Relaxation of hormonally stimulated smooth muscular tissues by the 8-bromo derivative of cyclic GMP

Summary Substances that cause contraction or relaxation of smooth muscle have been shown to increase intracellular levels of cyclic GMP. Because of the unclear role of cyclic GMP in the control of smooth muscle tone, cyclic GMP derivatives were exogenously applied to various smooth muscle preparations and their effects on tissue tone were studied.Whereas the basal tone of the rat ductus deferens was not affected by exogenous cyclic GMP or its dibutyryl or 8-bromo derivatives, the contractile responses of this tissue to noradrenaline and acetylcholine were depressed by preincubation with 10 M 8-bromo cyclic GMP (Br-cGMP). The 8-bromo derivatives of 2:3-cyclic GMP, 5-GMP and guanosine were without effects. Cyclic AMP levels were not changed by Br-cGMP. The frequency of oxytocin-stimulated rat uteri was also depressed by Br-cGMP (10 M). In helical strips of rat and rabbit aortae, Br-cGMP (1–100 M) caused a concentration-dependent, rapid decrease in noradrenaline-stimulated tissue tension. Br-2:3-cyclic GMP was ineffective. Noradrenaline-stimulated strips from hog spleen arteries were less sensitive to Br-cGMP than aortic tissue. In ductus deferentes and aortic strips stimulated by K⁺ at a depolarizing concentration, Br-cGMP caused less relaxation than under hormonal stimulation.These findings support the concept that cyclic GMP is involved in the control of smooth muscle tone and that hormone- and drug-induced elevations of the cyclic GMP level can reduce contractile responses to neurotransmitters and hormones.Abbreviations cGMP Guanosine 3:5-monophosphate, cyclic GMP - dibutyryl cGMP N², 2-O-dibutyryl guanosine 3:5-monophosphate - Br-cGMP 8-bromo guanosine 3:5-monophosphate - Br-2:3-cGMP 8-bromo guanosine 2:3-monophosphate - Br-GMP 8-bromo guanosine 5-monophosphate - Br-Guo 8-bromo guanosine, Br-guanosine - cAMP adenosine 3:5-monophosphate, cyclic AMP - dibutyryl cAMP N⁶, 2-O-dibutyryl adenosine 3:5-monophosphate - Br-cAMP 8-bromo adenosine 3:5-monophosphate This work was supported by grants from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Preliminary reports were presented (Schultz, 1977b; Schultz et al., 1978).     

Metabolism and presynaptic inhibitory activity of 2′,3′ and 5′-adenine nucleotides in rat vas deferens

Summary In the isolated rat vas deferens stimulated at 0.2 Hz, [¹⁴C]labelled 5-AMP, 5-ADP and 5-ATP (10 M) inhibited twitch responses, were broken down to [¹⁴C]adenosine in the medium and incorporated into [¹⁴C]adenine ribonucleotides in the tissue. Pretreatment of tissues with 6-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl)-thioguanosine (NBTGR), a potent inhibitor of adenosine transport, potentiated the presynaptic inhibitory action of these 5 nucleotides and reduced their incorporation in [¹⁴C]adenine nucleotides, but did not alter the appearance of [¹⁴C]adenosine in the medium.A series of 2, 3 and 5-substituted adenine nucleotides (10 M) inhibited the twitch responses of the vas deferens stimulated at 0.2 Hz. This effect was potentiated by NBTGR. Addition of exogenous adenosine deaminase very significantly reduced the inhibitory actions of adenosine, 5-AMP, 5-ADP and 5-ATP and also reduced those of 2, 5-ADP, NAD⁺ and dePCoA. The inhibitory actions of the other 2, 3 and 5 adenine nucleotides studied were not altered by exogenous adenosine deaminase.These results indicated that the presynaptic inhibitory actions of 5-AMP, 5-ADP and 5-ATP in rat vas deferens predominantly result from their prior hydrolysis to adenosine whereas the 2, 3 and 5-substituted adenine nucleotides appear to act mainly directly to inhibit transmitter release.Abbreviations. The following abbreviations are used 5-ADP 5-adenosine diphosphate - 2,5-ADP 2,5-adenosine diphosphate - 3,5-ADP 3,5-adenosine diphosphate - 2,3 or 5-AMP 2,3 or 5-adenosine monophosphate - 5-ATP 5-adenosine triphosphate - CoA coenzyme A - 2,3-cAMP 2,3-cyclic adenosine monophosphate - cNADP⁺ -nicotinamide dinucleotide 2,3-cyclic monophosphate - dePCoA dephosphocoenzyme A - NAD⁺ -nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide - NADP⁺ -nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate - NBTGR 6-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl)-thioguanosine - oxid CoA oxidized-coenzyme A     

