Anthelmintic drugs used in equine species.

Internal parasites of horses comprise an intractable problem conferring disease, production and performance losses. Parasitism can rarely be controlled in grazing horses by management alone and anthelmintic drugs have formed the basis of therapy and prophylaxis for the last sixty years. The pharmacology of the anthelmintic drugs available dictate their spectrum of activity and degree of efficacy, their optimal routes of administration and characteristics which prevent some routes of administration, their safety tolerance and potential toxicities and as a consequence of their persistence in the body at effective concentrations their use in epidemiological control programmes. Their use has also resulted in the selection of parasites with genetically controlled characteristics which reduce their susceptibility to treatment, characteristics which are often common to whole chemical classes of anthelmintics. Pharmacological properties also confer compatibility in terms of safety and persistence with other anthelmintic drugs and thus the potential of combinations to treat parasites from different phylogenetic groups such as nematodes, cestodes and trematodes and also the potential by agency of their different molecular mechanisms of action to delay the selection of resistant genes. The major groups of anthelmintics now available, the benzimidazoles (BZD), macrocyclic lactones (MLs) and tetrahydropyrimidines are all highly effective against their targeted parasites (primarily nematodes for BZD's and ML's and cestodes for tetrahydropyrimidines) easily administered orally to horses and are well tolerated with wide margins of safety. Nevertheless, some parasitic stages are inherently less susceptible such as hypobiotic stages of the small strongyles (cyathostomins) and for some such as the adult stages of cyathostomins resistance has developed. Furthermore, for some less common parasites such as the liver fluke unlicensed drugs such as the salicylanilide, closantel have been used. A deep understanding of the pharmacology of anthelmintic drugs is essential to their optimal use in equine species.

In vitro pharmacodynamics of gamithromycin against Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides Small Colony.

Mycoplasma mycoides mycoides Small Colony (MmmSC) is the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), which is responsible for major economic losses in sub-Saharan Africa. Current control relies on live attenuated vaccines, which are of limited efficacy, and antimicrobials are now being assessed as an alternative or adjunct to vaccination. The objective of this study was to determine the in vitro effector kinetics of the macrolide antimicrobial, gamithromycin, against MmmSC in artificial medium and adult bovine serum. Furthermore, it was determined if any differences in gamithromycin activity between these two matrices were mirrored by the older macrolides, tylosin and tilmicosin. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for gamithromycin, tylosin and tilmicosin against MmmSC strains B237 and Tan8 were determined in artificial medium and serum. Time-kill curves were constructed at concentrations corresponding to multiples of the MIC for all three macrolides in artificial medium and for gamithromycin in serum. Data were fitted to sigmoid Emax models. Post-antibiotic effects (PAE) were established by exposing strain B237 to antimicrobials at 10× MIC for 1h and monitoring mycoplasma growth thereafter. MICs for gamithromycin, tylosin and tilmicosin were 64-, 8- and 64-fold lower, respectively, in serum than in artificial medium at an inoculum size of 10(6)cfu/mL B237. A similar pattern emerged for Tan8. All three antimicrobials were mycoplasmastatic with maximum effects of -0.44, -0.32 and -0.49log10(cfu/mL) units for gamithromycin, tylosin and tilmicosin, respectively, against B237 in artificial medium. Tylosin and tilmicosin elicited longer PAEs than gamithromycin. In conclusion, gamithromycin, tylosin and tilmicosin all demonstrated in vitro efficacy against MmmSC and represent potential candidates for clinical studies to assess their therapeutic effect against CBPP.

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity against Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides Small Colony using an in vitro dynamic dilution pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model.

The objectives of this study were to assess the activity of oxytetracycline (OTC), danofloxacin and tulathromycin against Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides Small Colony, the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, in an in vitro dynamic concentration model and to determine the concentration and/or time dependence of such activity. Time-kill assays that simulated elimination of antimicrobials from the body were performed. Initial antimicrobial concentrations corresponded to various multiples of the MIC and cultures were diluted in a stepwise fashion with either drug-free or drug-containing artificial medium to mimic administration by single-release bolus or infusion, respectively. Where appropriate, data were fitted to sigmoidal E(max) models. OTC produced no change in mycoplasma titre from the initial inoculum size, regardless of the concentration or means of drug exposure. Both danofloxacin and tulathromycin resulted in a decrease in mycoplasma titre but neither was bactericidal (99.9 % kill) over 12 h. A greater antimycoplasmal effect, defined as the change in log(10) (c.f.u. ml(-1)) over 12 h, was achieved when danofloxacin was administered as a single-release bolus, suggesting concentration-dependent activity, whereas the antimycoplasmal effect of tulathromycin was comparable following administration by single-release bolus or infusion, owing to its long half-life.

