Effect of alkylpyrazine derivatives on the duration of pentobarbital-induced sleep, picrotoxicin-induced convulsion and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the mouse brain

The effect of alkylpyrazine derivatives on pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, picrotoxicin-induced convulsion and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in mouse brain were studied. The duration of pentobarbital-induced sleep in mice was dose-dependently increased by 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (DMP). The duration of pentobarbital-induced sleep was also increased by an administration route of intracerebroventricular injection. Sleep duration was also increased by the administration of isomers of DMP, 2-chloro-3,6-dimethylpyrazine (DMP-Cl) and 2-fluoro-3,6-dimethylpyrazine (DMP-F), but 3,6-dimethylpyrazine-2-thiol (DMP-SH) did not affect sleep duration. The interval until the appearance of picrotoxicin-induced convulsion was prolonged by DMP and DMP-Cl. Increased sleep duration was obtained by administering DMP in combination with aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA) and diazepam compared to a single injection. The interval until convulsion due to picrotoxin was also prolonged by the administration of DMP combined with diazepam and valproic acid (VPA). The interval until the appearance of bicuculline-induced convulsion was also prolonged by pretreatment with DMP. The GABA level in mouse brain was increased by the administration of AOAA, VPA, DMP and DMP-Cl. These results suggest that DMP and other derivatives may strengthen the GABAnergic system in the brain.     

Antihypertensive action of a new angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, (R)-3-[(S)-1-carboxy-5-(4-piperidyl)pentyl]amino-4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetr ahy dro-1,5-benzothiazepine-5-acetic acid (CV-5975), in various hypertensive models

The antihypertensive activity of a new angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, CV-5975, (R)-3-[(S)-1-carboxy-5-(4-piperidyl)pentyl] amino-4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepine-5-acetic acid, was examined in normotensive rats and various hypertensive animal models. In spontaneously hypertensive rats, CV-5975 (1 to 10 mg/kg, p.o.) had a dose-related, sustained antihypertensive action, which was more potent and longer than that of enalapril. The potency and duration of action of CV-5975 was intensified when it was administered repeatedly or combined with hydrochlorothiazide. CV-5975 (1 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited the ACE activity of plasma and tissues; inhibition on the ACE activity of the aorta, kidney, and brain was marked when CV-5975 was administered repeatedly. In 2-kidney, 1 clip hypertensive rats (1 to 10 mg/kg, p.o.) and dogs (0.3 and 1 mg/kg, p.o.), CV-5975 had a marked, sustained antihypertensive action, which was more marked than that of enalapril. In normotensive rats (10 mg/kg), 1-kidney, 1 clip hypertensive rats (3 and 10 mg/kg), and hyporeninemic DOCA/salt hypertensive rats (1 to 10 mg/kg/day), CV-5975 administered orally once or repeatedly reduced blood pressure, whereas enalapril did not. These results indicate that CV-5975 is a potent and long-lasting antihypertensive agent, the action of which is mediated primarily by inhibiting ACE activity and partly by some unknown mechanisms.     

General pharmacological properties of YJA 20379-1, a novel proton pump inhibitor with antiulcer activities

The general pharmacological properties of YJA 20379-1 (2-amino-4,5-dihydro-8-phenylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazolo[4,5-g]benzo thi azole), a novel proton pump inhibitor with antiulcer activities, were investigated in mice, rats, guinea pig and rabbits. YJA 20379-1 at oral doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg did not affect the general behaviour, hexobarbital hypnosis, motor coordination and body temperature in mice. The drug does not have analgesic and anticonvulsant action at 200 mg/kg p.o. The locomotor activity was not affected at 100 mg/kg p.o., but at 200 mg/kg, the activity was suppressed. YJA 20379-1 (at 2 x 10(-4) g/ml) did neither produce any contraction nor relaxation of isolated organs such as rat fundus, rat uterus, guinea pig ileum and guinea pig vas deferens, and the drug did not antagonize the contractile response to several spasmogens, such as histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin and oxytocin, and the drug up to 200 mg/kg p.o. did not affect pupil size of mice. The intestinal propulsion in mice was not affected up to 200 mg/kg p.o. The gastric emptying in rats was not affected at 100 mg/kg p.o., even if retardation in gastric emptying occurred at 200 mg/kg. YJA 20379-1 did not show anti-inflammatory action nor did it affect urinary excretion up to 200 mg/kg p.o. From these results, it is suggested that YJA 20379-1 at the high dose of 100 mg/kg p.o. may not exert any adverse effects.     