Dose-dependent excretion of DDE(1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene) in rats

Dose-dependent excretion of p,pDDE in rats was investigated. p,pDDE itself was the major excreta in rats. But some o,p'isomer of DDE was detected in feces by GC-MS analysis. The excretion of p,p'DDE after a single administration was modified by its dose level.The time pattern of p,pDDE excretion agrees well with the modified Hill equation. The value of the equilibrium constant (K) increases in proportion to time t after p,pDDE administration.Using the modified Hill equation and the linear K equation, the excretion rate of p,pDDE during the experimental time t can be estimated. The estimated p,pDDE excretion rate in feces agrees well with the measurements.     

Narcotic antagonists in the benzomorphan series

Summary The behavioral, respiratory and cardiovascular effects of four analgesic antagonists derived from the benzomorphan nucleus have been described. In addition, the ability of these agents to reverse the respiratory, cardiovascular and behavioral depression produced by morphine and meperidine has been reported.Two of the compounds, 2-allyl-5-ethyl-2-hydroxy-9-methyl-6,7-benzomorphan (I) and 2-cyclopropylmethyl-2-hydroxy-5,9-dimethyl-6,7-benzomorphan (IV) proved to be potent antagonists.The other two, 2-(3,3-dimethylallyl)-2-hydroxy-5,9-dimethyl-6,7-benzomorphan (II) and 2-(3,3-dimethylallyl)-5-ethyl-2-hydroxy-9-methyl-6,7-benzomorphan (III), were found to be weak antagonists.With 2 Figures in the TextDedicated to Professor Otto Krayer on his 65th birthday.     

Toxicokinetic interactions between chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons in the liver of the C57BL/6J mouse: I. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

2,2,4,4,5,5- (PCB 153), 2,3,3,4,4,5- (PCB 156) and 3,3,4,4,5,5-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 169) were administered orally to three groups of C57BL/6J mice using single doses of 1.5–109.1 mg/kg. Two other groups of mice received binary mixtures of PCB 153 and 156 or PCB 153 and 169. The hepatic deposition, elimination, CYP1a and CYP2b dependent enzyme activities were studied during a 77-day period. Some interactive effects on hepatic deposition and elimination were observed, resulting in increased deposition and faster elimination. These effects were most pronounced for the PCBs 156 and 169. A potentiating effect on hepatic CYP1a dependent 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylation (EROD) activity was observed for the combination of PCB 156 and 153. Based on the results from the present study and earlier studies, it is suggested that the potentiating effect on EROD activity might be caused by a mechanism that is governed by at least two factors. The first is a toxicokinetic modulation of hepatic retention. The second factor is probably an elevation of hepatic Ah receptor levels by PCB 153.     

Toxicity and 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase-inducing potency of coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in chick embryos

The toxicities of the coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls 3,3,4,4-tetrachlorobiphenyl (TCB), 3,3,4,4,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PeCB) and 3,3,4,4,5,5hexachlorobiphenyl (HCB) were compared in a 72-h study on chick embryos. The substances were injected into the air sacs of hens' eggs preincubated for 7 days. Mortality was measured 72 h later and corresponding LD₅₀ values were calculated. The rank order of toxicity was PeCB> TCB>HCB. Using the same injection procedure, the potencies of these chlorobiphenyls with regard to their induction of hepatic 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity were compared. The ranking order of the substances as inducers was the same as their order when ranked according to toxicity. The three coplanar chlorobiphenyls were considerably more toxic and potent as inducers than the nonplanar 2,2,4,4,5,5-hexachlorobiphenyl. In a 2-week toxicity study, PeCB and HCB were injected into the yolks of hens' eggs preincubated for 4 days. PeCB was about 50-fold more potent than HCB in causing embryonic death. Both substances caused abnormalities, including edema, liver lesions, microphthalmia and beak deformities.     

