Pharmacokinetics of a single bolus intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous dose of disodium fosfomycin in horses

Pharmacokinetic parameters of fosfomycin were determined in horses after the administration of disodium fosfomycin at 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg intravenously (IV), intramuscularly (IM) and subcutaneously (SC) each. Serum concentration at time zero (C_S0) was 112.21 ± 1.27 μg/mL and 201.43 ± 1.56 μg/mL for each dose level. Bioavailability after the SC administration was 84 and 86% for the 10 mg/kg and the 20 mg/kg dose respectively. Considering the documented minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC₉₀) range of sensitive bacteria to fosfomycin, the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) obtained (56.14 ± 2.26 μg/mL with 10 mg/kg SC and 72.14 ± 3.04 μg/mL with 20 mg/kg SC) and that fosfomycin is considered a time-dependant antimicrobial, it can be concluded that clinically effective plasma concentrations might be obtained for up to 10 h administering 20 mg/kg SC. An additional predictor of efficacy for this latter dose and route, and considering a 12 h dosing interval, could be area under the curve AUC_0-12/MIC₉₀ ratio which in this case was calculated as 996 for the 10 mg/kg dose and 1260 for the 20 mg/kg dose if dealing with sensitive bacteria. If a more resistant strain is considered, the AUC_0-12/MIC₉₀ ratio was calculated as 15 for the 10 mg/kg dose and 19 for the 20 mg/kg dose.     

Pharmacokinetics of cefoperazone in horses

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailabilty of cefoperazone (CPZ) were studied following intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration of single doses (30 mg/kg) to horses. Concentrations in serum, urine and synovial fluid samples were measured following IV administration. CPZ concentrations in serum, synovial fluid and spongy bone samples were measured following IM administration. After IV administration a rapid distribution phase ( t _1/2(α):4.22 ± 2.73 min) was followed by a slower elimination phase ( t 1/2(β) 0.77 ± 0.19 h). The apparent volume of distribution was 0.68 ± 0.10 L/kg. Mean synovial fluid peak concentration was 5.76 ± 0.74 μg/mL. After IM administration a bioavailability of 42.00±5.33% was obtained. Half-life of absorption was 2.51 ± 0.72 min and t _1/2(β) was 1.52±0.15 h. The mean synovial fluid and spongy bone peak concentrations at 2 h after IM administration were 2.91±0.85 μg/mL and 5.56±0.70 μg/mL, respectively.     

Pharmacokinetics of pradofloxacin and doxycycline in serum, saliva, and tear fluid of cats after oral administration

The pharmacokinetic properties of pradofloxacin and doxycycline were investigated in serum, saliva, and tear fluid of cats. In a crossover study design, six cats were treated orally with a single dose of pradofloxacin (Veraflox^® Oral Suspension 2.5%) and doxycycline (Ronaxan^® 100 mg) at 5 mg/kg body weight. Following administration, samples of serum, saliva, and tear fluid were taken in regular intervals over a period of 24 h and analysed by turbulent flow chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. All values are given as mean ± SD. Pradofloxacin reached a mean maximum serum concentration ( C _max) of 1.1 ± 0.5 μg/mL after 1.8 ± 1.3 h ( t _max). In saliva and tear fluid, mean C _max was 6.3 ± 7.0 and 13.4 ± 20.9 μg/mL, respectively, and mean t _max was 0.5 ± 0 and 0.8 ± 0.3 h, respectively. Doxycycline reached a mean C _max in serum of 4.0 ± 0.8 μg/mL after 4.3 ± 3.2 h. Whilst only at two time-points doxycycline concentrations close to the limit of quantification were determined in tear fluid, no detectable levels were found in saliva. The high concentrations of pradofloxacin in saliva and tear fluid are promising to apply pradofloxacin for the treatment of conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract infections in cats. As doxycycline is barely secreted into these fluids after oral application the mechanisms of its clinical efficacy remain unclear.     

