羧乙基锗倍半氧化物对神经节烟碱传递的影响

背景羧乙基锗倍半氧化物(carboxyethygermanium sesquioxide,Ge-132)是近30年研究较多的具有多种生物活性的有机锗化合物,临床试验性用于老年痴呆症和及其他多种疾病的预防和治疗.但有机锗对神经系统作用环节及机制尚未见文献报道较少.目的探索Ge-132对大鼠颈上神经节细胞及烟碱传递过程的影响.设计非随机自身对照实验性研究.地点和材料实验在广西医科大学实验中心神经药理学实验室完成.材料成年Wistar大鼠30只,雌雄兼用.干预大鼠急性处死后,迅速将颈上神经节连同节前神经离体,用950mL/LO2和50 mL/L CO2混合气饱和的,pH为7.4±0.05的克氏溶液,恒温(35±0.5)℃持续灌流.用内充灌3M-KCl溶液的玻璃微电极穿刺离体颈上神经节神经元进行细胞内记录.所有的药物均用Kreb液中配成相应浓度直接灌流神经节.主要观察指标快兴奋性突触后电位(FEPSP).结果①Ge-132在1×10-4mol/L或更高浓度,可逆地抑制刺激节前神经引起的FEPSP的幅度,并可使动作电位发放频率减少.②对乙酰胆碱(ACh)引起的膜除极反应无显著的影响.③对细胞膜被动膜性质无明显的影响.结论Ge-132对烟碱传递的抑制作用可能是其使突触前ACh释放减少所至.     

Antinociceptive Effects of (1→3),(1→6)-Linked β-Glucan Isolated From Pleurotus pulmonarius in Models of Acute and Neuropathic Pain in Mice: Evidence for a Role for Glutamatergic Receptors and Cytokine Pathways

The present study evaluated the antinociceptive effect of (1→3),(1→6)-linked β-glucan (GL) isolated from Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quel. in mice and its possible mechanism of action. Intraperitoneal administration of GL inhibited glutamate-induced licking with an ID₅₀ of 0.34 mg/kg and inhibition of 96% ± 3%. The treatment of animals with GL (1 mg/kg i.p.) inhibited nociception induced by intrathecal injection of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid, kainate and interleukin -1β in 67% ± 13%, 89% ± 11%, 74% ± 9%, and 75% ± 7%, respectively, but not the nociceptive response induced by (±)-1-aminocyclopentane-trans-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, substance P, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Moreover, GL (30 mg/kg i.p.) also reduced mechanical allodynia caused by partial sciatic nerve ligation for 2 hours, with inhibition of 47% ± 10% observed 0.5 hours after treatment. When given chronically (twice a day) over 7 days, GL reversed the mechanical allodynia caused by partial sciatic nerve ligation (inhibition of 45% ± 13% to 60% ± 8%). Interestingly, GL did not affect the locomotor activity of mice in an open field test with doses that produce antinociceptive effects. Our findings show that GL inhibits acute and neuropathic pain in mice through mechanisms that involve the inhibition of ionotropic glutamate receptors and the interleukin -1β pathway.     

Effectiveness of treatment with mezlocillin, ampicillin and latamoxef (moxalactam) of experimental group B beta-haemolytic streptococcal meningitis in rabbits

This study compared the effectiveness of treatment with various antibiotics in rabbits with experimental group B beta-haemolytic streptococcal meningitis. Groups of nine infected rabbits each received the following treatments intramuscularly, three times per day: (1) control--no treatment; (2) mezlocillin--400 mg/kg/day; (3) mezlocillin--400 mg/kg/day + gentamicin--15 mg/kg/day; (4) ampicillin--400 mg/kg/day; (5) ampicillin--400 mg/kg/day + gentamicin 15 mg/kg/day; (6) latamoxef (moxalactam)--100 mg/kg/day. Bacterial counts in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and drug levels in the serum and CSF were measured each hour for 7 h and at 24, 48 and 72 h after start of therapy. Percent penetration values (CSF concentration/serum concentration X 100) for the drugs were calculated and effectiveness of bacterial clearing from the CSF was determined. Over the 72 h period, the most effective therapy was mezlocillin + gentamicin, followed by ampicillin + gentamicin, mezlocillin, ampicillin and latamoxef in order of effectiveness in clearing bacteria from the CSF.     

