Novel histamine H3 receptor antagonists GSK189254 and GSK334429 are efficacious in surgically-induced and virally-induced rat models of neuropathic pain

Several studies have implicated a potential role for histamine H₃ receptors in pain processing, although the data are somewhat conflicting. In the present study we investigated the effects of the novel potent and highly selective H₃ receptor antagonists GSK189254 (6-[(3-cyclobutyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepin-7-yl)oxy]-N-methyl-3-pyridinecarboxamide hydrochloride) and GSK334429 (1-(1-methylethyl)-4-({1-[6-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pyridinyl]-4-piperidinyl}carbonyl)hexahydro-1H-1,4-diazepine) in two rat models of neuropathic pain, namely the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model and the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) model. Both GSK189254 (0.3, 3 and/or 10 mg/kg p.o.) and GSK334429 (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg p.o.) significantly reversed the CCI-induced decrease in paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) measured using an analgesymeter and/or von Frey hairs. In addition, GSK189254 (3 mg/kg p.o.) and GSK334429 (10 mg/kg p.o.) both reversed the VZV-induced decrease in PWT using von Frey hairs. We also investigated the potential site of action of this analgesic effect of H₃ antagonists using autoradiography. Specific binding to H₃ receptors was demonstrated with [³H]-GSK189254 in the dorsal horn of the human and rat spinal cord, and in human dorsal root ganglion (DRG), consistent with the potential involvement of H₃ receptors in pain processing. In conclusion, we have shown for the first time that chronic oral administration of selective H₃ antagonists is effective in reversing neuropathic hypersensitivity in disease-related models, and that specific H₃ receptor binding sites are present in the human DRG and dorsal horn of the spinal cord. These data suggest that H₃ antagonists such as GSK189254 and GSK334429 may be useful for the treatment of neuropathic pain.     

3H]A-317491, a novel high-affinity non-nucleotide antagonist that specifically labels human P2X2/3 and P2X3 receptors

A-317491 is a potent and selective antagonist of P2X3 and P2X(2/3) receptors. In the present studies, the ability of [3H]A-317491 to label recombinant human P2X(2/3) and P2X(3) receptors was characterized. Using membranes prepared from 1321N1 cells expressing P2X(2/3) receptors, [3H]A-317491 specifically labeled high-affinity (Kd = 0.9 nM) recognition sites. High-affinity [3H]A-317491 binding was not detected in membrane preparations from native 1321N1 cells or cells expressing homomeric P2X1, P2X2, or P2X3 receptors. Specific [3H]A-317491 P2X3 receptors could only be reliably detected following treatment of intact P2X3 receptor-expressing cells with apyrase (1 U/ml) both before and during membrane preparation. Under these conditions, [3H]A-317491 also labeled high-affinity (Kd = 9 nM) binding sites. Lower affinity binding components (Kd values of 87-790 nM) were detected in both assays using higher ligand concentrations that likely represent nonfunctional recognition sites. [3H]A-317491 binding to both P2X(2/3) and P2X3 receptors was reversible, and ligand kinetic studies provided similar estimates of the high-affinity binding constants. Potent P2X3 receptor agonists 2-methylthio-ATP, 2,3-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP, and alpha,beta-methylene adenosine triphosphate also potently inhibited specific [3H]A-317491 binding to both P2X(2/3) and P2X3 receptors. The pharmacological profile for P2X receptor antagonists to inhibit [3H]A-317491 binding to P2X(2/3) and P2X3 receptors was highly correlated (r = 0.98, P < 0.05), and a similar rank order of potency was observed for blockade of P2X(2/3) receptor-mediated calcium influx. These data demonstrate that [3H]A-317491 is the first useful radioligand for the specific labeling of P2X3-containing channels.     