Plasma and urine disposition and dose proportionality of ceftiofur and metabolites in dogs after subcutaneous administration of ceftiofur sodium

Nine male dogs (10.3–13.5 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to three groups of three dogs each and administered ceftiofur sodium subcutaneously as a single dose of 0.22, 2.2, or 4.4 mg ceftiofur free acid equivalents/kg body weight. Plasma and urine samples were collected serially for 72 h and assayed for ceftiofur and metabolites (derivatized to desfuroylceftiofur acetamide) using high-performance liquid chromatography. Urine concentrations remained above the MIC ₉₀ for Escherichia coll (4.0 μg/mL) and Proteus mirabilis (1.0 μg/mL) for over 24 h after doses of 2.2 mg/kg (8.1 μg/mL) and 4.4 mg/kg (29.6 μg/mL), the interval between treatments for ceftiofur sodium in dogs, whereas urine concentrations 24 h after dosing at 0.22 mg/kg (0.1 mg/Ib) were below the MIC ₉₀ for E.coli and P. mirabills (0.6 μg/mL). Plasma concentrations were dose-proportional, with peak concentrations of 1.66 ± 0.0990 μg/mL, 8.91 ± 6.42 μg/mL, and 26.7 ± 1.07 μg/mL after doses of 0.22, 2.2, and 4.4 mg/kg, respectively. The area under the plasma concentration versus time curve, when normalized to dose, was similar across all dosage groups.     

Pharmacokinetics of indomethacin in sheep after intravenous and intramuscular administration

The pharmacokinetics of indomethacin (1mg/kg) was determined in six adult sheep after intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) injection. Plasma concentrations were maintained within the therapeutic range (0.3–3.0 μg/mL) from 5 to 50 min after i.v. and from 5 to 60–90 min after i.m. administration. After two trials, indomethacin best fitted an open two-compartment model. The mean (±SD) volumes of distribution at steady state ( V d_ss) were 4.10 ± 1.40 and 4.21 ± 1.93 L/kg and the mean clearance values ( C l_B) were 0.17 ± 0.06 and 0.22 ± 0.12 L/h.kg for i.v. and i.m. routes, respectively. The elimination phase half-lives did not show any significant difference between routes of injection ( t _½β = 17.4 ± 4.6 and 21.25 ± 4.44 h, i.v. and i.m. respectively). After i.m. administration, plasma maximum concentration ( C _max =  1.10 ± 0.68 μg/mL) was reached 10 min after dosing; the absorption phase was fast ( K _ab = 26 ± 18 h-1) and short ( t _½ab = 2.33 ± 1.51 min) and the mean bioavailability was 91.0 ± 32.8%, although there was considerable interanimal variation. In some individuals, bioavailability was higher than 100%. This fact combined with the slower elimination phase after i.m. than after i.v. administration, could be related with enterohepatic recycling.     

Pharmacokinetics of valacyclovir in the adult horse

Recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus type-1 infections have stimulated renewed interest in the use of effective antiherpetic drugs in horses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of valacyclovir (VCV), the prodrug of acyclovir (ACV), in horses. Six adult horses were used in a randomized cross-over design. Treatments consisted of 10 mg/kg ACV infused intravenously, 5 g (7.7–11.7 mg/kg) VCV delivered intragastrically (IG) and 15 g (22.7–34.1 mg/kg) VCV administered IG. Serum samples were obtained at predetermined times for acyclovir assay using high-performance liquid chromatography. Following the administration of 5 g VCV, the mean observed maximum serum ACV concentration ( C _max) was 1.45 ± 0.38 (SD) μg/mL, at 0.74 ± 0.43 h. At a dose of 15 g VCV, the mean C _max was 5.26 ± 2.82 μg/mL, at 1 ± 0.27 h. The mean bioavailability of ACV from oral VCV was 60 ± 12% after 5 g of VCV and 48 ± 12% after 15 g VCV, and did not differ significantly between dose rates ( P  > 0.05). Superposition suggested that a loading dose of 27 mg/kg VCV every 8 h for 2 days, followed by a maintenance dose of 18 mg/kg every 12 h, will maintain effective serum ACV concentrations.     