Pharmacodynamics of antimicrobials against Mycoplasma mycoides mycoides small colony, the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides Small Colony (MmmSC) is the causative agent of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), a disease of substantial economic importance in sub-Saharan Africa. Failure of vaccination to curtail spread of this disease has led to calls for evaluation of the role of antimicrobials in CBPP control. Three major classes of antimicrobial are effective against mycoplasmas, namely tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones and macrolides. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the effector kinetics of oxytetracycline, danofloxacin and tulathromycin against two MmmSC field strains in artificial medium and adult bovine serum. METHODS: Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined for oxytetracycline, danofloxacin and tulathromycin against MmmSC strains B237 and Tan8 using a macrodilution technique, and time-kill curves were constructed for various multiples of the MIC over a 24 hour period in artificial medium and serum. Data were fitted to sigmoid E(max) models to obtain 24 hour-area under curve/MIC ratios for mycoplasmastasis and, where appropriate, for mycoplasmacidal activity and virtual mycoplasmal elimination. RESULTS: Minimum inhibitory concentrations against B237 were 20-fold higher, 2-fold higher and approximately 330-fold lower in serum than in artificial medium for oxytetracycline, danofloxacin and tulathromycin, respectively. Such differences were mirrored in experiments using Tan8. Oxytetracycline was mycoplasmastatic against both strains in both matrices. Danofloxacin elicited mycoplasmacidal activity against B237 and virtual elimination of Tan8; similar maximum antimycoplasmal effects were observed in artificial medium and serum. Tulathromycin effected virtual elimination of B237 but was mycoplasmastatic against Tan8 in artificial medium. However, this drug was mycoplasmastatic against both strains in the more physiologically relevant matrix of serum. CONCLUSIONS: Oxytetracycline, danofloxacin and tulathromycin are all suitable candidates for further investigation as potential treatments for CBPP. This study also highlights the importance of testing drug activity in biological matrices as well as artificial media.

Potency and selectivity of carprofen enantiomers for inhibition of bovine cyclooxygenase in whole blood assays.

Whole blood in vitro assays were used to determine the potency and selectivity of carprofen enantiomers for inhibition of the isoforms of cyclooxygenase (COX), COX-1 and COX-2, in the calf. S(+)-carprofen possessed preferential activity for COX-2 inhibition but, because the slopes of inhibition curves differed, the COX-1:COX-2 inhibition ratio decreased from 9.04:1 for inhibitory concentration (IC)10 to 1.84:1 for IC95. R(-) carprofen inhibited COX-2 preferentially only for low inhibition of the COX isoforms (IC10 COX-1:COX-2=6.63:1), whereas inhibition was preferential for COX-1 for a high level of inhibition (IC95 COX-1:COX-2=0.20:1). S(+) carprofen was the more potent inhibitor of COX isoforms; potency ratios S(+):R(-) carprofen were 11.6:1 for IC10 and 218:1 for IC90. Based on serum concentrations of carprofen enantiomers obtained after administration of a therapeutic dose of 1.4 mg/kg to calves subcutaneously, S(+)-carprofen concentrations exceeded the in vitro IC80 COX-2 value for 32 h and the IC20 for COX-1 for 33 h. The findings are discussed in relation to efficacy and safety of carprofen in calves.

Pharmacokinetic features of the antiparasitic macrocyclic lactones.