Studies on the constituents of Scutellaria species (XXI): constituents of the leaves of Scutellaria strigillosa Hemsley

From the leaves of Scutellaria strigillosa, 14 compounds, chrysin, apigenin, 5,7,2-trihydroxyflavone, norwogonin, ursolic acid, 6-hydroxy-4-stigmasten-3-one, 6-hydroxy-4,22-stigmastadien-3-one, 2 R,4 R,8 R--tocopherol, (S)-5,5 -bi--tocopheryl, (R)-5,5 -bi--tocopheryl, solanachromene, tocopherylquinone, jodrellin T, and 14,15-dihydrojodrellin T were isolated. The structures were determined on the basis of chemical and spectral data.     

Amine Prodrugs Which Utilize Hydroxy Amide Lactonization. I. A Potential Redox-Sensitive Amide Prodrug

Several amides of 3-(3,6-dioxo-2,4-dimethylcyclohexa-l,4-diene)-3,3-diniethylpropionic acid (2) have been synthesized and tested as model redox-sensitive pro-prodrugs of amines. The reduction of these model pro-prodrugs generated hydroxy amide intermediates 4a-4h, the lactonization of which resulted in amine release. The rates of lactonization of 4a-4h were investigated at pH 7.4 and 37°C. The half-lives for appearance of the product lactone la from these intermediates were found to range from 1.4 to 3.4 min. With such rapid lactonization rates, it is believed that reduction will be the rate-limiting step in the two-step conversion of the pro-prodrug to the amine.     

Trennung und Bestimmung der Nucleotide des Gehirns

Ohne ZusammenfassungFolgende Abkürzungen werden in der Arbeit verwendet AMP Adenosin-5-monophosphat - ADP Adenosin-5-diphosphat - ATP Adenosin-5-triphosphat - GMP Guanosin-5-monophosphat - GDP Guanosin-5-diphosphat - GTP Guanosin-5-triphosphat - IMP Inosin-5-monophosphat - UMP Uridin-5-monophosphat - UDP Uridin-5-diphosphat - UTP Uridin-5-triphosphat - UDPAG Uridin-5-diphosphat-N-acetylglucosamin - UDPG Uridin-5-diphosphat-glucose - DPN Diphosphopyridinnucleotid - TPN Triphosphopyridinnucleotid Mit 10 TextabbildungenMit Unterstütznng der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft.     

Relationship of metabolism of 2′-, 3′- and 5′-adenine nucleotides to presynaptic inhibition of transmitter release in rat vas deferens

Summary In the isolated rat vas deferens stimulated at 0.2 Hz, a series of 2, 3-, and 5-substituted adenine nucleotides all inhibited the twitch responses, their actions being potentiated by the nucleoside transport inhibitors, HNBTGR, NBMPR and dipyridamole.The metabolism of these nucleotides was examined utilising HPLC analysis of the bathing medium after exposure to 30 M nucleoside or nucleotide for 5 min. 5-AMP, 5-ADP, 5-ATP, and NAD⁺ were all partially hydrolysed to adenosine, the relative extent of this being 5-AMP>5-ADP=5-ATPNAD⁺. However, the other nucleotides examined were not detectably converted to adenosine or to adenosine deamination products.These results indicate that the 2-, 3- and 5-substituted nucleotides studied act at a P₁-purinoceptor in rat vas deferens to inhibit neurotransmission and, with the exception of 5-AMP, 5-ADP, 5-ATP and NAD⁺, all appear to act directly at this receptor. However, the 5-adenine nucleotides (AMP, ADP and ATP) and NAD⁺ all appear to act at least partially indirectly subsequent to their hydrolysis to adenosine.Abbreviations. The following abbreviations are used ADA adenosine deaminase (EC 3.5.4.4) - 5-ADP adenosine 5-diphosphate - 2,5-ADP adenosine 2,5-diphosphate - 3 5-ADP, adenosine 3,5-diphosphate - 2-, 3 or 5-AMP adenosine 2-, 3-, or 5-monophosphate - 5-ATP adenosine 5-triphosphate - cNADP⁺ -nicotinamide dinucleotide 2,3-cyclic monophosphate - CoA coenzyme A - HNBTGR 6-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl)-thioguanosine - NAD⁺ -nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide - NADP⁺ -nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate - NBMPR 6-(4-nitrobenzylthio)-purine riboside     

