Anti-shock actions of the pyrimido-pyrimidine derivative, RA-642

The anti-shock actions of RA-642 were studied in traumatic shock in rats. The shock state was characterized by a significantly reduced mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), a five-fold increase in plasma cathepsin D activity, a three-fold increase in plasma myocardial depressant factor (MDF) activity, and a mean survival time of 1.6 +/- 0.3 h. Administration of 0.5 mg/kg of the pyrimido-pyrimidine derivative, RA-642, significantly prolonged survival time to 3.7 +/- 0.6 h (p less than 0.01). Plasma cathepsin D activity was not affected by RA-642 although accumulation of the cardiotoxic peptide MDF was significantly blunted (p less than 0.025). This effect on MDF accumulation may be related to the potent antiproteolytic action of RA-642 in vitro. Results indicate that RA-642 provides significant beneficial effects in a severe model of traumatic shock.     

Protective effects of a platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonist and its combined treatment with prostaglandin (PG) E1 in traumatic shock

We have investigated the role of platelet activating factor (PAF) in the pathogenesis of a murine model of traumatic shock using CV-6209, a specific antagonist of PAF. CV-6209, at a dose of 1 mg/kg (i.v.) given after trauma, significantly improved survival rate at 150 min and overall survival time. Furthermore, the plasma accumulation of the lysosomal hydrolase, cathepsin D, and a cardiotoxic peptide, myocardial depressant factor (MDF), were also attenuated by CV-6209 in traumatic shock. Combined treatment employing low doses of CV-6209 [0.2 mg/kg, i.v. and prostaglandin (PG) E1, 0.8 microgram/kg/min] in this shock model was also examined. CV-6209 (0.2 mg/kg) or PGE1 (0.8 microgram/kg/min) alone at these doses showed only minimal effects on survival, or plasma cathepsin D or MDF activities. However, combined treatment with CV-6209 (0.2 mg/kg, i.v.) and PGE1 (0.8 microgram/kg/min) significantly improved survival rate at 150 min, overall survival time, and decreased the accumulation of plasma MDF. These results suggest that PAF may play an important pathophysiologic role in traumatic shock in rats. Moreover, combination therapy using a PAF antagonist and PGE1 may be useful for the treatment of traumatic shock.     

Beneficial effects of a neutral protease inhibitor in traumatic shock

Eglin C is a polypeptide inhibitor of the neutral proteases elastase and cathepsin G. We have investigated its action in traumatic shock in rats. Eglin C (2 mg/kg) given following trauma prolonged survival time from 2.3 +/- 0.5 h to 3.6 +/- 0.4 h (p less than 0.05) in traumatized rats. Although eglin C treatment had no significant effect on the increase in plasma cathepsin D activity, eglin C administration significantly blunted plasma myocardial depressant factor (MDF) accumulation, 54 +/- 3 vs 79 +/- 8 U/ml (p less than 0.02). Our findings indicate a potential role for neutral proteases in toxic factor formation.     

Beneficial effect of anisodamine in hemorrhagic shock

Summary Anisodamine, an alkaloid extracted from Anisodus tanguticus, is widely used in China in the treatment of septic shock, but its mechanism of action is unknown. We studied its antishock action in cats in a well controlled model of hermorrhagic shock. A bolus dose of 1 mg/kg was given intravenously 20 min after MABP was stabilized at 40–45 mm Hg, followed by i.v. infusion of 2 mg/kg/h during the oligemic period. Two hours post-reinfusion, MABP was significantly higher (106±10 mm Hg) in the drug-treated group than in shock cats receiving only vehicle (53±6 mm Hg, P<0.001). Anisodamine treated shock cats exhibited significantly lower cathepsin D activity (P<0.02) and amino-nitrogen concentration (P<0.001) than untreated shock animals. Plasma myocardial depressant factor (MDF) activity was significantly increased in the untreated shock cats (61±6 Units/ml), but the plasma accumulation of MDF was significantly blunted by anisodamine (32±5 Units/ml, P<0.01). Anisodamine did not increase superior mesenteric artery flow (SMAF) in this model of hemorrhagic shock as there was no significant difference in SMAF between the two shocked groups. Thus, the beneficial effect of anisodamine probably is not due to vasodilation of the splanchnic vasculature. In vitro analysis indicates that the drug has a direct anti-proteolytic action in cat pancreatic homogenates. This may partly explain the mechanism of its action, which appears to be complex.Supported by the W. W. Smith Charitable Trust     

