ketoprofen administration, a maximum of two 0.5 mL blood samples per bird were drawn so that the total volume of blood drawn from each bird did not exceed 1% of the body weight. Blood samples were collected into microtainer tubes containing heparin and centrifuged at 2000 g for 10 min. The plasma was decanted, labeled, and frozen at )20 C until the assays were performed. Ketoprofen concentrations in test plasma for the pharmacokinetic portion were measured using liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of protein-precipitated plasma samples (Skinner et al., 2004). Plasma calibrators were prepared by diluting working ketoprofen solutions with drug-free quail plasma to concentrations of 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, 16.0, and 32 lg/mL. Quality control (QC) samples (plasma fortified with analytes at concentrations mid-point of the standard curve) were also included. Each sample’s concentration of ketoprofen was determined by the J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 28, 399–402, 2005. SHORT COMMUNICATION

Pharmacokinetics and tissue fluid distribution of cephalexin in the horse after oral and i.v. administration.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics and tissue fluid distribution of cephalexin in the adult horse following oral and i.v. administration. Cephalexin hydrate (10 mg/kg) was administered to horses i.v. and plasma samples were collected. Following a washout period, cephalexin (30 mg/kg) was administered intragastrically. Plasma, interstitial fluid (ISF) aqueous humor, and urine samples were collected. All samples were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Following i.v. administration, cephalexin had a plasma half-life (t(1/2)) of 2.02 h and volume of distribution [V(d(ss))] of 0.25 L/kg. Following oral administration, the average maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) was 3.47 mug/mL and an apparent half-life (t(1/2)) of 1.64 h. Bioavailability was approximately 5.0%. The AUC(ISF):AUC(plasma) ratio was 80.55% which corresponded to the percentage protein-unbound drug in the plasma (77.07%). The t(1/2) in the ISF was 2.49 h. Cephalexin was not detected in the aqueous humor. The octanol:water partition coefficient was 0.076 +/- 0.025. Cephalexin was concentrated in the urine with an average concentration of 47.59 microg/mL. No adverse events were noted during this study. This study showed that cephalexin at a dose of 30 mg/kg administered orally at 8 h dosage intervals in horses can produce plasma and interstitial fluid drug concentrations that are in a range recommended to treat susceptible gram-positive bacteria (MIC < or = 0.5 microg/mL). Because of the low oral bioavailability of cephalexin in the horse, the effect of chronic dosing on the normal intestinal bacterial flora requires further investigation.

Veterinary pharmacovigilance. Part 3. Adverse effects of veterinary medicinal products in animals and on the environment.

Abstract: Like humans, animals may experience adverse effects when treated with medicinal products. These effects may be related to the pharmacological or toxicological properties of the substances used or they may arise because of hypersensitivity. Veterinary medicinal products may also possess the ability to harm the environment. This paper reviews the potential of veterinary medicinal products to cause adverse effects in animals and on the environment.

Pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone with pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model of the effect of dexamethasone on endogenous hydrocortisone and cortisone in the horse.

Abstract: A compartmental model was used to describe the pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone (DXM) and changes in the plasma concentration of endogenous cortisone (COR) and hydrocortisone (HYD) following intravenous (i.v.) administration of DXM (0.05 mg/kg) in horses. Quantification of DXM, COR and HYD in equine plasma was achieved using liquid chromatography interfaced with triple spray quadrupole quantum tandem mass spectrometry (LC/TSQ-MS/MS). The median alpha (t(1/2alpha)), beta (t(1/2beta)), and gamma (t(1/2gamma)) half-lives were 0.33, 2.2, and 10.7 h respectively. The area under the DXM plasma concentration curve (AUC) was 113.5 ng.h/mL. At 72 h post-DXM administration, the plasma concentration of DXM in all horses was below the level of quantification (100 pg/mL). The baseline plasma concentration of COR was 3.5 +/- 0.69 ng/mL and declined significantly (P < 0.02) to 2.9 +/- 0.86 ng/mL at 1 h. The nadir in COR plasma concentration was 0.65 +/- 0.12 ng/mL at 28.8 +/- 9.0 h, and the DXM plasma concentration was 0.19 +/- 0.13 ng/mL. COR concentration returned to baseline at 96 h. Baseline plasma concentration of HYD was 58.8 +/- 11.7 ng/mL and declined significantly (P < 0.001) to 41.1 +/- 14.9 ng/mL at 1 h following DXM administration but recovered to baseline at 96 h. The sensitivity of LC/TSQ-MS/MS allowed complete description of the pharmacokinetics of DXM and its effect on plasma concentrations of both COR and HYD.