3H]Mianserin: differential labeling of serotonin and histamine receptors in rat brain

Mianserin, a tetracyclic antidepressant, is a potent serotonin (5-HT) and histamine H1 antagonist in peripheral smooth muscle systems. Mianserin was found to possess high affinity for 5-HT2 and histamine H1 receptor binding sites in brain membranes. By using [3H]mianserin, both 5-HT2 and histamine H1 receptors can be specifically labeled in rat cerebral cortex membranes. Simultaneous incubation of brain membranes with 300 nM triprolidine or 30 nM spiroperidol enables the selective labeling of 5-HT2 or histamine H1 receptors, respectively. In the guinea-pig cerebellum, [3H]mianserin exclusively labels histamine H1 receptors, since 5-HT2 sites are virtually absent in this area.     

Targeted disruption of H3 receptors results in changes in brain histamine tone leading to an obese phenotype

Histamine is an aminergic neurotransmitter that is localized in the CNS and in peripheral tissues. To date, four histamine receptors have been identified, and the H3 receptor, which was recently cloned, is predominantly expressed in the CNS. The peripheral functions of histamine have been investigated intensively using available molecular and pharmacological tools, and the molecular identification of the H3 receptor opens up new possibilities for investigating the role of histamine in central tissues. To understand the biological function of the histamine presynaptic autoreceptor H3, we inactivated the receptor through homologous recombination. H3(-/-) mice manifest mild obese phenotypes that are characterized by increases in body weight, food intake, and adiposity and by reductions in energy expenditure. Consistent with these observations, homozygous null mice have insulin and leptin resistance, increased levels of plasma leptin and insulin, and decreased levels of histamine in the hypothalamic/thalamic region of their brains coupled with increased histamine turnover. The expression of UCP1 in brown adipose tissue and of UCP3 in brown adipose tissue, white adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle is decreased in H3(-/-) mutants, and the anorexigenic activity of thioperamide is not observed. These results suggest that neuronal histamine is a mediator of body-weight homeostasis and that neuronal histamine functions through H3 receptors in mice.     

ABT-869, a multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, reduces tumor microvascularity and improves vascular wall integrity in preclinical tumor models

N-[4-(3-amino-1H-indazol-4-yl)phenyl]-N1-(2-fluoro-5-methyl phenyl)-urea (ABT-869) is a novel multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that demonstrates single-agent activity in preclinical studies and has undergone phase I and II clinical trials. We characterized the mechanism of action of ABT-869 by examining vascular changes after treatment (25 mg/kg per day) in HT1080 fibrosarcoma and SW620 colon carcinoma cells, using immunohistochemistry, dynamic contrast enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), and hypoxic protein detection. We observed the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and platelet-derived growth factor receptor β phosphorylation in both tumors and changes in tumor vasculature. Reductions in microvessel density and diameter were observed. Vascular-wall integrity was assessed by colocalization of pericytes and basement membrane. Although both microvessel density and total number of pericytes decreased with treatment, the percentage of pericyte coverage on remaining vessels significantly increased. These data suggest the selective ablation of microvessels lacking pericyte coverage. Functional vascular measures DCE-MRI and hypoxia formation were also tested. After 2 days of treatment on the HT1080 model, vascular permeability, K(trans), was reduced by >60% and hypoxic tumor fraction was significantly decreased, which was also seen in the SW620 tumors after 4 days of treatment. Taken together, decreases in vascular permeability and changes in vascular integrity observed in these studies define the mode of action of ABT-869 and may aid in optimizing the timing of therapeutic window for combination therapies.     

A positron emission tomography study to assess binding of lecozotan, a novel 5-hydroxytryptamine-1A silent antagonist, to brain 5-HT1A receptors in healthy young and elderly subjects, and in patients with Alzheimer's disease

This positron emission tomography (PET) study was conducted to assess binding of lecozotan, a new potent and silent 5-hydroxytryptamine-1A (5-HT1A) antagonist being developed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), to 5-HT1A receptors in the human brain using 11C-labeled WAY-100635. Lecozotan was administered as a single dose of 0.5, 1, or 5 mg to young subjects and 5 mg to elderly subjects and AD patients. PET measurements were performed at 3-4 time points over a 25-h period. Mean peak 5-HT1A receptor occupancy (RO) in young subjects (seen at 1 h) was 10%, 18%, and 44% for the three doses, respectively. Mean peak RO was slightly higher in elderly (63%) and AD patients (55%). An Emax pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model adequately described the lecozotan plasma concentration-RO relationship. Steady-state peak RO is predicted to be approximately 70% for 5 mg q12 h (twice-daily). Results demonstrate that lecozotan binds to the human brain 5-HT1A receptors and has a maximum observed RO of 50-60% following a single dose of 5 mg in elderly subjects/AD patients.     