Comparison of several new 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors in a rat Arthus pleurisy model.

The 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors WY-50,295 tromethamine, A-64,077, L-663,536 and ICI-207,968 were compared in a reverse passive Arthus reaction-induced pleurisy model of eicosanoid biosynthesis in the rat. When a 1 h pretreatment schedule was employed, all four inhibitors equivalently blocked leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production with ED50 values of 2.0-2.9 mg/kg p.o. Conversely, WY-50,295 tromethamine (225 mg/kg p.o.) and L-663,536 (100 mg/kg p.o.) did not significantly alter thromboxane B2 (TxB2) levels, whereas A-64,077 (50 mg/kg p.o.) and ICI-207,968 (100 mg/kg p.o.) significantly reduced TxB2 by 50 and 72%, respectively. When 3 and 18 h pretreatment schedules were employed, WY-50,295 tromethamine demonstrated a longer duration of action than the other 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors with ED50 values of 1.7 and 6.3 mg/kg p.o., respectively. At doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg p.o., all drugs tested significantly inhibited inflammatory cell influx by 15-27%, albeit in a non-dose-related manner. However, only A-64,077 significantly lowered fluid extravasation by 35%, presumably due to inhibition of cyclooxygenase product formation. These results demonstrate that in this rat reverse passive Arthus pleurisy model, WY-50,295 tromethamine potently and selectively inhibits 5-lipoxygenase in vivo, and possesses a longer duration of action than the other 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors employed.     

Effects of 4-(4-bromophenyl)-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride on acute gastric lesions, acid secretion in rats and on some hemodynamic parameters in cats

The effectiveness of 4-(4-bromophenyl)-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride (AN12) on acute ulcer models and gastric acid secretion in rats was compared with the action of the histamine H2-receptor antagonist roxatidine (R). AN12 or R given orally, produced significant, dose-dependent decreases in stress- and indomethacin-induced ulcers. The ED50 value of AN12 and R were 0.40 (0.27-0.60) and 13.27 (9.13-19.29) mg/kg, respectively, for stress ulcers and 0.68 (0.17-2.61) and 25 mg/kg, respectively, for indomethacin ulcers. The length and number of ethanol-provoked gastric damages were significantly reduced by R (50 and 100 mg/kg p.o.) but not by AN12 (0.5-2 mg/kg p.o.). In pylorus-ligated rats, AN12 (2 mg/kg p.o.) and R (50 and 100 mg/kg p.o.) significantly inhibited basal gastric acid secretion, increased pH and decreased acidity. The influence of AN12 (2 mg/kg) on the volume of stomach juice was close to that of R (100 mg/kg), AN12 (0.1-1.0 mg/kg i.v.) did not significantly affect the hemodynamics of anesthesized cats. It is suggested that the influence of some CNS amine neurotransmitters may be included in part, in the effects of AN12.     

Genistein accumulates in body depots and is mobilized during fasting, reaching estrogenic levels in serum that counter the hormonal actions of estradiol and organochlorines.

