Inflammation of guinea pig dermis

Neutrophil (PMNL) infiltration is a prominent feature of human psoriasis. Psoriatic skin lesions contain abnormally high amounts of leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄), itself a potent PMNL chemoattractant both in vivo and in vitro. SC-41930 {7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)-propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzo-pyran-2-carboxylic acid}, an orally active LTB₄ receptor antagonist, was tested topically in models of skin inflammation induced by 200 nmol of the calcium ionophore A23187 or 200g phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) applied topically to the guinea pig ear as assessed by ear weight, levels of the PMNL marker enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO), and histological examination (PMA model) at 4 and 18 h respectively. When coapplied topically with A23187 or PMA, SC-41930 significantly inhibited epidermal inflammation with ED₅₀ values of 0.6 and 4 mg, respectively. SC-41930 treatment also was associated with lowered dermal LTB₄ levels in both models. The PMA-induced skin inflammation model also was assessed histologically and revealed acanthosis, edema, PMNL infiltration, and rete ridge prominence as long as 96 h after a single application that was completely inhibited by SC-41930 topical coapplication. Furthermore, oral treatment (40 mg/kg) significantly reduced edema and inflammatory cell infiltration in both models. These models possess many of the characteristics of human psoriasis, and agents such as SC-41930 that demonstrate activity in these models may well have therapeutic utility in the treatment of human psoriasis.     

The effect of leukotriene-B4 receptor antagonist,SC-41930, on acetic acid-induced colonic inflammation

SC-41930, 7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)-propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid, is a potentin vitro leukotriene-B₄ (LTB₄) receptor antagonist. LTB₄ levels are elevated in colonic tissue of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients which may account for the high degree of neutrophil (PMN) infiltration. The guinea pig acetic acid-induced colonic inflammation model has characteristics of IBD including PMN infiltration, edema, ulceration and necrosis. The model was used to evaluate the effect of SC-41930. SC-41930 was given orally, 30 min before and after intrarectal administration of 3% acetic acid. The PMN marker enzyme, myeloperoxidase, was measured along with histological evaluation to assess inflammation. Both parameters showed significantly less inflammation in SC-41930 treated animals with an oral ED₅₀ of 20 mg/kg. These study results with an LTB₄ receptor antagonist indicate a role for LTB₄ in colonic inflammation and that an LTB₄ receptor antagonist may be beneficial for treatment of IBD.     

Effect of the leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist,SC-41930, on experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in the guinea pig

The accepted model for the human demyelinating disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), is experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). We assessed the ability of SC-41930(7-[3(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)-propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxyl acid), to modulate the symptoms of acute EAE generated in guinea pigs. Animals were pretreated with SC-41930 (20 mg/kg, i.p.) for two days followed by thrice-weekly maintenance. At day 52, a significant number of the SC-41930-treated animals were alive as compared to EAE alone. Control animals had an increase in body weight while EAE animals lost over 20% (p<0.5) of their body weight by day 18. SC-41930-treatment significantly reduced, but did not completely inhibit the cachectic response. The results indirectly implicate LTB₄ in the pathogenesis of EAE. Agents that modify this model be useful in the treatment of human MS.     

Leukotriene B4-induced granulocyte trafficking in guinea pig dermis

Leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) is a proinflammatory product of arachidonic acid metabolism that has teen implicated as a mediator in a number of inflammatory diseases. When injected intradermally into the guinea pig, LTB₄ elicits a dose-dependent migration (chemotaxis) of neutrophils (PMNs) into the injection sites as assessed by the presence of a neutrophil marker enzyme myeloperoxidase. SC-41930 7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1 -benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid, a first-generation LTB₄ receptor antagonist inhibitedthe chemotactic actions of LTB₄ when coadministered into the dermal site and when given orally with ED₅₀ values of 340 ng and 1.7 mg/kg, respectively. The secondgeneration LTB₄ receptor antagonists SC-50605 7-[3-[2(cyclopropylmethyl)-3-methoxy-4-(4-thiazolyl)phenoxy] propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid and SC-51146 7-[3-[2(cyclopropylmethyl)-3-methoxy-4-[(methylamino)carbonyl]phenoxy]propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran2-propanoic acid inhibited LTB₄-induced chemotaxis when coadministered with ED₅₀ values of 70 ng and 32 ng, respectively, and when given intragastrically with ED₅₀ values of 0.10 and 0.09 mg/kg, respectively. SC-41930, SC-50605, and SC-51146 had oral durations of action of 5.5, 15, and 21 h, respectively. These potent, LTB₄ receptor antagonists may well have application in the medical management of disease states such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis, where LTB₄ is implicated as an inflammatory mediator.     

