Pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime after intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous administration to dogs.

Cefuroxime pharmacokinetic profile was investigated in 6 Beagle dogs after single intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous administration at a dosage of 20 mg/kg. Blood samples were withdrawn at predetermined times over a 12-h period. Cefuroxime plasma concentrations were determined by HPLC. Data were analyzed by compartmental analysis. Peak plasma concentration (Cmax ), time-to-peak plasma concentration (Tmax ), and bioavailability for the intramuscular and subcutaneous administration were (mean ± SD) 22.99 ± 7.87 µg/mL, 0.43 ± 0.20 h, and 79.70 ± 14.43% and 15.37 ± 3.07 µg/mL, 0.99 ± 0.10 h, and 77.22 ± 21.41%, respectively. Elimination half-lives and mean residence time for the intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous administration were 1.12 ± 0.19 h and 1.49 ± 0.21 h; 1.13 ± 0.13 and 1.79 ± 0.24 h; and 1.04 ± 0.23 h and 2.21 ± 0.23 h, respectively. Significant differences were found between routes for Ka , MAT, Cmax , Tmax , t½(a) , and MRT. T > MIC = 50%, considering a MIC of 1 µg/mL, was 11 h for intravenous and intramuscular administration and 12 h for the subcutaneous route. When a MIC of 4 µg/mL is considered, T > MIC = 50% for intramuscular and subcutaneous administration was estimated in 8 h.

The use of antimicrobial agents in broiler chickens.

Antimicrobial agents are essential tools for treating and controlling bacterial infections in poultry production. Veterinarians have a huge responsibility when using antimicrobials in poultry producing meat and eggs for human consumption. The term 'judicious use' of antimicrobials implies the optimal selection of drug, dose and duration of antimicrobial treatment, along with a reduction in inappropriate and excessive use as a means of slowing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. The proper use of antimicrobials depends on the knowledge of interrelationships between bacteria, antimicrobial, host and consumer. This article reviews the anatomical-physiological features of poultry relating to drug disposition as well as the pharmacological and therapeutic characteristics of the most commonly used antimicrobials in broiler chickens. Doses frequently employed for flock treatment are presented as are accepted withdrawal times.

Pharmacokinetics and bone tissue concentrations of lincomycin following intravenous and intramuscular administrations to cats.

The pharmacokinetic properties and bone concentrations of lincomycin in cats after single intravenous and intramuscular administrations at a dosage rate of 10 mg/kg were investigated. Lincomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for some gram-positive strains isolated from clinical cases was determined. Serum lincomycin disposition was best-fitted to a bicompartmental and a monocompartmental open models with first-order elimination after intravenous and intramuscular dosing, respectively. After intravenous administration, distribution was rapid (T(1/2(d)) = 0.22 ± 0.09 h) and wide as reflected by the volume of distribution (V((d(ss)))) of 1.24 ± 0.08 L/kg. Plasma clearance was 0.28 ± 0.09 L/h · kg and elimination half-life (T(1/2)) 3.56 ± 0.62 h. Peak serum concentration (C(max)), T(max), and bioavailability for the intramuscular administration were 7.97 ± 2.31 µg/mL, 0.12 ± 0.05 h, and 82.55 ± 23.64%, respectively. Thirty to 45 min after intravenous administration, lincomycin bone concentrations were 9.31 ± 1.75 µg/mL. At the same time after intramuscular administration, bone concentrations were 3.53 ± 0.28 µg/mL. The corresponding bone/serum ratios were 0.77 ± 0.04 (intravenous) and 0.69 ± 0.18 (intramuscular). Lincomycin MIC for Staphylococcus spp. ranged from 0.25 to 16 µg/mL and for Streptococcus spp. from 0.25 to 8 µg/mL.

A striking common O-linked N-acetylglucosaminyl moiety between cruzipain and myosin.

Single units of O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), usually components of nuclear and cytoplasmatic proteins, are present at the C-terminal domain of cruzipain (Cz), a lysosomal major antigen from Trypanosoma cruzi. On the other hand, antibodies directed against some self-antigens like myosin are associated with Chagas heart disease. The participation of O-GlcNAc moieties in the molecular antigenicity of Cz was determined using GlcNAc linked to aprotinin by ELISA. The immune cross-reactivity between Cz and myosin is mainly focused in the C-T domain. ELISA inhibition assays using rabbit sera specific for Cz and C-T in conjunction with immune-gold electron microscopy analysis of heart tissues from mice immunized with C-T confronted with polyclonal rabbit sera specific for Cz and C-T prior and after myosin adsorption provided evidence which indicates that O-GlcNAc moieties constitute a common epitope between Cz and either myosin or other cardiac O-GlcNAc-containing proteins, showing a new insight into the molecular immune pathogenesis of Chagas heart disease.