Isoflavones are important dietary compounds that are consumed with the daily diet and elicit important biological actions. Here we report on the ability of genistein to partially accumulate in body depots of male mice, be released following fasting, and modulate the actions of estradiol and environmental estrogens in reproductive and nonreproductive target organs of estrogen-reporter mice (ERE-tK-luciferase). After the consumption of 50 mg/kg/day for 3 days, genistein accumulates in body compartments where it remains at functionally active levels for at least 15 days. Following 48 h of fasting, its concentration increased in serum from 99 +/- 13 to 163 +/- 17 nM. These levels are sufficient to exert an estrogenic effect in the testis and liver, as revealed by a twofold increase in luciferase gene expression. beta-Benzene-hexachloride (betaBHC) given at the concentration of 100 mg/kg/day for 3 days also accumulates in the body and is released by fasting, reaching serum levels of 176 +/- 33 nM, upregulating the luciferase gene in the liver and inhibiting its expression in the testis. When genistein was given in combination with betaBHC at doses sufficient to induce accumulation of both in body depots, the genistein mobilized by fasting reversed the action of the mobilized betaBHC in the testis. Acute administration of nutritional doses of genistein inhibited the action of estradiol and reversed the antiestrogenic action of o,p'-DDT: 1,1,1,-trichloro-2(p-chlorophenyl)-2-(o-chlorophenyl)ethane in the liver and the antiestrogenic action of betaBHC in the testis. Genistein had an additive effect with the ER agonist p,p'-DDT: 1,1,1,-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane in the liver. The observed effects may be relevant to a protective action of phytoestrogens against estrogen receptor-interacting pollutants as well as the dietary modulation of estradiol action.     

Emetic and catalepsy-inducing actions of buflomedil

The emetic and catalepsy-inducing actions of buflomedil were studied in dog and mice. Oral administration of buflomedil (10-30 mg/kg) dose-dependently induced vomiting in dogs. On the other hand, the buflomedil-induced vomiting was inhibited by the pretreatment with domperidone (1 mg/kg, p.o.). A high dose of buflomedil (120-360 mg/kg, p.o.) induced catalepsy in mice, while a low dose of this agent (30-120 mg/kg, p.o.) had no enhancing effect on haloperidol-induced catalepsy. It was also found that the buflomedil-induced catalepsy was inhibited by the pretreatments with L-DOPA (300 mg/kg, i.p.) and bromocriptine (5 mg/kg, i.p.), respectively. These results suggest that buflomedil may induce emetic action as a dopamine agonist at a low dose, whereas it acts as a dopamine antagonist and a catalepsy inducer at a high concentration.     

Pharmacological properties of the novel antimuscarinic agent 4-[2-(1,2-benzisoxazol-3-yl)-2-(hexahydro-1H-azepin-1-yl)a cetoxy]-1-et hyl-1- methylpiperidinium iodide

Pharmacological properties of 4-[2-(1, 2-benzisoxazol-3-yl)-2-(hexahydro-1H-azepin-1-yl)acetoxy]-1- ethyl-1- methylpiperidinium iodide (SX-810) were investigated and the following results were obtained. 1. In isolated guinea-pig ileum, SX-810 showed a competitive antagonistic effect against acetylcholine with a pA2 value of 7.93. 2. SX-810 (10-50 mg/kg p.o. or 10-50 micrograms/kg i.v.) inhibited the gastroduodenal contractions induced by bethanechol and carbachol in anaesthetized rats. 3. SX-810 (10-100 mg/kg p.o.) inhibited spontaneous gastric motility in conscious rats and rabbits. 4. SX-810 (10-100 mg/kg p.o.) inhibited gastric secretion in pylorus-ligated rats. 5. SX-810 (20-200 mg/kg p.o. or 1-10 mg/kg s.c.) inhibited the ulceration induced by pylorus ligation or by exposure to restrained and water-immersed stress in rats. 6. When administered orally to rats, SX-810 had no mydriatic effect even at 3000 mg/kg, but subcutaneously administered SX-810 (0.5-10 mg/kg) exhibited such action. 7. When administered orally to rats, SX-810 (100-500 mg/kg) caused no significant inhibition of the salivation induced by pilocarpine, but subcutaneously administered SX-810 (0.5-10 mg/kg) exhibited an inhibition of the salivation. In rabbits, SX-810 (200-500 mg/kg p.o.) also caused no significant inhibition of the salivation except at an extremely high dose of 1000 mg/kg p.o. 8. SX-810 (100-500 mg/kg p.o.) caused no significant effect on urine and electrolyte excretion in rats. These results indicate that oral use of SX-810 exhibits marked spasmolytic and antiulcerative activities without exerting systemic antimuscarinic side effects.     

