In vitro metabolism of simazine, atrazine and propazine by hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes of rat, mouse and guinea pig, and oestrogenic activity of chlorotriazines and their main metabolites

1. The in vitro metabolism of chlorotriazines, simazine (SIZ), atrazine (ATZ) and propazine (PRZ) in liver microsomes from rat, mouse and guinea pig and the oestrogenic activity of chlorotriazines and their main metabolites have been studied. 2. The formation rates of products in chlorotriazine metabolism were determined by HPLC. The principal reactions catalysed by the cytochrome P450 (P450) system were N-monodealkylation and isopropylhydroxylation in all liver microsomes. As a result, 2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-amino-1,3,5-triazine (M1) (SIZ-M1 for SIZ and ATZ-M1 for ATZ) and 2-chloro-4-amino-6-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine (M2) (ATZ-M2 for ATZ and PRZ-M2 for PRZ), and 2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-(1-hydroxyisopropylamino)-1,3,5-triazine (M3) (ATZ-M3 for ATZ) and 2-chloro-4-isopropylamino-6-(1-hydroxyisopropylamino)-1,3,5-triazi ne (M4) (PRZ-M4 for PRZ) were detected as the metabolites. N-bidealkylation was not found in this system. 3. The formation rates of N-deethylated metabolites (SIZ-M1 and ATZ-M2) were generally higher in mouse than in rat and guinea pig. The formation rates of N-deisopropylated metabolites (ATZ-M1 and PRZ-M2) in guinea pig were the lowest among the three animal species. The formation rates of isopropylhydroxylated metabolites (ATZ-M3 and PRZ-M4) were remarkably low in mouse compared with rat and guinea pig. 4. The enzyme kinetics of chlorotriazine metabolism were examined by Eadie-Hofstee analyses. Some species differences in Michaelis-Menten parameters for each metabolite were observed, and the ranking orders were varied among the metabolites. 5. The binding affinity of chlorotriazines (SIZ, ATZ and PRZ) and their metabolites (M1-4) for recombinant human oestrogen receptor-alpha was assayed using the fluorescence polarization method. The binding affinity of M2 was significantly higher than those of parent compounds and other metabolites, although the oestrogenic activity was remarkably low compared with that of 17beta-oestradiol (E2). 6. These results suggest that the pattern of metabolism of SIZ, ATZ and PRZ by the P450 system differs extensively among rat, mouse and guinea pig, and that M2 may be an activated metabolite of chlorotriazines.     

In vitro metabolism of chlorotriazines: characterization of simazine, atrazine, and propazine metabolism using liver microsomes from rats treated with various cytochrome P450 inducers

The in vitro metabolism of chlorotriazines, simazine (SIZ), atrazine (ATZ), and propazine (PRZ) was studied using control, 3-methylcholanthrene-, phenobarbital-, pyridine-, dexamethasone-, and clofibrate-treated rat liver microsomes. The metabolites were determined by HPLC. The principal reactions by cytochrome P450 (P450) system were N-monodealkylation and isopropylhydroxylation in all rat liver microsomes. As a result, 2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-amino-1,3,5-triazine (M1) (SIZ-M1 for SIZ and ATZ-M1 for ATZ) and 2-chloro-4-amino-6-isopropylamino-1,3, 5-triazine (M2) (ATZ-M2 for ATZ and PRZ-M2 for PRZ), 2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-(1-hydroxyisopropylamino)-1,3,5-triazine (M3) (ATZ-M3 for ATZ), and 2-chloro-4-isopropylamino-6-(1-hydroxyisopropylamino)-1,3,5-triazi ne (M4) (PRZ-M4 for PRZ) were detected as the metabolites. N-bidealkylation and 2-hydroxylation were not found in this system. The formation rates of SIZ-M1, ATZ-M1, ATZ-M2, and PRZ-M2 were markedly induced by 3-methylcholanthrene, phenobarbital, and pyridine. On the other hand, the formation rates of ATZ-M3 and PRZ-M4 were significantly induced by phenobarbital, pyridine, and/or clofibrate, but not by 3-methylcholanthrene. The enzyme kinetics of chlorotriazine metabolism were examined by mean of Eadie-Hofstee analyses. Although there was no remarkable difference of Km for the products in chlorotriazine metabolism among the microsomes tested, the Vmax and Clint (Vmax/Km) for the products in chlorotriazine metabolism are affected by P450 inducers, except for dexamethasone. The formation rates of SIZ-M1, ATZ-M1, ATZ-M2, and PRZ-M2 were significantly correlated with 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase, acetanilide 4-hydroxylase, 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase, 4-nitrophenol 2-hydroxylase, and testosterone 7alpha-hydroxylase activities and CYP1A1/2 level, whereas the formation rates of ATZ-M3 and PRZ-M4 were significantly correlated with testosterone 16beta-hydroxylase, bufuralol 1'-hydroxylase, and 4-nitrophenol 2-hydroxylase activities and CYP2B1/2 level. These results suggest that the inducibility in metabolism of SIZ, ATZ, and PRZ is different between N-monodealkylation and isopropylhydroxylation and that the N-monodealkylation and isopropylhydroxylation are induced by CYP1A1/2, CYP2B1/2, and CYP2B1/2, respectively.     

