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A novel approach using smoothing cubic splines and point-area deconvolution to estimate the absorption kinetics of linear systems has been investigated. A smoothing cubic spline is employed as an interpolation function since it is superior to polynomials and other functions commonly used for representation of empirical data in several aspects. An advantage of the method is that results obtained from the same data set will be more consistent, irrespective of who runs the program or how many times you run it. In addition, no initial estimates are needed to run the program. The same sampling time or equally spaced measurement of unit impulse response and response of interest is not required. The method is compared with another method by using simulated data containing various degrees of random noise.

This research explored quantitative relationships (QSPKR) between different molecular descriptors and pertinent, systemic PK properties for 14 calcium channel blockers (CCB). Physicochemical properties (PC) such as molecular weight (MW), molar volume (MV), calculated logP (clogP), pKa, calculated logD7.4 (clogD), % ionized at pH 6.3 and pH 7.4, hydrogen bond donors (HBD), hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA), and number of rotatable bonds (nRot) were chosen as possible predictor variables for systemic PK properties for CCB, obtained from pertinent literature, assessing the PK of CCB after intravenous administration to healthy humans. All PC properties and molecular descriptors were computed using ACD-solubility/DB 12.01. Total body clearance (CLtot), steady-state volume of distribution (Vdss), total area under the plasma concentration-time profile (AUCoo), terminal half-life (t1/2), and fraction of drug excreted unchanged in urine (fe), if available, were obtained or derived from original references, exclusively from IV studies that administered CCB to healthy human volunteers. Several articles focused on drug interactions with grapefruit juice or the impact of renal/hepatic dysfunction, and in such cases, data from the healthy control group were used. Each study was evaluated for study design, PK sampling schedule, bioanalytical and PK analysis methods before inclusion into the final database. The assumption of linear systemic PK was verified by assessing AUCoo versus (IV) dose. Plasma protein binding information was collected from in-vitro experiments to obtain the fraction unbound in plasma (fu). Unbound volume of distribution at a steady state (Vdssu), unbound total (CLtotu), renal (CLrenu), and non-renal clearance (CLnonrenu) were estimated and compared with the relevant physiological references for Vdssu (plasma volume, blood volume, extracellular and intracellular spaces, total body water and body weight) and for the unbound clearances (liver blood flow, renal plasma flow, and glomerular filtration rate, GFR). Final PK property values were obtained by averaging across available studies. The distribution of both PC and PK properties were evaluated, and correlation matrices amongst PC properties were constructed to assess for collinearity. If two PC descriptors were found to be collinear, i.e. r, ≥ 0.8, only one of them was used in the final univariate analysis. Finally, univariate linear regression of all PK variables versus each molecular descriptor was performed; any relationship with p<0.05 and r2≥0.30 was considered to be statistically significant. The PC properties of the final 14 CCB were reasonably normally distributed with few exceptions. Overall, CCBs are small (MW range of 316-496 Da), basic and lipophilic (logD7.4 range of 1.5-5.1) molecules. On the other hand, for the PK properties, the distributions were found to be skewed with high standard deviations. Thus, all PK variables (except fu) were log-transformed. Although CCB are mostly highly plasma protein bound (fu range of 0.2-20%), they are characterized by extensive extravascular tissue distribution (Vdss range of 0.6-20.4 l/kg) and high, mainly metabolic, clearance (CLtot range of 3.7-131.7 ml/min/kg). Clevidipine is the only CCB undergoing extensive, extra-hepatic ester hydrolysis, responsible for the highest CLtot value. Urinary excretion for CCB is negligible. Amlodipine is a PK outlier due to its high Vdss (20.4 l/kg) and low CLtot (6.9 ml/min/kg, due to low hepatic extraction) with fu of 2%. Therefore, the final QSPKR analysis was performed including, as well as excluding amlodipine. Excluding amlodipine, the relationship between fu and logD7.4 was negative and significant (r2 of 0.4, n=12). The relationships between CLtotu, CLnonrenu and CLrenu and logD7.4 were found to be positive and significant (r2 between 0.6-0.7, n=3-12); none of the other PC variables affected any of the clearance terms. Although the relationship between Vdssu and logD7.4 was not significant (r2 of 0.25, n=12), it showed the expected positive slope. In fact, after removing bepridil (the remaining outlier in Vdssu), the relationship with logD7.4 became statistically significant (r2=0.46, n=11). The QSPKR obtained in this study for CCB, with logD7.4 being the main PC determinant for systemic PK properties, were similar to those previously reported for opioids, β-adrenergic receptor ligands and benzodiazepines. However, slope estimates for the relationships of CLnonrenu and CLtotu as a function of logD7.4 for CCB were higher compared to these previously studied compounds, which showed higher sensitivity, most likely as a result of their higher lipophilicity. Overall, lipophilicity measured as logD7.4 was found to be a statistically significant and plausible PC determinant for the biologically relevant systemic PK properties for CCB and other classes of drugs.

