An orally active chymase inhibitor, BCEAB, suppresses heart chymase activity in the hamster.

We investigated the effects of a novel chymase inhibitor, BCEAB (4-[1-[[bis-(4-methyl-phenyl)-methyl]-carbamoyl]-3-(2-ethoxy-benzyl)-4-oxo-azetidine-2-yloxy]-benzoic acid). The IC50 value of BCEAB for purified human chymase was 5.4 nM, whereas BCEAB did not inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme, elastase and tryptase. In isolated dog arteries, the IC50 value of BCEAB for the angiotensin I-induced contraction in the presence of 1 microM lisinopril was 2.8 microM. In the hamster, the heart chymase activities were significantly suppressed to 42.0% and 26.9% 3 h after oral administration of 100 and 300 mg of BCEAB/kg of body weight, respectively. In conclusion, BCEAB is a useful chymase inhibitor for studying the role of chymase in vivo.     

Relaxant actions of isoprenaline on guinea-pig isolated tracheal smooth muscle.

1. The effects of isoprenaline on membrane potential and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in guinea-pig isolated tracheal muscle were studied by use of intracellular micro-electrodes and fura-2 signals respectively. Measurements of membrane potential were carried out in the presence of spontaneously-generated muscle tone, whereas fura-2 signals were measured during contraction produced by exogenous prostaglandin E2 (100 nM). The potency of isoprenaline in causing relaxation was the same in these two different situations. 2. Isoprenaline (0.01 microM) produced relaxation accompanied by 5 mV hyperpolarization. A combination of tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10 mM) and verapamil (3 microM) did not alter the effects of isoprenaline. Removal of external K+ did not increase the degree of hyperpolarization produced by isoprenaline. 3. In the presence of TEA (10 mM) and verapamil (3 microM), isoprenaline (0.03-1 microM) reduced [Ca2+]i concentration-dependently. A similar degree of inhibition was observed when isoprenaline was applied during the maintained contraction induced by prostaglandin E2 and against the contraction evoked by the addition of Ca2+ to tissues bathed in a Ca(2+)-free medium and pretreated with both isoprenaline and prostaglandin E2. 4. It is concluded that activation of TEA-sensitive Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels does not play a significant role in isoprenaline-induced relaxation. We propose that, in the guinea-pig tracheal muscle, isoprenaline may produce relaxation mainly by inhibiting a receptor-operated pathway for Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane which is normally activated by prostaglandins.     

The inhibitory actions of amiodarone on rested-state contraction in isolated guinea-pig ventricular muscle

1. To assess the mechanism(s) of the negative inotropic effects of amiodarone (AM), an effective anti-arrhythmic agent, the effects of AM on rested-state contraction (RSC) were studied in isolated ventricular papillary muscle from control (untreated) and AM-pretreated guinea-pigs. 2. The RSC was induced by stimulation, following a 30 sec- or 10 min-rest period. 3. The drug's effects were evaluated on an initial response (Ti) and steady-state response (Tss) of the RSC at the end of 1 min-stimulus train at 3.3 Hz. 4. In normal physiological solution, the magnitude of Ti was 2.1 times that of Tss in papillary muscles from untreated animals, but, 1.3 times, in AM-pretreated ones. 5. The effects of superfused AM (4.4 x 10(-5)M) were also evaluated in both muscle types. 6. The drug markedly decreased Ti and Tss in both control and AM-pretreated specimens. 7. However, the depression by superfused AM of RSC in control specimens was more likely to be marked than in AM-pretreated ones. 8. Further, verapamil and caffeine, which affect SR function, also depressed the RSC. 9. These results suggest that the negative inotropic actions of AM, at least in part, reflect a decrease in Ca2+ via Ca2+ channels and an impairment of Ca2(+)-sequestrating system.     