Estimating constants for metabolism of atrazine in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes by kinetic modeling.

This study estimated the kinetic constants for oxidative metabolism of atrazine (ATRA) and its chlorotriazine (Cl-TRI) metabolites, 2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-amino-1,3,5-triazine (ETHYL), 2-chloro-4-amino-6-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine (ISO), and diaminochlorotriazine (DACT), using freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. Hepatocytes were incubated with 1.74, 44, 98, and 266 microM ATRA. Disappearance of ATRA and formation of the Cl-TRI metabolites were quantified over 90 min. At all incubation concentrations, ATRA was preferentially metabolized to ETHYL, producing ETHYL concentrations approximately 6 times higher than those of ISO. DACT concentrations peaked at 44 microM ATRA and decreased with increasing incubation concentrations, indicating non-linear metabolic behavior of ATRA with respect to DACT formation. A series of kinetic models were developed from these data to describe the dose and time-dependent oxidative metabolism of ATRA and the Cl-TRI metabolites. An integrated model for all the chloro-triazines included multi-substrate competitive inhibition of metabolism to describe the non-linear behavior of DACT production in relation to ATRA while simultaneously simulating the time-course behavior of the Cl-TRIs at all four ATRA concentrations. The maximal metabolic rate (V(max)) of ATRA metabolism and the Michaelis-Menten constant (K(M)) for the reaction were 1.6 microM/min and 30 microM, respectively. V(max) and K(M) values for ETHYL and ISO metabolism to DACT were also estimated using this modeling approach.     

Antimalarial activity of 2-(substituted amino)-4,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-1,3,5-triazines and N-(chlorophenyl)-N'-[4-(substituted amino)-6-(trichloromethyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]guanidines

A series of 2-[[(dialkylamino)alkyl]amino]-4,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-1,3,5-triazines (III) and N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N'-[4-[[(dialkylamino)alkyl]amino]-6- (trichloromethyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]guanidines (IV) were prepared from 2,4,6-tris(trichloromethyl)-1,3,5-triazine and 2-chloro-4,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-1,3,5-triazine. Compounds of type III showed modest antimalarial activity while XIa with the camoquin side chain was more potent. Analogues of type IV broadly exhibited modest antimalarial activity.     

Mutagenicity of the triazine herbicides atrazine, cyanazine, and simazine in Drosophila melanogaster.

Assays for dominant lethal mutations, sex-linked recessive lethal mutations, and chromosomal breakage, nondisjunction and loss were performed on Drosophila melanogaster males treated by injection or by larval feeding of the herbicides atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine), cyanazine [2-chloro-4-(1-cyano-1-methylethylamino)-6-ethylamino-1,3,5-triazine], or simazine [2-chloro-4,6-bis-(ethylamino)-1,3,5-triazine]. The three herbicides significantly increased the rate of apparent dominant lethals, but this reduction in egg hatch was probably due to physiologic toxicity to sperm. Atrazine significantly increased X-linked recessive lethals and X or Y loss after treatment by larval feeding. Injection of simazine elevated X-linked lethals, whereas treatment by larval feeding did not. None of these herbicides significantly increased partial loss of the Y chromosome nor sex chromosome nondisjunction. Much larger experiments are needed to determine with confidence the mutagenic potential of these herbicides.     