The design and synthesis of second generation leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor antagonists related to SC-41930

SC-41930, 7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid, is a selective, orally active, LTB₄ receptor antagonist currently in clinical trials for psoriasis and ulcerative colitis. Exhaustive SAR studies found a potential backup compound, SC-50605, which was 7–16 times more potent than SC-41930 in LTB₄ receptor binding, chemotaxis and degranulation assays. SC-50605 also inhibited LTB₄-induced intradermal chemotaxis in cavine skin at an oral dose of 0.10 mg/kg and displayed good activity in animal models of colitis and epidermal inflammation both orally and topically.     

Inflammatory mediator changes in cotton-top tamarins (CTT) after SC-41930 anti-colitic therapy

Use of the CTT model provides insight into the inflammatory mediator contribution in the pathogenesis of idiopathic colitis. To evaluate anti-colitic efficacy, the leukotriene B₄ receptor antagonist and anti-inflammatory agent, SC-41930, was administered (10 mg/kg BW by gavage BID) for 8 weeks to CTTs with histologically confirmed persistent and defined active colitis. The inflammatory mediators LTB₄, PGE₂, TXB₂, and PAF were assayed in colonic dialysate that was collected after 11/2 h from four CTTs pre-, mid-, and post-treatment, frozen at −70°C, and analyzed by RIA after HPLC purification. LTB₄ levels were lower at mid- and post-treatment and had little inter-animal variation post-treatment. PGE₂ and PAF levels were elevated during SC-41930 treatment, but there was a trend towards lower thromboxane B₂ levels. Reduced LTB₄ (PMN degranulation and chemotaxis) and increased PGE₂ (mucosal-protective effect) may, in part, explain the observed efficacy of SC-41930 in active tamarin colitis.

     

Antagonism of the in vivo and in vitro effects of leukotriene D4 by SC-39070 in guinea pigs

Leukotriene D₄ (LTD₄) causes contractions of guinea pig isolated ilea, evokes pulmonary bronchoconstriction and induces lesions of the dermal vasculature. In the present study, we assessed the antagonism of these actions by SC-39070 compared to FPL-55712, a known LTD₄ receptor antagonist. In guinea pig isolated ileum preparations, SC-39070 displayed selective antagonism of LTD₄ with a pA₂=8.20±0.06 (S.E.) and a Schild plot slope of –1.20. Administered intravenously to artificially-respired guinea pigs one minute prior to the agonist, SC-39070 antagonized (p<0.05) the bronchoconstrictive effect of LTD₄ in a dose-dependent manner (0.5–10 mg/kg). At a dose of 2.0 mg/kg, i.v. this activity was retained through a 60 minute pretreatment interval. Similarly, after oral administration of SC-39070, there was a dose-dependent antagonism of the bronchoconstrictive activity of LTD₄ (MED₅₀=3.8 mg/kg). Antagonism of LTD₄-induced bronchoconstriction was evidenced after oral administration of SC-39070 within one hour of treatment and efficacy was retained as long as 20 hours after treatment at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Finally, intravenously administered SC-39070 blocked LTD₄-induced dermal permeability in guinea pigs with a minimum effective dose of 1.0 mg/kg. In each assay, the LTD₄ antagonism evidence after treatment with SC-39070 appeared to be equal to or greater than that observed after treatment with FPL-55712.     