Analysis of the hyperpolarizing effects of forskolin in guinea-pig atrial heart muscle

Summary The effects of forskolin on action potential configuration and on both uptake and efflux of ⁸⁶Rb⁺ were studied in guinea-pig left atria. The action potential was prolonged by forskolin in the plateau range but shortened at the end of repolarization; maximal upstroke velocity and amplitude of slow response potentials were enhanced. In partially depolarized preparations, the resting potential was increased by forskolin; this effect was not prevented by atropine 1 mol/1. Forskolin augmented the rate constant of ⁸⁶Rb⁺ efflux in beating and in resting preparations. The uptake of ⁸⁶Rb^s+ was enhanced by forskolin in resting preparations. It is concluded that forskolin stimulates the Na⁺, K⁺ -pump and activates a background potassium conductance. Both effects may account for the shortening effect of the drug on the action potential and the increase in resting potential seen in partially depolarized preparations. Send offprint requests to H. Nawrath     

Papaverine decreases the efflux of42K in guinea-pig atrial heart muscle

Summary The effects of papaverine on resting potential and efflux of⁴²K were investigated in guinea-pig left atria. Papaverine significantly reduced the potassium efflux in beating preparations. In resting preparations, the efflux of potassium was only slightly affected. However, the resting potential was significantly reduced by papaverine by about 5 mV.The effect of papaverine on the potassium conductance may be related to the positive inotropic effect of the drug in atrial heart muscle, since the duration of the action potential is prolonged and possibly therefore the calcium entry during excitation improved.     

Cardiovascular pharmacology of RS-1893, an orally active cardiotonic agent with arterial and venous vasodilator actions

RS-1893, 2-[2-chloro-4-(2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-oxo-6-pyridazinyl)]-phenoxy-N- (2-(2-morpholinoethyl)-acetamide, is a newly synthesized compound whose structure is different from that of cardiac glycosides and beta-stimulants. The in vitro cardiotonic action of RS-1893 was about 3 times more potent than that of milrinone. This action is most likely due to inhibition of phosphodiesterase-III, as has been suggested for many other cardiotonic agents. In pentobarbital anesthetized dogs, RS-1893 (1-30 micrograms/kg, i.v.) produced dose dependent increases in left ventricular dP/dtmax and cardiac output and caused decreases in blood pressure and total peripheral resistance with a relatively small increase in heart rate. Central venous pressure decreased markedly, suggesting venous vasodilation. The in vivo cardiotonic action of RS-1893 was 3 times more potent than that of milrinone and was not affected in the presence of a large dose of propranolol. Oral administration of RS-1893 (0.03 and 0.1 mg/kg) also produced a dose-related increase in cardiac contractility in conscious beagles. The increase in LVdP/dtmax reached a maximum in 1-3 hr after administration and lasted for more than 8 hr. Thus, RS-1893 appeared to be an orally active cardiotonic agent with vasodilator properties, probably acting on both arterioles and veins.     

Vasodilator actions of acetylcholine, A23187 and bradykinin in the guinea-pig isolated perfused heart are independent of prostacyclin

1. The involvement of prostacyclin (PGI2) in the vasodilator responses to acetylcholine (ACh), A23187 and bradykinin (Bk) has been investigated in guinea-pig, isolated, Krebs-perfused hearts. 2. ACh (0.01-10 nmol), A23187 (0.1-1.0 nmol) and Bk (0.3-10 pmol) each elicited dose-related and shortlasting (approximately 2 min) reductions in perfusion pressure. Larger maximal responses were obtained in preparations with coronary vascular tone elevated by platelet-activating factor (100 pmol) than in preparations at basal perfusion pressure. 3. Bk and A23187 elicited dose-related increases in the generation of PGI2 as measured by its chemically-stable breakdown product, 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha. Indomethacin (2.8 microM) prevented both basal and the stimulated generation of 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha, whereas the magnitudes of the vasodilator responses were unaffected. 4. Attempts to identify the release of vasodilator materials by on-line superfusion bioassay of cardiac effluent were unsuccessful, indicating a possible role for a labile vasodilator such as endothelium-dependent relaxing factor (EDRF). In addition, the inhibitors of EDRF action/production, mepacrine (3 microM) or diethylcarbamazine (300 microM), attenuated vasodilator responses to ACh without altering those to the endothelium-independent vasodilator, verapamil (1 nmol). 5. Haemoglobin (10 microM) reduced vasodilator responses to ACh, Bk and verapamil and abolished those induced by A23187. Inhibition of the endothelium-independent vasodilator, verapamil, was significantly less than that for the other compounds. 6. The present data indicate the existence of an indomethacin-resistant vasodilator mechanism in the coronary microcirculation in response to ACh, A23187 and Bk. EDRF is a candidate for mediating these responses; however, a direct vasodilator action of these substances cannot be excluded.     

Pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic profile of SK&F S-106203, a potent,orally active peptidoleukotriene receptor antagonist,in guinea-pig

In this report the pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic profile of the leukotriene receptor antagonist 3(S)-1(2-carboxyethyl)thio]-3-12-(8-phenyloctyl)phenyl] propanoic acid (SK&F S-106203) in guinea-pigs is described. In isolated guinea-pig tracheae SK&F S-106203 was a potent, competitive antagonist of leukotriene (LT) D₄-induced contractions (pA₂ = 7.6). SK&F S-106203 was also a potent antagonist of LTE₄-induced contractions (pK_B = 7.3), but had little effect on those elicited by LTC₄ (pK_B = 5.5). SK&F S-106203 (10 μM) had no effect on contractions produced by histamine, carbachol, KCI, U-44069, PGF_2α or PGD₂. In addition, SK&F S-106203 (10 μM) did not inhibit cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity of several PDE isozymes. In guinea-pig lung membrane preparations, SK&F S-106203 was a potent antagonist of ³H-LTD₄ binding with a K_i = 19.4 ± 2.1 nM (n = 5). The pharmacokinetic profile of SK&F S-106203 was determined in unanesthetized guinea-pigs. Following an i.v. (bolus) dose (25 mg/kg), SK&F S-106203 disappeared from plasma in a biphasic fashion with half-lives of 0.1 h (50% of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve, AUC) and 11 h. The AUC obtained for SK&F S-106203 following i.v. administration was 87.3 ± 7.5 μg-h/ml. Following an oral dose of SK&F S-106203 (100 mg/kg), the maximal plasma concentration (C_max) and the time C_max was achieved (T_max were 21.62 ± 2.26 kg/ml and 4 ± 1 h, respectively; the AUC was 279.9 ± 41.8 μg-h/ml. Studies examining the effects of i.v. infusion of SK&F S-106203 revealed that marked inhibition of LTD₄-induced bronchospasm was produced with steady-state plasma levels of SK&F S-106203 < 1 μg/ml (< 2 μM). Oral (p.o.) pretreatment with 100 μmol/kg SK&F S-106203 for up to 24 h essentially abolished LTD₄-induced bronchospasm; this correlated with sustained plasma concentrations of > 2 μg/ml. The results indicate that in guinea-pig airways, SK&F S-106203 is a potent and selective LT receptor antagonist that is active via aerosol, oral and i.v. routes of administration. When given orally, SK&F S-106203 is highly bioavailable and has a very long duration of action which correlates with the pharmacokinetic profile of the compound. SK&F S-106203 may be useful therapy in asthma and other disorders in which the Us are thought to play a prominent pathophysiological role.     

Pre- and postjunctional actions of purine and xanthine compounds in the guinea-pig caecum circular muscle.