Blockade of alpha 2-adrenoceptors by 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)-piperazine (PmP) in vivo and its relation to the activity of buspirone

The effect of 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)-piperazine (PmP) and the parent drug, buspirone in counteracting the behavioral and biochemical effects of clonidine were evaluated in the rat. Intraperitoneal or oral administration of PmP, buspirone and yohimbine, but not of prazosin, antagonized the slowing of gastrointestinal motility induced by subcutaneous clonidine (0.1 mg/kg). The doses that inhibited the effect of clonidine on the transit time by 50% were 0.5 mg/kg i.p. and 0.7 mg/kg p.o. for PmP, 7 mg/kg i.p. and 9 mg/kg p.o. for buspirone and 0.5 mg/kg i.p. for yohimbine. PmP (0.5 mg/kg) did not block the antitransit effect of clonidine when administered by intracerebroventricular injection. The antitransit effect of a low dose of morphine (0.05 mg/kg i.p.) was not blocked by PmP (2 mg/kg i.p.). The prolongation of the hexobarbital-induced loss of the righting reflex that occurs after clonidine (0.25 mg/kg i.p.) administration was inhibited by pretreatment with PmP (0.1-2 mg/kg p.o.) or yohimbine (1 mg/kg i.p.) but not by pretreatment with prazosin (2 mg/kg i.p.). Buspirone (1-20 mg/kg) also reduced the effect of clonidine after oral administration, with a maximal effect at 5 mg/kg, whereas the same dose administered i.v. had less effect. PmP (2 mg/kg) and buspirone (15 mg/kg) raised the levels of total 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylgycol (MHPG) in rat cerebral cortex, and prevented the decrease in MHPG induced by clonidine. These findings show that buspirone, in doses at which it is active as an anxiolytic, suppresses the central and peripheral effects of clonidine. This action occurs through alpha 2-adrenoceptors and is mediated primarily by the metabolite, PmP.     

Gastroprotective effect of a flavone from Lonchocarpus araripensis Benth. (Leguminosae) and the possible mechanism

The gastroprotective effect of DDF (3,6-dimethoxy-6', 6'-dimethyl-[2', 3' : 7,8]-chromeneflavone) from Lonchocarpus araripensis Benth. (Leguminosae) on gastric damage induced by absolute ethanol (96%, 0.2 mL/mouse) and indometacin (30 mg kg(-1), p.o.) in mice was investigated. Intraperitoneally administered DDF at dose levels of 50, 100 and 200 mg kg(-1) markedly reduced the gastric lesions in the ethanol model by 62, 72 and 96%, and in the indometacin model by 34, 70 and 75%, respectively, as compared with misoprostol (50 microg kg(-1), p.o.), the reference compound that caused lesion suppression by 67% in ethanol model and by 72% against indometacin-induced ulceration. The ED50 of DDF in reducing gastric lesions induced by ethanol and indometacin (dose of the DDF that reduced the gastric lesion area by 50% in relation to the control value) was 50.87 and 61.56 mg kg(-1), respectively. Mechanistic studies were carried out at 100 mg kg(-1) DDF using the ethanol model. Compared with N-acetylcysteine (750 mg kg(-1), p.o.), a donor of sulfhydryls, DDF only partially replenished the ethanol-induced depletion of gastric mucosal NP-SH. Pretreatment with TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine (5 mg kg(-1), i.p.) or the non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor indometacin (10 mg kg(-1), p.o.) effectively blocked the gastroprotective effect of DDF (100 mg kg(-1)) against ethanol damage. Furthermore, the effect of DDF was significantly reduced in mice pretreated with L-NAME, or glibenclamide, the respective inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase and K+ ATP channel activation. These data provide evidence to show that DDF affords gastroprotection against gastric damage induced by ethanol and indometacin by different and complementary mechanisms, which include involvement of endogenous prostaglandins, nitric oxide release, the activation of TRPV1 receptor or K+ ATP channels, besides a sparing effect on NP-SH reserve.     