Protective effects of a novel nonglucocorticoid 21-aminosteroid (U74006F) during traumatic shock in rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the nonglucocorticoid steroid U74006F in the pathogenesis of a murine traumatic shock model. Pentobarbital-anesthetized (40 mg/kg) rats were subjected to Noble-Collip drum trauma and developed a lethal shock state characterized by a decreased mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) to 67 +/- 2 mm Hg and survival time (1.5 +/- 0.2 h). In contrast, sham trauma rats exhibited a MABP of 122 +/- 4 mm Hg at 5 h postanesthesia. Administration of U74006F at doses of 22.5 mg/kg at 15 to 20 min following trauma significantly maintained a higher MABP and prolonged survival compared to those trauma rats receiving only the vehicle for U74006F (0.002 N HCl). U74006F at 15 and 22.5 mg/kg prolonged survival time to 2.6 +/- 0.3 (p less than 0.05) and 3.1 +/- 0.6 h (p less than 0.02), respectively. U74006F also significantly attenuated the plasma accumulation of cathepsin D (p less than 0.02 to p less than 0.01) and free amino-nitrogen compounds (p less than 0.01) compared to the rats receiving only vehicle. Additionally, U74006F at 15 and 22.5 mg/kg blunted the production of the cardiotoxic peptide, myocardial depressant factor (MDF) (p less than 0.01 to p less than 0.001). Moreover, U74006F is a steroid without significant glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid activity. These results suggest that U74006F may be useful as a therapeutic agent in traumatic shock.     

Beneficial actions of two novel calcium entry blockers in the isolated perfused hypoxic cat liver

The effects of two new calcium entry blockers, anipamil and ronipamil, were studied during 150 min of normoxic or hypoxic perfusion in isolated perfused cat livers. Hypoxic livers in which the vehicle for these inhibitors (i.e., ethanol) was injected intravenously prior to isolation of the liver, exhibited significantly higher increases in perfusion pressure, perfusate lactate dehydrogenase and cathepsin D activities, compared to control normoxic perfused livers. In contrast, the livers isolated from cats pretreated with calcium entry blocker anipamil and subsequently perfused under hypoxic conditions showed no significant difference in any of these variables from the control normoxic perfused livers. Ronipamil given intravenously 30 minutes prior to isolation also significantly protected the liver during hypoxia. The protection afforded by anipamil and ronipamil appears to be related to their inhibition of Ca++ influx which has been linked to cell death in hepatocytes.     

Use of the novel cardiotonic and vasodilator agent pimobendan in traumatic shock

The effect of 4,5-dihydro-6-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-benzimidazol-5-yl]-5-methyl- 3(2H)- pyridazinone (pimobendan, UD-CG 115 BS), a novel positive inotropic and vasodilator agent, was studied in a severe model of murine traumatic shock. Noble-Collip drum trauma produced a shock state characterized by a significantly reduced mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), a 5-fold increase in plasma cathepsin D and myocardial depressant factor (MDF) activities, and a survival time of 80 +/- 12 min. Administration of pimobendan (100 micrograms/kg, i.v. bolus) significantly prolonged the survival time to 175 +/- 24 min (p less than 0.01). Although plasma cathepsin D was not affected by pimobendan, this agent significantly attenuated the accumulation of MDF activity in the plasma when compared to animals receiving only its vehicle (37 +/- 6 vs 61 +/- 9 U/ml, p less than 0.05). Additionally, pimobendan inhibited platelet aggregation in cat platelet rich plasma, but failed to have an antiproteolytic effect in cat pancreatic homogenates. These results suggest that cardiotonic and vasodilator activities combined with inhibition of platelet aggregation could mediate the beneficial effects of pimobendan in traumatic shock.     