Pharmacological actions of the main metabolites of dihydroergotamine

Summary Dihydroergotamine (DHE) and 5 of its main metabolites, namely 8-hydroxy-dihydroergotamine (8-OH-DHE), 8,10-dihydroxy-dihydroergotamine (8,10-OH-DHE), 2,3seco,N(1)formyl,3-keto,8-hydroxy-dihydroergotamine (8-OH,N(1)formyl-DHE), dihydrolysergic acid amide (DH-LSA) and dihydrolysergic acid (DH-LS) were investigated on human and canine veins in vitro, on canine veins in situ, and in the ganglion-blocked rat in vivo. Like DHE, the metabolites 8-OH-DHE, 8,10-OH-DHE and DH-LSA caused contriction of human varicose veins and only weak -adrenoceptor blockade. On canine femoral vein strips the same compounds produced predominantly -adrenoceptor blockade and only negligible stimulation. 8-OH,N(1)formyl-DHE and DH-LS were largely inactive. The same compounds, which were agonists on human vein strips in vitro, induced dose-dependent reduction of venous compliance when infused locally into the dog saphenous vein in situ. In the ganglion-blocked rat, only 8-OH-DHE and 8,10-OH-DHE besides the parent drug produced an increase in diastolic blood pressure when injected intravenously. It is concluded that DHE metabolites with considerable venoconstrictor activity may contribute to the selective therapeutic action of DHE.     

Heterocyclic bis-ammonium derivatives of diphenylethane

New curare-like compounds of the diphenylethane series containing heterocyclic bis-ammonium groups have been synthesized: the di(methylbenzenesulfonate) derivative of p,p-bispyrrolidino-1, 2-diphenylethane and p,p-bispyrrolidino-meso-3,4-diphenylhexane. It has been shown that the reaction of the dimethiodide of p,p-bis(dimethylamino)-meso-3,4-diphenylhexane (Paramion) with methyl benzenesulfonate forms the di(benzenesulfonic acid) analog.Translated from Khimiko-Farmatsevticheskii Zhurnal, No. 4, pp. 25–27, April, 1967.     

Viscoelasticity of Anionic Polymers and Their Mucociliary Transport on the Frog Palate

The influence of formulation variables on the rheology of polyanionic formulations and the relationships between viscoelastic properties and mucociliary transport rate were investigated. Polymeric samples were oscillated from 0.001 to 5 Hz using either a "cone and plate or a "coaxial cylinder measuring system. The mucociliary transport rates of polymeric samples were determined and compared movement of charcoal powder on the frog palate. For the linear polymeric solutions, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and sodium alginate, the elastic modulus (G) increased with increasing amplitudes during frequency scan. However, the G or viscous modulus (G) of partially cross-linked polyacrylic acid (cPAA) samples did not change significantly under oscillation. Both G and G of cPAA samples were significantly influenced by the amount of salt present in the formulation. The rheology of 2% (w/w) cPAA in 90:10 (w/w) propylene glycol:alcohol changed from a viscous fluid to a coarse suspension after neutralization. The pH increased gradually when the nonaqueous formulation reacted with water and the maximum dynamic moduli were obtained after incorporating 20% (w/w) water in the formulation. A negative correlation was found between the G of linear polyanionic samples and the relative transport rate. However, the lowest mucociliary transport rate was observed when the loss tangent (G/G) was around 0.4–0.5.     

Comparative studies on distribution and covalent tissue binding of 2,4,2′,4′- and 3,4,3′,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl isomers in the rat

The ¹⁴C-labeled tetrachlorobiphenyl (TCB) isomers 2,4,2,4-tetrachlorobiphenyl (2,4,2,4-TCB) and 3,4,3,4-tetrachlorobiphenyl (3,4,34-TCB) were administered orally to rats, and distribution and covalent binding were measured in several organs. Marked differences in distribution and covalent binding of the two TCBs were observed. The accumulation and retention of 2,4,2,4-TCB in adipose tissue were much higher than those of 3,4,3,4-TCB, although the level of radioactivity in the blood was consistently higher in 3,4,3,4-TCB treated rats. The radioactivity bound in covalent linkages with cellular macromolecules in several tissues was also measured. The data obtained indicated that covalent binding was higher in 3,4,3,4-TCB treated rats than in those treated with 2,4,2,4-TCB, particularly in liver and blood components. These results suggest that the two TCB isomers have different pharmacokinetic properties in rats, and the association of covalent binding with 3,4,3,4-TCB-induced toxicities might be important. In addition, we found that repeated oral dosing with the two TCB isomers caused an increase in in vitro liver microsomal generation of reactive metabolites of TCBs, indicating that the microsomal enzyme system is likely to play an important role in the in vivo covalent binding of TCB.     

