Calibration and validation of a physiologically based model for soman intoxication in the rat, marmoset, guinea pig and pig

ABSTRACT A physiologically based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) model has been developed for low, medium and high levels of soman intoxication in the rat, marmoset, guinea pig and pig. The primary objective of this model was to describe the pharmacokinetics of soman after intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous administration in the rat, marmoset, guinea pig, and pig as well as its subsequent pharmacodynamic effects on blood acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels, relating dosimetry to physiological response. The reactions modelled in each physiologically realistic compartment are: (1) partitioning of C(±)P(±) soman from the blood into the tissue; (2) inhibition of AChE and carboxylesterase (CaE) by soman; (3) elimination of soman by enzymatic hydrolysis; (4) de novo synthesis and degradation of AChE and CaE; and (5) aging of AChE–soman and CaE–soman complexes. The model was first calibrated for the rat, then extrapolated for validation in the marmoset, guinea pig and pig. Adequate fits to experimental data on the time course of soman pharmacokinetics and AChE inhibition were achieved in the mammalian models. In conclusion, the present model adequately predicts the dose–response relationship resulting from soman intoxication and can potentially be applied to predict soman pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in other species, including human. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. A physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) model was developed for soman intoxication in the rat, marmoset, guinea pig and pig. The model was first calibrated for the rat, then validated in the marmoset, guinea pig and pig. The model‐predicted and experimentally‐measured time profiles of soman concentration, and AChE inhibition and recovery matched adequately. The results suggest that the model can potentially be used for predicting soman pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in other species including human.