Effects of steroid hormones on (Na+, K+)-ATPase activity inhibition-induced amnesia on the step-through passive avoidance task in gonadectomized mice.

Inhibition of sodium-potassium adenosine 5'-triphosphatase ((Na(+), K(+))-ATPase) activity causes edema and cell death in the central nervous system, and impairment of learning and memory. Several sex steroid hormones have a protective effect against neuronal cell damage and the hypofunction of learning and memory. To examine the possible roles and mechanism of action of steroid hormones against amnesia induced by ouabain, an inhibitor of (Na(+), K(+))-ATPase, gonadectomized male mice were administrated ouabain (0.1 microg per mouse) intracisternally (i.cist.), and the learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed by a step-through passive avoidance task. Subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of 17beta-estradiol (betaE2; 10 microg kg(-1)) or testosterone (TES; 1 mg kg(-1)) improved the memory impairment induced by ouabain, while administration of dihydrotestosterone (1 mg kg(-1)) or corticosterone (COR) (1 mg kg(-1)) did not. Treatment with the estradiol receptor antagonists, tamoxifen (TAM) (10 mg kg(-1); s.c. or 0.1 microg; i.cist.) and 4-hydroxytamoxifen (10 mg kg(-1); s.c.), or the androgen receptor antagonist, cyproterone (10 mg kg(-1); s.c. or 1 microg; i.cist.), did not influence the protective effect of betaE2 or TES on ouabain-induced amnesia. Moreover, we studied the effects of several free radical scavengers-17alpha-estradiol (10 microg kg(-1); s.c.), alpha-tocopherol (VE: 200 mg kg(-1); per os (p.o.), ascorbic acid (VC: 200 mg kg(-1); p.o.), or VE+VC (200 mg kg(-1) each; p.o.)-on ouabain-induced amnesia, and compared those effects with that of betaE2. The administration of free radical scavengers had no significant effect on memory impairment. These results indicate that betaE2 and TES ameliorate the amnesia induced by inhibition of (Na(+), K(+))-ATPase activity, and that the protective effect of betaE2 is caused by a non-genomic, rather than a genomic effect or a radical scavenging action. Additionally, the ameliorative effect of TES does not appear to involve free radical scavenging, but its aromatization to estrogen could contribute to the non-genomic action of betaE2.     

Pharmacological studies on triazine derivatives V Sedative and neuroleptic actions of 2-amino-4-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-6-trifluoromethyl-s-triazine (TR-10).

Pharmacological properties of 2 amino-4-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-6-trifluoromethyl-s-triazine (TR-10) were investigated in mice and rats. Chlorpromazine served as a reference compound. Tr-10 expressed in general the pharmacological profiles as neuroleptic ascertained by anti-methamphetamine activity, supression of conditioned avoidance response, taming effects, decrease in exploratory behavior and cataleptogenic activity. Among these effects, anti-methamphetamine action was most potent. Different from chlorpromazine, TR-10 showed a similar pharmacological activity pattern in the intraperitoneal and oral routes of administration as depicted from ED50/LD50 values. Although the effects relevant to neuroleptics were less potent than chlorpromazine, such were seen with TR-10 at lower doses than those causing muscle relaxation. TR-10 significantly depressed the spontaneous motor activity but showed no anti-convulsant action in mice. Hypothermic action, potentiating effects of hypnotics and alpha-adrenergic blocking action, characteristic to chlorpromazine, were very weak for TR-10. TR-10 also showed low toxicity in mice (LD50 = 820 mg/kg p.o., 465 mg/kg i.p.) compared with that of chlorpromazine (LD50 = 370 mg/kg p.o., 228 mg/kg i.p.).     

Effect of an orally active Na+/H+ exchange inhibitor, SMP-300, on experimental angina and myocardial infarction models in rats.