3D characterization of brain atrophy in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment using tensor-based morphometry

Tensor-based morphometry (TBM) creates three-dimensional maps of disease-related differences in brain structure, based on nonlinearly registering brain MRI scans to a common image template. Using two different TBM designs (averaging individual differences versus aligning group average templates), we compared the anatomical distribution of brain atrophy in 40 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), 40 healthy elderly controls, and 40 individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), a condition conferring increased risk for AD. We created an unbiased geometrical average image template for each of the three groups, which were matched for sex and age (mean age: 76.1 years+/-7.7 SD). We warped each individual brain image (N=120) to the control group average template to create Jacobian maps, which show the local expansion or compression factor at each point in the image, reflecting individual volumetric differences. Statistical maps of group differences revealed widespread medial temporal and limbic atrophy in AD, with a lesser, more restricted distribution in MCI. Atrophy and CSF space expansion both correlated strongly with Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) scores and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). Using cumulative p-value plots, we investigated how detection sensitivity was influenced by the sample size, the choice of search region (whole brain, temporal lobe, hippocampus), the initial linear registration method (9- versus 12-parameter), and the type of TBM design. In the future, TBM may help to (1) identify factors that resist or accelerate the disease process, and (2) measure disease burden in treatment trials.     

Lafutidine,a novel histamine H2-receptor antagonist,increases serum calcitonin gene-related peptide in rats after water immersion-restraint stress

Lafutidine is a novel histamine H(2)-receptor antagonist with a potent and long-lasting anti-acid secretory effect that has also been found to have a potent gastroprotective effect. We investigated the effect of lafutidine on gastric mucosal injury induced in rats with the use of water-immersion restraint stress (WRS) by examining serum calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) concentrations, which we measured with the use of an enzyme immunometric assay. WRS-induced mucosal erosive injury in the stomach was reduced significantly by both lafutidine and famotidine pretreatment (from 7.79 +/- 2.02 mm(2) to 3.09 +/- 0.74 mm(2) and 4.05 +/- 1.18 mm(2), respectively). A single administration of lafutidine or famotidine did not change the serum CGRP concentration from the control value when these drugs were administered without WRS. Lafutidine pretreatment before WRS caused a significant increase in serum CGRP concentration compared with famotidine (lafutidine, 86.64 +/- 9.52 pg/mL; famotidine, 47.55 +/- 4.35 pg/mL; control, 58.43 +/- 6.07 pg/mL). Our results suggest that lafutidine augments CGRP release from the rat stomach when administered before the induction of WRS.     

3H]2-phenylaminoadenosine ([3H]CV 1808) labels a novel adenosine receptor in rat brain.

Earlier studies have demonstrated that the vasoactive compound CV 1808 displays 10-fold selectivity for the adenosine A2 receptor, and as such, was the first reported A2-selective agonist. After the radiolabeling of CV 1808, its binding characteristics were evaluated in rat striatal, cortical and hippocampal membranes. Using 5 nM [3H]CV 1808, unlabeled CV 1808 produced shallow inhibition curves in all three brain areas, with 61 to 75% of the binding displaying IC50 values of 16 to 24 nM, whereas the remaining 28 to 37% of binding had lower affinity (IC50 595-1130 nM). The A2-selective agonist CGS 21680 and the nonselective adenosine agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine displayed very low affinity (IC50 > 10 microM). The A1-selective compound N6-cyclopentyladenosine inhibited only 28 to 44% of specific binding, with IC50 of 272-1750 nM. In contrast, the nonselective adenosine antagonist CGS 15943A inhibited specific binding by 48 to 64% (at 1 microM) with IC50 ranging from 106 to 295 nM. Additionally, several novel adenosine analogs fully inhibited specific binding, producing multicomponent inhibition curves. Electrophysiological studies in porcine coronary artery cells demonstrated that CV 1808, but not CGS 21680, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine and N6-cyclopentyladenosine, activated potassium channels. Further, the CV 1808-induced activation was blocked by CGS 15943A. These results indicate that [3H]CV 1808 binding consists of two components in rat brain: a low-affinity site with A1-like characteristics, and a novel high-affinity site, designated as the A4 receptor, where potassium channel activation appears to be a functional correlate.     