The macrocyclic lactones have pharmacokinetic properties which enhance their use against endo- and ectoparasites in animals and man. The most consistent physico-chemical feature of the group which contributes to their kinetic characteristics is high lipid solubility. This appears to be necessary for their pharmacodynamic action as well as common kinetic features such as large volumes of distribution and the influence of body fat composition on their disposition. They are used in all domestic animal species and are undoubtedly influenced by the anatomical and physiological differences in these species, however body fat composition also appears to exert a major influence on distribution, metabolism and persistence between species and between breeds and individuals. A myriad of formulations have been developed to enhance the convenience of administration in the different domestic animals and the macrocyclic lactones are delivered orally, subcutaneously and topically to good effect. Lipid based excipients have been developed in "depot" formulations to extend the period of effective prevention of parasite re-infection. Subtle structural changes have been made to the macrocyclic lactone molecules to reduce distribution to the central nervous system and mammary gland, thus allowing use of some compounds such as selamectin (SLM) in "toxicity sensitive" breeds of collie dog which lack P-glycoprotein efflux systems in their central nervous systems and the use of eprinomectin (EPM) in dairy cattle with a nil-milk withdrawal period. Gender differences exist in the pharmacokinetics of these compounds which may be associated with body (fat) composition or metabolism. Feeding may also reduce the availability of macrocyclic lactones which bind particulate digestive material and parasitism may impact the kinetics of the drugs because parasitized animals have altered pathophysiological processes, especially in the gastro intestinal tract but also because of the impact which parasitism may have on the body condition (and fat deposition) in animals. The pharmacokinetics of macrocyclic lactones may be affected by coadministration with compounds which interfere with P-glycoprotein transporters and these interactions have been explored as possible mechanisms for enhancing the effectiveness of these antiparasitics. The objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the pharmacokinetics of macrocyclic lactones and to interpret where that information may prove clinically useful.

Comparative plasma disposition, bioavailability and efficacy of ivermectin following oral and pour-on administrations in horses.

Pour-on formulations of endectocides decrease the risk of injury for both user and animal, and are particularly convenient for animal owners who can apply the product. This study was designed to investigate the plasma disposition and efficacy of ivermectin (IVM) following pour-on, per os and intravenous administrations. Eighteen female horses weighing 510-610 kg were used in this study. The animals were allocated into three groups (per os, pour-on and intravenous groups). The equine paste, bovine pour-on and bovine injectable formulations of IVM were administered orally, topically and intravenously at the dose rates of 0.2, 0.5 and 0.2mg/kg bodyweight, respectively. Heparinized blood samples and hair samples were collected at various times between 1h and 40 days. The samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector. Faecal strongyle egg counts (EPG) were performed by a modified McMaster's technique before and at weekly intervals during 10 weeks after treatment. The results indicated that the plasma concentration and systemic availability of IVM was lower but the plasma persistence was prolonged after pour-on administration compared with per os route. IVM (paste) reduced the EPG by >95% for 10 weeks, whereas the reduction in pour-on group varied from 82 to 97%. EPG reduction in pour-on group was lower than that of per os group. Degradation on the application site, cutaneous biotransformation, binding of IVM to the haircoat and/or sebum are probably responsible for the relatively lower bioavailability of IVM in horses after pour-on administration. In conclusion, the poor plasma availability observed after pour-on administration could result in subtherapeutic plasma concentrations, which may promote the development of drug resistance in parasites.

Plasma disposition and faecal excretion of oxfendazole, fenbendazole and albendazole following oral administration to donkeys.

Fenbendazole (FBZ), oxfendazole (fenbendazole sulphoxide, FBZSO), and albendazole (ABZ) were administered orally to donkeys at 10mg/kg bodyweight. Blood and faecal samples were collected from 1 to 120 h post-treatment. The plasma and faecal samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The parent molecule and its sulphoxide and sulphone (FBZSO(2)) metabolites did not reach detectable concentrations in any plasma samples following FBZ administration. ABZ was also not detected in any plasma samples, but its sulphoxide and sulphone metabolites were detected, demonstrating that ABZ was completely metabolised by first-pass mechanisms in donkeys. Maximum plasma concentrations (C(max)) of FBZSO (0.49microg/mL) and FBZSO(2) (0.60microg/mL) were detected at (t(max)) 5.67 and 8.00h, respectively, following administration of FBZSO. The area under the curve (AUC) of the sulphone metabolite (10.33microg h/mL) was significantly higher than that of the parent drug FBZSO (5.17microg h/mL). C(max) of albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) (0.08g/mL) and albendazole sulphone (ABZSO(2)) (0.04microg/mL) were obtained at 5.71 and 8.00h, respectively, following ABZ administration. The AUC of the sulphoxide metabolite (0.84microg h/mL) of ABZ was significantly higher than that of the sulphone metabolite (0.50microg h/mL). The highest dry-faecal concentrations of parent molecules were detected at 32, 34 and 30h for FBZSO, FBZ and ABZ, respectively. The sulphide metabolite was significantly higher than the parent molecule after FBZSO administration. The parent molecule was predominant in the faecal samples following FBZ administration. After ABZ administration, the parent molecule was significantly metabolised, probably by gastrointestinal microflora, to its sulphoxide metabolite (ABZSO) that showed a similar excretion profile to the parent molecule in the faecal samples. The AUC of the parent FBZ was significantly higher than that of FBZSO and ABZ in faeces. It is concluded that the plasma concentration of FBZSO was significantly higher than that of FBZ and ABZ. Although ABZ is not licensed for use in Equidae, its metabolites presented a greater plasma kinetic profile than FBZ which is licensed for use in horses. A higher metabolic capacity, first-pass effects and lower absorption of benzimidazoles in donkeys decrease bioavailability and efficacy compared to ruminants.