The goal of this study was to determine safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of 2ME2 in patients with solid tumors and determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD). The following hypotheses were tested: 1) 2ME2 will be well tolerated in clinic when given orally and will have quantifiable effects on the ex vivo markers of angiogenesis and apoptosis; 2) 2ME2 will exhibit linear pharmacokinetics; 3) Plasma protein binding will be extensive and linear; 4) Sulfation will be the major metabolic pathway for 2ME2.This was a phase I dose escalation study. Twenty patients with refractory solid tumors were enrolled. 2ME2 was administered orally starting at 400 mg bid with dose escalation upto 3000 mg bid. Pharmacokinetic sampling was done up to 50 hours after single oral dose for characterization of pharmacokinetics and plasma drug concentrations which were determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry [LC/MS/MS, LOQ: 1ng/mL]. Circulating plasma concentrations were very low at all dose levels with high interindividual pharmacokinetic variability. Median plasma half-life was about 1-2 days. The unphysiologically high oral CL/F and Vd/F reflect low oral bioavailability of 2ME2. There was no dose proportional increase in Cmax or AUClast. There were no dose limiting toxicities at highest dose level, therefore MTD was not defined. The trial was closed due to extremely low plasma concentrations of 2ME2 achieved. Hepatic in vitro metabolism studies showed that 2ME2 was metabolized by CYP 450 enzymes (CYP 1A1, 1A2, 3A4, 3A5 and 2E1) to four major metabolites. Hepatic phase II metabolism studies revealed two major glucuronide metabolites of 2ME2. Sulfation did not play a major role in metabolism of 2ME2. Total in-vivo hepatic clearance was estimated as 862 mL/min, primarily due to glucuronidation. Less than 0.01 % of total administered dose of 2ME2 was excreted unchanged in urine, and about 1% was excreted as glucuronides. Plasma protein binding of 2ME2 was studied using equilibrium dialysis. Mean unbound fraction of 2ME2 (fu) in plasma of patients and healthy human volunteers was 0.019 ± 0.0043 and 0.027 ± 0.0019 respectively. Binding was concentration-independent and unaffected by presence of 2-methoxyestrone. 2ME2 binds to albumin, a1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG).