Evolution of a series of peptidoleukotriene antagonists: synthesis and structure/activity relationships of 1,3,5-substituted indoles and indazoles

1,3,5-Substituted indoles and indazoles have been studied as receptor antagonists of the peptidoleukotrienes. The best of these compounds generally had a methyl group at the N1 position, a [(cyclopentyloxy)carbonyl]amino or 2-cyclopentylacetamido or N'-cyclopentylureido group at the C-5 position, and an arylsulfonyl amide group as part of the acidic chain at the C-3 position of the ring. Such compounds had in vitro dissociation constants (KB) in the range 10(-9) - 10(-11) M on guinea pig trachea against LTE4 as agonist and inhibition constants (Ki) less than or equal to 10(-9) M on guinea pig parenchymal membranes against [3H]LTD4. A number of compounds were orally effective at doses less than or equal to 1 mg/kg in blocking LTD4-induced "dyspnea" in guinea pigs. Compound 45 [N-[4-[[5-[[(cyclopentyloxy)carbonyl]-amino]-1-methylindol-3- yl]methyl]-3-methoxybenzoyl]-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide, ICI 204,219; pKB = 9.67 +/- 0.13, Ki = 0.3 +/- 0.03 nM, po ED50 = 0.3 mg/kg] is currently under clinical investigation for asthma. In the indole series, certain alkylsulfonyl amides possessing a 3-cyanobenzyl substituent at the N-1 position (60, 61) were produced that had KB less than or equal to 10(-9) M on guinea pig trachea.     

Effects of the chlorotriazine herbicide, cyanazine, on GABA(A) receptors in cortical tissue from rat brain

Chlorotriazine herbicides disrupt luteinizing hormone (LH) release in female rats following in vivo exposure. Although the mechanism of action is unknown, significant evidence suggests that inhibition of LH release by chlorotriazines may be mediated by effects in the central nervous system. GABA(A) receptors are important for neuronal regulation of gonadotropin releasing hormone and LH release. The ability of chlorotriazine herbicides to interact with GABA(A) receptors was examined by measuring their effects on [3H]muscimol, [3H]Ro15-4513 and [35S]tert-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) binding to rat cortical membranes. Cyanazine (1-400 microM) inhibited [3H]Ro15-4513 binding with an IC50 of approximately 105 microM (n=4). Atrazine (1-400 microM) also inhibited [3H]Ro15-4513 binding, but was less potent than cyanazine (IC50 = 305 microM). However, the chlorotriazine metabolites diaminochlorotriazine, 2-amino-4-chloro-6-ethylamino-s-triazine and 2-amino-4-chloro-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine were without significant effect on [3H]Ro15-4513 binding. Cyanazine and the other chlorotriazines were without effect on [3H]muscimol or [35S]TBPS binding. To examine whether cyanazine altered GABA(A) receptor function, GABA-stimulated 36Cl- flux into synaptoneurosomes was examined. Cyanazine (50-100 microM) alone did not significantly decrease GABA-stimulated 36Cl- flux. Diazepam (10 microM) and pentobarbital (100 microM) potentiated GABA-stimulated 36Cl- flux to 126 and 166% of control, respectively. At concentrations of 50 and 100 microM, cyanazine decreased potentiation by diazepam to 112 and 97% of control, respectively, and decreased potentiation by pentobarbital to 158 and 137% of control (n = 6). Interestingly, at lower concentrations (5 microM), cyanazine shifted the EC50 for GABA-stimulated 36Cl- flux into synaptoneurosomes from 28.9 to 19.4 microM, respectively (n = 5). These results suggest that cyanazine modulates benzodiazepine, but not the muscimol (GABA receptor site) or TBPS (Cl- channel), binding sites on GABA(A) receptors. Furthermore, at low concentrations, cyanazine may slightly enhance function of GABA(A) receptors, but at higher concentrations, cyanazine antagonizes GABA(A) receptor function and in particular antagonizes the positive modulatory effects of diazepam and pentobarbital.     

Disposition of 6-chloro-2-pyridylmethyl nitrate, a new anti-anginal compound, in rats and dogs

1. The absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of 6-chloro-2- pyridylmethyl nitrate, a new anti-anginal compound, were investigated in rats and dogs after intravenous and peroral administration of the 14C-labelled or unlabelled drug. 2. The half-lives of plasma levels for the alpha and beta phase and systemic availability were 6 min, 42 min and 26-50% respectively in rats, and 8 min, 66 min and 5% respectively in dogs. 3. Radioactivity was rapidly distributed in the tissues of rats, and recovered mainly in the 0-24 h urine (95% of dose within 24 h) with no excretion in the expired air. 4. Several metabolites were detected on t.l.c. of rat and dog urine, and four were identified as N-(chloro-2-pyridylcarbonyl)-glycine (M1, 56%), N-acetyl-S-(6- chloro-2-pyridylmethyl)-L-cysteine (M2, 29%), 6-chloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid (M3, 5%) and 6-chloro-2-pyridylmethyl. beta-D-glucuronate (M4, 7%). No unchanged drug was excreted.     