Dermal inflammation in primates,mice, and guinea pigs: Attenuation by second-generation leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist,SC-53228

Granulocyte infiltration is a prominent feature of human psoriasis. Psoriatic lesional skin contains abnormally high amounts of immunoreactive leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄), a potent granulocyte chemotaxin in vivo and in vitro. SC-53228 [(+)-(S)-7-(3-{2-(cyclopropylmethyl)-3-methoxy-4-[(methylamino)carbonyl]phenoxy}propoxy)-3, 4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-propanoic acid], a second-generation LTB₄ receptor antagonist, was tested topically and orally in phorbol ester-induced dermal inflammation in three species. Skin inflammation was induced by topical application of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-(PMA/TPA) and assessed by ear thickness, levels of the neutrophil marker enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) and histological examination. In mice, SC-53228 inhibited inflammation with a topical ED₅₀ value of 200 ± 18 g. When applied to guinea pigs, SC-53228 (100 g) inhibited the MPO increase by 86%, while 1000 g abrogated inflammation in rhesus macaques with no plasma accumulation of the drug. A 1 % gel formulation was also efficacious in guinea pig PMA-induced epidermal inflammation. Furthermore, single oral dose administration to mice was efficacious (ED₅₀ < 2.5 mg/kg) as was multidose administration to rhesus macaques. PMA-induced skin inflammation possesses some of the attributes of human psoriasis and an agent such as SC-53228 may have utility in the medical management of this condition.     

Effects of SC-41930 on leukocyte adherence and emigration in rat mesenteric venules

This study demonstrates that SC-41930, 7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)-propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid, an orally active LTB₄ receptor antagonist, reduces LTB₄-induced leukocyte adhesion and emigration in rat mesenteric venules. The mesentery of Sprague-Dawley rats was prepared for intravital microscopic examination and venules of 25–35 m were chosen for evaluation. In control animals, LTB₄ (20nM) was superfused over the mesentery for 30 min. In the treatment group SC-41930 (5 M) was superfused for 30 min, followed by a 30 min superfusion with SC-41930 and LTB₄. The LTB₄-induced increase in leukocyte adherence and emigration in postcapillary venules was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with SC-41930. Other experiments demonstrated that platelet-activating-factor-induced leukocyte adherence was not affected by SC-41930. These results indicate that SC-41930 is a potent inhibitor of LTB₄-induced leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesive interactions in postcapillary venules.     

Effect of a leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist on leukotriene B4-induced neutrophil chemotaxis in cavine dermis

Leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) is a proinflammatory product of arachidonic acid metabolism that has been implicated as a mediator in a number of inflammatory diseases. When injected intradermally into the cavine, LTB₄ elicits a dose-dependent immigration (chemotaxis) of neutrophils (PMNs) into the injection sites as assessed by the presence of a neutrophil marker enzyme myeloperoxidase. SC-41930 {7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-l-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid, a potent LTB₄ receptor antagonist inhibited the chemotactic actions of LTB₄ when coadministered into the dermal site and when given intravenously or orally with ED₅₀ values of 200 ng, 0.5 mg/kg, and 0.6 mg/ kg respectively. This compound may well have application in disease states, such as inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis, where LTB₄ is implicated as a proinflammatory mediator.     

SC-41930, a leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist,inhibits 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12(S)-HETE) binding to epidermal cells

SC-41930, 7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)-propoxyl]-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid, a potent leukotriene-B₄ (LTB₄) receptor antagonist, inhibitsin vivo 12-hydroxyei-cosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE)-induced neutrophil infiltration, suggesting a potential 12-HETE receptor antagonist effect, as well. Since 12-HETE is assumed to have a pathophysiological role in inflammatory skin diseases, and epidermal cells possess high affinity binding sites for 12(S)-HETE, we studied the effect of SC-41930 on 12(S)-HETE binding to the human epidermal cell line, SCL-II. SC-41930 antagonized the 12(S)-HETE binding to SCL-II cells with a Ki of 480 nM. This Ki value is similar to that obtained for the inhibition of LTB₄ binding to human neutrophils. Our results show that SC-41930, in addition to its LTB₄ receptor antagonist effect, exhibits 12-HETE receptor antagonist effect as well, and therefore may be of benefit in skin diseases with elevated 12-HETE levels.Dr. Kemény is on leave from the Department of Dermatology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University, Szeged, Hungary, as a recipient of the Humboldt Fellowship, and his work was supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.     