Clinical efficacy of prophylactic administration of trimethoprim/sulfadiazine in a Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus infection model in ponies.

Abstract: Tissue chambers, implanted subcutaneously in the neck in six ponies, were inoculated with Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus in order to determine the clinical efficacy of prophylactic administration of trimethoprim/sulfadiazine (TMP/SDZ) against this infection. The TMP/SDZ treatment consisted of one intravenous (i.v.) injection of 5 mg/kg TMP and 25 mg/kg SDZ and the same dose of TMP/SDZ per os (p.o.), both given 3 h before inoculation. The oral dose was then repeated every 12 h for 5 days. TMP/SDZ concentrations in tissue chamber fluid (TCF) were above 10 times MIC at the moment of inoculation, and they were maintained at this level or higher throughout the duration of treatment. Trimethoprim/sulfadiazine treatment resulted in a marked reduction of viable bacteria in the tissue chamber but did not eliminate the infection, resulting in abscessation from day 19 onwards in all six ponies. This shows that, even when TCF is not yet purulent, TMP/SDZ is unable to eliminate the streptococci. Therefore, TMP/SDZ should not be the antimicrobial treatment of choice in infections in secluded sites in horses.

Pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in the red pacu (Piaractus brachypomus) after single dose intramuscular administration

Abstract: Florfenicol is a structural analogue of chloramphenicol similar to thiamphenicol, but with more activity against some bacteria than chloramphenicol (Cannon et al., 1990). Florfenicol works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis at the ribosome (Cannon et al., 1990). Florfenicol activity against bacteria differs from chloramphenicol because florfenicol is not susceptible to the same resistance mechanisms as chloramphenicol (Papich & Riviere, 2001). Organisms resistant to chloramphenicol may still be susceptible to florfenicol. Florfenicol has been demonstrated to be efficacious against bacteria (e.g. Aeromonas salmonicida, Vibrio salmonicida, and Edwardsiella ictaluri) of fish, especially salmonids and catfish (Fukui et al., 1987; Inglis & Richards, 1991; Inglis et al., 1991; Nordmo et al., 1994,1998; Samuelsen et al., 1998; Gaunt et al., 2003,2004). Florfenicol has been proven to be clinically effective in controlling a variety of bacterial diseases in salmonids and is approved for use in Europe, Norway, Canada, Japan, and South Korea for a variety of fish species (Gaunt et al., 2003). Florfenicol has been administered orally for treatment of bacterial infections of captive fish in Europe and Canada under the trade names Aquafen and Aquaflor (Schering-Plough, Kenilworth, NJ, USA), respectively. In rainbow trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss) kept at 10 C, an oral dose of 10 mg/kg had a mean residence time of 21 h and a Cmax of 3.23 mcg/mL (Pinault et al., 1997). Pharmacokinetics have also been described for Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar (Martinsen et al., 1993). Other work has determined florfenicol to be safe and effective for the treatment of E. ictaluri (enteric septicemia of catfish) in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) when administered orally in feed (Gaunt et al., 2003, 2004). The objectives of this study were to determine the maximum serum concentrations, elimination half-life, and relative bioavailability of florfenicol in the red pacu following single-dose intramuscular (i.m.) administration. We used 16 red pacu for the study. Fish were of uniform age and size (approximately 3.5 years old and weighing 400–500 g each). Fish were individually maintained in sixteen 75 L aquariums which all shared a common water supply via a recirculating system. Important water quality parameters such as temperature (25 C), pH 7.2, total alkalinity (51.0 mg/L), and specific gravity (1.000) were frequently monitored and actively maintained. Twelve fish were weighed immediately prior to epaxial i.m. dosing with 10.0 mg/kg florfenicol (NuFlor , Schering-Plough). The four control fish received equivalent volumes of i.m. saline. Fish were manually restrained and approximately 0.4 mL of blood was taken from the caudal vein from each fish and four control fish using a sodium heparinized 1 cc syringe with a 25 G needle at the following times postdrug administration: 0, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. The four control fish were used to determine if any residual or excreted florfenicol in the recirculating system was absorbed by the study pacu. Florfenicol plasma concentrations were analyzed with reversephase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The HPLC apparatus consisted of a pump (Waters Model 600 Pump; Millipore Corp., Milford, MA, USA), autosampler (Hewlett Packard Series 1050 Autosampler; Hewlett Packard, Palo Alto, CA, USA), UV detector (HP Series 1050 UV detector; Hewlett Packard), and computer for data collection and analysis (Hewlett Packard HPLC ChemStation running Windows 3.1 on a Hewlett Packard Vectra 486/33N computer). Eluates were separated with a C-8 reverse-phase HPLC column (Zorbax RXC8 4.6 mm · 15 cm; 5 lm MAC-MOD Analytical Inc., Chadds Ford, PA, USA). A guard column containing identical packing material also was used (Zorbax RX-C18, 4 mm · 1.25 cm guard column). Florfenicol was eluted with a mobile phase consisting of 73% distilled water and 27% (v/v) acetonitrile. No buffers or mobile phase modifiers were added. The mobile phase was filtered and degassed prior to use and was continuously sparged with helium during the analysis. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min. Injection volume was 20 mcL. Florfenicol was detected with UV detection at a wavelength of 223 nm. Retention time for florfenicol was approximately 5.5–6.5 min. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 28, 317–319, 2005. SHORT COMMUNICATION