3H]CGS 21680, a selective A2 adenosine receptor agonist directly labels A2 receptors in rat brain

Characterization of the adenosine A2 receptor has been limited due to the lack of available ligands which have high affinity and selectivity for this adenosine receptor subtype. In the present study, the binding of a highly A2-selective agonist radioligand, [3H]CGS 21680 (2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)-phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine) is described. [3H]CGS 21680 specific binding to rat striatal membranes was saturable, reversible and dependent upon protein concentration. Saturation studies revealed that [3H]CGS 21680 bound with high affinity (Kd = 15.5 nM) and limited capacity (apparent Bmax = 375 fmol/mg of protein) to a single class of recognition sites. Estimates of ligand affinity (16 nM) determined from association and dissociation kinetic experiments were in close agreement with the results from the saturation studies. [3H]CGS 21680 binding was greatest in striatal membranes with negligible specific binding obtained in rat cortical membranes. Adenosine agonists ligands competed for the binding of 5 nM [3H]CGS 21680 to striatal membranes with the following order of activity; CGS 21680 = 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine greater than 2-phenylaminoadenosine (CV-1808) = 5'-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine = 2-chloroadenosine greater than R-phenylisopropyladenosine greater than N6-cyclohexyladenosine greater than N6cyclopentyltheophylline greater than S-phenylisopropyladenosine. The nonxanthine adenosine antagonist, CGS 15943A, was the most active compound in inhibiting the binding of [3H]CGS 21680. Other adenosine antagonists inhibited binding in the following order; xanthine amine congener = (1,3-dipropyl-8-(2-amino-4-chloro)phenylxanthine greater than 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine greater than 1,3-diethyl-8-phenylxanthine greater than 8-phenyltheophylline greater than 8-cyclopentyltheophylline = xanthine carboxylic acid congener greater than 8-parasulfophenyltheophylline greater than theophylline greater than caffeine. The pharmacological profile of both adenosine agonist and antagonist compounds to compete for the binding of [3H]CGS 21680 was consistent with a selective interaction at the high affinity adenosine A2 receptor. A high positive correlation (r = 0.98, P less than .01) was observed between the pharmacological profile of adenosine ligands to inhibit the binding of [3H]CGS 21680 and the selective binding of [3H]NECA (+50 nM CPA) to high affinity A2 receptors. However, some differences between these assays were found for compounds which have moderate affinity and nonselective actions at both the A1 and A2 adenosine receptor subtypes. Unlike data obtained with nonselective adenosine ligands, the present results indicate that [3H]CGS 21680 directly labels the high affinity A2 receptor in rat brain without the need to block binding activity at the A1 receptor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Pharmacological comparison of ORF 17910, a potent, long-acting histamine H2-receptor antagonist, to cimetidine and ranitidine

