In Animal Models

The in vivo effects of the C difficile toxins on various targets in animal models have been detailed in a large number of reports (Castagliu-olo etal., 1994 Gilbert etal., 1989a, b, Kelly etal., 1994 Kurose etal., 1994 Libby et al., 1982 Lima et al., 1988, 1989 Lyerly et al., 1985 Moore et al., 1990 Pothoulakis et al., 1994 Triadafilopoulos et al., 1989 and see also reviews cited in section 12.1). In particular the in 

Another hypothetical model (Castagliuolo et al., 1994) suggests that ToxA, after receptor-binding on the intestinal mucosa, elicits a rapid transmembrane signal causing the release of a mediator(s) (of unknown nature) on the basolateral side of the epithelium. The mediator somehow activates neurons that trigger fluid secretion, as well as immune cells that initiate the strong inflammatory reaction. 

As yet, no other bacterial toxin is known to act by glycosylation. Probably many other toxic proteins will turn out to have this activity, and it will be exciting to find out whether such toxins could also glycosylate cellular proteins other than the small GTPases targeted by the cytoskeleton-disrupting glycosyltransferase toxins known to date. 

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Historically, drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity ADMET) studies in animal models were performed after the identification of a lead compound. In order to avoid costs, nowadays pharmaceutical companies evaluate the ADMET profiles of potential leads at an earlier stage of the development... 

The principal organs involved in the peripheral clearance of hGH from the plasma are the kidney and fiver. hGH is cleared via glomerular filtration at the kidney and by a receptor-mediated mechanism at the fiver (58,59). In animal models, derivatives of hGH such as the 20,000 mol wt variant, oligomeric forms, and hGH complexed with GH-binding protein have been shown to be cleared from the semm at significandy lower rates than 22,000 mol wt hGH (60—62). The prolonged plasma half-life of these derivatives probably reflects a combination of decreased receptor affinity and size constraints on glomerular filtration. 

Amine boranes have been examined by a variety of spectroscopic methods (24—29). The boron-substituted alpha-amino acids have been utilized in animal model studies. These compounds along with their precursors and selected derivatives have been shown to possess antineoplastic, antiarthritic, and hypolipidemic activity (30—32). The boron amino acid analogues are also being evaluated for possible utility in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) (33). 

Probucol. Probucol is an antioxidant that is effective in lowering LDL cholesterol. Whereas probucol was known to lower cholesterol after relatively simple clinical trials (160), its mechanism of action as an antioxidant in the treatment of atherosclerosis is quite novel. Probucol has been shown to have the abiUty to produce regression of atherosclerotic lesions in animal models (161). Probucol therefore represents a novel class of pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of atherosclerosis. This effect occurs mechanistically, in part, by preventing oxidation of LDL, a necessary step in foam cell formation. This antioxidant activity has been shown in laboratory experiments and its activity in lowering LDL cholesterol in human studies is well documented (162). 

In animal models, renin inhibitors after iv adrninistration have been shown to be equally efficacious as compared to ACE inhibitors in lowering blood pressure, and to have similar effects on the cardiovascular and renal parameters. Some of the renin inhibitors tested are enalkiren (A-64662), CGP 38 560A, CP 71362, KRI-1230, U-71039, ES6864, and PD-134672. The stmctures of enalkiren and the formula for PD-134672 are shown in Figure 4. 

Erythrocyte Entrapment of Enzymes. Erythrocytes have been used as carriers for therapeutic enzymes in the treatment of inborn errors (249). Exogenous enzymes encapsulated in erythrocytes may be useful both for dehvery of a given enzyme to the site of its intended function and for the degradation of pathologically elevated, diffusible substances in the plasma. In the use of this approach, it is important to determine that the enzyme is completely internalized without adsorption to the erythrocyte membrane. Since exposed protein on the erythrocyte surface may ehcit an immune response following repeated sensitization with enzyme loaded erythrocytes, an immunologic assessment of each potential system in animal models is required prior to human trials (250). 

Modifications of the morphine skeleton have produced butorphanol [42408-82-2] (35) and drotebanol [3176-03-2] (36), which in animal models have demonstrated antitussive activity much greater than that of codeine (51,52). Butorphanol is also a potent analgetic of the narcotic antagonist type (51). Both compounds possess a unique 14-hydroxyl group. 

While the obvious value of in vivo animal models is clear, there also are instances—especially in cases of inflammatory arthritis, behavior, and tumor growth—where they have failed to be predictive of useful clinical activity in humans [51], For example, leukotriene (LTB4) antagonists showed activity in animal models of inflammatory arthritis yet failed to be useful in rheumatoid arthritis [52]. Similarly, dopamine D4 antagonists showed activity in animal behavior models previously predictive of dopamine D2 antagonists in schizophrenia. However, testing of dopamine D4 antagonists showed no efficacy in humans [53]. 

According to the amyloid hypothesis, the A 3 peptide plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer s disease [1]. Major forms of A 3 produced encompass 38, 40 or 42 residues. A 342 is more prone to aggregation than A 340 and in animal models an increased A[342/ A (340 ratio results in amyloid plaque pathology even when total A 3 levels are reduced [4]. The generation of A 3 is a normal process and A 3 is present in the brains and body fluids of humans throughout life. Neuronal... 

Thiazolidinediones (PPARy-agonists) Thiazolidine-diones ( pioglitazone, rosiglitazone) lower blood glucose levels in animal models of insulin resistance and also in insulin resistant patients. They are agonists of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor y (PPARy). Because they enhance the effect of insulin and reduce serum insulin levels in insulin resistant patients, thiazolidinediones are usually referred to as insulin sensitizers . 

Target discovery, to identify genes or pathways with altered expression in diseased human tissues or in animal model of disease... 

They act as analgesics by inhibiting release of nociceptive neurotransmitters from primary afferent terminals as well as by depressing post-synaptic potentials on second order neurons. Opioid receptors are also present on some nociceptors and their expression and peripheral transport is increased upon peripheral inflammation. Peripheral opioid analgesia has been established in animal models. Although clinical studies have yielded mixed results so far, this field holds great promise. Despite side effects, such as euphoria, dysphoria, sedation, respiratory depression and obstipation and tolerance and dependence phenomena which arise upon... 

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