Role of ABC transporters in veterinary drug research and parasite resistance.

A considerable body of research has been carried out in order to throw light on the pharmacological and toxicological impact of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) drug efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP/ABCG2/MXR). Most studies focus on their role in rendering cancer cells resistant to anticancer drugs. Drug transporters are expressed in many tissues and they are strongly involved in the oral bioavailability, and the hepatobiliary, direct intestinal and renal excretion of many drugs. In veterinary therapy, some anti parasitic drugs and/or their metabolites, such as ivermectin, moxidectin, albendazole sulfoxide, which are widely used, have been shown to be actively transported by efflux pumps. This interaction plays an important role in drug disposition since its inhibition has been shown to increase the drug bioavailability in some domestic species. Moreover, some authors have reported that parasite resistance to anthelmintic drugs may be mediated by parasite P-glycoprotein efflux. In addition, the importance of milk residues for human nutrition has aroused increasing concern about the inadvertent transfer of drugs and other substances into mammary milk of domestic animals, potentially posing a health risk to consumers. Recently, the important role of BCRP in the secretion of its substrates in milk has been demonstrated.

Comparative plasma dispositions of ivermectin and doramectin following subcutaneous and oral administration in dogs.

This study evaluates the comparative plasma dispositions of ivermectin (IVM) and doramectin (DRM) following oral and subcutaneous administration (200 microg/kg) over a 40-day period in dogs. Twenty bitches were allocated by weight in to four groups (Groups I-IV) of five animals each. Animals in the first two groups (Groups I and II) received orally the injectable solutions of IVM and DRM, respectively, at the dose of 200 microg/kg bodyweight. The other two groups (Groups III and IV) received subcutaneously injectable solutions at the same dose rate. Blood samples were collected between 1h and 40 days after treatment and the plasma samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using fluorescence detection. The results indicated that IVM produced a significantly higher maximum plasma concentration (C(max): 116.80+/-10.79 ng/ml) with slower absorption (t(max): 0.23+/-0.09 day) and larger area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC: 236.79+/-41.45 ng day/ml) as compared with DRM (C(max): 86.47+/-19.80 ng/ml, t(max): 0.12+/-0.05 day, AUC: 183.48+/-13.17 ng day/ml) following oral administration of both drugs; whereas no significant differences were observed on the pharmacokinetic parameters between IVM and DRM after subcutaneous administrations. In addition, subcutaneously given IVM and DRM presented a significantly lower maximum plasma concentration (C(max): 66.80+/-9.67 ng/ml and 54.78+/-11.99 ng/ml, respectively) with slower absorption (t(max): 1.40+/-1.00 day and 1.70+/-0.76 day, respectively) and larger area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC: 349.18+/-47.79 ng day/ml and 292.10+/-78.76 ng day/ml, respectively) as compared with the oral administration of IVM and DRM, respectively. No difference was observed for the terminal half-lives ((t(1/2lambda(z)) and mean residence times (MRT) of both molecules. Considering the pharmacokinetic parameters, IVM and DRM could be used by the oral or subcutaneous route for the control of parasitic infection in dogs.

Veterinary anthelmintics: old and new.

Between 1960 and 1980, extraordinary success was achieved in anthelmintic development for animals. In these 20 years, drugs with diverse structure, novel activity and enviable safety were produced for a global livestock industry leading to the productivity gains needed to support a human population that grew by 1.5 billion during the same period. The following 20 years have been spent refining existing molecules with niche activity (parasite and host specificity), improving delivery systems and worrying about the inexorable spread of drug resistance. The challenge for the next 20 years will be to use the technologies available to design and produce new drugs and biological controls. Then, to use the lessons of the past to ensure that the new drugs enjoy a longer useful lifespan and contribute to an animal health industry (livestock and companion) which enriches the lives of a global population. Old and new veterinary anthelmintics comprise a very large field, which could not be comprehensively reviewed in a short article. The present mini-review focuses on major chemical discoveries, formulation developments, administration strategies and new products.