Eugenol reduces acute pain in mice by modulating the glutamatergic and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) pathways

Eugenol is utilized together with zinc oxide in odontological clinical for the cementation of temporary prostheses and the temporary restoration of teeth and cavities. This work explored the antinociceptive effects of the eugenol in different models of acute pain in mice and investigated its possible modulation of the inhibitory (opioid) and excitatory (glutamatergic and pro‐inflammatory cytokines) pathways of nociceptive signaling. The administration of eugenol (3–300 mg/kg, p.o., 60 min or i.p., 30 min) inhibited 82 ± 10% and 90 ± 6% of the acetic acid‐induced nociception, with ID₅₀ values of 51.3 and 50.2 mg/kg, respectively. In the glutamate test, eugenol (0.3–100 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the response behavior by 62 ± 5% with an ID₅₀ of 5.6 mg/kg. In addition, the antinociceptive effect of eugenol (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in the glutamate test was prevented by the i.p. treatment for mice with naloxone. The pretreatment of mice with eugenol (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was able to inhibit the nociception induced by the intrathecal (i.t.) injection of glutamate (37 ± 9%), kainic (acid kainite) (41 ± 12%), α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) (55 ± 5%), and substance P (SP) (39 ± 8%). Furthermore, eugenol (10 mg/kg, i.p.) also inhibited biting induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α, 65 ± 8%). These results extend our current knowledge of eugenol and confirm that it promotes significant antinociception against different mouse models of acute pain. The mechanism of action appears to involve the modulation of the opioid system and glutamatergic receptors (i.e., kainate and AMPA), and the inhibition of TNF‐α. Thus, eugenol could represent an important compound in the treatment for acute pain.     

Efficacy of (S)-1-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)cytosine in various models of herpes simplex virus infection in mice.

The phosphonylmethoxyalkyl derivative (S)-1-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)cytosine (HPMPC) was evaluated for its in vivo efficacy in several model infections for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) and thymidine kinase-deficient (TK-) HSV-1 in mice. In hairless mice infected intracutaneously with HSV-1 or HSV-2, HPMPC completely suppressed all manifestations of the disease (skin lesions, paralysis of the hind legs, and mortality) if it was administered topically at a concentration of as low as 0.1, 0.3, or 1%. Similarly, HPMPC completely suppressed TK- HSV-1 infection in athymic nude mice if it was administered topically at 0.1 or 0.3% or intraperitoneally at 100 or 250 mg/kg/day. HPMPC was also effective against intraperitoneal HSV infection if it was given orally at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day or higher. In mice inoculated intracerebrally with HSV-2, intraperitoneal HPMPC treatment achieved a significant and dose-dependent protection at doses ranging from 5 to 400 mg/kg/day. The protective effect of HPMPC (at 200 mg/kg/day) was accompanied by a complete inhibition of virus multiplication in the brain. In all models of infections studied, the efficacy of HPMPC proved to be superior to that of acyclovir. The most remarkable feature of HPMPC was that a single administration of the compound, even as late as 4 days after infection, conferred significant protection against HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. Topical or systemic HPMPC treatment is efficacious in murine models of HSV-1, HSV-2, and TK- HSV infections.     

Evidence for the involvement of the serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic systems in the antidepressant-like action of riparin III obtained from Aniba riparia (Nees) Mez (Lauraceae) in mice

Previous work has shown that intraperitoneal administration of riparin III (ripIII) reduces immobility time in the forced swimming test (FST), which suggests potential antidepressant activity. As the mechanism of action is not completely understood, this study is aimed at investigating the antidepressant‐like action of ripIII. Following intraperitoneal administration of ripIII at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, there were decreases in the immobility time in the FST and tail suspension test without accompanying changes in ambulation (data not shown). The pretreatment of mice with sulpiride (50 mg/kg, i.p.), prazosin (1 mg/kg, i.p.), yohimbine (1 mg/kg, i.p.), and p‐chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 100 mg/kg, i.p. for, four consecutive days) significantly prevented the anti‐immobility effect of ripIII in the FST. On the other hand, the anti‐immobility effect of ripIII (50 mg/kg, v.o.) was not altered by pretreatment of mice with SCH23390 (15 μg/kg, i.p.) Furthermore, ripIII potentiated the sleeping latency and sleeping time of the pentobarbital‐induced sleeping time test and also potentiated apomorphine (16 mg/kg, i.p.)‐induced hypothermia in mice. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that the antidepressant‐like effect of ripIII is dependent on its interaction with the serotonergic, noradrenergic (α₁‐ and α₂‐ receptors), and dopaminergic (dopamine D₂ receptors) systems.     