Alteration of catecholamines in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells in vitro by the metabolites of chlorotriazine herbicide.

The effects of four major chlorotriazine metabolites on the constitutive synthesis of the catecholamines dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) were examined, using undifferentiated PC12 cells. NE release and intracellular DA and NE concentrations were quantified, for up to 24 h after initiation of treatment with different concentrations, ranging from 0 to 400 microM, of the metabolites hydroxyatrazine (HA), 2-amino-4-chloro-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine (deethylchlorotriazine), 2-amino-4-chloro-6-ethylamino-s-triazine (deisopropylchlorotriazine), and diaminochlorotriazine (DACT). Hydroxyatrazine significantly decreased intracellular DA and NE concentrations in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This metabolite also caused a significant inhibition of NE release from the cells. In contrast, deethylchlorotriazine and deisopropylchlorotriazine significantly increased intracellular DA concentration following exposure to 50-200 microM from 12 to 24 h. Intracellular NE was significantly reduced at these same concentrations of deethylchlorotriazine at 24 h while the concentration of NE in PC12 cells exposed to deisopropylchlorotriazine was not altered at any dosage or time point measured. NE release was decreased at 18 (200 microM) and 24 h (100 and 200 microM) following exposure to deethylchlorotriazine and at 24 h (100 and 200 microM) following deisopropylchlorotriazine. DACT, at the highest concentration (160 microM), significantly increased intracellular DA and NE concentrations at 18 and 24 h. NE release was also increased at 40-160 microM at 24 h. The viability of the PC12 cells was tested using the trypan blue exclusion method. Following 18 to 24 h of treatments with HA, cell viability was reduced 10-12% at the two higher concentrations (200 and 400 microM), but, with other metabolites, the viability was reduced by only 2 to 5% at the highest concentrations. These data indicate that HA affects catecholamine synthesis and release in PC12 cells in a manner that is similar to synthesis of atrazine and simazine. On the other hand, deethylchlorotriazine and deisopropylchlorotriazine altered catecholamine synthesis in a manner similar to that observed in the rat brain following in vivo exposure (i.e., increased DA and decreased NE concentration), whereas DACT appeared to produce an increase in NE release as well as in the intracellular DA and NE concentrations. Overall, these findings suggest that the catecholamine neurons may be a target for the chlorotriazines and/or their metabolites, that the metabolites produce a unique pattern of catecholamine response, and that all of the changes were seen within the same range of doses.     

Synthese und trichomonazide Wirkung von Di(isopropylamino)-1,3,5-triazinen

Synthesis and Trichomonacidal Activity of Di(isopropylamino)-1,3,5-triazines Reactions of 2-chloro-4,6-di(isopropylamino)-1,3,5-triazine (1) with aniline (2a) and its fluoro derivatives 2b-d yield the di(isopropylamino)-1,3,5-triazines 3a-d. Among the drug activities of compounds of type 3 trichomonacidal activity is most pronounced. Particularly marked activity is shown by 3a towards trichomonas vaginalis.     

Synthesis and biochemical properties of substituted phenoxy- and anilino-1,3,5-triazines

Synthesis and Biochemical Properties of Substituted Phenoxy- and Anilino-1,3,5-triazines The nucleophilic substitution of one chlorine atom in 2,4-dichloro-6-diethylamino-1,3,5-triazine (1) by reaction with the hydroxyacetophenones 2a–c leads to the 2-acetylphenoxy-4-chloro-6-diethylamino-1,3,5-triazines 3a–c. Analogously, reaction of 1 with 4-fluoroaniline (4a) yields the monoanilino derivative 5a. However, under the same conditions, the dianilino derivative 5b is formed from 1 and 2-fluoroaniline (4b). Compounds of type 3 exhibit activity against fungi and protozoa, while 5 has herbicidal activity.     

Rat liver microsomal metabolism of 2-halogenated 4-methylanilines.