1. The sucrose-gap technique was used to study pre- and postjunctional actions of P1-purinoceptor and P2-purinoceptor agonists and a range of xanthine derivatives in the guinea-pig caecum circular muscle. 2. Adenosine, 2-chloroadenosine (2-ClAd), ATP and alpha,beta-methylene ATP all caused concentration-dependent hyperpolarization of the smooth muscle membrane with a rank order of potency of 2-ClAd greater than alpha,beta-methylene ATP greater than adenosine. 3. The xanthine derivatives caffeine, theophylline, 8-phenyltheophylline and 1,3-dipropyl-8-(2-amino-4-chlorophenyl) xanthine (PACPX) at submicromolar concentrations evoked depolarization of the smooth muscle membrane. At higher concentrations, all these compounds and enprofylline caused concentration-dependent hyperpolarization. 4. All the purine compounds tested caused a reduction in the amplitude of the non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic inhibitory junction potential (i.j.p.). For the P1-purinoceptor agonists adenosine and 2-ClAd this was almost entirely a prejunctional effect. For the P2-purinoceptor agonists this was mostly a postjunctional effect because both ATP and alpha,beta-methylene ATP caused significantly greater increases in the conductance of the smooth muscle membrane than did adenosine or 2-ClAd. 5. All the xanthine compounds tested (up to 100 microM), except enprofylline, were capable of increasing the amplitude of the i.j.p. At millimolar concentrations both caffeine and theophylline could reduce the i.j.p. amplitude. 6. It is concluded that there are inhibitory prejunctional P1-purinoceptors on the i.j.p.-producing neurones in the guinea-pig caecum circular muscle and that, of the xanthine derivatives tested, none of them would be suitable to use as a P1-purinoceptor antagonist in this preparation because of their own direct effects.     

Some actions of sodium nitroprusside and glyceryl trinitrate on guinea-pig isolated trachealis muscle

The smooth muscle relaxant actions of sodium nitroprusside and glyceryl trinitrate have been compared to those of aminophylline and isoprenaline on isolated guinea pig trachealis muscle. Ethacrynic acid (0.25 X 10(-4) M), an alkylator of sulphydryl groups, interacted differently with the four agents. In the presence of ethacrynic acid the concentration response curve of the muscle preparation to sodium nitroprusside and glyceryl trinitrate was shifted to the higher concentration ranges and the maximum response was severely reduced. The concentration response curve for isoprenaline was shifted to the higher concentration ranges with no change in the maximum response and the response to aminophylline was unchanged. These results argue against common intermediate sites of action involving sulphydryl groups of the four agents in guinea-pig trachealis.     

Prolonged action potential duration of guinea-pig heart muscle after pethidine

Since recent experiments indicated class III antiarrhythmic properties of pethidine in vitro, we studied cardiac effects of pethidine in vivo. Monophasic action potentials at different pacing rates were recorded from the left ventricular epicardium of pentobarbital anaesthetized guinea-pigs by means of suction electrode catheter. Intravenous injection of pethidine 2 mg/kg prolonged the action potential duration, and increased left ventricular developed pressure and dP/dt max, compared to animals receiving saline only. It is concluded that pethidine appears to have class III antiarrhythmic properties.     

The toxicity of gossypol to the male rat

When (±) gossypol acetic acid was administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats for 26 weeks, the most significant toxicological finding was marked suppression of body weight gain in rats receiving 25 mg/kg per day. Minor biochemical changes were noted at this dosage level. Terminal studies showed 6 out of 20 rats receiving 25 mg/kg per day to have varying degrees of testicular pathology. Five mg/kg per day was shown to be a “no effect” level.     

Protection of rat myocardial phospholipid against peroxidative injury through superoxide-(xanthine oxidase)-dependent, iron-promoted Fenton chemistry by the male contraceptive gossypol

Metal-promoted oxygen free-radical chemistry is a cause of tissue damage in many disease states, such as myocardial ischemia. The effect of gossypol, a polyphenolic plant pigment and male contraceptive, on the peroxidation of myocardial membrane phospholipid was studied and quantitatively characterized. As a result of exposure to xanthine oxidase (superoxide)-dependent, iron-promoted Fenton chemistry, cardiac phospholipid was readily peroxidized with defined kinetics. The peroxidation could be blocked by substances which interdict at specific points in the Fenton chemistry: superoxide dismutase, alpha-tocopherol, the iron chelator desferrioxamine, and the xanthine oxidase substrate-analogs allopurinol and oxypurinol. The oxidative-injury system displayed a characteristic antiperoxidant response to each type of inhibitor. Gossypol, at low micromolar concentrations, profoundly altered the rate and extent of myocardial phospholipid peroxidation. Gossypol was ineffective as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor and as a superoxide scavenger at concentrations that abolished myocardial lipid peroxidation. Since metal chelation was an effective means of preventing lipid peroxidation in this system only when the iron therein was completely chelated, the low anti-peroxidant IC50 for gossypol, 1.1. microM, relative to the concentration of iron (100 microM) did not support a functionally significant antiperoxidant role for gossypol as an iron chelator. Rather, it appears that, at low micromolar gossypol concentrations which approximate the peak plasma concentrations in humans, the antiperoxidant effects of gossypol against superoxide-mediated, iron-promoted lipid damage rest with the ability of gossypol to intercept lipid radical intermediates as a "chain-breaking" aromatic phenol.     

