[pt] A fibrose cística é uma doença genética causada por mutações no gene CFTR, que implica na alteração do transporte de íons pela membrana das células de diversos órgãos, aumentando a quantidade e viscosidade do muco, suor e secreções pancreáticas. A principal consequência são os danos pulmonares, caracterizados por frequentes infecções e insuficiência respiratória. Com isso, vários estudos vêm sendo desenvolvidos ao longo dos anos, com o intuito de descobrir fármacos que possam agir como moduladores do CFTR, melhorando a função pulmonar desses pacientes. O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de sintetizar derivados de 3-fenilindeno[1,2-d][1,2,3]triazol-8(3H)-ona, 3-fenil-3,4- di-hidro-9H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]quinolin-9-ona e 3-(1-fenil-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4- carbonil)quinolin-4(1H)-ona caracterizar a relação estrutura atividade desses compostos como potenciadores do CFTR. Para a síntese de 3-fenilindeno[1,2-d][1,2,3]triazol-8(3H)-ona inicialmente utilizou-se a 2 bromoacetofenona para, através do reagente de Gold produzido a partir do cloreto de cianurila, produzir a enaminona. A etapa chave de obtenção dos triazóis foi realizada através de uma reação de cicloadição entre as (E)-3-(dimetilamino)-1-(2-nitrofenil)prop-2-en-1-ona e aril azidas azido-benzeno, 1-azido-4-bromo-benzeno, 1-azido-4- nitrobenzeno e ácido 4-azido-benzóico. Foram obtidos quatro compostos com rendimentos entre 20 por cento e 50 por cento. Foram realizadas tentativas de ciclização intramolecular catalisada por paládio na presença de fosfinas, porém o produto esperado não foi obtido. Para a obtenção da 3-fenil-3,4-di-hidro-9H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]quinolin-9-ona obteve-se o intermediário (E)-3-(dimetilamino)-1-(2-nitrofenil)prop-2-en-1-ona, que através de uma reação de cicloadição com a azido-benzeno obteve-se o triazol com rendimento de 30 por cento. A proposta seria a redução do grupo nitro para amina, e posterior substituição da amina por azida, para fazer a arilação intramolecular do triazol via catálise fotoredox. Para a obtenção de 3-(1-fenil-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbonil)quinolin4(1H)-ona foram utilizados anilina e dietil etoximetilenomalonato como precursores para sintetizar 4-oxo-1,4-di-hidroquinolino-3-carboxilato de etilo, que foi obtida com rendimento de 50 por cento. Realizou-se uma reação de adição de alcino seguida da eliminação de etanol, para obter a 3-(1-fenil-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbonil)quinolin-4(1H)-ona com etiniltrimetilsilano e então realizar uma reação click com azidas. Todos os compostos obtidos foram caracterizados por RMN1H e RMN13C. / [en] Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which involves changing the transport of ions across the membrane of various organ cells, increasing the amount and viscosity of the mucus, sweat and pancreatic secretions. The main consequence is lung damage, characterized by frequent infections and respiratory failure. Several studies have been developed over the years with the intention of discovering drugs that can act as modulators of CFTR, improving the lung function of these patients. The present work aimed to synthesize derivatives of 3-phenylindeno[1,2-d [1,2,3]triazol-8(3H)-one, 3-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-9H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]quinolin-9-one and 3-(1-phenyl-1H1,2,3-triazole-4-carbonyl)quinolin-4(1H)-one to characterize the relationship structure of these compounds as enhancers of CFRT. For the synthesis of 3-phenylindeno[1,2-d][1,2,3]triazol-8(3H)-one, the 2-bromoacetophenone was initially used to produce the (E)-3-(dimethylamino) -1- (2-nitrophenyl) prop-2-en1-one through the Gold reagent obtained from the cyanuric chloride. The key step of obtaining the triazoles was accomplished by a cycloaddition reaction between the (E)-3-(dimethylamino)-1-(2-nitrophenyl) prop-2-en-1-one and the aryl azides azido-benzene, 1-azido-4-bromo-benzene, 1-azido-4-nitrobenzene and 4-azido benzoic acid. Four compounds in yields between 20 percent and 50 percent were obtained. Attempts were made for intramolecular cyclization catalyzed by palladium in the presence of phosphines, but the expected product was not obtained. To obtain 3- phenyl-3,4-dihydro-9H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]quinolin-9-one, first It was obtained the intermediate (E)-3- (dimethylamino)-1-(2-nitrophenyl) prop-2-en-1-one through cycloaddition reaction with the azido-benzene gave the triazole in 30 percent yield. The proposal would be the reduction of the nitro group to amine, and subsequent replacement of the amine with azide, to make the intramolecular arylation of triazole via photoredox catalysis. To obtain 3-(1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbonyl)quinolin-4(1H)-one, aniline and diethyl ethoxymethylene malonate were used as precursors to synthesize ethyl 4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline3-carboxylate, which was obtained in 50 percent yield. An addition reaction of alkyne followed by the elimination of ethanol was performed to obtain the 3-(1-phenyl1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbonyl)quinolin-4(1H)-one with ethynyltrimethylsilane and then carried out a click reaction with azides. All compounds obtained were characterized by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR.