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of a long-acting formulation of cephalexin after intramuscular administration to cats.

The pharmacokinetic profile and bioavailability of a long-acting formulation of cephalexin after intramuscular administration to cats was investigated. Single intravenous (cephalexin lysine salt) and intramuscular (20% cephalexin monohydrate suspension) were administered to five cats at a dose rate of 10 mg/kg. Serum disposition curves were analyzed by noncompartmental approaches. After intravenous administration, volume of distribution (V(z)), total body clearance (Cl(t)), elimination constant (λ(z)), elimination half-life (t(½)(λ)) and mean residence time (MRT) were: 0.33±0.03 L/kg; 0.14±0.02 L/hkg, 0.42±0.05 h(-1), 1.68±0.20 h and 2.11±0.25 h, respectively. Peak serum concentration (C(max)), time to peak serum concentration (T(max)) and bioavailability after intramuscular administration were 15.67±1.95 µg/mL, 2.00±0.61 h and 83.33±8.74%, respectively.

Pharmacokinetics of erythromycin after intravenous, intramuscular and oral administration to cats.

The aim of this study was to characterise the pharmacokinetic properties of different formulations of erythromycin in cats. Erythromycin was administered as lactobionate (4 mg/kg intravenously (IV)), base (10mg/kg, intramuscularly (IM)) and ethylsuccinate tablets or suspension (15 mg/kg orally (PO)). After IV administration, the major pharmacokinetic parameters were (mean ± SD): area under the curve (AUC)((0-∞)) 2.61 ± 1.52 microgh/mL; volume of distribution (V(z)) 2.34 ± 1.76L/kg; total body clearance (Cl(t)) 2.1 0 ± 1.37 L/hkg; elimination half-life (t(½)(λ)) 0.75 ± 0.09 h and mean residence time (MRT) 0.88 ± 0.13 h. After IM administration, the principal pharmacokinetic parameters were (mean ± DS): peak concentration (C(max)), 3.54 ± 2.16 microg/mL; time of peak (T(max)), 1.22 ± 0.67 h; t(½)(λ), 1.94 ± 0.21 h and MRT, 3.50 ± 0.82 h. The administration of erythromycin ethylsuccinate (tablets and suspension) did not result in measurable serum concentrations. After IM and IV administrations, erythromycin serum concentrations were above minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)(90)=0.5 microg/mL for 7 and 1.5h, respectively. However, these results should be interpreted cautiously since tissue erythromycin concentrations have not been measured and can reach much higher concentrations than in blood, which may be associated with enhanced clinical efficacy.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modelling of marbofloxacin administered alone and in combination with tolfenamic acid in calves.

In a four-period, cross-over study, the fluoroquinolone antibacterial drug marbofloxacin (MB) was administered to calves, alone and in combination with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug tolfenamic acid (TA). Both drugs were administered intramuscularly (IM) at doses of 2 mg/kg. A tissue cage model of inflammation, based on the actions of the mild irritant carrageenan, was used to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of MB and MB in combination with TA. MB mean values of area under concentration-time curve (AUC) were 15.1 µg·h/mL for serum, 12.1 µg·h/mL for inflamed tissue cage fluid (exudate) and 9.6 µg·h/mL for noninflamed tissue cage fluid (transudate). Values of C(max) were 1.84, 0.35 and 0.31 µg/mL, respectively, for serum, exudate and transudate. Mean residence time (MRT) of 23.6 h (exudate) and 22.6 h (transudate) also differed significantly from serum MRT (8.6 h). Co-administration of TA did not affect the PK profile of MB. The pharmacodynamics of MB was investigated using a bovine strain of Mannheimia haemolytica. Time-kill curves were established ex vivo on serum, exudate and transudate samples. Modelling the ex vivo serum time-kill data to the sigmoid E(max) equation provided AUC(24 h) /MIC values required for bacteriostatic (18.3 h) and bactericidal actions (92 h) of MB and for virtual eradication of the organism was 139 h. Corresponding values for MB + TA were 20.1, 69 and 106 h. These data were used to predict once daily dosage schedules for a bactericidal action, assuming a MIC(90) value of 0.24 µg/mL, a dose of 2.6 mg/kg for MB and 2.19 mg/kg for MB + TA were determined, which are similar to the currently recommended dose of 2.0 mg/kg.