Salutary effects of prostacyclin in endotoxic shock

Endotoxin shock was induced in anesthetized cats with E. coli endotoxin (5 mg/kg, i.v.) This produced a severe decline in mean arterial blood pressure and a marked decrease in superior mesenteric artery flow (SMAF) within 1 h. The plasma activity of cathepsin D, a lysosomal protease, increased 6-fold by 2 h. At 5 h, myocardial depressant factor (MDF), a toxic of 0.75 nmol.kg-1.min-1 dilated the splanchnic circulation and significantly increased SMAF. In addition, PGI2 almost completely prevented the accumulation of cathepsin D and MDF in the circulating blood of cats given endotoxin. These findings suggest that PGI2 exerts a variety of beneficial actions in endotoxin shock including vasodilation and stabilization of lysosomal membranes. In addition, PGI2 is known to prevent platelet aggregation and suppress thromboxane formation, two additional effects that may be of positive survival value in endotoxin shock.     

Actions of the verapamil analogues, anipamil and ronipamil, against ischaemia-induced arrhythmias in conscious rats.

Two analogues of verapamil, ronipamil and anipamil, were tested for their ability to reduce arrhythmias induced by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery in conscious rats. Only anipamil (50 and 150 mg kg-1 orally) produced a statistically significant reduction in arrhythmias; it was most effective against ventricular fibrillation. Ronipamil at the same doses had limited antiarrhythmic actions. Only anipamil delayed the development of ECG signs of ischaemia, while both drugs reduced the magnitude of such changes. Anipamil has a more favourable ratio of antiarrhythmic to hypotensive effects when compared with verapamil.     

Salutary consequences of blockade of platelet activating factor in hemorrhagic shock

We studied the effects of a potent, specific platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonist, CV-6209, in a murine model of hemorrhagic shock. Hemorrhaged rats treated with CV-6209 (1 mg/kg) maintained post-reinfusion mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) at significantly higher values than rats receiving either 0.9% NaCl or a lower dose (0.2 mg/kg) of CV-6209 (final MABP 88 +/- 4 vs. 57 +/- 4, vs. 61 +/- 7 mm Hg, respectively). CV-6209 (1 mg/kg) also significantly attenuated the increase in plasma cathepsin D activity following hemorrhage compared with hemorrhaged rats receiving only its vehicle (i.e. 0.9% NaCl). CV-6209 (1 mg/kg) also significantly decreased the plasma accumulation of free amino-nitrogen compounds and the plasma activity of a myocardial depressant factor (MDF) compared to hemorrhaged rats receiving 0.9% NaCl. Rats receiving CV-6209 (1 mg/kg) exhibited a significantly increased survival rate and survival time post-reinfusion compared to rats receiving only the vehicle. These data indicate that PAF is an important mediator of hemorrhagic shock in the rat and that PAF receptor antagonists may be useful in hemorrhagic shock states.     

Mechanism of the protective effects of prostaglandins E1 and F2 alpha in canine endotoxin shock

Prostaglandins E₁ (PGE₁) and F_2α (PGF_2α) were studied for their ability to alter the course of a standardized endotoxin shock procedure in dogs. 3 hr after the administration of E. coli endotoxin, mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was reduced 44% and cardiac output (CO) 60%. At this time plasma activities of the lysosomal protease, cathepsin D, increased 670%, and of a myocardial depressant factor (MDF), 310%. Dogs treated with PGF_2α had consistently higher MABP and CO, while plasma cathepsin D and MDF activities were moderately elevated. In addition, post-endotoxin survival was significantly improved. PGE₁-treated dogs exhibited a higher MABP and CO, while plasma cathepsin D and MDF activities were only slighly elevated, and survival time increased (p < 0.005). Furthermore, PGE₁, but not PGF_2α markedly reduced the rate of release of proteases from isolated hepatic and pancreatic lysosomes subjected to thermal activation. An enhanced release of splanchnic proteases appears to lead to the formation of MDF, a peptide involved in the pathophysiology of endotoxin shock. Prostaglandin E₁ may protect in endotoxin shock by suppressing the release of lysosomal proteases and the subsequent formation of MDF, whereas PGF_2α may protect either by circulatory support or by some secondary mechanism for preventing the release of lysosomal enzymes.     