Master of Science / Department of Clinical Sciences / Elizabeth Davis / The first aim of the current study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of oral meloxicam tablets and the gastrointestinal and renal effects after a 14-day treatment period. Meloxicam was orally administered to six adult horses once daily at a dosage of 0.6 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. Blood was collected prior to each administration and at 20 and 40 min, and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after administration on days 1, 7, and 14 for the determination of meloxicam plasma concentrations by mass spectrometry. In addition, trough samples were taken on days 3 and 10. Complete blood count, serum biochemical analysis, urinalysis, and gastroscopy were performed at baseline and conclusion of the investigation. Complete blood count, serum chemistry, and urinalysis results were unchanged through the study period. Gastroscopy scores were not significantly increased. The Cmax was 1.82 ± 0.80 µg/mL at Tmax 3.48 ± 3.30 hr on day 1, 2.07 ± 0.94 µg/mL at Tmax 1.24 ± 1.24 hr on day 7, and 1.81 ± 0.76 µg/mL at 1.93 ± 1.30 h on day 14 (p = 0.30). The mean half-life was 4.99 ± 1.11 h. The second aim of the study was to compare the analgesic effects and gastrointestinal and renal adverse effects of oral meloxicam tablets (0.6 mg/kg) to oral phenylbutazone tablets (4.4 mg/kg) orally once daily for 4 days in induced and naturally occurring lameness in adult horses. The study was performed on 4 healthy but lame adult horses. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, and gastroscopy were performed prior to entrance to the study. Lameness was exacerbated in two horses using lipopolysaccharide (LPS; E. coli O55:B5) injected into the right metacarpophalangeal joint. The remaining two horses had Grade 3 or Grade 4 lameness due to naturally occurring laminitis. Meloxicam or phenylbutazone was administered to two horses each in a blinded, randomized manner once daily for four days. Lameness was evaluated using a pressure mat system and contact pressure, force, and stride length were evaluated at baseline and twice daily. Complete blood count, serum chemistry, and urinalysis were unremarkable for all four horses except one horse with an increased GGT. This horse experienced hepatic rupture secondary to amyloidosis the final day of the study. Gastric ulcer scores did not change during the study period. Phenylbutazone administration resulted in a greater response (force and contact area) in the right front and left hind limbs compared to meloxicam administration. There were not enough data points to evaluate the other two limbs. A third aim of the study was two-fold and first evaluated the effects of ex vivo stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with LPS on cyclooxygenase (COX) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. The second portion documented the effects of LPS-induced joint inflammation and treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the mRNA and protein expression of COX-2 in PBMCs. The results indicate that LPS upregulates COX-2 gene expression in PBMCs. Additionally, injection of LPS into the metacarpophalangeal joint increases both COX-2 mRNA and protein expression in PBMCs at 24 hours after injection. The relative expression of COX-2 after treatment with meloxicam or phenylbutazone indicates a stronger inhibition with phenylbutazone; however, further study with additional horses is needed. Pharmacokinetic analysis of the oral tablet formulation of meloxicam indicates the pharmacokinetics are similar to the oral suspension formulation. Meloxicam appears to be inferior to phenylbutazone in its analgesic properties for induced lameness and naturally occurring laminitis, however the small sample size used in the study makes interpretation difficult.

Master of Science / Department of Clinical Sciences / James K. Roush / Hydrocodone and tramadol are opioid analgesics. No studies have been performed to evaluate the clinical efficacy or pharmacokinetics of hydrocodone/acetaminophen and tramadol in a heterogenous population of dogs. The efficacy of tramadol in dogs has been questioned based on previous pharmacokinetic data. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the analgesic effects of hydrocodone/acetaminophen and tramadol measured by a success/failure model and to determine the pharmacokinetic profile of each drug following the second oral drug dose administration. Fifty client-owned dogs presenting for routine tibial plateau leveling osteotomy were randomized to receive either oral hydrocodone/acetaminophen or tramadol in the postoperative period. A blinded investigator using a modified Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale scored each animal. Treatment failures were recorded and compared statistically for differences between the two groups. Blood sampling for pharmacokinetic analysis was initiated after the second oral dose. Mean [plus or minus] SE dose of hydrocodone/acetaminophen administered was 0.5 [plus or minus] 0.04 mg/kg and 16.6 [plus or minus] 1.41 mg/kg for hydrocodone and acetaminophen, respectively. Mean [plus or minus] SE dose of tramadol administered was 5.91[plus or minus] 0.61 mg/kg. The terminal half life, maximal serum concentration (Cmax) and time to maximal serum concentration (Tmax) for tramadol were approximately 1.56 hours, 155.6 ng/mL and 3.90 hours, respectively. Plasma concentrations of the active metabolite O-desmethyltramadol (M1) were low. For hydrocodone, the Cmax and Tmax were approximately 7.90 ng/mL and 3.47 hours, respectively. Plasma concentrations of hydromorphone were low after oral hydrocodone administration. Eighteen of 48 (37.5%) dogs required additional rescue analgesic therapy. This included 10 dogs in hydrocodone group and 8 dogs in the tramadol group (p=0.628). In a group of postoperative patients, no difference in pain scoring could be detected in hydrocodone/acetaminophen and tramadol groups. The pharmacokinetics of tramadol and metabolites were similar to previous studies. Wide variations existed in tramadol drug concentrations and the effects of tramadol are likely independent of the μ-opioid receptor. There is poor metabolism of hydrocodone to hydromorphone in dogs, however, efficacy may be achieved through hydrocodone. The analgesic efficacy of tramadol, 5-7 mg/kg PO q 8 h, and hydrocodone, 0.5 mg/kg PO q 8 h, should be assessed further prior to widespread use in canine postoperative patients.