Prothrombotic and Inflammatory Effects of Intravenous Administration of Human Immunoglobulin G in Dogs

Background: Intravenous administration of human immunoglobulin G (hIVIgG) has been suggested to potentiate thromboembolism in dogs, but supportive scientific reports are lacking.
Objectives: To determine if hIVIgG therapy promotes hypercoagulability and inflammation in dogs.
Animals: Twelve healthy Beagle dogs.
Methods: Prospective, experimental trial. An hIVIgG/saline solution was infused IV at 1 g/kg BW over 8 hours to 6 dogs, and physiological saline was infused to the other 6 dogs. Blood samples were drawn before, during, and after infusion for serial measurement of indicators of coagulation and inflammation. Data were analyzed by 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results: Dogs administered hIVIgG developed mildly decreased blood platelet concentrations without thrombocytopenia (median, 200 × 10³/μL; range, 150–302 × 10³/μL; P < .01), leukopenia (median, 3.5 × 10³/μL; range, 20–62 × 10³/μL; P < .001), and mildly increased plasma total protein concentrations (median, 6.3 g/dL; range, 5.6–6.7 g/dL; P < .001). Administration of hIVIgG was also associated with increases in fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products in all dogs (either 5 μg/mL or 10 μg/dL), thrombin-antithrombin III complexes (median, 7.2 ng/mL; range, 4.9–14.2 ng/mL; P < .001), and C-reactive protein concentrations (median, 2.5 mg/dL; range, 0.5–4.3 mg/dL; P < .01).
Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Administration of hIVIgG to dogs promotes hypercoagulability and an inflammatory state. This should be further evaluated and considered when using hIVIgG in dogs with IMHA or other prothrombotic conditions.     

Pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and dosage regimen of sulphadiazine (SDZ) in camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The pharmacokinetics of sulphadiazine (SDZ) (100 mg/kg, body weight) were investigated in six camels ( Camelus dromedarius ) after intravenous (i.v.) and oral (p.o.) administration. Following i.v. administration, the overall elimination rate constant (β) was 0.029±0.001/h and the half-life ( t _½β) was 23.14±1.06 h. The apparent volume of distribution ( V d_(area)) was 0.790±0.075 L/kg and the total body clearance ( Cl _B) was 23.29±2.50 mL/h/kg. After p.o. administration, SDZ reached a peak plasma concentration ( C _max(cal.)) of 62.93±2.79 μg/mL at a post injection time of ( T _max(cal.)) 22.98±0.83 h. The elimination half-life was 19.79±1.22 h, not significantly different from that obtained by the i.v. route. The mean absorption rate constant (K_a) was 0.056±0.002 h⁻¹ and the mean absorption half-life ( t _½Ka) was 12.33±0.37 h. The mean availability ( F ) of sulphadiazine was 88.2±6.2%.
  To achieve and maintain therapeutically satisfactory plasma SDZ levels of 50 μg/mL, the priming and maintenance doses would be 80 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg intravenously and 90 mg/kg and 45 mg/kg orally, respectively, to be repeated at 24 h intervals.     

Clinical pharmacology of cefixime in unweaned calves

Cefixime is a unique third-generation oral cephalosporin. Its in vitro activity and pharmacokinetic properties have been studied to assess its potential for use in the therapy of newborn calf infections due to gram-negative bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of cefixime for 90% (MIC₅₀) of field isolates of Escherichia coli. Salmonella and Pasteurella were 0.10–0.40 μg/mL. The serum disposition kinetics of cefixime following intravenous and oral administration was evaluated. The elimination half-life of cefixime after intravenous and oral administration was 3.5–4.0 h, the steady-state volume of distribution was 0.34 L/kg and approximately 90% of the drug was bound to serum proteins. Oral absorption was comparatively slow and bioavailability values for single 5 mg/kg doses were 20.2% after the administration of 200 mg of cefixime in capsules, 28.3% after dosing an aqueous solution of cefixime and 35.7% after fasted calves received the solution of cefixime. Mean serum drug concentrations 12 h after the cefixime solution was administered orally (5 mg/kg) were 1.05 μg/mL for the milk-fed calves and 1.76 μg/mL for the fasted calves. Computations showed that mean free drug concentrations equal to the MIC₅₀ of the drug for gram-negative pathogens associated with newborn calf infections can be maintained in tissues by multiple treatments at 5 mg/kg every 12 h or 10 mg/kg every 24 h.     