Salutary effects of nitrendipine, a new calcium entry blocker, in hemorrhagic shock

Intracellular accumulation of calcium is thought to play an integral role in the progression of ischemic injury and cell death. We infused the calcium entry blocker, nitrendipine (1.5 micrograms/kg per min), into cats in order to investigate the importance of extracellular Ca2+ influx during hemorrhagic shock. Nitrendipine proved to be a potent hypotensive agent in sham shock cats when infused over a 4 h period (156 +/- 9 to 90 +/- 5 mm Hg) (P less than 0.01). However, in hemorrhaged animals, nitrendipine treatment maintained the post-reinfusion MABP at a significantly higher (P less than 0.01) value than untreated controls (79 +/- 5 vs. 51 +/- 4 mm Hg, respectively). Superior mesenteric artery flow (SMAF) for hemorrhaged animals treated with nitrendipine was significantly higher (9.8 +/- 1.4 ml/min per kg) (P less than 0.01) than that for untreated cats (4.2 +/- 0.4 ml/min per kg), at 2 h post reinfusion. There was no significant increase in SMAF during oligemia in the nitrendipine-treated animals. Nitrendipine was also found to significantly retard the appearance of cathepsin D in the plasma of hemorrhaged cats as well as reduce plasma proteolysis to values not significantly different from sham shock animals. Furthermore, myocardial depressant factor (MDF) activity in the plasma of nitrendipine-treated shock cats was not significantly different from sham shock animals, while the plasma MDF activity for shock cats receiving vehicle increased 3-fold (P less than 0.001). The beneficial effects for nitrendipine in hemorrhagic shock are likely due to both its vasodilator function and its ability to reduce intracellular Ca2+ accumulation during ischemia, thereby reducing disruption of cell membrane systems.     

Beneficial actions of BN 50739, a new PAF receptor antagonist, in murine traumatic shock

We studied the effects of BN 50739, a novel PAF antagonist, in a rat model of traumatic shock. Pentobarbital anesthetized rats subjected to Noble-Collip drum trauma developed a shock state characterized by marked hypotension, significant increases in plasma cathepsin D (4.2-fold), free amino-nitrogen (2.8-fold) and myocardial depressant factor (4.7-fold) activities and a survival time of 1.62 +/- 0.16 h. Treatment with BN 50739 (10 mg/kg, i.v.) 10 min post-trauma prolonged survival time to 3.14 +/- 0.44 h (p less than 0.01) and attenuated the accumulations of cathepsin D (5.8 vs. 12.5 U/ml, p less than 0.01), free amino-nitrogen (4.6 vs. 12.5 U/ml, p less than 0.001) and myocardial depressant factor (19.4 vs. 65.1 U/ml, p less than 0.001). Moreover, in washed rabbit platelets, BN 50739 inhibited PAF (1.85 nM)-induced aggregation (IC50: 50 nM) without affecting ADP (5 microM)-induced aggregation. In anesthetized rats, BN 50739 (10 mg/kg, i.v.) attenuated PAF (10-30 ng/kg, i.v.)-induced hypotension for longer than 5 h, without influencing acetylcholine (10 micrograms/kg, i.v.)-induced hypotension. These findings indicate that BN 50739 is a specific PAF receptor antagonist with a long duration of action in vivo. The beneficial effects of PAF antagonism on traumatic shock are significant in the present study, and are consistent with the concept that PAF is involved in the pathogenesis of traumatic shock.     

Beneficial effects of transforming growth factor-beta and tissue plasminogen activator in splanchnic artery occlusion and reperfusion in cats.

We studied the effects of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and their combination in cats subjected to splanchnic artery occlusion (SAO) with reperfusion. Untreated anesthetized cats subjected to total occlusion of the celiac, superior, and inferior mesenteric arteries for 120 min, followed by reperfusion, uniformly died within 120 min after reperfusion. The mean survival time was 75 +/- 8 min. Plasma amino-nitrogen concentrations and cathepsin D and myocardial depressant factor (MDF) activities were markedly elevated following reperfusion. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) rings isolated from cats subjected to SAO with reperfusion exhibited a significant loss of vasorelaxation to the endothelium-dependent dilators acetylcholine and A-23187. Administration of tPA (1 mg/kg) intravenously just before reperfusion did not prolong survival time (81 +/- 10 min) nor did it influence any biochemical or cardiovascular responses following reperfusion or ameliorate the depressed endothelium-dependent relaxation of SMA rings. In contrast, TGF-beta (50 micrograms/cat) ameliorated the SAO postreperfusion state in terms of survival rate and plasma MDF activity, and protected against depressed endothelium-dependent relaxation of SMA rings. TGF-beta alone slightly increased the survival time to 102 +/- 11 min. However, combined treatment with tPA (1 mg/kg) and TGF-beta (50 micrograms/cat) preserved endothelium-dependent relaxation and prevented increases in plasma amino-nitrogen more prominently than TGF-beta given alone and significantly increased the survival time to 118 +/- 3 min (p less than 0.01). These results indicate that TGF-beta exerts beneficial effects in SAO followed by reperfusion in cats, and tPA has an augmenting action on some of the beneficial effects of TGF-beta. These findings suggest that TGF-beta alone or in combination with tPA may be potentially useful therapeutic regimens in splanchnic ischemia shock by preserving splanchnic parenchymal and endothelial cells.     