The increase of multi-resistant bacteria highlights that the golden era of antibiotics is ending and that alternative treatmentsare urgently needed. Phages have been historically used to treat bacterial infections prior to the discovery of antibiotics and have gained renewed interest in the past decade. Despite the advantages of phage therapy over traditional antibiotic usage, a number of concerns persist over their clinical application centring on their efficacy and safety. This thesis presents four papers that focus on the isolation and characterization of phages that target reference strains and drug-resistant strains of E. coli as well as their infection dynamics and kinetics. In Paper I, six of thirty isolated phages were selected to be characterized for their growth parameters and host range using two commonly used methods. The study showed that the host range (an important selection criteria for phages) of the phages can change based on the assessment method and that the lysis efficiency of phages is host-dependent. The study suggests that standardised methods to assess the host range and lytic activity of phages are required to reduce result variability between research groups. Paper II investigated a rare phage with C3 morphotype from the Podoviridae family and characterised it via genomic, proteomic, morphologic and phylogenetic analysis. The study revealed previously unseen aspects including the formation of a honeycomb structure comprised of phage head during DNA packaging, the possible contractile nature of the tail and the 280 million year co-evolution between the major head protein and the scaffolding protein. Paper III highlights the need to take the immune system into consideration when designing phage therapeutics. In the study, four purified structurally distinct phages (selected from the three main phage families) were exposed to human cells (HT-29 and Caco-2 immortalised intestinal epithelial cell lines and donor-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells) and the immunogenicity of the phages determined. Phage immunogenicity was shown to vary in a concentration and phage dependent manner with SU63 (a Myoviridae) being the most immunogenic phage and SU32 (a Siphoviridae) the least immunogenic. In the presence of human cells and a suitable host, phages were shown to maintain their killing efficacy as well as the ability to proliferate. Paper IV studies the infection dynamics of an experimental two-phage cocktail against a single bacterial host in vitro and in silico. However, in silico analysis and in vitro analysis produced conflicting results, in which mathematical modelling predicted the complete clearance of bacteria for all treatment scenarios whereas experimental results showed a 1-3log10 reduction in bacterial content. Practical experiments also showed increased anti-bacterial activity when the time between the additions of each phage was varied. This discrepancy suggests that the current mathematical model is unsuitable due to the inability to account for discrete variables such as interference. / <p>At the time of the doctoral defense, the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 3: Manuscript. Paper 4: Manuscript.</p><p> </p>

<p>The work presented in this dissertation is focused on applying engineering methods to develop and explore probabilistic survival models for the prediction of decompression sickness in US NAVY divers. Mathematical modeling, computational model development, and numerical optimization techniques were employed to formulate and evaluate the predictive quality of models fitted to empirical data. In Chapters 1 and 2 we present general background information relevant to the development of probabilistic models applied to predicting the incidence of decompression sickness. The remainder of the dissertation introduces techniques developed in an effort to improve the predictive quality of probabilistic decompression models and to reduce the difficulty of model parameter optimization.