Evaluation of selective NK(1) receptor antagonist CI-1021 in animal models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain

CI-1021 ([(2-benzofuran)-CH(2)OCO]-(R)-alpha-MeTrp-(S)-NHCH(CH (3))Ph) is a selective and competitive neurokinin-1 (NK(1)) receptor antagonist. This study examines its activity in animal models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. In mice, CI-1021 (1-30 mg/kg, s.c.) dose dependently blocked the development of the late phase of the formalin response with a minimum effective dose (MED) of 3 mg/kg. Two chemically unrelated NK(1) receptor antagonists, CP-99,994 (3-30 mg/kg) and SR 140333 (1-100 mg/kg), also dose dependently blocked the late phase, with respective MEDs of 3 and 10 mg/kg. PD 156982, a NK(1) receptor antagonist with poor central nervous system penetration, failed to have any effect. However, when administered i. c.v., it selectively blocked the late phase of the formalin response. Chronic constrictive injury (CCI) to a sciatic nerve in the rat induced spontaneous pain, thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, and cold, dynamic, and static allodynia. CI-1021 (10-100 mg/kg) and morphine (3 mg/kg) blocked all the responses except dynamic allodynia. Carbamazepine (100 mg/kg) was weakly effective against all the responses. Once daily administration of morphine (3 mg/kg, s. c.) in CCI rats led to the development of tolerance within 6 days. Similar administration of CI-1021 (100 mg/kg, s.c.) for up to 10 days did not induce tolerance. Moreover, the morphine tolerance failed to cross-generalize to CI-1021. CI-1021 blocked the CCI-induced hypersensitivity in the guinea pig, with a MED of 0.1 mg/kg, p.o. CI-1021 (10-100 mg/kg, s.c.) did not show sedative/ataxic action in the rat rota-rod test. It is suggested that NK(1) receptor antagonists possess a superior side effect profile to carbamazepine and morphine and may have a therapeutic use for the treatment of inflammatory and neuropathic pain.     

CV-6209, a highly potent antagonist of platelet activating factor in vitro and in vivo

2-[N-acetyl-N-(2-methoxy-3-octadecylcarbamoyloxypropoxycarbonyl) aminomethyl]-1-ethylpyridinium chloride (CV-6209) inhibited aggregation of rabbit and human platelets induced by platelet activating factor (PAF) with the IC50 values of 7.5 X 10(-8) and 1.7 X 10(-7) M, respectively, and had little effects on the aggregation induced by arachidonic acid, ADP and collagen. The inhibitory effect of CV-6209 on the PAF-induced rabbit platelet aggregation was 104, 9, 8 and 3 times more potent than the PAF antagonists CV-3988, ONO-6240, Ginkgolide B and etizolam, respectively. CV-6209 inhibited [3H]serotonin release from rabbit platelets stimulated with PAF (3 X 10(-8) M) with a similar potency as the inhibition on the platelet aggregation. CV-6209 inhibited PAF (0.3 microgram/kg i.v.)-induced hypotension in rats (ED50, 0.009 mg/kg i.v.) with no effect on the hypotension induced by arachidonic acid, histamine, bradykinin and isoproterenol. CV-6209 (1 mg/kg) inhibited slightly the acetylcholine-induced hypotension. In rats, post-treatment with CV-6209 reversed the PAF (1 microgram/kg i.v.)-induced hypotension rapidly (ED50, 0.0046 mg/kg i.v.); CV-6209 was 74, 20, 185 and over 2100 times more potent than CV-3988, ONO-6240, Ginkgolide B and etizolam, respectively. Thus, the relative potency of the anti-PAF action of PAF analog (CV-6209, CV-3988 and ONO-6240) differed little between the inhibition of PAF-induced platelet aggregation and the reversal of PAF-induced hypotension, but that of nonPAF analogs (Ginkgolide B and etizolam) differed greatly with these assay systems, when standardized with CV-6209.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Antihypertensive effects of CI-907 (indolapril): a novel nonsulfhydryl angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor

CI-907 is a new orally active nonsulfhydryl angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Monoester (prodrug) and diacid forms produced concentration related ACE inhibition in guinea-pig serum (IC50 for monoester, 1.7 X 10(-7) M and for diacid, 2.6 X 10(-9) M). In isolated rabbit aortic rings and in rat and dog autonomic studies, CI-907 is highly specific in suppressing the contractile or pressor responses to angiotensin I. In two-kidney, one-clip Goldblatt hypertensive rats, single daily doses (0.03-30 mg/kg p.o.) produced dose-dependent decreases in blood pressure; 3 mg/kg lowered blood pressure to normotensive levels. In the spontaneously hypertensive rat, subacute administration of CI-907 (30 mg/kg/day for 5 days) produced the same decrease in blood pressure as that obtained in the renal hypertensive rat. In diuretic-pretreated renal hypertensive dogs, 10 mg/kg normalized blood pressure. For equivalent drops in blood pressure, heart rate increases were less in CI-907 than in enalapril-treated renal hypertensive dogs. No side effects were observed with CI-907 in any of the conscious animals. The antihypertensive response to CI-907 (0.03-1.0 mg/kg p.o.) was found to correlate with inhibition of vascular tissue ACE, but not plasma or brain ACE in two-kidney, one-clip renal hypertensive rats. These studies indicate that CI-907 is a potent antihypertensive agent with a heart rate profile different from enalapril.     

Anxiolytic-like effects of the prototypical metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine in rodents

Recently, selective and systemically active antagonists for the metabotropic glutamate 5 receptor (mGlu(5)) were discovered, and the most potent derivative was found to be MPEP (2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine). Given the high expression of mGlu(5) receptors in limbic forebrain regions, it was decided to evaluate the anxiolytic potential of MPEP. After an acute oral administration, MPEP attenuated the anxiety-dependent variable in a variety of well established anxiety test paradigms. In rats, MPEP (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg) increased punished responses in the Geller-Seifter test, but none of these effects reached statistical significance. MPEP significantly increased the ratio (open/total arm entries; 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg), the number of open arm entries (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg), as well as time spent on open arm (0.1 and 1 mg/kg) in the elevated plus maze test. Furthermore, MPEP (0.3 and 1 mg/kg) significantly increased the time spent in social contact in the social exploration test. In mice, MPEP attenuated stress-induced hyperthermia (15 and 30 mg/kg) and decreased the number of buried marbles in the marble burying test (7.5 and 30 mg/kg). Finally, MPEP (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 mg/kg) was tested on spontaneous locomotor activity in mice, and only a dose of 100 mg/kg significantly reduced vertical activity; no effect was seen on horizontal activity. MPEP (7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg) was ineffective on d-amphetamine-induced (2.5 mg/kg) locomotor activity in mice and prepulse inhibition in rats (1, 3, or 10 mg/kg). Thus, these findings indicate that MPEP exhibits anxiolytic-like effects and low risks for sedation and psychotomimetic side-effects in rodents.     

成年大鼠弥漫性脑损伤后海马齿状回神经前体细胞增殖的NOS-NO通路机制研究

目的　观察NO前体及选择性NOS干预剂对弥漫性脑损伤后齿状回神经发生的调控作用 ,探讨NOS -NO通路在成年脑神经发生中的角色。方法　选用成年弥漫性脑损伤大鼠模型 ,采用BrdU标记分裂细胞及免疫组织化学方法比较弥漫性脑损伤后 2、4、6、8、12d时各干预剂干预组大鼠与相应对照组大鼠之间海马齿状回神经前体细胞的增殖速度。结果　L -精氨酸 (L -Arg) 2 0 0mg/kgi.p .后 ,成年大鼠弥漫性脑损伤后各个时间点海马齿状回BrdU免疫阳性细胞数目均显著增多 ,以脑损伤后 6d和 8d时增加最为明显 (P <0 0 1)。 7-硝基引唑 (7-NI) 5 0mg/kgi.p .后 ,明显抑制了大鼠弥漫性脑损伤后不同时间点齿状回细胞增殖 ,在弥漫性脑损伤后 4d时抑制作用相对最为明显 (P <0 0 1)。氨基胍 (AG) 10 0mg/kgi.p .后 ,也明显减少了大鼠弥漫性脑损伤后不同时间点齿状回BrdU免疫阳性细胞数目 ,从第 8天后抑制作用相对更为明显 (P <0 0 1)。结论　弥漫性脑损伤后激活的NOS -NO通路是海马齿状回神经发生过程中一个重要的调控通路 ,不同来源的NO分别在弥漫性脑损伤后不同时间齿状回神经发生中发挥作用。     

Angiotensin-converting enzyme and matrix metalloproteinase inhibition with developing heart failure: comparative effects on left ventricular function and geometry.