As renewable energy plays an increasingly important role in the power system, the addition of PV systems to the distribution network has become a major trend in the current power system development. However, if a PV system with excessive capacity is added to the distribution network, voltage problems may occur in the system. Hence, it is important to determine the capacity of the PV system that can be added at the distribution system. The thesis aims to identify the major factors that affect the PV hosting capacity of distribution systems. The thesis studies various scenarios for the IEEE-123 test network PV system and evaluates the PV hosting capacity of the distribution system based on simulation tools including Matlab and Opendss software.

During repetitive stimulation of motor nerve terminals, mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake limits increases in free cytosolic [Ca2+] and helps ensure faithful neuromuscular transmission. Changes in cytosolic [Ca2+] and in mitochondrial [Ca2+] as well as changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (Psi m) were studied in mouse motor nerve terminals using Ca2+ sensitive indicator and potentiometric dyes, respectively. Trains of action potentials (APs) at 50 to 100 Hz produced a rapid increase in mitochondrial [Ca2+] followed by a plateau which usually continued beyond the end of stimulation. After stimulation, mitochondrial [Ca2+] decayed back to baseline over the course of tens of seconds to minutes. Increasing the Ca2+ load delivered to the terminal by increasing the number of stimuli (500-2000), increasing bath [Ca2+], or prolonging the AP with 3,4-diaminopyridine (3-4, DAP, 100 micromolar), prolonged the post-stimulation decay of mitochondrial [Ca2+] without increasing the amplitude of the plateau. Inhibiting openings of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore with cyclosporin A (5 micromolar) had no significant effect on the decay of mitochondrial [Ca2+]. Inhibition of the mitochondrial Na+-Ca2+ exchanger with CGP-37157 (50 micromolar) dramatically prolonged the post-stimulation decay of mitochondrial [Ca2+], reduced post-stimulation residual cytosolic [Ca2+], and reduced the amplitude of end-plate potentials evoked after the end of stimulation. Stimulation-induced mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake resulted in Psi m depolarizations that were small or undetectable at near-physiological temperatures (~30 degrees C). Their amplitude became larger at lower temperatures (~20 degrees C), or when AP duration was increased with 3,4-DAP (20 micromolar). Psi m depolarizations were inhibited by lowering bath [Ca2+] or by blocking P/Q-type Ca2+ channels with omega-agatoxin (0.3 micromolar). Partial inhibition of complex I of the electron transport chain (ETC) with rotenone (50 nM) increased the amplitude of stimulation-induced Psi m depolarizations. These findings suggest that: (1) Ca2+ extrusion from motor terminal mitochondria occurs primarily via the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger and helps sustain post-tetanic transmitter release, and (2) that the depolarization of Psi m that accompanies Ca2+ uptake is limited by accelerated proton extrusion via the ETC.

In the research reported in this dissertation, the concept of classic conjugate imaging, a non-tomographic nuclear medicine technique, is modified such that activity of a radiopharmaceutical distribution in the striata can be estimated. A mathematical model is developed that extended the application of classic conjugate imaging to estimation of two distinct and aligned activity distributions. Error analysis of the mathematical model is performed to characterize the accuracy of the model and to benchmark the limitations of the model. Phantom experiments are performed to demonstrate the practical application of the model and to evaluate its accuracy. A Monte Carlo simulation model of conjugate imaging of activity uptake in the striata of a primate is developed to evaluate the accuracy of the modified conjugate imaging technique as applied in the use of a dedicate conjugate imaging system. In addition, the simulation model is used to determine and characterize the shielding design of the small field of view gamma cameras comprising the dedicated conjugate imaging system. The application of scatter correction is investigated to address the downscatter of high-energy photon emissions into the photopeak window and the inclusion of scattered primary photons in the photopeak window. In this dissertation, it is shown that the modified conjugate imaging technique developed can be used to estimate accurately activity uptake in each of two distinct and aligned activity distributions. The accuracy of the technique is shown to be comparable to that of clinical quantitative SPECT. The modified conjugate imaging technique used with the dedicated conjugate imaging system may, therefore, be a viable quantitative nuclear medicine technique for activity estimation of radiopharmaceutical uptake in the striata of Parkinsonian and schizophrenic patients. The portability and low cost relative to SPECT systems make a dedicated conjugate imaging system advantageous for clinics with Parkinsonian and schizophrenic patients, who are unable to travel due to physical or mental limitation.