Efficacy of two leukotriene antagonists in rat traumatic shock

The effects of CGP 33304 and CGP 35949 were studied in standardized model of traumatic shock. Both drugs are dual leukotriene receptor antagonists and phospholipase A2 inhibiting agents. Pentobarbital anesthetized rats (35 kg/mg) subjected to Noble-Collip drum trauma were characterized by a 128 +/- 16 min survival time and a 4-fold increase in plasma myocardial depressant factor (MDF) activity. CGP 33304 and CGP 35949 both significantly (p less than 0.01) attenuated the accumulation of MDF activity in the plasma (24 +/- 3 and 29 +/- 3 U/ml, respectively, vs. 57 +/- 5 U/ml in the trauma and vehicle group). A significant improval in survival time (p less than 0.05) was observed in the CGP 33304 treated group (182 +/- 23 min) and the CGP 35949 treated group (204 +/- 33 min). Both drugs exhibited significant anti-proteolytic activity in pancreatic homogenates. CGP 33304 and CGP 35949 appear to attenuate MDF production, probably secondary to their anti-proteolytic effect and the improved state of the splanchnic circulation. Both drugs also may prevent hypoxia secondary to leukotriene induced bronchoconstriction in shock states. CGP 33304 and CGP 35949 may, therefore, prove to be useful therapeutic agents in acute ischemic disorders including traumatic shock.     

Protective effects of thromboxane receptor blockade in splanchnic artery occlusion shock

Splanchnic artery occlusion (SAO) followed by release of the occlusive clamps produces circulatory shock characterized by an abrupt hypotension, cardiac depression and high lethality. We studied the effects of the thromboxane receptor antagonist, BM-13505, in rats during SAO shock. Anesthetized rats subjected to total occlusion of the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries for 40 minutes developed a severe shock state following reperfusion, usually resulting in death within 90-120 minutes of release of the occlusion. BM-13505 was started at reperfusion for 10 minutes. SAO shock rats treated with BM-13505 (1 mg/kg) maintained post-reperfusion mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) at significantly higher values compared to those receiving only the vehicle (0.9% NaCl). Treatment with BM-13505 attenuated the plasma activity of the lysosomal protease cathepsin D (p less than 0.05 from vehicle) and the plasma accumulation of free amino-nitrogen compounds (p less than 0.01 from vehicle). Furthermore, the plasma activity of a myocardial depressant factor was significantly lower in BM-13505 treated rats than in non-treated rats (p less than 0.01 from vehicle). SAO shock rats treated with BM-13505 also exhibited a higher survival rate than the vehicle group (75% vs. 20%). These results suggest an important role of thromboxane A2 in the pathophysiology of SAO shock.     

Evidence for a role of nitric oxide in hypovolemic hemorrhagic shock.

Hypovolemic hemorrhagic shock was induced in rats by intermittently withdrawing blood from an iliac catheter for 20 min until mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) decreased to 30 mm Hg. Survival rate, survival time, plasma myocardial depressant factor (MDF) activity, MAP, and microscopic gastric alterations were then evaluated. NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl-ester (L-NAME), a selective inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) production from L-arginine, was injected intravenously (i.v.) after the bleeding was discontinued. Untreated hemorrhagic shocked rats died in 27 +/- 3.3 min, had enhanced plasma activity of MDF, and exhibited hemorrhagic infiltrates in gastric fundus mucosa. L-NAME (5 and 10 mg/kg) significantly increased survival rate and time, blunted the increase in plasma MDF activity, and protected against the gastric lesions induced by hemorrhagic hypovolemic shock. All these protective effects were reversed by a bolus of L-arginine (30 mg/kg/i.v.), given 2 min after administration of L-NAME. Our findings suggest that NO production plays an important role in the pathophysiology of hemorrhagic shock.     

