Sensitization of colorectal and pancreatic cancer cell lines to the prodrug 5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide (CB1954) by retroviral transduction and expression of the E. coli nitroreductase gene.

Expression of genes encoding prodrug-activating enzymes can increase the susceptibility of tumor cells to prodrugs, and may ultimately achieve a better therapeutic index than conventional chemotherapy. CB1954 is a weak, monofunctional alkylating agent which can be activated by Escherichia coli nitroreductase to a potent dysfunctional alkylating agent which crosslinks DNA. We have inserted the nitroreductase gene into an LNCX-based retroviral vector, to allow efficient gene transfer and expression in colorectal (LS174T) and pancreatic (SUIT2, BxPC3, and AsPC1) cancer cell lines. A clone of LS174T cells expressing nitroreductase showed > 50-fold increased sensitivity to CB1954, and nitroreductase-expressing clones of pancreatic tumor lines were up to approximately 500-fold (SUIT2) more sensitive than parental cells. Concentrations of CB1954 minimally toxic to nontransduced cells achieved 100% cell death in a 50:50 mix of parental cells with SUIT2 cells expressing nitroreductase; and marked "bystander" cell killing was seen with just 10% of cells expressing nitroreductase. Significant bystander cell killing was dependent on a high cell density. In conjunction with regional delivery of vectors and tumor selectivity of cell entry and/or gene expression, nitroreductase and CB1954 may be an attractive combination for prodrug-activating enzyme gene therapy of colorectal and pancreatic cancer.

Bioactivation of dinitrobenzamide mustards by an E. coli B nitroreductase.

A nitroreductase isolated and purified from Escherichia coli B has been demonstrated to have potential applications in ADEPT (antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy) by its ability in vitro to reduce dinitrobenzamides (e.g. 5-aziridinyl 2,4-dinitrobenzamide, CB 1954 and its bischloroethylamino analogue, SN 23862) to form cytotoxic derivatives. In contrast to CB 1954, in which either nitro group is reducible to the corresponding hydroxylamine, SN 23862 is reduced by the nitroreductase to form only the 2-hydroxylamine. This hydroxylamine can react with S-acetylthiocholine to form a species capable of producing interstrand crosslinks in naked DNA. In terms of ADEPT, SN 23862 has a potential advantage over CB 1954 in that it is not reduced by mammalian DT diaphorases. Therefore, a series of compounds related to SN 23862 has been synthesized, and evaluated as potential prodrugs both by determination of kinetic parameters and by ratio of IC50 against UV4 cells when incubated in the presence of prodrug, with and without the E. coli enzyme and cofactor (NADH). Results from the two studies were generally in good agreement in that compounds showing no increase in cytotoxicity in presence of enzyme and cofactor were not substrates for the enzyme. None of the analogues were activated by DT diaphorase isolated from Walker 256 carcinoma cells. For those compounds which were substrates for the E. coli nitroreductase, there was a positive correlation between kcat and IC50 ratio. Two compounds showed advantageous properties: SN 25261 (with a dihydroxypropylcarboxamide ring substituent) which has a more than 10-fold greater aqueous solubility than SN 23862 whilst retaining similar kinetic characteristics and cytotoxic potency; and SN 25084, where a change in the position of the carboxamide group relative to the mustard resulted in an increased cytotoxicity ratio and kcat compared with SN 23862 (IC50 ratios 214 and 135; kcat values of 75 and 26.4 sec-1, respectively). An analogue (SN 25507) incorporating both these structural changes had an enhanced kcat of 576 sec-1. This study elucidates some of the structural requirements of the enzyme and aids identification of further directions in the search for suitable prodrugs for an ADEPT nitroreductase system.

Virtual cofactors for an Escherichia coli nitroreductase enzyme: relevance to reductively activated prodrugs in antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT).