Induction of colitis in rats by 2-2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride

Reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) may play a role in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and ischemia-reperfusion-induced intestinal injury. Although there are many reports of intestinal mucosal injury associated with neutrophil-derived ROM, free radicals themselves have not been reported to induce intestinal mucosal injury. We administered intrarectally 2,2-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) to rats, an azo compound that generates free radicals in vitro. Acute mucosal injury was assessed histologically by light microscopy and biochemically by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Intrarectal administration of AAPH (60, 90, 150 mg/kg) caused erythema, edema, and histologically verifiable mucosal inflammation. MPO activity was increased 9- to 18-fold above the control level. The levels of thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reactants and sulfhydryls (SH) were significanty (P<0.01) increased and decreased, respectively, by 90 mg/kg AAPH. Sulfasalazine, 5-aminosalicylic acid, the LTB₄ receptor antagonist SC-41930, and the antioxidant glutathione prevented the inflammation. This model of mucosal inflammation may be useful in evaluating new therapeutic agents for the treatment of IBD.     

Antiinflammatory effects of second-generation leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist,SC-53228: Impact upon Leukotriene B4- and 12(R)-HETE- mediated events

Leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) and 12(R)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [12(R)-HETE] are proinflammatory products of arachidonic acid metabolism that have been implicated as mediators in a number of inflammatory diseases. When injected intradermally into the guinea pig, LTB₄ and 12(R)-HETE elicit a dose-dependent migration (chemotaxis) of neutrophils (PMNs) into the injection sites as assessed by the presence of a neutrophil marker enzyme myeloperoxidase. SC-41930 {7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxyl]-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid}, a first-generation LTB₄ receptor antagonist, inhibited the chemotactic actions of LTB₄ when given orally with an ED₅₀ value of 1.7 mg/kg. The second-generation LTB₄ receptor antagonist, SC-53228 [(+)-(S)-7-(3-{2-(cyclopropylmethyl)-3-methoxy-4-[(methylamino)carbonyl]phenoxy} propoxy)-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-propanoic acid], inhibited LTB₄-induced chemotaxis when given intragastrically with an ED₅₀ value of 0.07 mg/kg. Furthermore, SC-53228 inhibited 12(R)-HETE-induced granulocyte chemotaxis with an oral ED₅₀ value of 5.8 mg/kg. When dosed orally over a range of 0.03–100 mg/kg, SC-53228 gaveC _max plasma concentrations of 0.015–41.1g/ml. SC-53228 inhibited LTB₄-primed membrane depolarization of human neutrophils with an IC₅₀ value of 34 nM. As a potent LTB₄ receptor antagonist, SC-53228 may well have application in the medical management of disease states such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis, in which LTB₄ and/or 12(R)-HETE are implicated as inflammatory mediators.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of the leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist,SC-41930, in colitic cotton-top tamarins

Cotton-top tamarins (CTTs) with histologically confirmed persistent and active colitis were given the leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) receptor antagonist, SC-41930, (10 mg/kg BW, by gavage b.i.d.) for eight weeks. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by colonic biopsy, stool consistency and the level of the lipid mediators LTB₄ and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in rectal dialysates. Stool consistency did not improve with treatment but did not worsen. Blood chemistry (ALT, AST, LDH) and hematological parameters neither showed any untoward effects of SC-41930 treatment nor was there any effect on body weight. In rectal dialysate LTB₄ levels were significantly reduced from pretreatment level of 4.87±1.46 ng/ml to 1.07±0.67 and 2.45±0.13 ng/ml at 4 and 8 weeks, respectively, and higher prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) over time. Histologically, 5/7 improved, 1/7 remained the same and 1/7 worsened.

Oral SC-41930 treatment was safe and associated with an anti-colitic effect. The reduced LTB₄ levels (affecting granulocyte degranulation and recruitment into tissues) and increased PGE₂ (perhaps exerting a mucosal protective effect) may, in part explain the observed efficacy of this compound in active tamarin colitis. Use of the CTT model could provide insight into the inflammatory mediator contribution to idiopathic colitis and serve as a useful bridge between preclinical pharmacology and the assessment of these compounds in the medical management of human inflammatory bowel disease.

     

Characterization of 3-carboxy-5-phosphono-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (SC-48981), a potent competitive N-methy-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, in vitro and in vivo.