Development and validation of a new model of inflammation in the cat and selection of surrogate endpoints for testing anti-inflammatory drugs

Abstract: In laboratory animals many models of inflammation have been developed for preclinical evaluation of the pharmacological profiles of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In contrast, in species of veterinary interest, including the cat, NSAIDs have been studied mainly using dose-titration or dose-confirmation studies in clinical subjects. This is due to the scarcity of appropriate animal models and to the associated lack of quantitative validated endpoints describing the magnitude and time course of drug response. Determination of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationships provides a powerful approach for the selection of effective and safe dosage regimens. In this study, a paw inflammation model in the cat was developed for the preclinical evaluation of NSAIDs using PK/PD modelling. Subcutaneous injection of 500 mg kaolin in the paw produced a well-defined and reproducible inflammatory response that lasted 4-5 days. Several endpoints were assessed for their clinical relevance and for their metrological performance (accuracy and reproducibility). Body temperature, lameness scoring, locomotion tests and possibly skin temperature were the most appropriate endpoints for testing the antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs in the cat.

Pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic integration of moxifloxacin in rabbits after intravenous, intramuscular and oral administration

Abstract: The pharmacokinetics of moxifloxacin was studied following intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.) and oral dose of 5 mg/kg to healthy white New Zealand rabbits (n = 6). Moxifloxacin concentrations were determined by HPLC assay with fluorescence detection. The moxifloxacin plasma concentration vs. time data after i.v. administration could best be described by a two-compartment open model. The disposition of i.m. and orally administered moxifloxacin was best described by a one-compartment model. The plasma moxifloxacin clearance (Cl) for the i.v route was (mean +/- SD) 0.80 +/- 0.02 L/h.kg. The steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) was 1.95 +/- 0.18 L/kg. The terminal half-life (t(1/2lambdaz)) was (mean +/- SD) 1.84 +/- 0.12, 2.09 +/- 0.05 and 2.15 +/- 0.07 h after i.v., i.m. and oral, respectively. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays of moxifloxacin against different strains of S. aureus were performed in order to compute pharmacodynamic surrogate markers. From these data, it is concluded that a 5 mg/kg dose moxifloxacin would be effective by i.m. and oral routes in rabbits against bacterial isolates with MIC < or = 0.06 microg/mL and possibly for MIC < or = 0.12 microg/mL, but in the latter case a higher dose would be required.

Toxicity, bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of a newly formulated colistin sulfate solution.

Abstract: We formulated a new colistin sulfate injectable solution and tested its effectiveness, toxicity and pharmacokinetics in vivo on mice, rabbits, and piglets. When intramuscularly injected (i.m.) into rabbits at 0.5 mL per site, the 2.5% colistin sulfate solution caused no reaction at the injection site, but the 5.0% solution caused the muscle circumference to appear erythematic. Tested LD50 in CD-1 mice were 38.72 mg/kg for i.m. and 431.95 mg/kg for oral administration, respectively. At 15.0 mg/kg/day (i.m.) for 5 days, colistin sulfate caused obvious neurotoxicity to piglets with moderate granular degenerations in the epithelial tissues from kidney and liver. These toxic responses were not seen when colistin sulfate was injected at 10.0 mg/kg/day for 5 days. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed Cmax of 3.73 +/- 0.28 and 6.40 +/- 0.18 microg/mL, Tmax of 32 +/- 1.5 and 34 +/- 1.8 min, t(1/2beta) of 256 +/- 14 and 264 +/- 29 min, and absolute bioavailability of 95.94 and 88.45% for colistin sulfate intramuscularly injected to piglets at 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg, respectively. Serum colistin sulfate concentration followed a two-compartment open model showing first-order absorption. The high bioavailability and the long-lasting serum retention time indicated that the new solution is suitable for i.m. in piglets with a recommended dose of 2.5 mg/kg injected twice daily.