Differential serum protein binding of benzidine- and benzidine-congener based dyes and their derivatives

Environmental dyes and their derivatives, some of which are genotoxic, must be transported within the body to the tissues which they affect. One mechanism for this can be observed directly by crossed immunoelectrophoresis (X-IEP). Binding of these chemicals to certain serum proteins changes electrophoretic and immunoprecipitation morphology in X-IEP patterns. This is demonstrated here for four azo dyes derived from benzidine, 3,3-dimethylbenzidine, and 3,3-dimethoxybenzidine, and their parent aromatic amines. Direct Red 2 (a 3,3-dimethylbenzidine-based dye), Direct Blue 15 (a 3,3-dimethoxybenzidine-based dye), Direct Black 38 (a benzidinebased dye), and Evans Blue (a 3,3-dimethylbenzidine-based dye) all bound to albumin, ₁-lipoprotein, -lipoprotein, and hemopexin. Direct Red 2 only slightly affected the mobilities of these proteins. Direct Blue 15 bound also to prealbumin and ₁-antichymotrypsin, and degraded C₃ globulin. Direct Black 38 and Evans Blue bound to numerous additional proteins. Evans Blue bound variably to proteins of sera from different individuals, suggesting that there are individual differences in serum protein binding capabilities for these chemicals. Of the three derivatives of the benzidine dyes, only 3,3-dimethylbenzidine caused changes in X-IEP patterns, indicating its binding to the serum proteins. This chemical differentially affected sub-populations of ₁-lipoprotein, either by altering its electrophoretic mobility or inhibiting its recognition by antibodies. Autoradiographic analyses demonstrated the binding of benzidine and 3,3-dimethylbenzidine to both ₁- and -lipoproteins.Supported by the Bal F. Swan Foundation, Denver, CO     

Role of Brain Tissue Localized Purine Metabolizing Enzymes in the Central Nervous System Delivery of Anti-HIV Agents 2′-β-Fluoro-2,3′-Dideoxyinosine and 2′-β-Fluoro-2′,3′-Dideoxyadenosine in Rats

Purpose. This study examines the central nervous system (CNS) delivery of 2--fluoro-2,3-dideoxyadenosine (F-ddA) and 2--fluoro-2,3-dideoxyinosine (F-ddl), acid stable analogues of dideoxyadenosine (ddA) and dideoxyinosine (ddI) having reduced susceptibility to purine salvage pathway enzymes important in the metabolism of ddA and ddI, adenosine deaminase (ADA) and purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP), respectively. Their CNS delivery compared to that for ddI provides insight into the role of brain tissue ADA and PNP in these processes. Methods. Brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration-time profiles were obtained for F-ddI during and after intravenous infusions of F-ddl, and for both F-ddA and F-ddI after F-ddA infusions in normal rats or rats pre-treated with the ADA inhibitor 2-deoxycoformycin (DCF). Rate constants for CNS entry, efflux and metabolism were estimated by computer fits using plasma concentration-time profiles as the driving force functions. Results. The CNS delivery of F-ddI did not differ significantly from that for ddI. F-ddA, which is more lipophilic than F-ddI, provided higher brain ( 8×) and CSF ( 11×) concentrations of total dideoxynucleoside (F-ddA and F-ddI) compared to F-ddI. Deamination by brain tissue ADA to form F-ddI reduced CNS levels of intact F-ddA but provided higher brain parenchyma (5×) and CSF/plasma (3×) ratios of F-ddI relative to F-ddI controls. Thus, F-ddA functions in part as a CNS-activated prodrug of F-ddI. DCF pre-treatment inhibited brain tissue ADA, abolishing the prodrug effect, and enhancing F-ddA concentrations in both brain parenchyma (5×) and CSF (6×). Conclusions. PNP metabolism does not appear to play a role in the low CNS delivery of ddI. On the other hand, deamination of F-ddA by brain tissue ADA is an important process, such that F-ddA functions in part as a CNS-activated prodrug of F-ddI. Enhanced CNS uptake of intact F-ddA can be achieved with ADA inhibition.     