(+/-)-3-Carboxy-5-phosphono-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (SC-48981), a conformationally restricted analog of the potent competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoate (AP-5), potently inhibited the binding of [3H]glutamate to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors with a Ki of 1.6 mcM, but with minimal affinity for kaininate and quisqualate receptors (Ki greater than 50 mcM), in vitro. Consistent with its ability to antagonize the NMDA receptor, SC-48981 decreased the binding of [3H]glycine and [3H]TCP [1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexylpiperidine] to the NMDA-associated glycine and phencyclidine (PCP) recognition sites, in vitro. SC-48981 attenuated levels of basal cGMP and harmaline-induced increases in levels of cGMP in the mouse cerebellum, in vivo, in a competitive manner, with ED50 values of 5.5 and 8.7 mg/kg, i.p. Direct intracerebellar injection of SC-48981 (0.5 microgram) attenuated increases in levels of cGMP induced by central injection of the NMDA-associated glycine receptor agonist, D-serine and by NMDA itself. Parenteral administration of SC-48981 (25 mg/kg, s.c.) decreased basal levels of cGMP for up to 3 h. These results indicate that SC-48981 represents a novel bioavailable competitive NMDA antagonist with a long duration of action.     

Anti-colitic efficacy of SC-41930 in colitic cotton-top tamarins

To evaluate anti-colitic efficacy, eight cotton-top tamarins (CTTs) with histologically confirmed persistent active colitis were given the anti-inflammatory agent SC-41930 (10 mg/kg BW by gavage BID) for eight weeks. Colonic endoscopy and biopsy observations, CBCs and clinical chemistries, and stool consistency were evaluated pre-, mid-, and posttreatment. Colitic activity was graded histologically from A1 (mild) to A5 (severe); results varied among the seven animals that completed the study: five improved, one worsened, and one was unchanged. Serum enzyme levels were significantly reduced with treatment. Stool condition remained puddly throughout treatment and body weights did not vary from pretreatment levels. However, SC-41930 produced histological evidence (reduced numbers of polymorphonuclear cells) of anti-colitic efficacy over an eight-week treatment period in CTTs with persistent active colitis. These results support the use of the CTT colitis model to evaluate efficacy of therapeutic agents and provide useful predictive information to aid in the medical management of human IBD.     

Suppression of the Arthus reaction by Y-24180, a potent and specific antagonist of platelet-activating factor

A novel and potent antagonist of platelet-activating factor (PAF), Y-24180 (4-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-[2-(4-isobubylphenyl)ethyl]-6,9-dimethyl-6H-thieno[3,2-f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4] diazepine) was investigated for the effects on the skin reactions induced by chemical mediators and the Arthus reactions. In the rat dorsal skin, Y-24180 (0.1–10 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited increase in vascular permeability by the intradermal PAF injection in a dose dependent manner and the inhibitory activity was 60 times more potent than that of WEB 2086. While even at doses as large as 10 mg/kg, p.o., it had no effect on vascular permeability in the rat skin induced by histamine, serotonin, bradykinin and leukotriene D₄. On a reversed passive Arthus reaction in rat dorsal skin, Y-24180 (0.1–1 mg/kg, p.o.) markedly inhibited vascular permeability in a dose dependent manner and the inhibitory activity was 15 times more potent than that of WEB 2086. Y-24180 also inhibited the Arthus dermal reaction in rabbits (0.03–0.3 mg/kg, p.o.) and guinea pigs (0.1–1mg/kg, p.o.). In addition Y-24180 (0.1–10 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the exudate volume and the number of infiltrated inflammatory cells in the reversed passive Arthus pleural reaction in rats. Furthermore, in rat passive Arthus pancreatitis, Y-24180 (0.3–10 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited the dye extravasation from the pancreas. These results provide strong evidence that endogenous PAF plays an important role as a mediator in the type III allergic inflammation.     