</p><p>The first project explored seventeen variations of the hazard function using a well-perfused parallel compartment model. Models were parametrically optimized using the maximum likelihood technique. Model performance was evaluated using both classical statistical methods and model selection techniques based on information theory. Optimized model parameters were overall similar to those of previously published Results indicated that a novel hazard function definition that included both ambient pressure scaling and individually fitted compartment exponent scaling terms. </p><p>We developed ten pharmacokinetic compartmental models that included explicit delay mechanics to determine if predictive quality could be improved through the inclusion of material transfer lags. A fitted discrete delay parameter augmented the inflow to the compartment systems from the environment. Based on the observation that symptoms are often reported after risk accumulation begins for many of our models, we hypothesized that the inclusion of delays might improve correlation between the model predictions and observed data. Model selection techniques identified two models as having the best overall performance, but comparison to the best performing model without delay and model selection using our best identified no delay pharmacokinetic model both indicated that the delay mechanism was not statistically justified and did not substantially improve model predictions.</p><p>Our final investigation explored parameter bounding techniques to identify parameter regions for which statistical model failure will not occur. When a model predicts a no probability of a diver experiencing decompression sickness for an exposure that is known to produce symptoms, statistical model failure occurs. Using a metric related to the instantaneous risk, we successfully identify regions where model failure will not occur and identify the boundaries of the region using a root bounding technique. Several models are used to demonstrate the techniques, which may be employed to reduce the difficulty of model optimization for future investigations.</p> / Dissertation

A venlafaxina é um fármaco usado no tratamento da depressão e dos transtornos de ansiedade generalizada. É disponível na clínica na forma de mistura racêmica dos enantiômeros S-(+) e R-(-) em formulação de liberação controlada. O enantiômero S-(+) inibe a recaptação da serotonina, enquanto o enantiômero R-(-) inibe a recaptação da serotonina e da norepinefrina. A venlafaxina é biotransformada pelo CYP2D6 e CYP2C19 em seu principal metabólito, O-desmetilvenlafaxina, o qual apresenta atividade farmacológica semelhante à venlafaxina. Outros metabólitos da venlafaxina, dependentes do CYP3A4, incluem a N-desmetilvenlafaxina e a N,O-di-desmetilvenlafaxina. A absorção e a distribuição da venlafaxina são moduladas pela ação da glicoproteina-P. O nifedipino, um fármaco da classe dos inibidores dos canais de cálcio, é descrito como inibidor da glicoproteina-P. O presente estudo investiga a influência do nifedipino na disposição cinética e no metabolismo da venlafaxina em voluntários sadios caracterizados como portadores de atividade normal do CYP3A (omeprazol como fármaco marcador) e fenotipados como metabolizadores rápidos do CYP2C19 (omeprazol como fármaco marcador) e do CYP2D6 (metoprolol como fármaco marcador). Os voluntários investigados receberam, em estudo cruzado e randomizado, dose única oral de 150 mg de venlafaxina racêmica (Fase 1) e 40 mg de nifedipino associada com dose única oral de 150 mg de venlafaxina racêmica (Fase 2). Foram coletadas amostras seriadas de sangue até 72 horas após a administração dos fármacos para o estudo farmacocinético. As concentrações plasmáticas dos enantiômeros da venlafaxina e de seus metabólitos foram determinadas por LC-MS/MS utilizando a coluna Chirobiotic V com fase móvel constituída de mistura de metanol: solução aquosa de acetato de amônio 15 mmol/L pH 6,0 (80:20, v/v). A farmacocinética da venlafaxina mostrou-se enantiosseletiva com acúmulo plasmático (AUC 526,0 vs 195,7 ng.h/mL) e menores valores de clearance (Cl/f 142,67 vs 408,01 L/h) para o enantiômero S-(+). A disposição cinética do metabólito ativo O-desmetilvenlafaxina apresentou enantiosseletividade apenas no parâmetro concentração plasmática máxima com observação de maiores valores para o enantiômero R-(-) (Cmax 69,33 vs 56,94 ng/mL). A disposição cinética da N,O-di-desmetilvenlafaxina também mostrou-se enantiosseletiva apenas para o parâmetro concentração plasmática máxima, mas com observação de maiores valores para o enantiômero S-(+) (Cmax 7,08 vs 4,61 ng/mL). A administração de dose única oral de 40 mg de nifedipino não alterou a farmacocinética de ambos os enantiômeros da venlafaxina e de seus metabólitos