Rat adrenal cyclic nucleotide-phosphodiesterase; Inhibition by drugs known to affect steroidogenesis

Summary A cyclic 3,5-nucleotide phosphodiesterase from rat adrenals was partially purified. The enzyme preparation had a pH optimum at 7.5, the activity being dependent on Mg²⁺, similar to the enzyme in other organs. Adenosine 3,5-monophosphate, guanosine 3,5-monophosphate and inosine 3,5-monophosphate were about equally well degradated (K _m 0.1 mM), while 2-O-deoxy-adenosine 3,5-monophosphate and tubercidin 3,5-monophosphate had a considerably higher K _m. In contrast to rat adipose tissue, rat adrenal phosphodiesterase did not hydrolyse uridine 3,5-monophosphate. Adrenal phosphodiesterase was inhibited competitively by methylxanthines, papaverine and eupaverin, eupaverin being the most potent inhibitor. Adenosine, its phenylisopropyl-analogue and metabolic products of adenosine inhibited adrenal phosphodiesterase, but were considerably less potent than methylxanthines or papaverine. All inhibitors tested are able to affect either spontaneous and/or stimulated synthesis of corticosteroids in rat adrenals as shown elsewhere. The data obtained with adrenal phosphodiesterase do not allow the conclusion that inhibition of this enzyme can be correlated with effects on steroidogenesis.Part of this work has been presented at the 12. Frühjahrstagung der Deutschen Pharmakologischen Gesellschaft (Klotz et al., 1971).     

Metabolism of3H-digoxin and some acetyl-digoxins: Time-dependent formation of hydrophilic metabolites after oral application in man

Summary After oral administration of³H-digoxin,³H-(= 16)-acetyldigoxin,³H-(=15)-acetyldigoxin and³H-(15,16)-diacetyldigoxin water-soluble metabolites have been found in the urine of three persons. A maximum is reached after 4–5 h. These metabolites are very polar and are not identical with neither digoxigenin nor with its mono- and bis-digitoxosides.     

Effects of adenosine derivatives on cAMP accumulation and lipolysis in rat adipocytes and on adenylate cyclase in adipocyte plasma membranes

Summary N⁶-monosubstituted adenosine (Ad)-derivatives and Ad-derivatives altered in the adenine-or ribose-moiety have been compared with Ad in their effects on noradrenaline (NA)-stimulated cAMP accumulation, on lipolysis stimulated by NA or theophylline (THEO) and on adenylate cyclase (AC) activity of adipocyte plasma membranes.In isolated adipocytes about 0.01 M Ad caused a 50% inhibition of cAMP accumulation stimulated maximally by 1M NA. Depending upon the structure of substituent, the Ad-N⁶-derivatives were up to one order of magnitude either more or less active than Ad itself. 2-fluoro-Ad was nearly as active as Ad, whereas 2,5-dideoxy-Ad and 2-deoxy-Ad were practically ineffective as inhibitors of NA-stimulated cAMP accumulation. All compounds showed the same order of potency relative to Ad, when tested against lipolysis stimulated maximally by 1 mM THEO or submaximally by 0.3 M NA.In adipocyte plasma membranes a 50% inhibition of AC activity stimulated by 10M NA was observed at about 10 M Ad. None of the N⁶-substituted derivatives had any effect on either basal or NA-stimulated AC activity, whereas 2,5-dideoxy-Ad proved to be about 40 times more potent than Ad. 2-deoxy-Ad and 2-fluoro-Ad were nearly equipotent to Ad. Similar results were obtained, if AC was stimulated with 5-guanylylimidodiphosphate or NaF. Neither the N⁶-derivatives nor THEO could reverse the inhibitory effect of Ad on AC in plasma membranes.It is concluded, that different mechanisms are involved in the inhibitory effects of Ad on cAMP accumulation and lipolysis in intact cells and on AC activity of adipocyte plasma membranes.     

Effect of desmethyldiazepam and chlordesmethyldiazepam on 3′,5′-cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels in rat cerebellum

Three different benzodiazepines (diazepam, its pharmacologically active metabolite desmethyldiazepam, and the derivative chlordesmethyldiazepam) have been compared in our study for their effects on 3,5-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) cerebellar levels. Desmethyldiazepam and chlordesmethyldiazepam are several-fold more potent that diazepam in decreasing rat cyclic cGMP cerebellar concentrations. None of the three drugs induces detectable changes of cerebellar cyclic 3,5-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).On the other hand, the three compounds did not modify the levels of cGMP in cerebellum of newborn rats, where Purjinje cell and dendrites lack synaptic contacts. However, injection of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the newborn is still able, as in the adult, to decrease cGMP concentration in cerebellum. Our data support the hypothesis that cGMP cerebellar concentrations may be a reliable biochemical marker of the clinical activity of benzodiazepines.