Concentration of enrofloxacin and its active metabolite in alveolar macrophages and pulmonary epithelial lining fluid of dogs

The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration of enrofloxacin and its active metabolite, ciprofloxacin, in alveolar macrophages (AM) and epithelial lining fluid (ELF) of the lungs in comparison to plasma concentrations in healthy dogs. Eleven dogs were given a single oral dose (5 mg/kg) of enrofloxacin. Four hours later, plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were collected. Cells were separated from the BAL fluid and lysed for determination of drug concentrations within AM. Supernatant was used to determine concentrations of drugs in ELF. Drug assays were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography.
  The concentration of enrofloxacin (mean ± SD) was 0.33 ± 0.14 μg/mL in plasma, 3.34 ± 2.4 μg/mL in AM and 4.79 ± 5.0 μg/mL in ELF. The concentration of ciprofloxacin was 0.42 ± 0.26 μg/mL in plasma, 1.15 ± 1.03 μg/mL in AM and 0.26 ± 0.26 μg/mL in ELF. Mean concentrations of both drugs in AM were greater than in plasma (AM to plasma ratio, 10.3 for enrofloxacin and 4.7 for ciprofloxacin). Mean concentrations of enrofloxacin, but not ciprofloxacin, in ELF were greater than in plasma (ELF to plasma ratio, 13.5 for enrofloxacin and 0.52 for ciprofloxacin). Enrofloxacin concentrations in AM and ELF largely exceeded the MICs of the major bacterial pathogens and surpassed by about two times the breakpoint MIC of that drug, and ciprofloxacin concentrations in AM surpassed the MIC of many susceptible organisms. These results suggest that sufficient antimicrobial activity is present in AM and ELF of dogs following oral administration of enrofloxacin to be effective in the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections involving susceptible organisms.     

Effect of Preoperative Erythromycin or Dexamethasone/Vitamin C on Postoperative Abomasal Emptying Rate in Dairy Cows Undergoing Surgical Correction of Abomasal Volvulus

Objective— To determine the effects of preoperative erythromycin or combined dexamethasone/vitamin C treatment on postoperative abomasal emptying rate in cows undergoing surgical correction of abomasal volvulus (AV).
Study Design— Prospective, controlled, clinical study using a convenience sample.
Animals— Lactating Holstein–Friesian cows (n=45) with AV were alternately assigned to 3 groups (n=15): group C: untreated (control); group E: erythromycin (10 mg/kg intramuscularly [IM]); group D: dexamethasone (0.02 mg/kg intravenously [IV]) and vitamin C (10 mg/kg IV).
Methods— Drugs were administered 1 hour before surgical correction of AV. d -xylose solution (50%, 0.5 g/kg body weight) was injected into the abomasal lumen during surgery. Jugular venous blood samples for determination of serum d -xylose concentration were periodically obtained. Time to maximal serum d -xylose concentration (T_max-model) was pharmacokinetically determined.
Results— Abomasal emptying rate was significantly ( P <0.05) faster in group E (T_max-model=182±69 min; mean±SD) than in group C cows (T_max-model=237±64 min). Abomasal emptying rate was similar in group D (T_max-model=196±47 min) and group C. Both treatments improved postoperative milk yield within 1 day after surgery.
Conclusion— Preoperative injection of erythromycin (10 mg/kg IM) is an effective method for ameliorating postoperative abomasal hypomotility in cows with AV.
Clinical Relevance— Parenteral erythromycin can be recommended for preoperative treatment of cows with AV.     