Deposition pattern of the antifertility agent,gossypol, in selected organs of male rats

Male rats received daily, oral doses of gossypol-acetate (40 mg/kg body wt) for 2, 4, or 8 weeks to determine patterns of gossypol deposition in the spleen, liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, and testes during establishment of a gossypol-induced infertility. Infertility was exhibited at the end of the 4-week dosing period. Free and bound gossypol accumulated in all of the organs.     

Pharmacokinetics and safety of JTP-4819, a novel specific orally active prolyl endopeptidase inhibitor, in healthy male volunteers

Aims To investigate the pharmacokinetics and safety profile of JTP-4819, (-)-(2S)-1-benzylaminocarbonyl-[ (2S)-2-glycoloylpyrrolidinyl]-2-pyrrolidinecarboxamide, a novel specific orally active prolyl endopeptidase (PEP) inhibitor. Methods JTP-4819 was given orally to 28 healthy male volunteers at single doses of 30 mg (n=6), 60 mg (n=6), 120 mg (n=6) and placebo (n=3) and multiple doses of 60 mg three times daily (n=5) and placebo (n=2) for 7 days to investigate its safety and pharmacokinetics following a preliminary safety evaluation of 3, 10 and 30 mg doses in six healthy volunteers. With the single dose of 60 mg, a cross-over study was conducted to examine the effect of food on the bioavailability of the drug. The concentrations of JTP-4819 in plasma and urine were determined by electrospray ionization-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (ESI-LC/MS) method. Results In the multiple–dose study, the cholinesterase activity was gradually increased and reached above the normal range on days 4 to 8 in all five subjects given JTP-4819 and gradually returned to normal range after completion of dosing. The elevation of plasma cholinesterase activity was considered to be an action of JTP-4819, but this remains to be verified. There were no other abnormal findings in objective symptoms and laboratory findings including blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram, body temperature, haematology, blood chemistry and urinalysis. The C_max of JTP-4819 at 30, 60 and 120 mg in fasting state were 474, 887 and 1,649 ng ml⁻¹, respectively, at 1 h after administration, and the t_1/2 was about 2 h. AUC increased in proportion to the given doses. The cumulative urinary recoveries within 24 h were approximately 66%. C_max, AUC, t_1/2 and urinary recovery were not affected by food intake. In the multiple-dose study, there was no drug accumulation trend in plasma. Conclusions These results indicate that JTP-4819 has acceptable pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetics profiles for clinical use without any serious adverse events as we verified in healthy young male volunteers.     

Pharmacokinetics and safety of Z-321, a novel specific orally active prolyl endopeptidase inhibitor, in healthy male volunteers

