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Thin sectioning and freeze-fracture-etch of the ovine ruminal isolate Mitsuokella multacida strain 46/5(2) revealed a Gram-negative envelope ultra-structure consisting of a peptidoglycan wall overlaid by an outer membrane. Sodium-dodecyl-sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic (SDS-PAGE) analysis of whole cells, cell envelopes and Triton X-100 extracted envelopes in combination with thin-section and N-terminal sequence analyses demonstrated that the outer membrane contained two major proteins (45 and 43 kDa) sharing identical N-termini (A-A-N-P-F-S-D-V-P-A-D-H-W-A-Y-D). A gene encoding a protein with a predicted N-terminus identical to those of the 43 and 45 kDa outer-membrane proteins was cloned. The 1290 bp open reading frame encoded a 430 amino acid polypeptide with a predicted molecular mass of 47,492 Da. Cleavage of a predicted 23 amino acid leader sequence would yield a protein with a molecular mass of 45,232 Da. Mass spectroscopic analysis confirmed that the cloned gene (ompM1) encoded the 45 kDa outer-membrane protein. The N-terminus of the mature OmpM1 protein (residues 24-70) shared homology with surface-layer homology (SLH) domains found in a wide variety of regularly structured surface-layers (S-layers). However, the outer-membrane locale, resistance to denaturation by SDS and high temperatures and the finding that the C-terminal residue was a phenylalanine suggested that ompM1 encoded a porin. Threading analysis in combination with the identification of membrane spanning domains indicated that the C-terminal region of OmpM1 (residues 250-430) likely forms a 16-strand beta-barrel and appears to be related to the unusual N-terminal SLH-domain-containing beta-barrel-porins previously described in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus PCC6301.

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Familial bleeding problems are frequently difficult to diagnose because currently used clinical tests cannot identify intracellular molecular defects of platelets. Using platelet proteomics, a comprehensive analytical tool, we diagnosed a family with severe bleeding problems of unknown origin with Quebec Platelet Disorder. Prior to proteomic analysis, we determined platelet counts, presence of glycoprotein (GP) Ib and GPIIb/IIIa, platelet aggregation, dense granule content and release, plasma levels of fibrinogen, Factor XIII and fibrin degradation products in four family members. Abnormalities were detected in platelet aggregation studies, which revealed variably reduced responses to ADP, collagen and epinephrine with concomitantly decreased ATP/serotonin secretion. In addition, D-dimer levels were significantly elevated 72 hours after in vitro thrombin stimulation of platelet-rich plasma. Together with the autosomal dominant inheritance and the delayed onset of bleeding in two of the four patients these results did not support any known platelet disorder. Therefore, the proteome of platelet lysates separated by one-dimensional SDS-PAGE was analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Platelet proteomics showed reduced amounts of alpha-granule proteins multimerin, fibrinogen and thrombospondin-1 in patient compared to control samples suggestive of Quebec Platelet Disorder. The diagnosis of Quebec Platelet Disorder was confirmed by urokinase-specific Western blots. Urokinase causes the degradation of alpha-granule proteins in this disorder. Diagnosis of rare bleeding disorders has important implications for prophylactic and acute treatment of bleeding patients. This is the first report using proteomics to identify a familial platelet defect.

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Biofilm formation may be important in the colonization of the food-processing environment by the food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes 568 formed adherent multicellular layers on a variety of test surfaces following growth at 37 degrees C with multiple transfers of the test surface into fresh medium. Microscopic examination of these adherent layers suggest that the cells were surrounded by extracellular material. The presence of a carbohydrate containing extracellular polymeric matrix was confirmed by labelling hydrated adherent layers with fluorescein-conjugated concanavalin A, indicating that these adherent layers are biofilms. To gain insight into the physiological state of cells in these biofilms, the proteomes from biofilm- and planktonic-grown cells from the same cultures were compared using 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Nineteen proteins, which exhibited higher levels of expression in biofilm-grown cells, were successfully identified from the 2-D gels using a combination of MALDI-TOF and MS/MS. Proteins that were found to be more highly expressed in biofilm-grown cells were involved in stress response, envelope and protein synthesis, biosynthesis, energy generation, and regulatory functions. In biofilm-grown cells, many proteins in the pH range 4-6 ran as multiple spots arranged horizontally across the 2-D gels.

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The gene (bviA) encoding the ruminal bacteriocin butyrivibriocin AR10 was cloned from an EcoRI library by using an oligonucleotide probe based on a partial peptide sequence of the previously isolated peptide. The gene encoded an 80 amino acid prebacteriocin that demonstrated significant identity with the cyclic bacteriocin gassericin A. Negative ion time of flight mass spectroscopic analysis (ESI/MS) indicated a mass of 5981.5 Da for the isolated bacteriocin, a molecular mass that could not be generated by removal of a leader peptide alone. However, an N- to C-terminal cyclization of the predicted mature bacteriocin resulted in a peptide that conformed to the determined mass and charge characteristics. Northern blotting confirmed that expression of bviA mirrored the production of the bacteriocin in both liquid and solid media.