The progression of congestive heart failure (CHF) is left ventricular (LV) myocardial remodeling. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to tissue remodeling and therefore MMP inhibition may serve as a useful therapeutic target in CHF. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition favorably affects LV myocardial remodeling in CHF. This study examined the effects of specific MMP inhibition, ACE inhibition, and combined treatment on LV systolic and diastolic function in a model of CHF. Pigs were randomly assigned to five groups: 1) rapid atrial pacing (240 beats/min) for 3 weeks (n = 8); 2) ACE inhibition (fosinopril, 2.5 mg/kg b.i.d. orally) and rapid pacing (n = 8); 3) MMP inhibition (PD166793 2 mg/kg/day p.o.) and rapid pacing (n = 8); 4) combined ACE and MMP inhibition (2.5 mg/kg b.i.d. and 2 mg/kg/day, respectively) and rapid pacing (n = 8); and 5) controls (n = 9). LV peak wall stress increased by 2-fold with rapid pacing and was reduced in all treatment groups. LV fractional shortening fell by nearly 2-fold with rapid pacing and increased in all treatment groups. The circumferential fiber shortening-systolic stress relation was reduced with rapid pacing and increased in the ACE inhibition and combination groups. LV myocardial stiffness constant was unchanged in the rapid pacing group, increased nearly 2-fold in the MMP inhibition group, and was normalized in the ACE inhibition and combination treatment groups. Increased MMP activation contributes to the LV dilation and increased wall stress with pacing CHF and a contributory downstream mechanism of ACE inhibition is an effect on MMP activity.     

Therapeutic effect of a new synthetic lipid A analog (ONO-4007) on a tumor implanted at different sites in rats.

The therapeutic effect of ONO-4007, a new lipid A analog, was examined on the 13762NF mammary adenocarcinoma in the F-344 rat system. Intravenous administration of ONO-4007 (2.5 mg/kg) had a very potent effect on subcutaneously (s.c.) inoculated 13762NF tumor cells, but none at all on intravenously (i.v.) or intraperitoneally (i.p.) inoculated ones. Also no beneficial therapeutic effect of ONO-4007 was observed on i.v. or i.p. inoculated tumor cells when it was combined with anticancer drugs such as carboplatin (CBDCA) or cyclophosphamide (CY). The therapeutic efficacy of ONO-4007 (2.5 mg/kg, 3 times a day for 6 days) for s.c. inoculated tumor cells was greater than that of CBDCA (20-30 mg/kg x 1), and it was also shown to stimulate spleen cells to produce tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that enhanced production of TNF-alpha may be responsible in part for the beneficial effect of ONO-4007 against s.c. inoculated tumor cells. ONO-4007 may in the future become a useful modality for the treatment of human cancers.     

Differential sensitivity of ethanol withdrawal signs in the rat to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)mimetics: blockade of audiogenic seizures but not forelimb tremors