This paper describes the pharmacology of ORF 17910, a specific, long-acting histamine H2-receptor antagonist. ORF 17910 (ED50 = 0.26 mg/kg) is 26 and 2.7 times more potent p.o. than cimetidine and ranitidine, respectively, at inhibiting acid output in betazole-stimulated total gastric fistula dogs. When given i.v., ORF 17910 (ED50 = 0.06 mg/kg) is 3.6 times more potent than ranitidine. Qualitatively similar antisecretory potency differences are seen in rats (ED50 = 3.7 mg/kg intraduodenal). ORF 17910 retains 43 and 37% of its antisecretory potency 16 hr after dosing in dogs and rats, respectively, suggesting a long duration of action, whereas ranitidine is either inactive (rats) or loses 97% of its potency (dogs) at this time. When the parenteral and enteral (p.o. or intraduodenal) potencies of ORF 17910 and ranitidine are compared, ORF 17910 appears less bioavailable than ranitidine, although this difference is greater in the rat than in the dog and diminishes with time. In rabbit isolated parietal cell (pA2 = 7.96) and guinea pig isolated atria preparations (pA2 = 7.51), ORF 17910 is more potent than both cimetidine and ranitidine at inhibiting the effects of histamine. At high concentrations, the inhibitory effect of ORF 17910 in atria can not be overcome completely, a property which may contribute to its long duration of action in vivo. In several additional test systems, ORF 17910 does not exhibit any biologically significant pharmacology and appears to be specific for the histamine H2-receptor.     

Identification and characterization of MEL-3, a novel AR antagonist that suppresses prostate cancer cell growth

Antiandrogens are an important component of prostate cancer therapy as the androgen receptor (AR) is the key regulator of prostate cancer growth and survival. Current AR antagonists, such as bicalutamide and hydroxyflutamide, have a low affinity for the AR and as a result block AR signaling insufficiently. Moreover, many patients develop a resistance for bicalutamide or hydroxyflutamide during therapy or show a clinical improvement after withdrawal of the antiandrogen. New and more effective AR antagonists are needed to ensure follow-up of these patients. We therefore developed a screening system to identify novel AR antagonists from a collection of compounds. MEL-3 [8-(propan-2-yl)-5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrazino[3,2,1-jk]carbazole] was selected as potent inhibitor of the AR and was further characterized in vitro. On different prostate cancer cell lines MEL-3 displayed an improved therapeutic profile compared with bicalutamide. Not only cell growth was inhibited but also the expression of androgen-regulated genes: PSA and FKBP5. Prostate cancer is often associated with mutated ARs that respond to a broadened spectrum of ligands including the current antiandrogens used in the clinic, hydroxyflutamide and bicalutamide. The activity of two mutant receptors (AR T877A and AR W741C) was shown to be reduced in presence of MEL-3, providing evidence that MEL-3 can potentially be a follow-up treatment for bicalutamide- and hydroxyflutamide-resistant patients. The mechanism of action of MEL-3 on the molecular level was further explored by comparing the structure-activity relationship of different chemical derivatives of MEL-3 with the in silico docking of MEL-3 derivatives in the binding pocket of the AR.     

Antisecretory and antilesional effect of a new histamine H2-receptor antagonist, IT-066, in rats

The effects of a new histamine H2-receptor antagonist, IT-066 (3-amino-4-[4-[4-(1-piperidinomethyl)-2-pyridyloxy]-cis-2-++ +butenylamino]- 3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione hydrochloride), were investigated on the secretagogue-induced acid secretion in vivo and in vitro, and on experimental gastric and duodenal lesion in rats. IT-066 (10-60 micrograms/kg) given i.v. inhibited histamine-stimulated acid secretion dose-dependently in gastric lumen-perfused rats, and the inhibitory effect was observed for about 12 hr. Famotidine (FMD) (10-60 micrograms/kg i.v.) also had an antisecretory effect, but the acid secretion recovered to the control level 4 hr after the administration. Cold stress plus indomethacin-induced lesion was significantly inhibited by IT-066 and FMD given i.v. 30 min before the cold stress plus indomethacin treatment. IT-066 given 7 hr before the cold stress plus indomethacin treatment also inhibited lesion formation significantly, but such antilesional effect was not observed with FMD. In the rat isolated gastric mucosal sheet, IT-066 inhibited histamine-stimulated acid secretion dose-dependently and noncompetitively; its action was produced via a unique mechanism. The inhibitory effect of IT-066 remained after washing of the mucosa, and became more potent time-dependently. The inhibitory effects of FMD and cimetidine were not observed after washing the mucosa. These data suggest that IT-066 has a potent and long lasting antisecretory effect in vivo and in vitro, and that these properties are responsible for the long lasting antilesional action.     