Inhibitory effects of the β2-adrenergic receptor agonist zilpaterol on the LPS-induced production of TNF-α in vitro and in vivo

Abstract: In this study the anti-inflammatory properties of zilpaterol, a β2-adrenergic receptor (AR) agonist specifically developed as a growth promoter in cattle were investigated. Although zilpaterol has a different structure compared with the β2-AR agonists known to date, it was noted that it was able to bind to both the β2-AR (K i = 1.1 × 10-6) and the β1-AR (Ki = 1.0 × 10-5). Using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-exposed U937 macrophages, the production of cyclic adenosine-3′, 5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were investigated. Zilpaterol inhibited TNF-α release and induced intracellular cAMP levels in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition of TNF-α release and induction of cAMP production was mainly mediated via the β2-AR, as indicated by addition of β1- and β2-specific antagonists. The effects of zilpaterol were investigated in LPS-treated male Wistar rats after pretreatment with zilpaterol. Zilpaterol dosed at 500 μg/kg body weight reduced the TNF-α plasma levels. In conclusion, zilpaterol is a β2-adrenergic agonist and an inhibitor of TNF-α production induced by LPS both in vivo and in vitro. © 2005 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

PK and PK/PD of doxycycline in drinking water after therapeutic use in pigs.

Abstract: A commercial doxycycline formulation was administered in drinking water to 12 pigs at the recommended dose of 10 mg/kg daily for 5 days. The mean plasma concentration at steady-state was 1.37 +/- 1.21 microg/mL, which was reached at 68 +/- 27.2 h postadministration. Absorption and elimination half-life values were 7.20 +/- 2.42 and 7.01 +/- 2.10 h, respectively. Most plasma concentrations during dosing were higher than the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) described for the main porcine bacterial pathogens of the respiratory tract (Pasteurella multocida, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae). It is concluded that when pigs were treated with doxycycline in drinking water at the recommended rate, therapeutically effective concentrations were achieved throughout the treatment period, supporting the clinical use of this tetracycline in the control of respiratory infections. However, inter-animal differences were marked.

Pharmacokinetics of cefepime administered by i.v. and i.m. routes to ewes.

Abstract: The pharmacokinetics of cefepime were studied following i.v. and i.m. administration of 20 mg/kg in 10 ewes. Following i.v. administration of a single dose, the plasma concentration-time curves of cefepime were best fitted using a two-compartment open model. The elimination half-life (t(1/2beta)) was 1.76 +/- 0.07 h, volume of distribution at steady-state [V(d(ss))] was 0.32 +/- 0.01 L/kg and total body clearance (Cl(B)) was 2.37 +/- 0.05 mL/min.kg. Following i.m. administration, the drug was rapidly absorbed with an absorption half-life (t(1/2ab)) of 0.49 +/- 0.05 h, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 31.9 +/- 1.5 mug/mL was attained at (tmax) 1.1 +/- 0.2 h and the drug was eliminated with an elimination half-life (t(1/2el)) of 2.06 +/- 0.11 h. The systemic bioavailability (F) after i.m. administration of cefepime was 86.8 +/- 7.5%. The extent of plasma protein binding measured in vitro was 14.8 +/- 0.54%. The drug was detected in urine for 36 h postadministration by both routes.

Moxidectin and ivermectin metabolic stability in sheep ruminal and abomasal contents.

Abstract: The oral administration of macrocyclic lactones to sheep leads to poorer efficacy and shorter persistence of the antiparasitic activity compared to the subcutaneous treatment. Gastrointestinal biotransformation occurring after oral treatment to ruminant species has been considered as a possible cause of the differences observed between routes of administration. The current work was addressed to evaluate on a comparative basis the in vitro metabolism of moxidectin (MXD) and ivermectin (IVM) in sheep ruminal and abomasal contents. Both compounds were incubated under anaerobic conditions during 2, 6 and 24 h in ruminal and abomasal contents collected from untreated adult sheep. Drug concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection after sample clean up and solid phase extraction. Neither MXD nor IVM suffered metabolic conversion and/or chemical degradation after 24-h incubation in ruminal and abomasal contents collected from adult sheep. Unchanged MXD and IVM parent compounds represented between 95.5 and 100% of the total drug recovered in the ruminal and abomasal incubation mixtures compared with those measured in inactive control incubations. The partition of both molecules between the solid and fluid phases of both sheep digestive contents was assessed. MXD and IVM were extensively bound (>90%) to the solid material of both ruminal and abomasal contents collected from sheep fed on lucerne hay. The results reported here confirm the extensive degree of association to the solid digestive material and demonstrates a high chemical stability without evident metabolism and/or degradation for both MXD and IVM in ruminal and abomasal contents.