No description available.

P-glycoprotein (Pgp), which leads to multidrug resistance in tumour cells, is an ATP-dependent secretory drug efflux pump. In the intestine, as well as at specific other epithelial and endothelial sites, P-glycoprotein expression is localised to the apical membrane, consistent with secretory detoxifying and absorption limitation functions. The primary function of Pgp is to clear the membrane lipid bilayer of lipophilic drugs. Results from in vitro studies with human Caco-2 cells provide direct evidence for Pgp limiting drug absorption. Limitation has non-linear dependence of absorption on substrate (eg. vinblastine) concentration, increased absorption upon saturation of secretion and increased absorption upon inhibition of Pgp function, with modulators such as verapamil. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a known Pgp inhibitor (verapamil) and grapefruit juice components (naringenin, quercetin and bergamottin) on the transport of Rhodamine 123 across rat jejunum and to compare these results with those obtained in similar studies done in Caco-2 cells and in rat intestine (monodirectional). Verapamil, naringenin (442 µM, 662 µM and 884 µM), quercetin (73 µM, 183 µM and 292 µM) and bergamottin (12 µM, 30 µM and 48 µM) were evaluated as modulators of rhodamine 123 transport across rat jejunum using Sweetana-Grass diffusion cells. This study was done bidirectionally, with three cells measuring transport in the apical to basolateral direction (AP / BL) and three cells measuring transport in the basolateral to apical direction (BL / AP). The rate of transport was expressed as the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) and the extent of active transport was expressed by calculating the ratio of BL/AP to AP/BL. The BL-AP/AP-BL ratio calculated for Rhodamine 123 with no modulators added was 2.31. The known modulator verapamil decreased the BL-AP/AP-BL ratio to 1.52. This was statistically significant and inhibition of active transport was clearly demonstrated. All modulators inhibited active transport. Only naringenin 884 µM, quercetin 183 µM and bergamottin 30 µM did not show a statistically significant decrease in the BL-AP/AP-BL ratio. All three components of grapefruit juice showed inhibition of active transport and should have an effect on the bioavailability of the substrates of Pgp and other active transporters. The results obtained in this study are similar to the results found in Caco-2 cells, which suggests that Sweetana-Grass diffusion method can be used for diffusion studies. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Many orally administered drugs must overcome several barriers before reaching their target site. The first major obstacle to cross is the intestinal epithelium. Although lipophilic compounds may readily diffuse across the apical plasma membrane, their subsequent passage across the basolateral membrane and into blood is by no means guaranteed. Efflux proteins located at the apical membrane, which include P-glycoprotein (P-gp, MDR1) and Multidrug Resistance-associated Protein (MRP2), may drive compounds from inside the cell back into the intestinal lumen, preventing their absorption into the blood. Intestinal P-gp is localised to the villus tip enterocytes, i.e. the main site of absorption for orally administered compounds and in close proximity to the lumen. P-gp is therefore ideally positioned to limit the absorption of compounds by driving efflux back into the lumen. Drugs may also be modified by intracellular phase I and phase II metabolizing enzymes. This process may not only render the drug ineffective, but it may also produce metabolites that are themselves substrates for P-gp and/or MRP2. Drugs that reach the blood are then passed to the liver, where they are subjected to further metabolism and biliary excretion, often by a similar system of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters and enzymes to that present in the intestine. Thus a synergistic relationship exists between intestinal drug metabolizing enzymes and apical efflux transporters, a partnership that proves to be a critical determinant of oral bioavailability. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of selected methoxy flavonoids (3-methoxyflavone, 5-methoxyflavone, 6-methoxyflavone and 7- methoxyflavone) on the mean ratio of Rhodamine123 (Rho 123) transport across rat intestine (jejunum) and to investigate structure activity relationships (SAR) of the selected flavonoids with reference to inhibition of P-gp. Methods: 3-Methoxyflavone, 5- methoxyflavone, 6-methoxyflavone and 7-methoxyflavone were evaluated at a concentration of 10μM and 20μM as modulators of Rho 123 transport across rat jejunum. The Sweetana-Grass diffusion cells were used to determine the transport of Rho 123. Each modulator was studied bidirectionally with two cells measuring transport in the apical to basolateral direction (AP/BL) and two cells measuring transport in the basolateral to apical direction (BUAP). The rate of transport was expressed as the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp)and the extent of active transport was expressed by calculating the ratio of BUAP to AP/BL. Each modulators Papp ratio was then compared with that of the control. Results: 3-Methoxyflavone decreased the Papp ratio from 3.34 (control) to 1.66 (10μM) and 1.33 (20μM) and showed statistical significant differences. 