Intraperitoneal injection of ethanol (1-2 g/kg) and chlordiazepoxide (2-16 mg/kg) suppressed susceptibility to audiogenically induced, clonic-tonic seizures and antagonized forelimb tremor in rats undergoing ethanol withdrawal, 30 min after treatment. However, a smaller dose of ethanol (0.5 g/kg) actually increased clonic seizure frequency, suggesting that ethanol exerts a biphasic proconvulsant/anticonvulsant action. Direct activation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors by intracisternal administration of GABA (100-1000 micrograms), muscimol (0.3-1.0 micrograms) or 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol (THIP) (0.3-3.0 micrograms) 5 to 10 min before testing also reduced susceptibility to audiogenic clonic-tonic seizures. In sharp contrast to these anticonvulsant actions, GABA, muscimol and THIP had no effect on withdrawal-induced forelimb tremors. Blockade of GABA uptake with 1-2,4-diaminobutyric acid (300 and 600 mg/kg i.p.) and inhibition of GABA transaminase with aminooxyacetic acid (12.5 and 25.0 mg/kg i.p.) both reduced susceptibility to seizures. However, anticonvulsant doses of these two drugs, unlike GABA, muscimol and THIP, also reduced forelimb tremor. Three other GABA transaminase inhibitors, gamma-vinyl GABA (450 and 900 mg/kg i.p.), gamma-acetylenic GABA (50-150 mg/kg i.p.) and ethanolamine-O-sulfate (250-750 mg/kg i.p.), were inactive against ethanol withdrawal audiogenic seizures and forelimb tremors. These results indicate that direct GABA receptor activation can selectively suppress one type of ethanol withdrawal response (i.e., audiogenic seizure susceptibility) while failing to influence another (forelimb tremors).     

Effects of the potential antidepressant OPC-14523 [1-[3-[4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl]propyl]-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2-quinolinone monomethanesulfonate] a combined sigma and 5-HT1A ligand: modulation of neuronal activity in the dorsal raphe nucleus

OPC-14523 (OPC; [1-[3-[4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl]propyl]-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2-quinolinone monomethanesulfonate)] is a novel compound with high affinity for sigma and 5-HT(1A) receptors as well as for the 5-HT transporter. OPC has previously been shown to produce antidepressant-like effects in animal models of depression. This project set out to determine the effect of OPC on serotonergic neurotransmission and to shed light on its mechanism(s) of action. In an electrophysiological model of in vivo extracellular recordings in anesthetized rats, a 2-day treatment (1 mg/kg/day) with OPC induced a significant increase in dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) putative 5-HT neurons' firing activity. This increase was blocked by the coadministration of NE-100 [N,N-dipropyl-2-(4-methoxy-3-(2-phenylethoxy)phenyl)-thylamine], a selective sigma(1) antagonist (10 mg/kg/day). Furthermore, after 2-day treatments with OPC, the 5-HT(1A) autoreceptor response was altered, as demonstrated by the dramatically reduced response to an increase of endogenous 5-HT induced by the acute administration of paroxetine (500 microg/kg, i.v.). However, the 5-HT(1A) agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) (4 microg/kg, i.v.) maintained its ability to decrease 5-HT firing activity, an effect that was reversible by the subsequent administration of the 5-HT(1A) antagonist WAY 100635 [N-[2-(4-[2-methoxyphenyl]-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]-N-2-pyridinylcyclohexanecarboxamide] (100 microg/kg, i.v.). As 8-OH-DPAT has been shown to act preferentially through postsynaptic 5-HT(1A) receptors, our data suggests that this effect of OPC is mediated primarily by the 5-HT(1A) autoreceptor. The decreased response of the 5-HT(1A) autoreceptor to paroxetine was not blocked by the coadministration of NE-100 indicating that sigma(1) receptors are not involved in this effect. Thus, both sigma and 5-HT(1A) receptors play a role in the "antidepressant-like" effects produced by OPC, which is in keeping with previously published behavioral data. In addition, the current series of experiments suggest that OPC might have potential as an antidepressant with a rapid onset of action compared with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatments, which initially suppress the firing activity of putative 5-HT neurons and require at least 2 to 3 weeks to restore the firing activity to baseline neuronal firing activity through a desensitization of the 5-HT(1A) autoreceptor.     

A novel thienylhydrazone, (2-thienylidene)3,4-methylenedioxybenzoylhydrazine, increases inotropism and decreases fatigue of skeletal muscle

