Investigation of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) as a pharmacokinetic model for cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) and Poicephalus parrots via comparison of the pharmacokinetics of a single intravenous injection of oxytetracycline hydrochloride

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) would serve as a pharmacokinetic animal model for two small companion parrots: cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) and Poicephalus parrots. Oxytetracycline (OTC) was the pharmacologic agent chosen for this study as it is eliminated primarily by renal glomerular filtration and undergoes minimal metabolism. A single intravenous injection of 20 mg/kg oxytetracycline hydrochloride was administered to the three study groups and blood samples were obtained at 5, 10, 15, and 30 min post-OTC injection as well as 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h post-OTC injection. Quantification of plasma OTC was accomplished using a standardized microbial inhibition assay. Naïve-pooled data (NPD) analysis of the plasma concentration-time profile of OTC best fit a two-compartment open model for all three avian species. Noncompartmental analysis of the mean data yielded the following parameters for quail, cockatiels and Poicephalus parrots respectively: lambda(z) = 3.14, 4.57, 3.71 h; AUC = 38.9, 42.7, 49.6 microg x h/mL; and Cl = 514, 468, 403 mL/h/kg. Based on the similarity of these pharmacokinetic parameters, it appears that quail could be used as a model species to predict the appropriate OTC dosing regimen for small psittacine birds. A bootstrap procedure was also applied to these sparse data sets for both compartmental and noncompartmental analysis. The bootstrap procedure allowed for the calculation of variability of parameters; however, the estimates of the parameters were very similar to those calculated using the NPD and the data mean values.

Pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic integration of orbifloxacin in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) following oral and intravenous administration

“…This study was targeted for birds that should not enter the food chain. Japanese quail, small granivorous gallinaceous birds, have been demonstrated to serve as a model species to predict the pharmacokinetics of oxytetracycline for some granivorous psittacine birds, including cockatiels and Poicephalus parrots, which are commonly kept as pets (Osofsky et al, 2005), and a major goal of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics in this species with the intention of utilizing these data to develop further studies in small psittacines. But the potential for food products and food by-products such as eggs to enter the food chain must be carefully considered before using orbifloxacin, or any fluoroquinolone, in any potential foodproducing species (Reyes-Herrera & Donoghue, 2008).…”

“…and 15 mg ⁄ kg p.o. study groups (Osofsky et al, 2005). For noncompartmental analysis, 100 pseudoprofiles were generated for each study group, and the AUC 0fi¥, T 1 ⁄ 2 k z , V d(ss) , Cl and MRT were calculated for each profile for the 5 mg ⁄ kg i.v.…”

“…There have been no studies investigating the use of orbifloxacin in any avian species. Japanese quail, small granivorous gallinaceous birds, have been demonstrated to serve as a model species to predict the pharmacokinetics of oxytetracycline for some granivorous psittacine birds, including cockatiels and Poicephalus parrots, which are commonly kept as pets (Osofsky et al. , 2005).…”

“…There have been no studies investigating the use of orbifloxacin in any avian species. Japanese quail, small granivorous gallinaceous birds, have been demonstrated to serve as a model species to predict the pharmacokinetics of oxytetracycline for some granivorous psittacine birds, including cockatiels and Poicephalus parrots, which are commonly kept as pets (Osofsky et al, 2005). The clearance of antimicrobial drugs in small pet birds and quail is typically fast, yet the target C max of orbifloxacin may be attainable if the drug is highly bioavailable and a sufficient dose is administered.…”

Pharmacokinetics of a single intramuscular injection of ceftiofur crystalline-free acid in American black ducks (Anas rubripes)

“…Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of many antimicrobials, including fluoroquinolones, β-lactams, tetracyclines, and macrolides, have been determined for several species of birds. [2][3][4][5][6][7] Many antimicrobials have a short halflife, which necessitates frequent treatment and poten-Pharmacokinetics of a single intramuscular injection of ceftiofur crystalline-free acid in American black ducks (Anas rubripes)…”