Activation of brain histaminergic neurotransmission: a mechanism for cognitive effects of memantine in Alzheimer's disease

We previously reported that some N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor antagonists enhanced histamine neuron activity in rodents. Here, we have investigated the effects of memantine, an NMDA-receptor antagonist used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, on histaminergic neurotransmission. In vitro, memantine antagonized native NMDA receptors with a micromolar potency but had no effect at recombinant human histamine receptors. In vivo, a single administration of memantine increased histamine neuron activity, as shown by the 60% increase of tele-methylhistamine (t-MeHA) levels observed in the brain of mice. This increase occurred with an ED(50) of 0.3 ± 0.1 mg/kg, similar to that found on inhibition of ex vivo [(3)H]dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) binding (1.8 ± 1.3 mg/kg). Two days after pretreatment of mice with memantine at 5 mg/kg twice daily for 5 days, t-MeHA levels were enhanced by 50 ± 7% (p < 0.001), indicating a long-lasting activation of histamine neurons. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to explore genes involved in this persistent effect. H(3) receptor mRNAs were strongly increased, but the density of H(3) receptor binding sites was increased solely in hypothalamus (by 141 ± 24%). Up-regulations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and NMDA-receptor 1 subunit mRNAs were also found but were restricted to hippocampus. mRNA expression of α7-nicotinic receptors remained unchanged in any region. Considering the well established cognitive effects of histamine neurons, the increase in brain t-MeHA levels after single or repeated administration of therapeutic doses of memantine suggests that the drug exerts its beneficial effects on cognitive deficits of Alzheimer's disease, at least partly, by activating histamine neurons.     

Biological activity of a novel nonpeptide antagonist to the interleukin-6 receptor 20S,21-epoxy-resibufogenin-3-formate

Interleukin (IL)-6 is a key mediator in the regulation and coordination of the immune response and participates in pathogenesis of cancer cachexia, autoimmune disease, and postmenopausal osteoporosis. In the course of a screening program aimed at IL-6 inhibitor from natural products, we isolated 20S,21-epoxy-resibufogenin-3-formate (ERBF) from bufadienolide and examined the effect of ERBF on activities of various cytokines. ERBF dose dependently suppressed IL-6 activity and caused a parallel rightward shift of dose-response curves to IL-6 at concentrations of 0.03 to 10 ng/ml. Analysis of data yields a pA(2) of 5.12 and a slope of 0.99. Selectivity of ERBF on activity of cytokines was examined using cytokine-dependent cell lines. ERBF did not affect IL-2-dependent growth of CTLL-2 cells, IL-3-dependent growth of Baf3 cells, or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha-induced growth suppression in TNFalpha-sensitive L929 cells. ERBF also did not affect IL-4-stimulated expression of FcepsilonR II receptor (CD23) in U-937 cells, the IL-8-induced chemotaxis of human neutrophils, or nerve growth factor-stimulated neuronal differentiation in PC-12 cells. In contrast, ERBF dose dependently suppressed IL-6-induced neuronal differentiation in PC-12 cells. Furthermore, ERBF suppressed only IL-6-induced osteoclast formation without affecting osteoclast formation induced by IL-11, leukemia inhibitory factor, and 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3). In receptor binding assay, unbound (free) IL-6 was increased in a dose-dependent manner by pretreatment with ERBF on IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), suggesting that ERBF suppresses binding of IL-6 to IL-6R. These results clearly indicate that ERBF is a novel specific small molecule to show IL-6 receptor antagonist activity.     