7-Methoxyflavone decreased the Papp ratio to 1.94 (10μM) and 1.55 (20μM) but only showed a statistical significant difference at 10μM. 5- Methoxyflavone decreased the Papp ratio to 2.41 (10μM) and 1.71 (20μM) and 6- methoxyflavone decreased the Papp to 3.03 (10μM) and 2.49 (20μM). Both 5- and 6- methoxyflavone showed no statistical significant differences from the control. The structure activity relationships with reference to P-gp inhibition clearly indicated that the C3 and C7 positioning of the methoxy-group on the A ring played a major role in the inhibition of Rho 123 transport. Conclusion: All the selected modulators showed inhibition of Rho 123 transport across the jejunum. This should affect the bioavailability of the substrates of P-gp and other active transporters. In summary, this study describe the inhibitory interaction of selected flavonoids with P-gp. Structure activity relationships were identified describing the inhibitory potency of the flavonoids based on methoxy groups positioning. The inhibitory potency results were 3-methoxyflavone > 7- methoxyflavone > 5-methoxyflavone> 6-methoxyflavone / Thesis (M.Sc. (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Background: Multidrug resistance (MDR) is resistance of cancer cells to multiple classes of chemotherapeutic drugs that can be structurally unrelated. MDR involves altered membrane transport that results in a lower cell concentration of cytotoxic drugs which plays an important role during cancer treatment. P-glycoprotein (Pgp) is localised at the apical surface of epithelial cell in the intestine and it functions as a biological barrier by extruding toxic substances and xenobiotics out of cells (Lin, 2003:54). The ATP-binding-cassette superfamily is a rapidly growing group of membrane transport proteins and are involved in diverse physiological processes which include antigen presentation, drug efflux from cancer cells, bacterial nutrient uptake and cystic fibrosis (Germann, 1996:928; Kerr, 2002:47). A number of drugs have been identified which are able to reverse the effects of Pgp, multidrug resistance protein (MRPI) and their associated proteins on multidrug resistance. The first MDR modulators discovered and studied during clinical trials were associated with definite pharmacological actions, but the doses required to overcome MDR were associated with the occurrence of unacceptable side effects. As a consequence, more attention has been given to the development of modulators with proper potency, selectivity and pharmacokinetic characteristics that it can be used at a lower dose. Several novel MDR reversing agents (also known as chemosensitisers) are currently undergoing clinical evaluation for the treatment of resistant tumours (Teodori et al., 2002:385). Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of selected flavonoids (morin, galangin, kaempferol and quercetin) at two different concentrations (10 μM and 20 μM) on the transport of a known Pgp substrate, Rhodamine 123 (Rho 123) across rat intestine (jejunum) and to investigate structure activity relationships (SAR) of the selected flavonoids with reference to the inhibition of Pgp. Methods: Morin, galangin, kaempferol and quercetin were evaluated as potential modulators of Rho 123 transport, each at a concentration of 10 μM and 20 μM across rat jejunum using Sweetana-Grass diffusion cells. This study was done bidirectionally, with two cells measuring transport in the apical to basolateral direction (AP-BL) and two cells measuring transport in the basolateral to apical direction (BL-AP). The rate of transport was expressed as the apparent permeability coefficient (Pap,) and the extent of active transport was expressed by calculating the ratio of BL-AP to AP-BL. Results: The BL-AP to AP-BL ratio calculated for Rho 123 with no modulators added was 3.29. Morin decreased the BL-AP to AP-BL ratio to 1.88 at a concentration of 10 μM and to 1.49 at a concentration of 20 μM. Galangin decreased the BL-AP to AP-BL ratio to 1.60 at a concentration of 20 μM. These two flavonoids showed statistically significant results and inhibition of active transport were clearly demonstrated. However, the other flavonoids inhibited active transport of Rho 123 but according to statistical analysis, the results were not significantly different. The two different concentrations (10 μM and 20 μM) indicated that galangin, kaempferol and quercetin showed practically significant differences according to the effect sizes. Morin, however, did not show any practically significant differences at the different concentrations. Regarding .the SAR, it was shown by Boumendjel and co-workers (2002:512) that the presence of a 5-hydroxyl group and a 3-hydroxyl group as well as the C2-C3 double bond are required for high potency binding to the nucleotide binding domain (NBD) of Pgp. All the flavonoids tested had the above-mentioned characteristics. Conclusion: All the selected flavonoids showed inhibition of active transport of Rho 123 and should have an effect on the bioavailability of the substrates of Pgp and other active transporters. This study described the inhibitory interaction of selected flavonoids on Pgp activity. Practical significant differences between the same modulator at different concentrations were also observed. Structure activity relationships were identified describing the inhibitory potency of the flavonoids based on hydroxyl group positioning / Thesis (M.Sc. (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