We report here the preclinical profile of etoricoxib (MK-0663) [5-chloro-2-(6-methylpyridin-3-yl)-3-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl) pyridine], a novel orally active agent that selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), that has been developed for high selectivity in vitro using whole blood assays and sensitive COX-1 enzyme assays at low substrate concentration. Etoricoxib selectively inhibited COX-2 in human whole blood assays in vitro, with an IC(50) value of 1.1 +/- 0.1 microM for COX-2 (LPS-induced prostaglandin E2 synthesis), compared with an IC(50) value of 116 +/- 8 microM for COX-1 (serum thromboxane B2 generation after clotting of the blood). Using the ratio of IC(50) values (COX-1/COX-2), the selectivity ratio for the inhibition of COX-2 by etoricoxib in the human whole blood assay was 106, compared with values of 35, 30, 7.6, 7.3, 2.4, and 2.0 for rofecoxib, valdecoxib, celecoxib, nimesulide, etodolac, and meloxicam, respectively. Etoricoxib did not inhibit platelet or human recombinant COX-1 under most assay conditions (IC(50) > 100 microM). In a highly sensitive assay for COX-1 with U937 microsomes where the arachidonic acid concentration was lowered to 0.1 microM, IC(50) values of 12, 2, 0.25, and 0.05 microM were obtained for etoricoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib, and celecoxib, respectively. These differences in potency were in agreement with the dissociation constants (K(i)) for binding to COX-1 as estimated from an assay based on the ability of the compounds to delay the time-dependent inhibition by indomethacin. Etoricoxib was a potent inhibitor in models of carrageenan-induced paw edema (ID(50) = 0.64 mg/kg), carrageenan-induced paw hyperalgesia (ID(50) = 0.34 mg/kg), LPS-induced pyresis (ID(50) = 0.88 mg/kg), and adjuvant-induced arthritis (ID(50) = 0.6 mg/kg/day) in rats, without effects on gastrointestinal permeability up to a dose of 200 mg/kg/day for 10 days. In squirrel monkeys, etoricoxib reversed LPS-induced pyresis by 81% within 2 h of administration at a dose of 3 mg/kg and showed no effect in a fecal 51Cr excretion model of gastropathy at 100 mg/kg/day for 5 days, in contrast to lower doses of diclofenac or naproxen. In summary, etoricoxib represents a novel agent that selectively inhibits COX-2 with 106-fold selectivity in human whole blood assays in vitro and with the lowest potency of inhibition of COX-1 compared with other reported selective agents.     

Interpreting mammalian target of rapamycin and cell growth inhibition in a genetically engineered mouse model of Nf1-deficient astrocytes

The identification of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) as a major mediator of neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1) tumor growth has led to the initiation of clinical trials using rapamycin analogs. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that durable responses to rapamycin treatment in a genetically engineered mouse model of Nf1 optic glioma require 20 mg/kg/day, whereas only transient tumor growth suppression was observed with 5 mg/kg/day rapamycin despite complete silencing of ribosomal S6 activity. To gain clinically relevant insights into the mechanism underlying this dose-dependent effect, we used Nf1-deficient glial cells in vitro and in vivo. First, there was an exponential relationship between blood and brain rapamycin levels. Second, we show that currently used biomarkers of mTOR pathway inhibition (phospho-S6, phospho-4EBP1, phospho-STAT3, and Jagged-1 levels) and tumor proliferation (Ki67) do not accurately reflect mTOR target inhibition or Nf1-deficient glial growth suppression. Third, the incomplete suppression of Nf1-deficient glial cell proliferation in vivo following 5 mg/kg/day rapamycin treatment reflects mTOR-mediated AKT activation, such that combined 5 mg/kg/day rapamycin and PI3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition or dual PI3K/mTOR inhibition recapitulates the growth suppressive effects of 20 mg/kg/day rapamycin. These new findings argue for the identification of more accurate biomarkers for rapamycin treatment response and provide reference preclinical data for comparing human rapamycin levels with target effects in the brain.     

Effects of thromboxane synthase inhibition on vascular responsiveness in the in vivo rat mesentery.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of thromboxane synthase inhibition on vascular responsiveness. To achieve this goal, the effects of thromboxane synthase inhibitors on mesenteric vascular responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation, norepinephrine, and angiotensin II were determined in vivo. In normotensive rats, chronic treatment with the thromboxane synthase inhibitor, UK38,485 (100 mg/kg X d X 7 d), attenuated vascular responses to nerve stimulation and angiotensin II, but not to norepinephrine. Indomethacin treatment (5 mg/kg X three doses) did not attenuate vascular responses, but did prevent chronic UK38,485 administration from attenuating vascular reactivity. A single dose of UK38,485 (100 mg/kg) did not modify vascular responses to nerve stimulation or angiotensin II, even though platelet thromboxane synthase was inhibited completely. In spontaneously hypertensive rats, chronic administration (100 mg/kg X d X 7 d) of either UK38,485, OKY1581, or U-63557A (three structurally distinct thromboxane synthase inhibitors) attenuated vascular responses to nerve stimulation and angiotensin II. Only U-63557A suppressed responses to norepinephrine. Chronic treatment with UK38,485 or U-63557A did not influence vascular reactivity in hypertensive rats treated with indomethacin. Also, chronic administration of lower doses of UK38,485 or U-63557A (30 mg/kg X d X 7 d) did not affect vascular responsiveness in hypertensive rats, despite complete blockade of platelet thromboxane synthase. These data indicate that chronic administration of high doses of thromboxane synthase inhibitors attenuates vascular responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation and angiotensin II, but not usually to norepinephrine. This action may be mediated by endoperoxide shunting within the blood vessel wall.     