1. Rat liver microsomal metabolism of 2-fluoro-, 2-chloro- and 2-bromo-4-methylaniline was investigated using h.p.l.c. Metabolites identified include products from side-chain C-hydroxylation (benzyl alcohols and benzaldehydes) and N-hydroxylation (hydroxylamines and nitroso derivatives). Aromatic ring hydroxylation was not a major reaction pathway. 2. A new type of microsomal metabolite was detected which was identified as a secondary amine, i.e. a halogenated N-(4'-aminobenzyl)-4-methylaniline. 3. In addition to these products azoxy, azo and hydrazo derivatives were formed. 4. Benzyl alcohols and halogenated N-(4'-aminobenzyl)-4-methylanilines were the major microsomal metabolites for all three 2-halogenated 4-methylanilines. 5. Quantification of the metabolite patterns demonstrated an influence of the type of halogen substituent on the rate of microsomal metabolism. The rate of side-chain C-hydroxylation increases in the order 2-fluoro-4-methylaniline < 2-chloro-4-methylaniline < 2-bromo-4-methylaniline. 6. The rate of N-hydroxylation increases from 2-bromo-4-methylaniline < 2-fluoro-4-methylaniline < 2-chloro-4-methylaniline. That 2-chloro-4-methylaniline is N-hydroxylated to a larger extent is in accordance with its greater mutagenicity, twice that of 2-bromo-4-methylaniline.     

Inter-species variation in the metabolism and inhibition of N-[(2'-dimethylamino)ethyl]acridine-4-carboxamide (DACA) by aldehyde oxidase

N-[(2'-Dimethylamino)ethyl]acridine-4-carboxamide (DACA) is a new anticancer agent currently undergoing clinical trials. The metabolism of DACA to acridone metabolites by aldehyde oxidase (AO) (EC 1.2.3.1) appears to play a major role in its elimination in human patients and rodents. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of human, guinea pig, and rat AO preparations to metabolise DACA, and to determine if either animal model was appropriate for predicting AO-mediated DACA-drug interactions in humans. Both human and rodent liver samples were homogenised in buffer before sequential centrifugation to produce the cytosol fraction. Human supernatant underwent an additional ammonium sulphate precipitation procedure, which produced a 2-fold increase in enzyme activity per milligram of protein. After incubations with DACA (range, 0-200 microM), DACA-9(10H)-acridone formation was determined by HPLC analysis. Michaelis-Menten parameters, Km and Vmax, were determined from the best fit curves by nonlinear regression. Three of the four human liver preparations had similar DACA intrinsic clearance values (Vmax/Km) ranging from 0.27 to 0.35 mL/min/mg protein, whereas both the rat and guinea pig had approximately 7- and 160-fold greater intrinsic clearances, due to lower Km values in rats (4.5 +/- 0.7 microM) and guinea pigs (0.15 +/- 0.1 microM) compared with humans (28.3 +/- 8.3 microM, N = 4). Amsacrine, menadione, and 7-hydroxy-DACA were potent inhibitors of DACA metabolism in all three species, but 10-fold differences in IC50 values were apparent between species. In addition, SKF-525A was a potent inhibitor of the metabolism of DACA in rat cytosol but caused minimal inhibition in the guinea pig or human preparations. These results suggest that neither rat nor guinea pig AO preparations are suitable for predicting AO-mediated DACA-drug interactions in humans.     

Species differences in the in vitro metabolism of methapyrilene

1. The metabolism of N,N-dimethyl-N'-(2-pyridyl)-N'-(2-thienylmethyl)-1,2- ethanediamine(methapyrilene, I) by liver microsomes from rat, guinea pig, and rabbit has been examined. 2. Methapyrilene-N-oxide, (III), normethapyrilene, (II), 2-thiophene methanol, (VI), 2-thiophene carboxylic acid, (VII), N-(2-pyridyl)-N',N'-dimethylethylenediamine, (IX), and methapyrilene amide, (XIV) were found in all species. 3. N-(2-Thienylmethyl)-2-amino pyridine, (VIII), 2-aminopyridine, (X), and (5-hydroxypridyl)-methapyrilene, (XII), were detected in rat and rabbit only. 4. N-Hydroxynormethapyrilene, (XXI), was tentatively identified by mass spectral fragmentation patterns only in rabbit liver microsomes incubations; however, it was found in 9000 g supernatant fraction incubations of rabbit, rat and guinea pig. 5. The formation of IX and XII was quantitatively more important in the rat than in either rabbit or guinea pig.     