The effects of SMP-300, an orally active, potent, and selective Na+/H+ exchange inhibitor, were evaluated and compared with those of nifedipine, propranolol, and nicorandil on three experimental angina models and on myocardial infarction in rats. SMP-300 (0.1-1 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced isoproterenol-induced ST segment depression in a dose-dependent manner. Its maximal effect was comparable to that reported for propranolol and greater than that of nifedipine. SMP-300 (0.3-1 mg/kg) reduced vasopressin-induced ST segment depression in a dose-dependent manner, and its maximal effect was comparable to those of nifedipine and nicorandil. SMP-300 (0.3-1 mg/kg, p.o.) and propranolol (100 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited coronary artery occlusion-induced T-wave elevation, but nifedipine (3 mg/kg, p.o.) did not. SMP-300 (1 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced myocardial infarct size after 40 min of coronary artery occlusion followed by 24 h of reperfusion, but nifedipine (3 mg/kg, p.o.) or propranolol (100 mg/kg, p.o.) did not. This study provides support for the future use of a Na+/H+ exchange inhibitor as an anti-anginal drug with a novel mode of action.     

The anti-pyretic mechanism of alminoprofen]

The anti-pyretic activity of alminoprofen (AP), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, and its mode of action were investigated in conscious febrile rabbits. A fever was evoked by i.v. injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), intracisternal (i.c.) injection of leukocytic pyrogen (LP) or i.c. injection of arachidonic acid (AA). The amount of PGE2 or AP in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after i.v. LPS was estimated using an RIA or HPLC method. AP (3-30 mg/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently inhibited the LPS (0.5 micrograms/kg, i.v.)-induced fever; AP, ibuprofen, indomethacin and pranoprofen had ED50 values of 9.64, 26.45, 4.41 and 11.91 mg/kg, p.o., respectively. PGE2 in the CSF was markedly increased during the elevation of body temperature after i.v. LPS (0.5 microgram/kg). AP (30 mg/kg, p.o.) markedly inhibited the increase in PGE2 that was observed in the CSF during fever developed in response to i.v. LPS (0.5 micrograms/kg). The AP concentration in the CSF 2 hr after AP (30 mg/kg, p.o.) was 2.86 x 10(-6) (1.15-4.57 x 10(-6) M, a concentration too low to inhibit PG synthesis. A dose-dependent fever was observed after i.c. LP (1-8 unit) or AA (10-100 micrograms). AP (30 mg/kg, p.o.) shifted the dose-response curves for the i.c. LP-induced fever to the right, but did not have any effect on the i.c. AA-induced fever. These results suggest that AP has a relatively potent anti-pyretic activity, and its mechanism of action involves competition with LP at a site in the CNS, but does not involve an inhibition of cyclooxygenase at a central site, which has been considered as an anti-pyretic mechanism of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.     

Stimulatory effect of N-[4-[2-(dimethylamino)-ethoxy] benzyl]-3,4-dimethoxybenzamide hydrochloride (HSR-803) on normal and delayed gastrointestinal propulsion

To estimate the effect of a new gastroprokinetic agent, N-[4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]benzyl]-3,4-dimethoxybenzamide hydrochloride (HSR-803), on non-ulcer dyspepsia, the influence of HSR-803 on gastrointestinal propulsion was assayed in dogs, rats and mice in comparison with some gastroprokinetic agents. HSR-803 (30 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly enhanced gastric emptying in dogs, and it significantly improved the delayed gastric emptying induced by dopamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) and morphine (1 mg/kg, s.c.) in rats. Metoclopramide (30 mg/kg, p.o.) also significantly restored the dopamine-induced delay, but at a dose of 10 mg/kg, p.o., it enhanced the morphine-induced delay in gastric emptying in rats. HSR-803 (10-100 mg/kg, p.o.) increased small intestinal transit in mice in a dose-dependent manner, and the effect was abolished by atropine (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.). Metoclopramide also increased small intestinal transit, but domperidone and cisapride had no effect. In delayed small intestinal transit in mice, HSR-803 (10-100 mg/kg, p.o.) improved the morphine (0.3 mg/kg, s.c.)-induced delay in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, because of the promotion of normal and delayed gastrointestinal propulsion, HSR-803 seems to be a promising gastroprokinetic agent for the treatment of non-ulcer dyspepsia. The action of HSR-803 is likely to be exerted through cholinergic stimulation.     