A nitroreductase enzyme has been isolated from Escherichia coli that has the unusual property of being equally capable of using either NADH or NADPH as a cofactor for the reduction of its substrates which include menadione as well as 5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide (CB 1954). This property is shared with the mammalian enzyme, DT diaphorase. The nitroreductase can, like DT diaphorase, also use simple reduced pyridinium compounds as virtual cofactors. The intact NAD(P)H molecule is not required and the simplest quaternary (and therefore reducible) derivative of nicotinamide, 1-methylnicotinamide (reduced), is as effective as NAD(P)H in its ability to act as an electron donor for the nitroreductase. The structure-activity relationship is not identical to that of DT diaphorase and nicotinic acid riboside (reduced) is selective, being active only for the nitroreductase. Irrespective of the virtual cofactor used, the nitroreductase formed the same reduction products of CB 1954 (the 2- and 4-hydroxylamino derivatives in equal proportions). Nicotinic acid riboside (reduced), unlike NADH, was stable to metabolism by serum enzymes and had a plasma half-life of seven minutes in the mouse after an i.v. bolus administration. NADH had an unmeasurably short half-life. Nicotinic acid riboside (reduced) could also be produced in vivo by administration of nicotinic acid 5'-O-benzoyl riboside (reduced). These results demonstrate that the requirement for a cofactor need not be a limitation in the use of reductive enzymes in antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT). It is proposed that the E. coli nitroreductase would be a suitable enzyme for ADEPT in combination with CB 1954 and a synthetic, enzyme-selective, virtual cofactor such as nicotinic acid riboside (reduced).

Physical characterisation of the Escherichia coli B gene encoding nitroreductase and its over-expression in Escherichia coli K12.

The Escherichia coli B gene (nfnB) encoding nitroreductase has been cloned in Escherichia coli K-12 and its nucleotide sequence determined. The translated amino acid sequence was found to share substantial identity (88.5%) with the equivalent proteins of Enterobacter cloacae and Salmonella typhimurium. When the structural gene was placed under the transcriptional control of either the trp or lac promoter, recombinant nitroreductase was accumulated to 33% and 25% of the cell's soluble protein, respectively. Substitution of the nfrB ribosome binding site with that of the E. coli lacZ gene reduced production levels of nitroreductase. The sequenced region also contained two incomplete open reading frames of unknown function.

Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic data for an FMN-dependent nitroreductase from Escherichia coli B.

An FMN-dependent nitroreductase enzyme isolated from Escherichia coli B has been crystallized in a form suitable for high-resolution structural analysis. The crystals belong to the tetragonal space group P4(1)2(1)2 or its enantiomorph P4(3)2(1)2 with cell parameters a = b = 57.74 A, c = 275.51 A and two molecules per asymmetric unit. Diffraction extends to beyond 1.9 A.

The bioactivation of 5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide (CB1954)--I. Purification and properties of a nitroreductase enzyme from Escherichia coli--a potential enzyme for antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT).

A nitroreductase enzyme has been isolated from Escherichia coli B. This enzyme is an FMN-containing flavoprotein with a molecular mass of 24 kDa and requires either NADH or NADPH as a cofactor. Partial protein sequence analysis showed extensive homology with the "classical nitroreductase" of Salmonella typhimurium and a nitroreductase induced in Enterobacter cloacae. In common with the Salmonella enzyme, the E. coli B enzyme is capable of reducing nitrofurazone. The E. coli nitroreductase is also capable of reducing the anti-tumour agent CB1954 [5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide], a property shared with the mammalian enzyme DT diaphorase [NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone)] as isolated from Walker cells. The reduction of CB1954 by the E. coli enzyme results in the generation of cytotoxic species. Both enzymes also share the properties of being able to reduce quinones and are both inhibited by dicoumarol. The nitroreductase is a more active enzyme against CB1954 (kcat = 360 min-1) than Walker DT diaphorase (kcat = 4 min-1) and also has a lower Km for NADH (6 vs 75 microM).

The bioactivation of 5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide (CB1954)--II. A comparison of an Escherichia coli nitroreductase and Walker DT diaphorase.

A nitroreductase enzyme that has been isolated from Escherichia coli B is capable of bioactivating CB1954 [5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide] to a cytotoxic agent, a property shared with the mammalian enzyme Walker DT diaphorase [NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone), EC 1.6.99.2] as isolated from Walker cells. In contrast to Walker DT diaphorase, which can only reduce the 4-nitro group of CB1954, the E. coli nitroreductase can reduce either (but not both) nitro groups of CB1954 to the corresponding hydroxylamino species. The two hydroxylamino species are formed in equal proportions and at the same rates. CB1954 is reduced much more rapidly by the E. coli nitroreductase than by Walker DT diaphorase. If the reduction of CB1954 was carried out in the presence of V79 cells (which are insensitive to CB1954) a large cytotoxic effect was evident. This cytotoxicity was only observed under conditions in which the E. coli nitroreductase or Walker DT diaphorase reduced the drug. It is proposed that E. coli B nitroreductase would be a suitable enzyme for antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT) in combination with CB1954.