Pharmacokinetic interactions between 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 and the HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir in vitro and in vivo

Aim:

20(S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2) has shown potent inhibition on P-glycoprotein (P-gp), while most HIV protease inhibitors are both substrates and inhibitors of P-gp and CYP3A4. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential pharmacokinetic interactions between Rh2 and the HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir.

Methods:

The effects of Rh2 on the cellular accumulation and transepithelial transport of ritonavir were studied in Caco-2 and MDCK-MDR1 cells. Male rats were administered Rh2 (25 or 60 mg/kg, po) or Rh2 (5 mg/kg, iv), followed by ritonavir (25 mg/kg, po). The P-gp inhibitors verapamil (20 mg/kg, po) or GF120918 (5 mg/kg, po) were used as positive controls. The concentrations of ritonavir in plasma, bile, urine, feces and tissue homogenates were analyzed using LC-MS.

Results:

Rh2 (10 μmol/L) significantly increased the accumulation and inhibited the efflux of ritonavir in Caco-2 and MDCK-MDR1 cells, as verapamil did. But Rh2 did not significantly alter ritonavir accumulation or transport in MDCK-WT cells. Intravenous Rh2 significantly increased the plasma exposure of ritonavir while reducing its excretion in the bile, and oral verapamil or GF120918 also increased plasma exposure of ritonavir but without changing its excretion in the bile. Interestingly, oral Rh2 at both doses did not significantly change the plasma profile of ritonavir. Moreover, oral Rh2 (25 mg/kg) significantly elevated the ritonavir concentration in the hepatic portal vein, and markedly increased its urinary excretion and tissue distribution, which might counteract the elevated absorption of ritonavir.

Conclusion:

Rh2 inhibits the efflux of ritonavir through P-gp in vitro. The effects of Rh2 on ritonavir exposure in vivo depend on the administration route of Rh2: intravenous, but not oral, administration of Rh2 significantly increased the plasma exposure of ritonavir.     

Beneficial actions of RO 15-1788, a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, in hemorrhagic shock

We studied RO 15-1788, a new benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, [ethyl 8-fluoro-5, 6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo-4H-imidazo (1, 5a) (1, 4) benzodiazepine-3-carboxylate] to determine its effects in a murine model of hemorrhagic shock. Hemorrhaged rats treated with RO 15-1788 maintained post-reinfusion mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) at significantly higher values compared to rats receiving only the vehicle (final MABP 114 +/- 4 vs 82 +/- 4 mmHg, p less than 0.001). Moreover, RO 15-1788 decreased the release of the lysosomal hydrolase, cathepsin D (p less than 0.02) into the circulation and blunted the plasma accumulation of free amino-nitrogen groups (p less than 0.01). Furthermore, the plasma activity of a myocardial depressant factor (MDF) was significantly lower in RO 15-1788 treated rats subjected to hemorrhagic shock than in those given the vehicle (18 +/- 2 vs 42 +/- 4 U/ml, p less than 0.01). Additionally, in vitro analysis indicated that RO 15-1788 antagonizes PAF induced coronary vasoconstriction and cardiac depression observed in perfused rat hearts, as well as inhibiting PAF induced platelet aggregation in cat platelet rich plasma. Our results suggest that antagonism of PAF actions can contribute significantly to the beneficial effects of RO 15-1788 in hemorrhagic shock.     

Disposition of orally administered di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in the rat

The dispositon of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) was studied in the rat. Three hours after a single oral dose of DEHP (2.8 g/kg), plasma concentrations of 8.8±1.7 g/ml DEHP and 63.2±8.7 g/ml MEHP were reached. MEHP levels declined with a half-life of 5.2±0.5 h. The ratio of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve of MEHP to that of DEHP was 16.1±6.1. When ¹⁴CDEHP was administered, 19.3±3.3% of the radioactivity was excreted in the urine within 72 h, the rest being excreted in the faeces. The urinary excretion rate of total radioactivity declined with a half-life of 7.9±0.5 h. Single administration of MEHP (0.4 g/kg) resulted in plasma concentrations of 84.1±14.9 g/ml 3 h after dosing; the half-life of MEHP was 5.5±1.1 h. Multiple dosing with DEHP (2.8 g/kg/day) for 7 consecutive days produced no accumulation of DEHP or MEHP in plasma.