Antihypertensive effect of Niludipine (Bay a 7168) on conscious renal-hypertensive dogs

In conscious renal-hypertensive dogs (one kidney Grollman type) oral administration of 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid-bis-(2-propoxyethyl)-ester (niludipine, Bay a 7168) (1 and 3 mg/kg) produced a rather prompt fall of blood pressure and an increase in heart rate. With 3 mg/kg p.o. of niludipine a fall of blood pressure was marked at its peak effect attained about 45 min after dosing and lasted about 3 h. Prior administration of propranolol (30 mg/kg p.o.) greatly prevented an increase in heart rate accompanying the fall of blood pressure produced by 3 mg/kg p.o. of niludipine but was of no effect on the antihypertensive action. These results, taken together with previous results indicating niludipine to have a potent coronary vasodilator action, suggest that niludipine will be useful as an antihypertensive drug, especially when hypertension is associated with ischemic heart disease or when the reduction of blood pressure is urgent. Combined use of niludipine with a beta-adrenergic blocking agent is recommended.     

Epigallocatechin gallate modulates CYP450 isoforms in the female Swiss-Webster mouse.

This study was designed to determine the effect of the in vivo administration of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG) on enzymes involved in the synthesis and metabolism of estradiol. EGCG (12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day, i.p.) or ECG (12.5 or 25 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was administered to female Swiss-Webster mice for 7 days. The chemicals were well tolerated by the mice with the exception of EGCG given at 50 mg/kg, which resulted in severe hepatic necrosis and a 67% mortality rate. Following the administration of nontoxic doses of EGCG and ECG, aromatase (CYP19), CYP3A, CYP1A, and catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) were measured. Additionally, the activity of CYP2E1 was determined, since this CYP450 isoform is important in the bioactivation of numerous carcinogens. The results demonstrated that ovarian aromatase activity was inhibited 56% by EGCG (25 and 12.5 mg/kg), but not ECG, while hepatic CYP3A catalytic activity and polypeptide levels were increased 31 +/- 4 and 47 +/- 2%, respectively, by 25 mg/kg of EGCG. However, ECG (but not EGCG) inhibited CYP1A catalytic activity and polypeptide levels (31 +/- 5 and 47 +/- 5%, respectively). Hepatic and renal COMT, as well as renal CYP3A remained unchanged following catechin dosing. Hepatic CYP2E1 catalytic activity and polypeptide levels were significantly increased (37 +/- 3 and 22 +/- 3%) following administration of EGCG (25 mg/kg). These results indicate that EGCG modulates enzymes responsible for both the synthesis and metabolism of estradiol, which may provide a potential mechanism for the reported action of EGCG, reported action as an inhibitor of breast tumor growth.     

The protective effect of (4R)-hexahydro-7, 7-dimethyl-6-oxo-1, 2, 5-dithiazocine-4-carboxylic acid (SA3443), a novel cyclic disulfide, on acetaminophen-induced liver injury

Effects of (4R)-hexahydro-7, 7-dimethyl-6-oxo-1, 2, 5-dithiazocine-4-carboxylic acid (SA3443) on acetaminophen-induced liver injury were investigated in BALB/c mice. SA3443 (30-300 mg/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently suppressed the elevation of serum transaminase activities and the histological changes of liver induced by acetaminophen (150 mg/kg, p.o.). The compound at the same doses also reduced the mortality due to the lethal acute hepatic failure induced by acetaminophen (350 mg/kg, p.o.). Other hepatoprotective agents, cianidanol (500 mg/kg, p.o.), malotilate (100 mg/kg, p.o.), grycyrrhizine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and cysteine (300 mg/kg, p.o.) similarly reduced it. SA3443 had no effect on glutathione (GSH) contents in the liver of normal mice, but it dose-dependently suppressed the decrease of GSH contents in the liver of BALB/c mice treated with acetaminophen. These results suggest that SA3443, a novel cyclic disulfide, provides considerable protection against acetaminophen-induced liver injury and that one of the modes of the hepatoprotective action of this compound is suppression of the decrease of GSH contents in the liver.     