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Human serum albumin (HSA) is used in large amounts as an excipient in many biopharmaceutical formulation to prevent loss of the active ingredient through adsorption and/or degradation. Traditionally, iso-electric focusing has been used to demonstrate charge heterogeneity in HSA preparations. In an effort to develop new methods for the analysis of formulation components, a capillary zone electrophoresis method was developed for the analysis of HSA. Under initial separation conditions using untreated silica capillaries and 20 mM sodium phosphate, pH 6.0 as electrophoretic buffer, HSA migrated as a single peak. Addition of 1,4-diaminobutane allowed separation of several components which could be further resolved by varying the buffer pH. Optimal separation conditions were attained at 5 mM 1,4-diaminobutane and pH 8.5. The reproducibility of the separation conditions was verified by using capillaries from a different manufacturer. A comparative analysis of HSA preparations from different manufacturers provided evidence that the method may be used to qualitatively differentiate individual preparations. The analysis of rhEPO formulations, composed largely of HSA, showed levels of heterogeneity comparable to that of HSA preparations. Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESA-MS) was used as an independent method to confirm the heterogeneous nature of HSA.

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HPLC methods for drug content and HPLC and NMR methods for related compounds in fenofibrate raw materials were developed. The HPLC methods resolved 11 known and six unknown impurities from the drug. The HPLC system was comprised of a Waters Symmetry ODS column (100 x 4.6 mm, 3.5 microm), a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile water trifluoroacetic acid 700/300/l (v/v/v) at a flow rate of 1 ml min(-1). and a UV detector set at 280 nm. Minimum quantifiable amounts were about 0.1% for three of the compounds and less than 0.05% for the other eight. Individual impurities in 14 raw materials ranged from trace levels to 0.25%, and total impurities from 0.04 to 0.53% (w/w). Six unknown impurities were detected by HPLC, all at levels below 0.10%, assuming the same relative response as fenofibrate. An NMR method for related compounds was also developed and it was suitable for 12 known and several unknown impurities. It requires an NMR of 400 MHz, or greater, field strength. Individual impurities in the raw materials analyzed ranged from trace levels to 0.24%, and total impurities from trace levels to 0.59%. Several lots contained small amounts of unknown impurities at trace levels. Three lots, all from the same manufacturer, contained an unknown impurity, not detectable by HPLC, which was not present in the other raw materials. It was estimated to be present at a level greater than 0.2%. The results for related compounds by the two techniques were consistent. The main differences stem from the low sensitivity of the HPLC method for some of the related compounds at 280 nm, or from the higher limits of quantitation by the NMR method for several other impurities using the conditions specified. A fifteenth raw material was not homogeneous in its content of impurity VI, a synthetic intermediate and possible degradation product. The HPLC/MS results provided information on the peak purity (number of components) for minor HPLC peaks, as well as structural data such as the molecular ions and diagnostic fragment ions. The HPLC/MS results showed that there were five unknown drug related impurities, for which there were no standards available. Results for the assay of 15 raw materials by HPLC were within the range 98.5-101.5%.

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Three American products and one Canadian product were examined for content uniformity and particle size distribution. The results showed that not all products performed equally well. Some of the products exhibited high sprays early in the canister lifetime and all products demonstrated loss of prime. The particle size distributions were determined using the Andersen cascade impactor (USP Induction Port) and the fine particle fraction was determined using the twin impinger. The results showed that three of the four products had similar particle size distribution profiles. Both the Andersen cascade impactor and the twin impinger yielded the same trends in the amount of drug substance delivered to the fine particle fraction.

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Human serum albumin (HSA) preparations and HSA-containing recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) formulations were analyzed by capillary zone electrophoresis. HSA was separated into several components by the addition of 1,4-diaminobutane to 20 mM sodium phosphate, pH 6.0 as electrophoretic buffer. Resolution was improved by increasing the buffer pH to 8.5. A comparative analysis of HSA preparations from three manufacturers provided evidence that this method can be used to differentiate individual preparations. The analysis of rhEPO formulations, composed largely of HSA, showed levels of heterogeneity comparable to that of HSA preparations. Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry was used as an independent method to confirm the heterogeneous nature of HSA.