A23187-induced pulmonary gas trapping and inflammation in the guinea pig

A brief A23187 aerosol exposure produced prolonged airway obstruction with granulocyte accumulation in conscious guinea pigs. Aminophylline, atropine, pyrilamine, salbutamol, SC-41930 (a leukotriene B₄ antagonist) and WEB 2086 (a platelet activating factor antogonist) were administered intravenously (i.v.) to evaluate their ability to prevent these changes. Inhaled salbutamol was also assessed. Aminophylline, atropine, and salbutamol (i.v. and aerosol) inhibited A23187-induced gas trapping (p<0.01). However, pyrilamine, SC-41930 and WEB 2086 did not influence this airway obstructive effect. Only atropine, inhaled salbutamol and SC-41930 inhibited the cell influx (p<0.01), while pyrilamine potentiated the inflammation (p<0.05). We conclude that A23187 produces a sustained bronchospasm and an intense granulocyte accumulation. The treatment agents tested differ considerably in their ability to alter A23187-induced airway obstruction and inflammation.     

Pharmacological activity of the second generation leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist,SC-53228:

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Leukotriene B₄ is thought to be a prominent proinflammatory mediator in these diseases, in that leukotriene B₄ levels are increased in the colonic mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease patients and there is increased polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration of these tissues. SC-53228(+)-(S)-7-[3-[2(-cyclopropylmethyl)-3-methoxy-4-[(methylamino)carbonyl]phenoxy]propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-propanoic acid, a second generation LTB₄ receptor antagonist, was evaluated for therapeutic efficacy in a rodent model of acute colonic inflammation induced by short chain organic acids, as well as for effects on rodent liver. When given intracolonically to mice, SC-53228 inhibited neutrophil infiltration, assessed by myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, with an ED₅₀ value of 9±1.2 mg/kg. When given by gavage, SC-53228 inhibited neutrophil influx in colitic mice with an ED₅₀ value of 30 mg/kg. These results were also confirmed histologically. Furthermore, high dose oral SC-53228 treatment had no effect on liver cytochrome P-450 content, fatty acyl CoA oxidase or liver weight in rats and mice. Together, these data suggest that SC-53228 may be efficacious orally and locally, as well as safe for use in trials for the medical management of IBD.     

Effect of the selective COX-2 inhibitors, celecoxib and rofecoxib in rat acute models of inflammation

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the action of celecoxib and rofecoxib, two selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors in two acute models of inflammation, carrageenan (Cg)-induced rat pleurisy, and paw oedema formation. MATERIAL: Male Wistar rats (N = 4-10 per group) were used. A fixed volume of PBS or carrageenan was injected into the pleural cavity or into the paw. Furthermore, the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and the levels of nitrite/nitrate (NOx), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and PGE2 were also assessed in the paw tissue or in pleural exudate. RESULTS: Dexamethasone (DEX, 0.5 mg kg(-1), s.c., -4 h) and indomethacin (INDO, 3 mg kg(-1), p.o., -1 h) suppressed Cg-induced pleural exudate accumulation by 84 and 77% and inflammatory cell influx by 66 and 47%, respectively. In contrast, celecoxib (CLX, 10 mg kg(-1), p.o., -1 h) or rofecoxib (RFX, 10 mg kg(-1) , p.o., -1 h) only reduced the Cg-induced pleural exudate volume by 44 and 40%, respectively, but had no significant effect over inflammatory cell influx. At the same doses used for pleurisy, DEX, INDO, CLX, RFX and SC-560 (a selective COX-1 inhibitor, 40 mg kg(-1), p.o., -1 h), inhibited the Cg-induced paw oedema by 49, 31, 21, 21 and 17%. DEX, INDO or SC-560 reduced the level of MPO by 71, 78 and 59%, while CLX or RFX produced a small, but significant increase (28 or 16%) in MPO activity. In the rat model of pleurisy, PGE2 levels in cell-free exudates were significantly attenuated by 91, 89, 57 and 65% in animals treated with DEX, INDO, CLX or RFX. In contrast, INDO reduced significantly the whole bloodTXB, synthesis (59%) while DEX and INDO reduced the pleural content of NOx significantly. Treatment of animals with CLX or RFX did not alter the content of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta or TNF-alpha in the pleural exudate, but CLX reduced IL-1beta levels in the rat paw tissue and RFX increased TNF-alpha in this tissue. CONCLUSION: Together these results provide consistent evidence indicating that the selective COX-2 inhibitors CLX and RFX, in contrast to DEX, INDO or SC-560, despite reducing greatly the Cg-induced pleural exudation, PGE2 content and paw oedema have only partial acute anti-inflammatory properties in two different rat acute models of inflammation.