Antithrombotic action of the orally available thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist S-1452 (d-s-145 Ca) in rodents

The thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂) receptor antagonist, S-1452, calcium salt of a steroselectively synthesized d-enantiomer of the racemate S-145, calcium 5(Z)-1R,2S,3S,4S-7-[3-phenylsulfonylaminobicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoate dihydrate, was examined for its antithrombotic action in vivo, in mice and rats. Orally administered S-1452 dose-dependently prolonged the bleeding time which was measured by a tail transection method. The effect was observed at doses above 1 mg/kg in both animals. S-1452 clearly prevented U46619-induced sudden death in mice and its ED₅₀ value for the prevention was 0.47 mg/kg at 1 h after oral administration. It was more potent and long-acting than reference compounds such as ONO-3708 and SQ-26548. The preventive effect of S-1452 was also observed in arachidonate-induced sudden death, although much larger doses were required in comparison with the case of the U-46619-induced response (ED₅₀: 4.6 mg/kg p.o., at 30 min; 3.1 mg/kg p.o., at 60 min after S-1452). Aspirin, used as a reference compound, was much less active than S-1452 (ED₅₀: 85.9 mg/kg p.o., at 30 min; 88.2 mg/kg p.o., at 60 min after aspirin). The pharmacologically active moiety of S-1452, d-S-145, was several times more potent than the opposite enantiomer 1-S-145 in the prolongation of the bleeding time in rats, and in the prevention of the U46619-induced sudden death in mice. These stereoselective efficacies suggest that S-1452 causes its antithrombotic action by blocking TXA₂ receptors in vivo. S-1452 significantly reduced collagen-induced thrombocytopenia in mice at doses above 0.1 mg/kg p.o. In rats, the compound improved clearly collagen-induced abnormal electrocardiogram. The minimum effective doses were 1 mg/kg for S-1452, 15 mg/kg for ONO-3708, and 10 mg/kg for OKY-046, 60 min after oral administration. It is concluded that S-1452 is a very potent and orally available antithrombotic compound. © 1993 wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Effects of a gastric antisecretory-cytoprotectant 2-methyl-8-(phenylmethoxy)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-acetonitrile (Sch 28 080) on cysteamine, reserpine and stress ulcers in rats

Prostaglandin E2 and carbenoxolone, putative cytoprotective agents, were tested in cysteamine, reserpine and stress ulcers in rats. In cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer, PGE2 was inactive at 0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg p.o.; carbenoxolone at 100 mg/kg p.o. decreased the incidence but not the severity of the ulcer. PGE2 at 5.0 mg/kg p.o. and carbenoxolone at 300 mg/kg p.o. showed moderate effects, but the dosage also inhibited cysteamine-stimulated acid secretion. PGE2 (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg p.o.) was inactive and carbenoxolone (100 and 300 mg/kg p.o.) further aggravated the gastric ulceration caused by reserpine or cold-restraint stress. In contrast, atropine (3 and 10 mg/kg p.o.) and cimetidine (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg p.o.) were active in all three ulcer models. But the results with cimetidine in stress ulcer were somewhat variable. 2-methyl-8-(phenylmethoxy) imidazo [1,2-a] pyridine-3-acetonitrile (Sch 28 080), a novel structure with both cytoprotective and antisecretory activity, was highly efficacious in cysteamine, reserpine and stress ulcers (1-30 mg/kg p.o.), which was presumably adequately accounted for by its potent antisecretory activity. It is concluded that cysteamine, reserpine and stress ulcers may not be appropriate models for testing the potential antiulcer effect of primarily cytoprotective compounds.