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Reference 1H, 19F and 13C NMR, mass, IR and Raman spectra are provided to the open literature for the first time for the potent antifungal agent fluconazole, alpha-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-alpha-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl++ +)-1H-1,2, 4-triazole-1-ethanol. The 1H, 19F and 13C NMR spectra were analyzed in detail to attribute shifts, including 19F chemical shifts and C-F and F-F coupling constants. The EI mass spectrum, although rich in fragment ions, lacked a molecular ion. FAB and MS/MS experiments were undertaken in support of the structure in order to validate the EI spectrum as a reference mass spectrum. IR and Raman spectra are compared to show the complementary nature of their features and discussed in terms of principal group vibrations. NMR and vibrational data together with assignments are summarized in tabulated form for convenience of use. All these data are consistent with the structure of fluconazole.

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1. Control and P4502D6-transfected human B-lymphoblastoid cell lines (cHol and h2D6v2 respectively) were used to study 2D6-mediated metabolism of methoxyphenamine (MPA) and 2-methoxyamphetamine (2MA). The main metabolites were products of O-dealkylation and aromatic hydroxylation at the 5-position. In addition, N-desmethyl-methoxyphenamine (NDMP) was also identified as a minor metabolite of MPA in extracts of these cells, confirming previous reports of 2D6-mediated N-demethylation of MPA. 2. An additional ring-hydroxylated metabolite of MPA and 2MA has been tentatively identified as the corresponding 3-hydroxy-2-methoxy derivative. 3. MPA metabolism in whole cells was time dependent, with approximately 30% of the MPA metabolized after 72 h. A 35% conversion of MPA was achieved on average with cell lysates. Only 18% 2MA was metabolized. By contrast, control cells (cHol) showed no evidence of any MPA or 2MA metabolites even after 96-h incubation. 4. Continuous presence of haemin/dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) throughout the 4-day incubation with MPA resulted in a shift in the metabolite profile towards the production of NDMP at the expense of the other products. 5. In summary, h2D6v2 cells, lysates and microsomes can form all metabolites of MPA and can be used in drug interaction studies.

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(i) The urinary elimination of methoxyphenamine (MPA) and its metabolites in underivatized samples was examined after single and multiple oral administration to pregnant and non-pregnant mice by GLC and GLC-MS. (ii) The major metabolite O-desmethylmethoxyphenamine (ODMP), along with lesser amounts of N-desmethylmethoxyphenamine (NDMP) and 2-hydroxyamphetamine (2OH), were the only metabolites detected in urine extracts of pregnant and non-pregnant mice. 5-Hydroxymethoxyphenamine (5HMP) was not detected. Enzyme hydrolysis did not increase the recovery of either substrate or metabolites in either the pregnant or non-pregnant animals. The results show that MPA metabolism in the Swiss-Webster mouse is distinctly different from that seen in man and other laboratory animals. (iii) The mean MPA:ODMP ratio in day-6 urine from pregnant mice after a single dose was 0.31 +/- 0.04. The NDMP:ODMP ratios were less than 0.10 in all samples. Non-pregnant mice urine had equivalent amounts of MPA, NDMP, ODMP, and 2OH after multiple dosing. (iv) While multiple dosing and pregnancy did not alter either the urinary recovery or profile of the metabolites detected, there was a linear decrease in the MPA:ODMP ratio during gestation. (v) MPA was extensively metabolized to ODMP in the male mice, and the MPA:ODMP ratio of 0.41 was slightly higher than that observed in the pregnant and non-pregnant females.

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Oxidation, cleavage and degradation of the imidazole and piperazine rings, O-dealkylation, and aromatic hydroxylation are the reported pathways of ketoconazole (KC) metabolism. Metabolites were examined in hepatic extracts from male Swiss Webster mice treated with KC (350 mg kg-1 po x 7 days) in a 0.25% gum tragacanth suspension at 10 ml kg-1. Livers were collected 24 h after the last dose and stored at -70 degrees C. A mixture of chloroform/methanol extracts of liver homogenates were dried under vacuum and methanol extracts of the residue were chromatographed by a series of preparative and analytical HPLC techniques. Structure assignments were made by NMR and MS/MS techniques. It was demonstrated that KC was biotransformed to a number of products. Nine were isolated and seven identified as exclusive products of the biotransformation of the 1-acetylpiperazine moiety of KC. This substituent was biotransformed to the following: piperazine (de-N-acetyl ketoconazole, DAKC), N-carbamylpiperazine, N-formylpiperazine, 2,3-piperazinedione, 2-formamidoethylamine, ethylenediamine and amine. The 1H-NMR and MS data suggested that the remaining two metabolites were products resulting from the oxidation of the imidazole ring.