Comparative pharmacokinetics of sulfamethazine in plasma and parotid saliva of sheep

Salivary output in sheep is large enough to be considered a physiologic body fluid compartment. The hypothesis for this work was that pharmacokinetics of sulfamethazine in saliva was similar to that in plasma. A reliable technique was developed to measure parotid salivary output. Mean output of saliva was 3.18 ± 1.04 L from a single parotid gland per day with a mean flow of 2.21 ± 0.43 mL/min. Using concentrations of sulfamethazine in parotid saliva made it possible to calculate the total passage of sulfamethazine to parotid saliva, which was calculated to be 3.5% of the total dose. Pharmacokinetic variables obtained for sulfamethazine in plasma and in saliva were closely related ( AUC 1408 μg.h/mL and AUC 1484 μg.h/mL; V d_area 0.434 L/kg and V d _area 0.374 L/kg; t _½β 4.30 h and 3.46 h, respectively) and no substantial differences were observed. The convenience of using salivary concentrations of sulfamethazine for drug monitoring is discussed.     

The effects of L-659,066, a peripheral alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, on dexmedetomidine-induced sedation and bradycardia in dogs

Objective  To investigate the influence of L-659,066, a peripheral α2-adrenoceptor antagonist, on dexmedetomidine-induced sedation and reduction in pulse rate (PR) in dogs.
Study design  Randomized, cross-over.
Animals  Six healthy laboratory Beagles.
Methods  All animals received dexmedetomidine (5 μg kg⁻¹ IV, DEX) alone or in combination with L-659,066 (250 μg kg⁻¹ IV, DEX + L) with a 7-day rest period between treatments. Sedation was assessed using a composite sedation score and PRs were recorded. Atipamezole (50 μg kg⁻¹ IM, ATI) was administered to reverse the sedation. Overnight Holter-monitoring was carried out to obtain a minimum heart rate (MHR) at rest.
Results  Bioequivalence was shown for clinical sedation between DEX and DEX + L. Heart rate was significantly higher with DEX + L during the period of sedation. Bioequivalence was demonstrated between MHR and PR in the DEX + L group during the period of sedation. Recoveries after ATI were uneventful.
Conclusions  L-659,066 did not affect the quality of dexmedetomidine-induced sedation whilst it attenuated the reduction in PR. Thus, L-659,066 could prove a useful adjunct to reduce the peripheral cardiovascular effects attributed to dexmedetomidine in dogs.
Clinical relevance  The clinical safety of α2-adrenoceptor agonists could be markedly improved with less peripheral cardiovascular effects.     

Pharmacokinetics of oxytetracycline in the red pacu (Colossoma brachypomum) following different routes of administration

Oxytetracycline (OTC) pharmacokinetics were studied in the red pacu ( Colossoma brachypomum ) following intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) administration at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight. OTC plasma concentrations were determined by high-performance-liquid-chromatography (HPLC). A non-compartmental model was used to describe plasma drug disposition after OTC administration. Following i.m. administration, the elimination half-life ( t _½) was 62.65 ± 1.25 h and the bioavailability was 49.80 ± 0.01%. After i.v. administration the t _½ was 50.97 ± 2.99 h, the V d was 534.11 ± 38.58 mL/kg, and CI _b was 0.121 ± 0.003 mL/min.kg. The 5 mg/kg i.v. dose used in this experiment resulted in up to 48 h plasma concentrations of OTC above the reported MIC values for some strains of fish pathogens such as Aeromonas hydrophila , A. liquefaciens , A. salmonicida , Cytophaga columnaris , Edwardsiella ictaluri , Vibrio anguillarium , V. ordalii , V. salmonicida and Yeersinia ruckeri . These MIC values are below the susceptible range (4 μg/mL) listed by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) as determined by the NCCLS susceptibility interpretive criteria.     

Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of parenterally administered doramectin in cattle

Plasma concentrations of doramectin in 40 cattle dosed by subcutaneous (sc) or intramuscular (i.m.) injection (200 μg/kg) were compared to assess the bioequivalence of the two routes of administration. Peak concentration ( C _max), and areas under the concentration curve ( AUC_0– ) were determined from plasma concentrations. Animals treated by the sc route showed a mean AUC_0– of 457 ± 66 ng±day/mL (± SD) and a mean C _max of 27.8 ± 7.9 ng/mL. Results from the i.m. treatment group showed a mean AUC _0– of 475 ± 82 ng-day/mL and a mean C _max of 33.1 ± 9.0 ng/mL Absorption constants ( k _a) determined by modelling were 0.542 ± 0.336 day^-1after sc administration and 0.710 ± 0.357 day^-1after i.m. administration. The 90% confidence limits on the difference between mean AUC _0– values for the sc and i.m. groups fell within 20% of the mean value for the subcutaneous group. C _max was somewhat greater for the i.m. route. The 90% confidence limits on the difference in mean In ( T _max+1) also fell within 20% of the mean sc value. Based on this analysis, bioequivalence of the sc and i.m. formulation has been established.     

Investigation of pharmacokinetic parameters of tiamulin after intramuscular and subcutaneous administration in normal dogs

Laber, G. Investigation of pharmacokinetic parameters of tiamulin after intramuscular and subcutaneous administration in normal dogs. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 11 , 45–49.
Kinetic variables for tiamulin in the normal dog have been determined. Serum concentrations of tiamulin were compared after intramuscular (i.m.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of a single dose of tiamulin. Following a single i.m. dose of 10 mg/kg body weight, the compound was calculated to have a C_max= 0.61 ± 0.15 μg/ml, a T _max= 6 h and a t _½= 4.7 ± 1.4 h. Tiamulin showed dose-dependent pharmacokinetics when given as a single s.c. dose of either 10 mg or 25 mg/kg body weight. For the lower dose, the values C_max= 1.55 ± 0.11 μg/ml, T _max= 8 h and 1 _max= 4.28 ± 0.18 h were obtained. For the higher dose C _max= 3.14 ± 0.04 μg/ml, T _max= 8 h and t _½= 12.4 ± 3.4 h were calculated. When tiamulin was administered subcutaneously at a dose rate of 10 mg/kg body weight, higher and better maintained serum levels were achieved than those following i.m. administration. After repeated s.c. doses no significant accumulation of tiamulin occurred. Assuming that a continuous effective serum concentration is necessary throughout the course of therapy, these data would indicate that tiamulin should be given every 24 h.     

Pharmacokinetics of phenylbutazone in plasma and milk of lactating dairy cows

Phenylbutazone was administered intravenously (i.v.) to a group of four lactating cows at a dosage of 6 mg/kg body weight. Whole plasma, protein-free plasma and milk were analysed for phenylbutazone residues. Pharmacokinetic parameters of total and free phenylbutazone in plasma were calculated using a non compartmental method. In regards to whole plasma data, the mean volume of distribution at steady state ( V _ss), was 147 mL/kg body weight, with a mean (± SEM) terminal elimination half-life ( t _1/2) of 40 ± 6 h. The mean clearance ( Cl ) was 3 mL/h/kg body weight. The V _ss as determined from the protein-free plasma fraction was 50 021 mL/kg body weight. This larger V _ss of free phenylbutazone compared to total plasma phenylbutazone was attributed to a high degree of plasma protein binding, as well as the greater penetration of free phenylbutazone into tissues. The mean t _1/2 of free phenylbutazone was 39 ± 5 h. This similarity to the t _1/2 estimated from total plasma phenylbutazone data is attributed to an equilibrium between free and plasma phenylbutazone during the terminal elimination phase. Mean t _1/2 as determined from milk, applying a urinary excretion rate model, was 47 ± 4 h. Milk clearance of phenylbutazone was 0.009 mL/h/kg body weight, or about 0.34% of total body clearance. Furthermore, evidence suggests that phenylbutazone either binds to milk proteins, or is actively transported into milk, as its concentration in milk was greater than that predicted due to a simple partitioning from plasma into milk.     