Efficacy of intramuscular polysulfated glycosaminoglycan in a controlled study of equine carpitis.

Twelve healthy horses were subject to the monoioidoacetate (MIA) carpitis model, which was allowed to develop for 7 days. The horses were then randomly divided into two groups. Group A (control) received an intramuscular injection of normal saline every 4 days for a total of seven injections while group B received 500 mg of a PSGAG (SYNTEX CSY36) intramuscularly every 4 days for seven treatments. Efficacy of the PSGAG was evaluated by three clinical outcomes: lameness score, carpal circumference and maximum carpal flexion. Clinical outcomes were measured on days -8 (previous to carpitis induction), 0 (previous to drug treatment), 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. Areas under the curve clinical outcome as function of time were built and used as variables for the statistical analysis. There was less joint circumference enlargement and lameness and greater carpal flexion in PSGAG-treated horses compared with that in controls. The studied compound has demonstrated to be efficacious on the treatment of a chemically induced carpitis in horses.

Effect of different penetration enhancers on diclofenac permeation across horse skin.

Diclofenac is a hydrophilic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug widely used in humans and animals. Previous reports have shown that this compound has low percutaneous absorption in horses. The effect of five penetration enhancers (10% urea, 15% and 20% oleic acid and 5% and 10% d-limonene) on the percutaneous absorption of diclofenac diethylamine through horse skin was evaluated in vitro using Franz-type diffusion cells. All tested penetration enhancers induced a significant increase in diclofenac diethylamine permeation, with limonene showing the highest enhancing effect at the lowest concentration (5%) applied. The presence of the permeation enhancers did not affect lag-time. This is the first in vitro study of the effects of penetration enhancers on transdermal permeation of diclofenac diethylamine across horse skin. The results suggested that urea, limonene and 5% oleic acid were useful for enhancing the transdermal absorption of diclofenac diethylamine and may assist in the development of a transdermal formulation of diclofenac diethylamine for use in horses.

PK-PD integration and modeling of marbofloxacin in sheep.

The fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drug, marbofloxacin, was administered intravenously (IV) and intramuscularly (IM) to sheep at a dose rate of 2 mg kg(-1) in a 2-period cross-over study. Using a tissue cage model of inflammation, the pharmacokinetic properties of marbofloxacin were established for serum, inflamed tissue cage fluid (exudate) and non-inflamed tissue cage fluid (transudate). For serum, after IV dosing, mean values for pharmacokinetic parameters were: clearance 0.48 L kg(-1) h(-1); elimination half-life 3.96 h and volumes of distribution 2.77 and 1.96 L kg(-1), respectively, for V(darea) and V(ss). After IM dosing mean values for pharmacokinetic variables were: absorption half-time 0.112 h, time of maximum concentration 0.57 h, terminal half-life (T(1/2)el) 3.65 h and bioavailability 106%. For exudate, mean T(1/2)el values were 12.38 and 13.25 h, respectively, after IV and IM dosing and for transudate means were 13.39 h (IV) and 12.55 h (IM). The in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and ex vivo time-kill curves for marbofloxacin in serum, exudate and transudate were established against a pathogenic strain of Mannheimia haemolytica. Integration of in vivo pharmacokinetic data with MIC determined in vitro provided mean values of area under curve (AUC)/MIC ratio for serum, exudate and transudate of 120.2, 156.0 and 156.6 h after IV dosing and 135.5, 165.3 and 146.2 h after IM dosing, respectively. After IM administration maximum concentration (C(max))/MIC ratios were 21.1, 6.76 and 5.91, respectively, for serum, exudate and transudate. The ex vivo growth inhibition data after IM administration were fitted to the sigmoid E(max) (Hill) equation to provide values for serum of AUC(24h)/MIC producing, bactericidal activity (22.51 h) and virtual eradication of bacteria (35.31 h). It is proposed that these findings might be used with MIC(50) or MIC(90) data to provide a rational approach to the design of dosage schedules which optimise efficacy in respect of bacteriological as well as clinical cures.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modelling of marbofloxacin administered alone and in combination with tolfenamic acid in goats.