This study investigates the pharmacokinetics and safety profile of Z-321, (4R)-3-(indan-2-ylacetyl)-4-(1-pyrrolidinyl-carbonyl)-1,3-thiazoli dine, a novel specific orally active prolyl endopeptidase (PEP) inhibitor. Following a preliminary safety evaluation wherein 2 subjects received 3.75 and 15 mg doses and 2 other subjects received 7.5 and 30 mg doses, 16 subjects were assigned to two groups of 8 subjects each. In each group, 6 subjects were to receive active treatment, and 1 or 2 subjects were to receive placebo treatment. One group received 60 mg under fasted and fed conditions. A separate group of 8 subjects received 60 mg of Z-321 or a placebo in a bid regimen for 6 days and the morning dose on day 7. The concentrations of Z-321 and its main metabolites--R- and S-sulfoxide; RR-, SS-, and RS-indanol; and indanolsulfoxides in plasma and urine--were determined by the HPLC method. In the multiple-dose study, the cholinesterase activity was gradually increased and reached above the normal range on day 8 in 3 of 6 subjects given Z-321 and gradually returned to the normal range after completion of dosing. The elevation of plasma cholinesterase activity was considered to be an action of Z-321, but this remains to be verified. In a single-dose study at a dose of 30 mg, headache and vomiting were observed in 1 of 6 subjects. In the multiple-dose study, slight skin itching and eczema in 3 and 2 of 6 subjects, respectively, and headache in 2 of 6 subjects were observed, but all symptoms were not severe. There were no other abnormal findings in objective signs and laboratory findings, including blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram, body temperature, hematology, blood chemistry, and urinalysis. The Cmax of Z-321 at 30, 60, and 120 mg in the fasting state were 63.7 +/- 23.9, 102.0 +/- 43.1, and 543.3 +/- 437.0 ng/ml (mean +/- SD), respectively, at 0.9 hours after administration, and the t1/2 was about 1.8 hours. There were no dramatic changes in the pharmacokinetics of Z-321 in the presence of food. In the multiple-dose study, there was no drug accumulation trend in plasma. These results indicate that Z-321 has acceptable pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetics profiles for clinical use without any serious adverse events, as verified in healthy young male volunteers.     

The actions of azelnidipine, a dihydropyridine-derivative Ca antagonist, on voltage-dependent Ba2+ currents in guinea-pig vascular smooth muscle

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although azelnidipine is used clinically to treat hypertension its effects on its target cells, Ca2+ channels, in smooth muscle have not been elucidated. Therefore, its effects on spontaneous contractions and voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels were investigated in guinea-pig portal vein. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The inhibitory potency of azelnidipine on spontaneous contractions in guinea-pig portal vein was compared with those of other dihydropyridine (DHP)-derived Ca antagonists (amlodipine and nifedipine) by recording tension. Also its effects on voltage-dependent nifedipine-sensitive inward Ba2+ currents (IBa) in smooth muscle cells dispersed from guinea-pig portal vein were investigated by use of a conventional whole-cell patch-clamp technique. KEY RESULTS: Spontaneous contractions in guinea-pig portal vein were reduced by all of the Ca antagonists (azelnidipine, Ki = 153 nM; amlodipine, Ki = 16 nM; nifedipine, Ki = 7 nM). In the whole-cell experiments, azelnidipine inhibited the peak amplitude of IBa in a concentration- and voltage-dependent manner (-60 mV, Ki = 282 nM; -90 mV, Ki = 2 microM) and shifted the steady-state inactivation curve of IBa to the left at -90 mV by 16 mV. The inhibitory effects of azelnidipine on IBa persisted after 7 min washout at -60 mV. In contrast, IBa gradually recovered after being inhibited by amlodipine, but did not return to control levels. Both azelnidipine and amlodipine caused a resting block of IBa at -90 mV. Only nifedipine appeared to interact competitively with S(-)-Bay K 8644. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These results suggest that azelnidipine induces long-lasting vascular relaxation by inhibiting voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels in vascular smooth muscle.     

The actions of Paf-acether (platelet-activating factor) on guinea-pig isolated heart preparations.

Paf-acether (platelet-activating factor) is a phospholipid capable of stimulating platelets to release their granular contents and cause platelet aggregation. When Paf-acether was administered to isolated heart preparations from normal guinea-pigs there was a significant concentration-dependent reduction in coronary flow and contractile force. The high concentration of Paf-acether was equally effective in reducing these cardiac parameters in the presence of atropine. The non-acetylated Paf-acether analogue, 2-lyso Paf-acether, the enantiomer, and a closely related phospholipid 1, alpha-lysophosphatidylcholine palmitoyl, did not affect coronary flow and contractile force, indicating the specificity of Paf-acether. These data demonstrate a potent effect of Paf-acether on cardiac function. Whether or not these effects are direct or mediated through generation of endogenous mediators remains to be established.