Single and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of tepoxalin and its active metabolite after oral administration to rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The anti-inflammatory agent, tepoxalin, was administered to eight healthy 6-month-old female New Zealand white rabbits once daily at an oral dose of 10 mg/kg. Blood samples were obtained immediately before and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h postadministration on days 1 and 10. Tepoxalin and its active metabolite, RWJ 20142, concentrations were determined in plasma by use of high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. C _max of the parent compound was reached between 3 and 8 h of drug administration, with a harmonic mean t _1/2 of 3.6 h. Peak tepoxalin plasma concentrations were 207 ± 49 ng/mL. After oral administration, the metabolite RWJ 20142 achieved C _max in plasma 2–8 h after administration, with a t _1/2 of 1.9–4.8 h (harmonic mean 2.8 h). Peak plasma concentrations of RWJ 20142 on day 1 were 2551 ± 1034 ng/mL.     

Comparative pharmacokinetics of amikacin in Greyhound and Beagle dogs

The purpose of the study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of amikacin administered i.v., to Greyhound and Beagle dogs and determine amikacin pharmacokinetics administered subcutaneously to Greyhounds. Amikacin was administered i.v. at 10 mg/kg to six healthy Greyhounds and six healthy Beagles. The Greyhounds also received amikacin, 10 mg/kg s.c. Plasma was sampled at predetermined time points and amikacin concentrations determined by a fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA).
The volume of distribution was significantly smaller in Greyhounds (mean = 176.5 mL/kg) compared to Beagles (234.0 mL/kg). The C ₀ and AUC were significantly larger in Greyhounds (86.03 μg/mL and 79.97 h·μg/mL) compared to Beagles (69.97 μg/mL and 50.04 h·μg/mL). The plasma clearance was significantly lower in Greyhounds (2.08 mL/min/kg) compared to Beagles (3.33 mL/min/kg). The fraction of the dose absorbed after s.c. administration to Greyhounds was 0.91, the mean absorption time was 0.87 h, and the mean maximum plasma concentration was 27.40 μg/mL at 0.64 h.
Significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of amikacin in Greyhounds indicate it should be administered at a lower dose compared to Beagles. The dose in Greyhounds to achieve a C _max: AUC  ≥ 8 for bacteria (with an MIC  ≤ 4 μg/mL) is 12 mg/kg q24 h compared to 22 mg/kg q24 in Beagles.     

Expression and Activity of Steroid Sulphatase in the Boar Testis

Oestrogens are essential for male fertility targeting the testicular-epididymal compartment. However, the underlying mechanisms are only vaguely known and species specificities must be considered. The boar has a remarkably high testicular-oestrogen output, with the biologically inactive oestrone-sulphate being the major oestrogen occurring in the testicular vein. In the boar testis and epididymis, activity of steroid sulphatase (StS) and oestrogen sulphotransferase has been demonstrated. Thus apart from their synthesis in Leydig cells, provision of biologically active free oestrone seems also to depend on the activity and localization of these enzymes. Our aim was to establish expression patterns and activity of StS in boar testis. Testes were randomly collected from healthy boars and allotted to five age groups, five animals in each, aged 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 days. Three extra boars aged over 250 days were castrated to obtain fresh tissue for enzyme activity tests. Immunohistochemistry detected StS only in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells and – except for day-50 group in which 65.1 ± 4.9% (X ± SD) of the cells were positive – expression was constant with virtually all the cells staining positive. RT-PCR and in situ hybridization confirmed expression and localization of StS mRNA. The V _max and K _m value (X ± SD) for StS was 24.05 ± 0.3 fmol/s/μg protein and 2.15 ± 0.12 μ m . These data suggest that StS within the Leydig cells of the boar is involved in modulation of testicular oestrogen bioavailability and that the site of sulpho-conjugation is not the testis but a different compartment of the testes–epididymidis complex.