Coronary vasodilatation induced by acetylcholine in the isolated hearts of guinea pig and mice: differential contributions of nitric oxide and postacyclin

We have studied the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI2) as well as muscarinic m2 and m3 receptors in the coronary vasodilatation induced by acetylcholine in the isolated hearts of guinea pig and mouse perfused according to the Langendorff method. In the guinea pig heart, a coronary vasodilator response to acetylcholine was profoundly decreased by the NO-synthase inhibitor L-N(G)-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10(-4) M), while in the mouse heart this response was blocked by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (5 x 10(-6) M). In both cases, the muscarinic m3 receptor antagonist 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine (4-DAMP, 3 x 10(-8) M) blocked the acetylcholine-induced vasodilator response, while the muscarinic m2 antagonist methoctramine (3 x 10(-7) M) had no effect. It was concluded that the vasodilator effect of acetylcholine depends on NO in the coronary circulation of guinea pig and on PGI2 in the coronary circulation of mouse. In both cases, the coronary vasodilation induced by acetylcholine is mediated by muscarinic m3 receptors.     

N-[(arylmethoxy)phenyl] carboxylic acids, hydroxamic acids, tetrazoles, and sulfonyl carboxamides. Potent orally active leukotriene D4 antagonists of novel structure

Four series of N-[(arylmethoxy)phenyl] compounds were prepared as leukotriene D4 (LTD4) antagonists. In the hydroxamic acid series, methyl 3-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)benzeneacetohydroxamate (Wy-48,422, 20) was the most potent inhibitor of LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction with an oral ED50 of 7.9 mg/kg. Compound 20 also orally inhibited ovalbumin-induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig with an ED50 of 3.6 mg/kg. In vitro, against LTD4-induced contraction of isolated guinea pig trachea pretreated with indomethacin and 1-cysteine, 20 produced a pKB value of 6.08. In the sulfonyl carboxamide series, N-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-3-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)-benzamide (Wy-49,353, 30) was the most potent antagonist. Compound 30 orally inhibited both LTD4- and ovalbumin-induced bronchoconstriction with ED50s of 0.4 and 20.2 mg/kg, respectively. In vitro, against LTD4-induced contraction of isolated guinea pig trachea, 30 produced a pKB value of 7.78. In the carboxylic acid series, which served as intermediates for the above two series, 3-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)benzeneacetic acid (Wy-46,016, 5) was the most potent inhibitor of LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction (99% at 25 mg/kg, intraduodenally); however, the pKB for this compound was disappointing (5.79). In the tetrazole series, the most potent inhibitor was 2-[[3-(1H-tetrazol-5-ylmethyl)phenoxy]methyl]quinoline (Wy-49,451, 41). The respective inhibitory ED50s were 3.0 mg/kg versus LTD4 and 17.5 mg/kg versus ovalbumin. In the isolated guinea pig trachea, 41 produced a pKB value of 6.70.     

Pharmacological effects of CM6912 and its main metabolites

Pharmacodynamic effects of ethyl 7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-2-oxo-1H-1,4- benzodiazepine-3-carboxylate (CM6912), a new benzodiazepine derivative, and its main metabolites (CM6913 = M1, CM7116 = M2) on the peripheral systems were investigated in several species of animals. In pentobarbital-anesthetized rabbits, CM6912 and M2 (1 or 5 mg/kg, i.v.) had little effect on blood pressure, heart rate and ECG, but it slightly reduced the respiration rate. M1 decreased the heart rate without affecting respiration, blood pressure and ECG. In conscious rabbits, CM6912 and M2 (1 mg/kg, i.v.) did not affect respiration, blood pressure, heart rate and ECG, but M1 (1 mg/kg, i.v.) increased the heart rate. CM6912 (5 or 30 mg/kg), when administered orally, also increased heart rate. In pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs, CM6912 and its metabolites (5 mg/kg, i.v.) decreased respiration and heart rate without affecting blood pressure and ECG. CM 6912 (5 mg/kg, i.v.) did not affect cardiovascular responses to the carotid occlusion, vagus stimulation, and pre- and post-ganglionic stimulation of cardiac ganglion in anesthetized dogs. CM6912 and its metabolites affected neither the spontaneous contraction nor the heart rate of isolated rabbit atria. These compounds also had no action on isolated aortic strips from rabbits. CM6912 and its metabolites did not affect the muscle tone of isolated guinea pig intestine, and it had no effects on the contractile responses to acetylcholine, histamine, serotonin and barium chloride. In isolated rabbit intestine, CM6912 and M2 slightly reduced the amplitude of contraction, while M1 had no effect. CM6912 and its metabolites did not affect the spontaneous motility of isolated non-pregnant and pregnant rat uteri as well as in situ non-pregnant rat uterus and isolated guinea pig vas deferens, including the contractile response to adrenaline. CM6912 and M2 relaxed isolated guinea pig trachea strips only at high concentrations. CM6912 and its metabolites did not affect the contractile responses of isolated rat diaphragm to electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerve. CM6912 (2 or 10 mg/kg, p.o.) did not affect the rat renal and hepatic functions. CM6912 influenced neither blood coagulation in rabbits nor blood hemolysis in rats. CM6912 and its metabolites did not affect the pupil size and its light reflex, and they did not produce a local anesthesia and edema. The present results suggest that CM6912 and its main metabolites exert only slight effects on the peripheral systems in animals.     