Some observations on the pharmacological properties of ivermectin during treatment of a mite infestation in mice.

Ivermectin has become one of the most widely used drugs for the treatment of parasitic infections in laboratory rodents. Despite its wide popularity, little has been published regarding its pharmacokinetic properties in mice. We made use of a routine mite control treatment in a conventional animal unit to gain some knowledge of these properties. Numerous inbred, outbred, and transgenic lines of mice were being treated with ivermectin in the drinking water (32 mg/L) for a chronic Myocoptes infestation. A sample of mice from different cages and rooms was culled at various time intervals to check levels of ivermectin in blood. In addition, cellophane tape impressions of fur were obtained from mice undergoing treatment to monitor the effectiveness of ivermectin in controlling the mite infestation. Results showed that ivermectin levels rose sharply in the serum of treated mice and gradually fell once treatment was discontinued. Maximum levels detected at the end of a 10-day period of treatment were 90 ng/ml. Once treatment was discontinued, serum levels of the drug were undetectable after 7 days. In addition, treatment with ivermectin proved very effective in reducing parasite burdens in the colony. Results were in line with known pharmacological properties of ivermectin in other species. Nevertheless, it was worth noting that serum levels can vary markedly depending on various factors, something to be taken into account when considering treatment of mice, especially transgenics.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of danofloxacin administered by two dosing regimens in calves infected with Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica.

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of danofloxacin in calves with induced Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica pneumonia were evaluated. Calves received either saline as an intravenous (IV) bolus or danofloxacin (0.738 mg/kg of body weight) administered as either a single IV bolus or a 36-h continuous IV infusion. Blood samples and bronchial secretions were collected before and at predetermined times over 48 h following the start of treatment. Calves were assessed clinically throughout, and lung consolidation was assessed at necropsy. Bronchial secretions and lung tissue were cultured for M. haemolytica. Bolus administration of danofloxacin produced a high maximum drug concentration-to-MIC ratio (C(max):MIC) of 14.5 and a time period of 9.1 h when plasma danofloxacin concentrations exceeded the MIC (T>MIC). Following danofloxacin infusion, the C(max):MIC was low (2.3), with a long T>MIC (33.3 h). The area under the curve-to-MIC ratios were 43.3 and 49.1 for the bolus and infusion administrations, respectively. The single bolus of danofloxacin was more effective than the same dose administered by continuous infusion, as indicated by a significantly lower (P < 0.05) number of animals with M. haemolytica in bronchial secretions after treatment and lower rectal temperatures in the 24 h after the start of treatment. Thus, danofloxacin exhibited concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity in cattle with respiratory disease caused by M. haemolytica.

Anti-inflammatory effects of carprofen, carprofen enantiomers, and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester in sheep.

OBJECTIVE: To assess anti-inflammatory effects of carprofen (CPF), CPF enantiomers, and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (LNAME) in sheep. ANIMALS: 8 sheep. PROCEDURE: Sheep with SC tissue cages were used. After intracaveal injection of 1% carrageenan, sheep were given single doses of racemic (Rac; 50:50 mixture of S[+] and R[-] enantiomers)-CPF (4.0 mg/kg), R(-)CPF (2.0 mg/kg), S(+)CPF (2.0 mg/kg), LNAME (25 mg/kg), and placebo (PLB) IV in a crossover design. RESULTS: Rac-CPF and S(+)CPF inhibited serum thromboxane2 (TXB2) and exudate prostaglandin (PG)E2 generation significantly for 32 hours. Maximal inhibitory effect for serum TXB2 was 79+/-3% for Rac-CPF and 68+/-6% for S(+)CPF. The Rac-CPF and S(+)CPF induced 50 to 98% reversible inhibitory effect for exudate PGE2 generation during a 4- to 32-hour period. The R(-)CPF and LNAME attenuated serum TXB2 generation significantly. The R(-)CPF did not affect exudate PGE2 production, whereas L-NAME potentiated exudate, PGE2 generation by 30% during 4 to 32 hours. The S(+)CPF and LNAME increased leukotriene B4 generation and WBC recruitment in exudate although significance was achieved only at a few time points. Increase in skin temperature over inflammatory cages was effectively inhibited by Rac-CPF and S(+)CPF but not by R(-)CPF CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Carprofen is a potent cyclooxygenase inhibitor in vivo in sheep, and its anti-inflammatory effects are attributable only to S(+)CPF in Rac-CPF. Nitric oxide may enhance eicosanoid production and accelerate the acute inflammatory process.