In a four-period cross-over study, the fluoroquinolone antibacterial drug marbofloxacin (MB) was administered to goats intramuscularly (IM) at a dose rate of 2 mg/kg, both alone and in combination with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug tolfenamic acid (TA), also administered IM at a dose rate of 2 mg/kg. Using a tissue cage model of inflammation, based on the irritant actions of carrageenan, the pharmacokinetics (PK) of MB and MB in combination with TA were determined. MB mean values of area under concentration-time curve (AUC) were similar for serum (5.60 microg h/mL), inflamed tissue cage fluid (exudate; 5.32 microg h/mL) and non-inflamed tissue cage fluid (transudate; 4.82 microg h/mL). Values of mean residence time (MRT) of MB in exudate (15.5 h) and transudate (15.8 h) differed significantly from serum MRT (4.23 h). Co-administration of TA did not affect the PK profile of MB. The pharmacodynamics of MB were investigated using a caprine strain of Mannheimia haemolytica. Integration of PK data with ex vivo bacterial time-kill curve data for serum, exudate and transudate provided AUC(24h)/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ratios of 160, 133 and 121 h, respectively, for the strain of organism used. Modelling of the ex vivo time-kill data to the sigmoid E(max) equation provided AUC(24h)/MIC values required for bacteriostatic and bactericidal actions of MB and for virtual eradication of the organism of 27.6, 96.2 and 147.3 h, respectively. Corresponding values for MB+TA were 20.5, 66.5 and 103.0 h. These data were used to predict once daily dosage schedules of MB for subsequent clinical evaluation.

Stereoselective pharmacokinetics of ketamine and norketamine after constant rate infusion of a subanesthetic dose of racemic ketamine or S-ketamine in Shetland ponies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pharmacokinetics of ketamine and norketamine enantiomers after constant rate infusion (CRI) of a subanesthetic dose of racemic ketamine or S-ketamine in ponies. ANIMALS: Five 6-year-old Shetland pony geldings that weighed between 101 and 152 kg. PROCEDURES: In a crossover study, each pony received a CRI of racemic ketamine (loading dose, 0.6 mg/kg; CRI, 0.02 mg/kg/min) and S-ketamine (loading dose, 0.3 mg/kg; CRI, 0.01 mg/kg/min), with a 1-month interval between treatments. Arterial blood samples were collected before and at 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes during drug administration and at 5, 10, 30, and 60 minutes after discontinuing the CRI. Plasma ketamine and norketamine enantiomers were quantified by use of capillary electrophoresis. Individual R-ketamine and S-ketamine concentration-versus-time curves were analyzed by use of a monocompartmental model. Plasma disposition curves for R-norketamine and S-norketamine were described by estimating the area under the concentration-versus-time curve (AUC), maximum concentration (Cmax), and time until Cmax. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of S-ketamine decreased and biodegradation products increased more rapidly after S-ketamine CRI, compared with results after racemic ketamine CRI. The R-norketamine was eliminated faster than was the S-norketamine. Significant differences between treatments were found for the AUC of S-ketamine and within the racemic ketamine CRI for the AUC and Cmax of norketamine isomers. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CRI of S-ketamine may be preferable over CRI of racemic ketamine in standing equids because the S-enantiomer was eliminated faster when infused alone instead of as part of a racemic mixture.

Current concepts on the use of antimicrobials in cats.

This article reviews the general pharmacological properties of antimicrobial drugs used in feline medicine. It focuses on recent advances in pharmacokinetics, providing an update on indications, drug interactions and adverse reactions or toxicity in the cat. Attention is given to the most used groups, such as cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones, reviewing their basic features and clinical uses, and discusses the pharmacokinetic advantages of the newer members of each group. The older groups (penicillins, aminoglycosides, macrolides and tetracyclines) are also considered with regard to their general features and current uses, and any recent reports on adverse reactions in cats are provided.

A paramutation phenomenon is involved in the genetics of maize low phytic acid1-241 (lpa1-241) trait.

So far, in maize, three classes of mutants involved in phytic acid biosynthesis have been isolated: lpa1, lpa2 and lpa3. In 2007, a gene tagging experiment performed by Shi et al. found that mutations in ZmMRP4 (multidrug resistance-associated proteins 4) gene cause lpa1 phenotype. In previous studies, we isolated and described a single recessive lpa mutation (originally named lpa241), which was allelic to the lpa1-1 mutant, and was consequently renamed lpa1-241. It showed a decrease in the expression of the myo-inositol (Ins)-3-phosphate synthase gene (mips1S). In this study, we present genetic and molecular analyses of the lpa1-241 mutation that indicate an epigenetic origin of this trait, that is, a paramutagenic interaction that results in meiotically heritable changes in ZmMRP4 gene expression, causing a strong pleiotropic effect on the whole plant. The use of a 5-Azacytidine treatment provided data suggesting an association between gene methylation and the lpa1-241 phenotype. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a paramutagenic activity not involving flavonoid biosynthesis in maize, but regarding a key enzyme of an important metabolic pathway in plants.