Comparative assessment of dopamine agonist aporphines as anticonvulsants in two models of reflex epilepsy.

The anticonvulsant action of various aporphine derivatives that act on dopamine receptors has been investigated in two genetically determined animal models--DBA/2 mice with sound-induced seizures and baboons Papio papio with photically-induced seizures. Protection against the clonic and tonic phases of the seizures response in DBA/2 mice was seen for 15-60 min after (-)2,10,11-trihydroxy-N-n-propylnoraporphine (1.25 mg/kg) and (-)10,11-methyl-enedioxy-N-n-propylnoraporphine (0.625-1.25 mg/kg) and for 30-60 min after (-)2,10,11-trihydroxyaporphine (31.25 mg/kg). Short-lasting protection (up to 30 min) was seen following (-)2,10,11-trihydroxy-N-ethyl-noraporphine (1.25-6.25 mg/kg). Changes in audiogenic seizure susceptibility were accompanied by piloerection, ptosis and loss of spontaneous locomotor and exploratory behaviour. No protection was seen after (-)norapomorphine (0.05-18.75 mg/kg). All the compounds (including norapomorphine) significantly lowered rectal temperature, although the time course of this effect was often longer than that of protection against audiogenic seizures. In baboons, marked reductions in photomyoclonic responses were seen following (-)10,11-methylenedioxy-N-n-propylnoraporphine (0.25 mg/kg, lasting up to 2h); (-)2,10,11-trihydroxy-N-n-propylnoraporphine (0.5-2.5 mg/kg, lasting up to 7 h); (-)2,10,11-trihydroxyaporphine (5 mg/kg, duration of action 1-4 h) and (-)2,10,11-trihydroxy-N-ethylnoraporphine (6.25 mg/kg, lasting 2 h). Little change in responsiveness followed administration of (-)norapomorphine 1.25 or 6.25 mg/kg. Changes in photosensitivity were accompanied by yawning and pupil dilatation. (-)10,11-Methylenedioxy-N-n-propylnoraporphine (0.5-6.25 mg/kg) was also administered orally in baboons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anticonvulsant and proconvulsant properties of viloxazine hydrochloride: pharmacological and pharmacokinetic studies in rodents and the epileptic baboon.

Viloxazine HCl is evaluated as an anticonvulsant in a wide range of rodent seizure models and in the epileptic baboon (Papio papio). In the maximal electroshock test, the oral ED50 for abolition of tonic extension was 9 mg/kg-1 after 30-min pretreatment (mouse) rising to 30 mg/kg-1 after 60 min (mouse and rat). Comparable ED50 values were also found for protection against tonic extension in the mouse induced by the administration of the chemical convulsants metrazole or 3-mercaptopropionic acid. In DBA/2 mice the ED50 for abolition of tonic extension during sound-induced seizures was 6.8 mg/kg-1 IP (30-min pretreatment). Pharmacokinetic studies in the mouse showed peak plasma levels to occur 30 min following oral doses, with a mean half-life of 58 min. The anticonvulsant plasma concentration was within 0.5 -- 1 microgram/ml-1. In the baboon, significant protection against photomyoclonic responses is observed 1 -- 2h after viloxazine (2.6 mg/kg-1 IV), during which period the plasma concentration was again 0.5-1 microgram/ml-1. After administration of approximately ten-times this latter dose level, i.e. 24 mg/kg-1 IV, a syndrome characterised by an abnormal EEG and, in some instances, seizure activity was observed.

Convulsant and anticonvulsant actions in DBA/2 mice of compounds blocking the reuptake of GABA.