The emergence of multidrug resistance is a serious medical problem that has significantly affected the treatment of tumor cells and infectious diseases. This multidrug resistance phenotype is mediated by the action of a large family of membrane proteins that act as active transporters or energy driven efflux pumps in both of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Most eukaryotic multidrug efflux pumps belong to the ATP binding cassette (ABC) family of transport proteins that include P-glycoprotein (P-gp1), Multidrug Resistance Associated Protein (MRP1), and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP). In prokaryotic cells, Lactococcus lactis LmrA, a homolog of P-gp1, mediates drug resistance to antibiotics and cytotoxic drugs. The transport function of these proteins is facilitated by the hydrolysis of ATP. However, the mechanism by which these proteins bind to, and are able to transport structurally dissimilar drugs across the cell membrane remains poorly understood. In this thesis we have attempted to characterize the interactions of various ABC transporters (MRP1, BCRP, and LmrA) with structurally diverse drugs, using a well characterized photoreactive drug analogue of Rhodamine 123, [125I] iodoaryl azido-rhodamine 123 (IAARh123). In the case of MRP1 interaction with Rhodamine 123, it was of interest to determine the nature of MRP1 drug interactions. In that study, our results show that CHAPS (1-[(3-cholamidopropyl) dimethylamino]-1-propansulfate) and Brij35 inhibited the photolabeling of MRP1 with IAARh123, and this interaction occurred outside the lipid bilayer. These results were unexpected in light of previous results with another ABC transporter which also binds to Rhodamine 123. Consequently, we show that non-toxic concentrations of CHAPS and Brij35 potentiate the toxicity of two MRP1 substrates, vincristine and etoposide (VP16). In the second chapter, we have used IAARh123 to demonstrate for the first time that the BCRP mediates drug resi

P-glycoprotein (Pgp), which leads to multidrug resistance in tumour cells, is an ATP-dependent secretory drug efflux pump. In the intestine, as well as at specific other epithelial and endothelial sites, P-glycoprotein expression is localised to the apical membrane, consistent with secretory detoxifying and absorption limitation functions. The primary function of Pgp is to clear the membrane lipid bilayer of lipophilic drugs. Results from in vitro studies with human Caco-2 cells provide direct evidence for Pgp limiting drug absorption. Limitation has non-linear dependence of absorption on substrate (eg. vinblastine) concentration, increased absorption upon saturation of secretion and increased absorption upon inhibition of Pgp function, with modulators such as verapamil. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a known Pgp inhibitor (verapamil) and grapefruit juice components (naringenin, quercetin and bergamottin) on the transport of Rhodamine 123 across rat jejunum and to compare these results with those obtained in similar studies done in Caco-2 cells and in rat intestine (monodirectional). Verapamil, naringenin (442 µM, 662 µM and 884 µM), quercetin (73 µM, 183 µM and 292 µM) and bergamottin (12 µM, 30 µM and 48 µM) were evaluated as modulators of rhodamine 123 transport across rat jejunum using Sweetana-Grass diffusion cells. This study was done bidirectionally, with three cells measuring transport in the apical to basolateral direction (AP / BL) and three cells measuring transport in the basolateral to apical direction (BL / AP). The rate of transport was expressed as the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) and the extent of active transport was expressed by calculating the ratio of BL/AP to AP/BL. The BL-AP/AP-BL ratio calculated for Rhodamine 123 with no modulators added was 2.31. The known modulator verapamil decreased the BL-AP/AP-BL ratio to 1.52. This was statistically significant and inhibition of active transport was clearly demonstrated. All modulators inhibited active transport. Only naringenin 884 µM, quercetin 183 µM and bergamottin 30 µM did not show a statistically significant decrease in the BL-AP/AP-BL ratio. All three components of grapefruit juice showed inhibition of active transport and should have an effect on the bioavailability of the substrates of Pgp and other active transporters. The results obtained in this study are similar to the results found in Caco-2 cells, which suggests that Sweetana-Grass diffusion method can be used for diffusion studies. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.