In vitro uptake of SCH 27899 (evernimicin) by rat alveolar macrophages

S Zbaida1, J Brieland, P Krieter

  • 1Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Schering-Plough Research Institute, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033-1300, USA. shmuel.zbaida@spcorp.com

Insights

[(14)C]evernimicin uptake was studied in rat cells. Alveolar macrophages showed higher drug absorption than hepatocytes, suggesting the antibiotic can reach infection sites.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Cell Biology
  • Drug Metabolism

Background:

  • Evernimicin is an antibiotic with potential therapeutic applications.
  • Understanding drug uptake is crucial for determining efficacy and distribution.
  • Alveolar macrophages and hepatocytes are key cell types involved in drug disposition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro uptake of [(14)C]evernimicin by primary cultures of rat alveolar macrophages and hepatocytes.
  • To compare the rates of [(14)C]evernimicin uptake between these two cell types.

Main Methods:

  • Primary cultures of rat alveolar macrophages and hepatocytes were established.
  • The in vitro uptake of radiolabeled [(14)C]evernimicin ([(14)C]SCH 27899) was measured in both cell populations.
  • Uptake rates were analyzed to determine linearity and compare initial rates.

Main Results:

  • Both alveolar macrophages and hepatocytes exhibited linear rates of [(14)C]evernimicin uptake over time.
  • The initial rate of [(14)C]evernimicin uptake by alveolar macrophages was approximately threefold higher compared to hepatocytes.
  • These findings indicate significant cellular absorption of the drug by macrophages.

Conclusions:

  • [(14)C]evernimicin is effectively taken up by rat alveolar macrophages in vitro.
  • The higher uptake rate in macrophages supports the potential for evernimicin to reach infection sites, particularly those involving macrophage-rich tissues.
  • This cellular uptake characteristic is a positive indicator for the in vivo efficacy of evernimicin.

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