Pharmacokinetics and excretion of unique beta-adrenergic agonists

beta-Adrenergic agonist analogs (congeners) of isoproterenol in which the N-isopropyl group has been linked to a p-methyl- (119) or p-trifluoromethyl- (143) anilide moiety through a four carbon methylene spacer have been investigated with respect to their plasma pharmacokinetic profiles and biliary and urinary elimination characteristics in rats. In spite of the differences in selectivity of pharmacologic effects and durations of action between these unique beta-adrenergic agonists and isoproterenol, no differences were observed in their pharmacokinetic parameters in plasma after intravenous administration. Plasma clearances were rapid (67-78 ml/min) and the compounds were widely distributed. In contrast to the known elimination characteristics of isoproterenol, biliary excretion was the major pathway for elimination of 119 and 143. Parent drug and 'one' major metabolite peak appeared in HPLC chromatograms of bile collected from rats that received 119 and 143 by intravenous administration. Preliminary evidence suggests that this metabolite peak consists of one or more glucuronide and/or sulfate conjugates. Urinary excretion appears to be of lesser quantitative importance for 119 and 143 than for isoproterenol. The protracted duration of residence of the derivatives in the heart may help to explain the unusual effects and tissue-specific pharmacological properties of these unique beta-adrenergic agonists.