3H]TA-3090, a selective benzothiazepine-type calcium channel receptor antagonist: in vitro characterization

Binding of the new benzothiazepine calcium channel blocker, (+)-(2S,3S)-3-acetoxy-8-chloro-5-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-2,3-dihydro-2- (4- methoxyphenyl)-1,5-benzothiazepine-4-(5H)-one maleate, [3H]TA-3090), was characterized and its specificity for rat myocardial benzothiazepine receptors described. Scatchard plots and nonlinear regression analysis of specific [3H]TA-3090 binding best fit a one-site binding model (Kd = 8.8 +/- 2.7 nM, Bmax = 132 +/- 38 fmol/mg protein). Kinetically derived affinity constants were in close agreement (Kd = 7.86 nM) with those obtained from analysis of equilibrium binding data. In comparison, under identical conditions [3H]diltiazem exhibited a Kd of 38 nM and Bmax, 106 fmol/mg protein. Specific binding was saturable, reversible and stereoselective (d-cis-TA-3090 Ki = 14 nM; 1-cis-TA-3090 Ki = 2700 nM). Competitions for [3H]TA-3090 binding were conducted with nifedipine, propranolol, prazosin, quinuclidinyl benzilate, verapamil and yohimbine. Only the calcium channel blockers nifedipine and verapamil inhibited specific [3H]TA-3090 binding. Nifedipine could maximally inhibit only 52% of specifically bound [3H]TA-3090 at 10 microM. In contrast, however, 10 microM verapamil completely inhibited specific radioligand binding (Ki = 93 +/- 28 nM) but with six times less efficacy than TA-3090. Thus, these data demonstrate that [3H]TA-3090 is a potent radioligand selective for the benzothiazepine binding site and is consistent with the hypothesis that [3H]TA-3090 interacts with a myocardial benzothiazepine receptor site.     

The CXCR2 antagonist, SCH-527123, shows antitumor activity and sensitizes cells to oxaliplatin in preclinical colon cancer models

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Recent studies showed that interleukin-8 (IL-8) and its receptors (CXCR1 and CXCR2) are significantly upregulated in both the tumor and its microenvironment, and act as key regulators of proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Our previous study showed that IL-8 overexpression in colorectal cancer cells triggers the upregulation of the CXCR2-mediated proliferative pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the CXCR2 antagonist, SCH-527123, inhibits colorectal cancer proliferation and if it can sensitize colorectal cancer cells to oxaliplatin both in vitro and in vivo. SCH-527123 showed concentration-dependent antiproliferative effects in HCT116, Caco2, and their respective IL-8-overexpressing variants colorectal cancer cell lines. Moreover, SCH-527123 was able to suppress CXCR2-mediated signal transduction as shown through decreased phosphorylation of the NF-κB/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/AKT pathway. These findings corresponded with decreased cell migration and invasion, while increased apoptosis in colorectal cancer cell lines. In vivo results verified that SCH-527123 treatment decreased tumor growth and microvessel density when compared with vehicle-treated tumors. Importantly, these preclinical studies showed that the combination of SCH-527123 and oxaliplatin resulted in a greater decrease in cell proliferation, tumor growth, apoptosis, and angiogenesis that was superior to single-agent treatment. Taken together, these findings suggest that targeting CXCR2 may block tumor proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. In addition, CXCR2 blockade may further sensitize colorectal cancer to oxaliplatin treatment.     

组胺H1受体拮抗剂对变应性鼻炎大鼠血清中TNF-α和NO的影响

目的研究组胺H1受体拮抗剂对变应性鼻炎(Allergic Rhinitis,AR)大鼠血清中肿瘤坏死因子α(tumornecrosis factor alpha,TNF-α)和氧化亚氮(nitric oxide,NO)含量变化的影响。方法实验大鼠随机分为正常对照组,AR无干预组,AR组胺HR1拮抗剂干预组,RT-PCR法测定组胺HR1拮抗剂干预对变应性鼻炎大鼠血清中TNF-α水平,硝酸还原酶法测定血清NO水平的变化。结果与正常组相比,AR无干预组大鼠血清中TNF-α和NO含量增加(P<0.05);而与AR无干预组比较,AR组胺HR1拮抗剂干预组大鼠血清中TNF-α和NO含量明显降低(P<0.05)。结论 AR时大鼠血清中TNF-α和NO含量增加;组胺HR1拮抗剂可以通过抑制AR时血清中TNF-α和NO含量增加,发挥对AR大鼠的治疗作用。