Compounds blocking the uptake of GABA into neurons or glia have been injected intracerebroventricularly (icv) or intraperitoneally (ip) in DBA/2 mice, age 21-28 days. Protection against audiogenic seizures was seen 30 min after the icv injection of (+)-2,4-diaminobutyric acid (0.5-2.0 mumoles), (+/-)-nipecotic acid (1.6-3.2 mumoles), (+)-ethyl nipecotate (0.4-0.8 mumoles), (-)-piperazic acid (4 mumoles) and putrescine (2 mumoles) or the ip injection of (+)-2,4-diaminobutyric acid (4-8 mmoles/kg and (+)-ethyl nipecotate (0.24-0.32 mmoles/kg). Of these ethyl nipecotate and nipecotic acid were the most effective anticonvulsants icv, but nipecotic acid was ineffective ip. Limb myoclonus and other epileptic manifestations (rearing, wild running, tonic clonic seizures) occurred in the absence of auditory stimulation after (+)-2,4-diaminobutyric acid (0.5-2.0 mumoles), (+/-)-cis-3-aminocyclohexane carboxylic acid (3.2-6.4 mumoles) and putrescine (2 mumoles). beta-Alanine (2-4 mumoles, icv) depressed respiration but did not protect against audiogenic seizures or induce myoclonus.

Acute dystonia as an idiosyncratic response to neuroleptics in baboons.

Among 25 baboons, Papio papio, 2 consistently showed acute dystonic reactions, with mouthing, compulsive gnawing and limb and trunk dystonia, following the intravenous administration of neuroleptics and related drugs (haloperidol, 0-6-1-2 mg/kg; pimozide 0-5-2-5 mg/kg; chlorpromazine 5-25 mg/kg; metoclopramide 1-5-1-7 mg/kg; oxyperomide 0-25-1-0 mg/kg). The syndrome was not seen after thioridazine (3-7 mg/kg). The dystonic responses occurred within 1-2 h of drug injection and lasted for 2-24 h. They were abolished for 1-3 h within 1-2 min of the intravenous injection of acetylcholine antagonists (benztropine 0-2 mg/kg; hyoscine 0-02 mg/kg). Pre-treatment with a combination of reserpine (2 mg/kg) and alpha-methylparatyrosine (2 X 200 mg/kg) substantially reduced the dystonic response to haloperidol. A second larger dose of haloperidol (5 mg/kg), given 60-90 min after 0-5 mg/kg) initially reduced the intensity of the dystonic response, but after 29 min induced vomiting and generalized seizures in the idiosyncratic baboons. The hypothesis is advanced that the dystonic responses result from release of dopamine on to a sub-population of receptors in the striatum that are relatively insensitive to blockade by neuroleptics.

Monoamine and GABA metabolism and the anticonvulsant action of di-n-propylacetate and ethanolamine-O-sulphate.

The time course of changes in behaviour, seizure response and cerebral monoamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism has been studied in relation to the anticonvulsant actions of di-n-propylacetic acid (DPA) and ethanolamine-O-sulphate (EOS) on sound-induced seizures in DBA/2 mice. Changes in cerebral monoamine metabolism after EOS (75 or 150 mug, intracerebroventricularly) were not related to its anticonvulsant action. The primary effect was GABA-transaminase inhibition (by 50-70%) leading to a 2-4 fold increase in cerebral GABA concentration. Increases in brain GABA concentration (maximally 36%), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA, maximally 134%) and homovanillic acid (HVA, maximally 183%) were seen after DPA (400-600 mg/kg, i.p.). The time course of the increases in HVA and 5HIAA did not correlate with the anticonvulsant effect. Elimination of these increases by the use of inhibitors of monoamine synthesis (alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine and p-chlorophenyl-alanine) did not alter the anticonvulsant effect of DPA. Experiments using probenecid suggested that the increases in 5HIAA and HVA after DPA result from inhibition of their active transport out of the brain.

Effects of apomorphine, ergocornine and piribedil on audiogenic seizures in DBA/2 mice.

Audiogenic seizures in DBA/2 mice have been studied after administration of drugs believed to act as dopamine agonists. Apomorphine at 0.4 mg/kg delays all phases of the response, the tonic phase is absent after 2.0 mg/kg; the clonic phase is abolished by 10 mg/kg. Ergocornine (0.5-8.0 mg/kg) produces effects on the latency and occurrence of seizure stages similar to those of apomorphine. Piribedil, ET 495 (4-100 mg/kg) is less potent; even after 100 mg/kg clonic and tonic phases occurred in 50% of the mice.