Influence of marbofloxacin on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tolfenamic acid in calves

Abstract: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of tolfenamic acid (TA) in calves were determined in serum and fluids of inflamed (carrageenan administered) and non-inflamed subcutaneously implanted tissue cages after intramuscular administration both alone and in combination with marbofloxacin (MB). MB significantly altered the pharmacokinetics of TA: mean values were C m a x = 2.14 and 1.64 pg/mL, AUC = 27.38 and 16.80 μg.h/mL. V d ( a r e a ) /F = 0.87 and 1.17 L/kg, and Cl B /F = 0.074 and 0.128 L/kg/h, respectively, after administration of TA alone and TA + MB. T 1 / 2 K 1 0 and MRT were not significantly different for the two treatments. The pharmacodynamic properties of TA were not influenced by MB co-administration, in spite of the alterations in some TA pharmacokinetic parameters. TA inhibited prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) synthesis in vivo in inflammatory exudate by 50-88% for up to 48 h after both TA treatments. Inhibition of synthesis of serum thromboxane B 2 (TxB 2 ) ex vivo ranged from 40 to 85% up to 24 h after both TA and TA + MB. From the derived pharmacokinetic and eicosanoid inhibition data for TA, pharmacodynamic parameters for serum TxB 2 and exudate PGE 2 inhibition expressing efficacy (E m a x = 78.1 and 97.5%), potency (IC 5 0 = 0.256 and 0.265 μg/mL), sensitivity (N = 1.96 and 2.29) and the pharmacokinetic parameter equilibration time (t 1 / 2 K e 0 = 0.695 and 24.0 h), respectively, were determined. In this model TA was a nonselective inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase (COX) (COX-1:COX-2 IC 5 0 ratio = 1.37). TA, both alone and co-administered with MB. did not affect leucocyte numbers in exudate, transudate or blood. Partial attenuation of skin temperature rise over inflamed tissue cages and reduction of zymosan-induced skin swelling were recorded after administration of TA and TA + MB with no significant differences between the two treatments. These data provide a basis for the rational use of TA in combination with MB in calf medicine.

Evaluation of the anti-endotoxic effects of polymyxin-E (colistin) in dogs with naturally occurred endotoxic shock

Abstract: Endotoxin is a potent stimulator of the inflammatory response and is believed to initiate the pathology in gram-negative sepsis. Agents are being searched for that bind and neutralize or block the effects of endotoxin. The aim was to study the anti-endotoxic effects of polymyxin-E (colistin) in endotoxaemic dogs. The study included a total of 30 endotoxaemic dogs, which were divided into two groups (control = 15; test = 15) of both sexes, different breeds and ages. Hetastarch colloid solution (Expahes,10 mL/kg, i.v.) with lactated Ringer's solution (20 mL/kg, i.v., Q12 h) was given to all dogs. While ampicillin was administered (Alfasilin, 10 mg/kg, i.m., Q12 h) as an antibacterial to the control group, colistin (12,500 IU/kg, i.m., Q12 h) + ampicillin were administered to the test group. The clinical examination (body temperature, pulse and respiration rates, capillary filling times, peripheral pulse qualities, dehydration degrees), hematological and biochemical examinations (WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, thrombocyte, serum urea, creatinine and TNF-alpha) were performed both before the treatment, and 2, 4, 12 and 24 h after the treatment. In comparison with the control group, it was observed that test group had shorter capillary filling time at 24 h (P < 0.001). Moreover, the degree of dehydration in test group, was significantly improved at 24 h (P < 0.01). While the differences in peripheral pulse qualities significantly differed between 0 and 2 h in controls, at 2, 4, 24 h after treatment it was found to be significantly increased when compared with 0 h in the test group. Serum TNF-alpha concentrations were statistically decreased in the test group between 0 h and other times (P < 0.01). When compared with controls, serum TNF-alpha concentrations were lower at 2, 4, 12 and 24 h in test group (P < 0.05). Results of the study indicated that polymyxin-E (colistin) has an anti-endotoxic effect and is safe for the dogs with endotoxemia at the dosage used in this study.