Stereoselective pharmacokinetics of ketamine and norketamine after racemic ketamine or S-ketamine administration in Shetland ponies sedated with xylazine.

The pharmacokinetics of ketamine and norketamine enantiomers after administration of intravenous (IV) racemic ketamine (R-/S-ketamine; 2.2 mg/kg) or S-ketamine (1.1 mg/kg) to five ponies sedated with IV xylazine (1.1mg/kg) were compared. The time intervals to assume sternal and standing positions were recorded. Arterial blood samples were collected before and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 13 min after ketamine administration. Arterial blood gases were evaluated 5 min after ketamine injection. Plasma concentrations of ketamine and norketamine enantiomers were determined by capillary electrophoresis and were evaluated by non-linear least square regression analysis applying a monocompartmental model. The first-order elimination rate constant was significantly higher and elimination half-life and mean residence time were lower for S-ketamine after S-ketamine compared to R-/S-ketamine administration. The maximum concentration of S-norketamine was higher after S-ketamine administration. Time to standing position was significantly diminished after S-ketamine compared to R-/S-ketamine. Blood gases showed low-degree hypoxaemia and hypercarbia.

Pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime after intravenous and intramuscular administration to domestic cats.

The pharmacokinetic properties of ceftazidime, a third generation cephalosporin, were investigated in five cats after single intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration at a dose rate of 30 mg/kg. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ceftazidime for some Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, n=11) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus spp., n=10) strains isolated from clinical cases were determined. An efficacy predictor, measured as the time over which the active drug exceeds the bacteria minimum inhibitory concentration (T>MIC), was calculated. Serum ceftazidime disposition was best fitted by a bi-compartmental and a mono-compartmental open model with first-order elimination after IV and IM dosing, respectively. After IV administration, distribution was rapid (t(1/2(d)) 0.04+/-0.03 h), with an area under the ceftazidime serum concentration:time curve (AUC((0-infinity))) of 173.14+/-48.69 microg h/mL and a volume of distribution (V((d(ss)))) of 0.18+/-0.04 L/kg. Furthermore, elimination was rapid with a plasma clearance of 0.19+/-0.08 L/hkg and a t(1/2) of 0.77+/-0.06 h. Peak serum concentration (C(max)), T(max), AUC((0-infinity)) and bioavailability for the IM administration were 89.42+/-12.15 microg/mL, 0.48+/-0.49 h, 192.68+/-65.28 microg h/mL and 82.47+/-14.37%, respectively. Ceftazidime MIC for E. coli ranged from 0.0625 to 32 microg/mL and for Staphylococcus spp. from 1 to 64 microg/mL. T>MIC was in the range 35-52% (IV) and 48-72% (IM) of the recommended dosing interval (8-12h) for bacteria with a MIC(90)4 microg/mL.

Pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone after intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous administration to domestic cats.

The pharmacokinetic properties of ceftriaxone, a third-generation cephalosporin, were investigated in five cats after single intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous administration at a dosage of 25 mg/kg. Ceftriaxone MICs for some gram-negative and positive strains isolated from clinical cases were determined. Efficacy predictor (t > MIC) was calculated. Serum ceftriaxone disposition was best fitted by a bicompartmental and a monocompartmental open models with first-order elimination after intravenous and intramuscular and subcutaneous dosing, respectively. After intravenous administration, distribution was fast (t1/2d 0.14 +/- 0.02 h) and moderate as reflected by the volume of distribution (V(d(ss))) of 0.57 +/- 0.22 L/kg. Furthermore, elimination was rapid with a plasma clearance of 0.37 +/- 0.13 L/h.kg and a t1/2 of 1.73 +/- 0.23 h. Peak serum concentration (Cmax), tmax and bioavailability for the intramuscular administration were 54.40 +/- 12.92 microg/mL, 0.33 +/- 0.07 h and 85.72 +/- 14.74%, respectively; and for the subcutaneous route the same parameters were 42.35 +/- 17.62 microg/mL, 1.27 +/- 0.95 h and 118.28 +/- 39.17%. Ceftriaxone MIC for gram-negative bacteria ranged from 0.0039 to >8 microg/mL and for gram-positive bacteria from 0.5 to 4 microg/mL. t > MIC was in the range 83.31-91.66% (10-12 h) of the recommended dosing interval (12 h) for Escherichia coli (MIC90 = 0.2 microg/mL).