Pindolol suppresses serotonergic neuronal activity and does not block the inhibition of serotonergic neurons produced by 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin in awake cats.

Clinical studies have shown that pindolol can enhance the effects of antidepressant drugs, presumably by acting as an antagonist at somatodendritic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(1A) autoreceptors, which regulate the firing rate of central serotonergic neurons. The current study characterized the action of pindolol on the single-unit activity of serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus of freely moving cats. (+/-)-Pindolol produced a dose-dependent inhibition of neuronal activity after i.v. (ED(50) = 0.25 mg/kg) and s.c. (ED(50) = 1.23 mg/kg) administration. The active enantiomer (-)-pindolol (1 mg/kg i.v.) also suppressed neuronal activity (maximal decrease, 88%). Upon p.o. administration, (+/-)-pindolol (10 mg/kg) produced a marked, long-acting suppression of neuronal activity similar to that observed after s.c. administration. In all cases, the reduction in firing rate produced by pindolol was completely reversed by low doses of N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]-ethyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl)cycloh exanecarboxamide (WAY-100635) (0.1 mg/kg i.v. or 0.2 mg/kg s.c.), a selective 5-HT(1A) antagonist. Systemic administration of (-)-tertatolol (1-5 mg/kg i.v.), another beta-adrenoceptor blocker/putative 5-HT(1A) antagonist, had no significant effect on neuronal activity. The ability of i.v. (+/-)-pindolol (0.1-1 mg/kg) to reverse the suppression of serotonergic neuronal activity produced by 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) (10 microg/kg i.v.), a selective 5-HT(1A) agonist, also was examined. (+/-)-Pindolol had no appreciable effect on the action of 8-OH-DPAT. In contrast, the 5-HT(1A) antagonist drugs WAY-100635 (0.1 mg/kg i.v. ), 4-fluoro-N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-2-pyridinyl benzamide (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.), N-tert-butyl-3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)-2-phenylprop anamid e [(S)-WAY-100135] (0.5 mg/kg i.v.), and (-)-tertatolol (1-5 mg/kg i. v.) reversed the effect of 8-OH-DPAT to varying degrees. Overall, these results indicate that pindolol acts as an agonist rather than an antagonist at 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors in awake animals.     

Anti-herpesvirus activity of the acyclic nucleoside 9-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)guanine

The antiherpetic effects of a novel purine acyclic nucleoside, 9-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)guanine (DHPG), were compared with those of acyclovir in cell cultures and in mice. The modes of action of DHPG and acyclovir were similar in that herpes thymidine kinase phosphorylated each compound, and both agents selectively inhibited viral over host cell DNA synthesis. In 50% plaque reduction assays in Vero cells, the drugs inhibited herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 thymidine kinase-positive strains at 0.2 to 2.4 microM. DHPG was markedly more active than acyclovir against human cytomegalovirus (50% inhibitory doses were 7 and 95 microM, respectively). Each nucleoside inhibited uninfected cell macromolecule synthesis and cell proliferation at concentrations far above those required to inhibit herpes simplex virus replication. Although the two compounds had many similarities in their behavior in vitro, the important difference was the superior performance of DHPG against herpesvirus-induced encephalitis and vaginitis in vivo. Thus, mortality in mice infected with herpesvirus type 2 was reduced 50% by daily doses of 7 to 10 mg of DHPG/kg, whereas an equally effective daily dose of acyclovir was approximately 500 mg/kg. DHPG at a daily dose of 50 mg/kg was also superior to acyclovir at 100 mg/kg per day in its inhibition of herpetic vaginal lesions in mice.