O-desmetilvenlafaxina e N,O-di-desmetilvenlafaxina, seja utilizando teste estatístico não paramétrico (teste de Wilcoxon para dados pareados, p < 0,05), seja avaliando o IC 90% das razões das médias geométricas de AUC e Cmax (Fase 2/Fase 1). Os dados obtidos evidenciam que o nifedipino na dose de 40 mg não age como um inibidor da P-gp / Venlafaxine is a drug used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorders. It is available in clinical practice in the form of a racemic mixture of S-(+) and R-(-) enantiomers, in controlled release formulation. The S-(+) enantiomer inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, while the R-(-) enantiomer inhibits the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Venlafaxine is biotransformed by CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 in its major metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine, which has similar pharmacological activity when compared to venlafaxine. Other metabolites of venlafaxine, dependent of CYP3A4, include N-desmethylvenlafaxine and N, O-di-desmethylvenlafaxine. The absorption and distribution of venlafaxine are modulated by the action of P-glycoprotein. Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker drug, is described as an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein. The present study investigates the influence of nifedipine on the kinetic disposition of venlafaxine enantiomers and its metabolites in healthy volunteers characterized as having normal activity of CYP3A (omeprazole as a probe drug) and phenotyped as rapid metabolizers of CYP2C19 (omeprazole as a probe drug) and CYP2D6 (metoprolol as a probe drug). The enrolled volunteers received, in a randomized, two-way study, a single 150 mg oral dose of racemic venlafaxine (Phase 1) and 40 mg oral dose of nifedipine associated with a single 150 mg oral dose of racemic venlafaxine (Phase 2). Serial blood samples were collected until 72 hours after drug administration to the pharmacokinetic study. Plasma concentrations of venlafaxine enantiomers and its metabolites were determined by LC-MS/MS using a Chirobiotic V column and a mobile phase constituted of methanol: aqueous 15 mmol/L ammonium acetate solution pH 6.0 (80:20, v/v). The venlafaxine pharmacokinetics is enantioselective with plasma accumulation (AUC 526.0 vs 195.7 ng h/mL) and lower clearance values (CL/f 142.67 vs 408.01 L/h) for the S-(+) enantiomer. The kinetic disposition of the active metabolite O-desmethylvenlafaxine exhibits enantioselectivity only in the maximum plasma concentration parameter with higher values for the R-(-) enantiomer (Cmax 69.33 vs 56.94 ng/mL). The kinetic disposition of N,O-di-desmethylvenlafaxine is also enantioselective only for the maximum plasma concentration parameter, but with higher values for the S-(+) enantiomer (Cmax 7.08 vs 4.61 ng/ml). Administration of a 40 mg single oral dose of nifedipine do not alter the pharmacokinetics of both enantiomers of venlafaxine and its metabolites O-desmethylvenlafaxine and N,O-di-desmethylvenlafaxine, using non-parametric statistical test (Wilcoxon test for paired data, p <0.05), or evaluating the 90% CI of the AUC and Cmax geometric mean ratios (Phase 2/Phase 1). The obtained data show that nifedipine in a 40 mg oral dose does not act as a P-gp inhibitor.

O nebivolol, um fármaco com quatro centros quirais, está disponível na clínica como mistura racêmica dos isômeros d-nebivolol (SRRR) e l-nebivolol (RSSS). A atividade -adrenérgica do nebivolol reside no isômero d-nebivolol, enquanto o l-nebivolol promove a liberação de óxido nítrico das células endoteliais. O nebivolol é eliminado por metabolismo dependente do CYP2D6. O estudo avalia a farmacocinética e a relação farmacocinética-farmacodinâmica (PK-PD) dos isômeros do nebivolol em voluntários sadios. Foram investigados 15 voluntários sadios (10 homens e 5 mulheres) fenotipados com metoprolol como metabolizadores extensivos (EM, n=13) ou metabolizadores lentos para o CYP2D6 (PM, n=2). Os voluntários sadios foram tratados com dose única oral de 10 mg de nebivolol racêmico. As amostras seriadas de sangue foram coletadas até 48 h após a administração do fármaco. Os isômeros do nebivolol foram resolvidos na coluna Chirobiotic® V e analisados nas amostras de plasma empregando LC-MS/MS. Os parâmetros farmacocinéticos foram calculados por modelo bicompartimental com lag time, empregando