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Dynorphin A-(1-13)-Tyr-Leu-Phe-Asn-Gly-Pro (Dyn Ia) was previously shown to be a highly potent and selective kappa opioid peptide. Four analogs of Dyn Ia are synthesized by the solid-phase procedure, introducing pseudo CH2NH linkage between positions 6 and 7 as follows: analog 1, [6 psi 7 (CH2NH)]Dyn Ia; analog 2, [6 psi 7 (CH2NH), D-Leu8]Dyn Ia; analog 3, [N(Me)-Tyr1, 6 psi 7 (CH2NH)]Dyn Ia; and analog 4, [N(Me)-Tyr1, 6 psi 7 (CH2NH), D-Leu8]Dyn Ia. The purified peptides are compared in vitro with Dyn Ia for their ability to compete with the binding of selective kappa, mu, and delta opioid ligands using membrane preparations of guinea pig cerebellum (kappa) and rat brain (mu and delta). The synthetic compounds are also compared in vivo in mice (intracerebroventricularly administered) for their analgesic activity against acetic acid induced writhing and their ability to produce motor dysfunction. All compounds display a high affinity (Ki = 0.5-1.8 nM) and a good selectivity for the kappa opioid receptor, and their rank order of potency on the kappa site (analog 2 > analog 1 > analog 3 > analog 4) closely parallels their potency (AD50 = 1.57-5 nmol/mouse) in inhibiting acetic acid induced writhing in mice (analog 2 > analog 1 > analog 4 > analog 3). On the other hand, all the synthetic analogs are less potent than Dyn Ia in producing motor effects, analog 2 being the least potent (CD50 = 15.4 nM as compared with 2.9 nM for Dyn Ia).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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The influence of the sampling chamber dimensions upon particle size estimation by cascade impaction has been investigated and compared with measurements by the twin impinger. Aerosols of salbutamol and disodium fluorescein (DF) were generated from pressurized metered dose inhalers. The mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) by the Andersen Impactor for salbutamol ranged from 2.0 to 2.8 microns with geometric standard deviations (g.s.d.) of 1.7 to 2.4. These observations were independent of the distance travelled to the first impaction surface of the impactor and volume of the sampling chamber. The DF MMAD ranged from 5.0 to 6.9 microns with g.s.d. values of 1.7 to 1.8. Changes in droplet size within the sampling chamber may cause significant differences in particle size estimates as indicated by the cascade impaction data for DF. The respirable fraction of the salbutamol samples was similar whether determined by impaction or using the impinger. The latter device has previously been indicated to give clinically relevant estimates of respirable fraction for commercial inhalation aerosol devices.

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Liquid chromatographic methods for the determination of albuterol (salbutamol), albuterol sulphate and related compounds in drug raw materials, tablets and inhalers are described. The methods resolve five known related compounds from the drug and, in the case of inhalers, several compounds not related to the drug. Two of these were identified as 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol, a common antioxidant, and 2,2'-methylene bis(6-t-butyl-4-methylphenol). Related compounds are detectable at levels of about 0.03%. Eleven albuterol and 12 albuterol sulphate raw materials and eight tablet formulations were found to contain related compounds ranging from 0.03 to 0.54%, 0.09 to 0.50% and 0.32 to 0.95%, respectively. Non-drug compounds in three inhaler samples ranged from 4.6 to 12% of the drug delivered through the valve. Some of the non-drug compounds may be excipients.

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A photon correlation spectroscopy method has been developed to characterize the size distribution of fat globules in intravenous fat emulsions (IFE) in terms of mean diameter, standard deviation of the distribution, and percentage of large particles outside the distribution. Mean fat globule diameters of samples of all IFE products available in Canada were about 0.3 microns, similar to values reported in the literature. The methodology is sufficiently sensitive to detect the presence of 5% by weight of 2 microns polystyrene microspheres in an intravenous fat emulsion. The effect of changes in instrument settings and variables on the results has been evaluated.

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The method provides for the resolution of trans-diltiazem and seven known and several unknown related compounds from diltiazem HCl. Minimum detectable amounts were less than 0.1%, except for an intermediate which originates early in the synthetic process, for which the sensitivity is approximately 2%. The relative standard deviation of the assay procedure is 0.15%. Total related compounds in four bulk drug and four tablet samples were less than 0.25%. The specific rotation of four samples of diltiazem HCl analyzed in duplicate was between +112 and +114 degrees. The UV absorption spectra of all compounds exhibited two maxima, one between 203 and 213 nm and the other between 230 and 244 nm.

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A titrimetric method, suitable for use at a limit of 5 mEq/L, has been developed for the determination of total nonesterified fatty acids in intravenous fat emulsion preparations. The method differentiates titrant consumed by the nonesterified fatty acids from that consumed by egg yolk phospholipids, usually present as an emulsifying agent. The total nonesterified fatty acids in 8 products from 4 manufacturers were in the range from 0.4 to 3.8 mEq/L. The mean standard deviation of the method is 0.09 mEq/L.

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