Synthesis and antiallergy activity of N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-4-aryl-1-piperazinecarboxamide derivatives

A series of N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-4-aryl-1-piperazinecarboxamides was synthesized and evaluated for antiallergy activity. Several derivatives had activity in the passive foot anaphylaxis (PFA) assay, an IgE-mediated model useful in the detection of compounds possessing antiallergic activity, but no derivative tested had activity at 10 mg/kg in the guinea pig anaphylaxis (GPA) assay. One analogue, N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinecarboxamide , had an IC50 = 310 nM for inhibition of tritiated mepyramine binding to H1 histaminic receptors isolated from guinea pig cerebral cortex.     

Metabolism of 2,4,5,2′,4′,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB153) in guinea pig

1. The in vitro and in vivo metabolism of 2,4,5,2′,4′,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB153) in guinea pig has been studied. 2. Seven metabolites were detected in the faeces of PCB153-treated animals and three were identical to those produced by dog liver microsomes. The detection of a metabolite where a chlorine atom was shifted from the 2- to 3-position strongly suggested the involvement of 2,3-arene oxide intermediate, and evidence for the concomitant formation of a 3,4-arene oxide intermediate was provided by identifying other two minor metabolites which were dechlorinated at the 4-position. 3. In vitro studies using liver microsomes from guinea pigs revealed that the 2,3-arene oxide and 3-hydroxylation pathways are the predominant metabolic routes compared with the 3,4-arene oxide pathway. Although the guinea pig is an another species that can metabolize PCB153 mainly to the 2,3-arene oxide intermediate, the rate of formation was only about one-tenth of the dog. 4. These results indicate that the ability to form this unusual 2,3-arene oxide intermediate may not be responsible for high excretion rate of this congener. Our data also suggest that the cytochrome P450-catalysed metabolism of PCB153 in the guinea pig and dog are similar, whereas for post-cytochrome P450 metabolism, the guinea pig resembles the rabbit.     

Identification of SK-951, a novel benzofuran derivative, as an agonist to 5-HT4 receptors

The pharmacological profile of SK-951 ((-)4-amino-N-[2-(1-azabicyclo[3.3.0]octan-5-yl) ethyl]-5-chloro-2,3-dihydro-2-methylbenzo[b]furan-7-carboxamide hemifumarate) was identified in relation to serotonin 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors by the receptor binding assay and functional studies. The receptor binding assay showed that SK-951 bound to the 5-HT3 receptor with a high affinity, to the 5-HT4 receptor with relatively higher affinity and to the muscarinic M2 receptor with a low affinity, but not to dopamine D1 and D2 and serotonin 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 and muscarinic M1 and M3 receptors. SK-951 caused relaxations of tunica muscularis mucosae preparations from rat esophagus which were precontracted with carbachol, and the effects were antagonized by GR113808, a selective 5-HT4 antagonist. In the longitudinal muscle with myenteric plexus (LMMP) preparations from guinea pig ileum, SK-951 enhanced the electrically-stimulated contraction of preparations in which the 5-HT1, 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors were blocked, and it enhanced the electrically-stimulated release of [3H]acetylcholine (ACh). These effects of SK-951 were antagonized by GR113808. SK-951 inhibited the 5-HT3 receptor-mediated contractions. These results indicate that SK-951 possesses properties of an agonist for the 5-HT4 receptor and an antagonist for the 5-HT3 receptor. Thus, SK-951 is a new and potent 5-HT4-receptor agonist and causes contractions of guinea pig ileum mediated by enhancement of ACh release via the 5-HT4 receptor.