o programa WinNonLin. A farmacodinâmica do nebivolol foi avaliada empregando como parâmetro a variação da frequência cardíaca entre os períodos final e anterior ao teste de esforço isométrico durante 2 min utilizando o handgrip a 30% da contratilidade voluntária máxima. A análise PK-PD relacionando o efeito na variação da frequência cardíaca induzida pelo exercício isométrico com as concentrações plasmáticas do isômero d-nebivolol foi avaliada empregando o modelo Emax sigmóide inibitório. A disposição cinética do nebivolol é enantiosseletiva nos voluntários sadios EM, com razões isoméricas de AUCl/ AUCd de 1,41. Os valores de concentração plasmática máxima (1,46 vs 0,79 ng/mL), área sob a curva concentração plasmática versus tempo (6,45 vs 3,99 ng.h/mL), clearance aparente (774,51 vs 1252,70 L/h) e volume de distribuição aparente (10936 vs 19082 L) mostram diferenças com significância estatística (Teste de Wilcoxon, p<0,05) entre os isômeros l-nebivolol e d-nebivolol para os voluntários sadios EM. A disposição cinética do nebivolol não é enantiosseletiva nos voluntários sadios PM investigados, com razões isoméricas de AUCl/AUCd de 0,93 e 0,98. Os valores de clearance aparente obtidos para os voluntários PM (87-350 vs 81-344 L/h, respectivamente para o l-nebivolol e d-nebivolol) são menores do que para os EM (775 vs 1253 L/h). O modelo Emax sigmóide inibitório descreveu a análise PK-PD relacionando o efeito na variação da frequência cardíaca induzida pelo exercício isométrico com as concentrações plasmáticas do isômero d-nebivolol em voluntários sadios EM com valores de Emax de 4,47 bpm (IC 95% 1,37-7,57) e de EC50 de 222,16 pg/mL (IC 95% 96,29-540,60 pg/mL). / Nebivolol is a drug with four chiral centers. It is administered in clinical practice as a racemic mixture of the isomers d-nebivolol (SRRR) and l-nebivolol (RSSS). The - blocking activity of nebivolol is attributed to d-nebivolol, whereas l-nebivolol promotes the release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells. Nebivolol is eliminated by metabolism dependent on CYP2D6. The present study evaluates the pharmacokinetic and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) of nebivolol isomers in healthy volunteers (10 men and 5 women) phenotyped with metoprolol as extensive metabolisers (EM, n=13) or poor metabolisers for CYP2D6. The healthy volunteers receveid a single oral dose of 10mg of racemic nebivolol. Serial blood samples were collected from 0 to 48 h after the administration of nebivolol. The isomers of nebivolol were analyzed by LC-MS-MS on a Chirobiotic® V column and the pharmacokinetic parameters (bicompartment model, micro, lag time, first order) were calculated by the software Winnonlin. The pharmacodynamic of nebivolol was evaluated using the variation of heart rate as parameter between the end and one minute before the handgrip exercise. Thus, the patients were oriented to conduct the isometric exercise with handgrip for 2 min at 30% of their maximum voluntary contractility. The PK-PD analysis relating the effect on the variation of heart rate induced by the isometric exercise and the plasma concentrations of the isomer d-nebivolol were evaluated using the Inhibitory effect sigmoid Emax model. The kinetic disposition of nebivolol is enantioselective on healthy volunteers EM, with isomeric ratios of AUCl/ AUCd of 0,93 e 0,98. The values of maximum plasma concentration (1,46 vs 0,79 ng/mL), area under the concentration time curve (6,45 vs 3,99 ng.h/mL), apparent clearance(774,51 vs 1252,70 L/h) and volume of distribution (10936 vs 19082 L) show statistically significant differences (p<0.05, Wilcoxon test) between the isomers l-nebivolol and d-nebivolol for the healthy volunteers EM. The kinetic disposition of nebivolol is not enantioselective on the healthy volunteers PM investigated, with isomeric ratios of AUCl/ AUCd of 1,07. The values of apparent clearance obtained for the volunteers pm (87-350 vs 81-344 L/h, respectively to l-nebivolol and d-nebivolol) are smaller than that for EM (775 vs 1253 L/h). The Inhibitory effect sigmoid Emax model described the PK-PD analysis described the effect on the variation of heart rate induced by handgrip isometric exercise with the plasma concentrations of the isomer d-nebivolol in healthy volunteers EM with Emax values of 4,47 bpm (IC 95% 1,37-7,57) and EC50 of 222,16 pg/mL (IC 95% 96,29-540,60 pg/mL).