Biological activity of analogues of YM022. Novel (3-amino substituted phenyl)urea derivatives of 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one as gastrin/cholecystokinin-B receptor antagonists

A series of (3-substituted phenyl)urea analogues of the potent gastrin/cholecystokinin (CCK)-B receptor antagonist YM022 has been prepared. Structure-activity relationship studies of this series suggested that a number of analogues retained good in vitro potency for gastrin/CCK-B receptor. In particular, the (3-amino substituted phenyl)urea derivatives (10-12) were more potent inhibitors of pentagastrin-induced gastric acid secretion in rats than YM022 on intraduodenal (i.d.) administration.

[Corneal distortion induced by speculum--studies with computer-assisted corneal topography]

The corneal distortion induced by the presence of an eyelid speculum was analysed by the Videokeratoscope-Eyesys Corneal Analysis System (EYESYS), with a Barraquer type speculum (B group) in 22 normal eyes and with a Kratz-Barraquer type speculum in 38 normal eyes (KB group). The following differences were evaluated in the 2 groups: intraocular pressure (IOP), refractive power, change in astigmatism of the Cravy method, and corneal refractive power before and after the specula were put in the interpalpebral fissure. Significant differences were found in the IOP in the KB group, in spherical equivalent in the B and KB groups, and in corneal refractive power in the B groups. Then the 38 eyes of the KB group were divided into two groups by the average level of proptosis and the average difference of IOP, and the corneal refractive power of the two groups was compared by statistical analysis. Significant difference was found in the direction of 0 degree/ 180 degrees in the group with higher than average proptosis and in the direction of 90 degrees/ 270 degrees in the group with higher than average difference in IOP. Multiple regression analysis suggested that higher grades of proptosis were related with steeper vertical meridians and that wider palpebral fissures were associated with steeper horizontal meridians. Multiple regression also showed that the speculum did not cause corneal distortion with the proper relation between level of proptosis and width of the palpebral fissure.

Mammalian mature osteoclasts as estrogen target cells

The decrease in estrogen levels that follows the onset of menopause causes rapid bone loss, resulting in osteoporosis. However, the mechanism by which this occurs remains unclear, especially concerning the regulation of osteoclasts, i.e. the bone-resorbing cells. Using a pit assay involving isolated mature osteoclasts from rabbit long bones, we found that estrogen inhibited the bone-resorbing activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, we clarified by Northern analysis that estrogen down-regulated the mRNA levels of cathepsin K/OC-2 and that putative estrogen receptor (ER) mRNA was expressed in these osteoclasts. Moreover, other sizes of mRNAs that hybridized with ER cDNA probe were found in these cells. Our results suggest that osteoclasts may be indeed target cells for estrogen and that estrogen might regulate a part of bone metabolism through osteoclasts.

Acceleration of influenza virus clearance by Th1 cells in the nasal site of mice immunized intranasally with adjuvant-combined recombinant nucleoprotein

The protective roles of influenza viral nucleoprotein (NP), together with the cellular mechanism of the protection in the nasal site, were examined in BALB/c mice immunized intranasally with an adjuvant (cholera toxin B subunit containing 0.2% of the whole toxin)-combined A or B virus recombinant NP. The NP-immune mice, when challenged intranasally with a sublethal dose of the virus 3 wk after immunization, had accelerated virus clearance from the nasal site in both an influenza type-specific and a nonspecific manner, as shown by the protection from high morbidity from the second day after challenge. Both type-specific and nonspecific acceleration of recovery was confirmed by the increased survival rate after challenge with a lethal dose of virus in mice immunized and boosted with adjuvant-combined NP. The acceleration of nasal virus clearance was accompanied with acceleration of type-specific systemic delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and with IFN-gamma production by nasal lymphocytes. The nasal lymphocytes from the immunized and challenged mice generated a significantly high level of DTH when transferred locally, but no class I MHC-restricted CTL response. Moreover, nasal CD4+ T cells, induced by NP immunization and increased in number by the subsequent challenge, were involved in the accelerated IFN-gamma production. These results suggest that nasal Th1 cells, capable of producing IFN-gamma and mediating DTH, are involved in the type-specific acceleration of recovery from influenza after challenge in mice immunized intranasally with adjuvant-combined NP, although the nonspecific mechanism of accelerated recovery remains to be solved.

Acceleration of influenza virus clearance by Th1 cells in the nasal site of mice immunized intranasally with adjuvant-combined recombinant nucleoprotein

The protective roles of influenza viral nucleoprotein (NP), together with the cellular mechanism of the protection in the nasal site, were examined in BALB/c mice immunized intranasally with an adjuvant (cholera toxin B subunit containing 0.2% of the whole toxin)-combined A or B virus recombinant NP. The NP-immune mice, when challenged intranasally with a sublethal dose of the virus 3 wk after immunization, had accelerated virus clearance from the nasal site in both an influenza type-specific and a nonspecific manner, as shown by the protection from high morbidity from the second day after challenge. Both type-specific and nonspecific acceleration of recovery was confirmed by the increased survival rate after challenge with a lethal dose of virus in mice immunized and boosted with adjuvant-combined NP. The acceleration of nasal virus clearance was accompanied with acceleration of type-specific systemic delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and with IFN-gamma production by nasal lymphocytes. The nasal lymphocytes from the immunized and challenged mice generated a significantly high level of DTH when transferred locally, but no class I MHC-restricted CTL response. Moreover, nasal CD4+ T cells, induced by NP immunization and increased in number by the subsequent challenge, were involved in the accelerated IFN-gamma production. These results suggest that nasal Th1 cells, capable of producing IFN-gamma and mediating DTH, are involved in the type-specific acceleration of recovery from influenza after challenge in mice immunized intranasally with adjuvant-combined NP, although the nonspecific mechanism of accelerated recovery remains to be solved.

Novel 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT3) receptor antagonists. I. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of conformationally restricted fused imidazole derivatives

We prepared a novel series of conformationally restricted fused imidazole derivatives 4b, 4c and 4d (possessing 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c] pyridine and substituted 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazole for 4b, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine for 4c and 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[1,5-a]pyridine for 4d as a basic amine part and (2-methoxyphenyl)aminocarbonyl group as an aromatic-carbonyl part). Their activities were then evaluated as an 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT3) receptor antagonist which may be useful for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well as for nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. The most potent compound was N-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazole-5-carboxamide 14 in this series with an ID50 value of 0.32 microgram/kg on the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex in rats and an IC50 value of 0.43 microM on the isolated colonic contraction in guinea pig, approximately ten and two times more potent than ondansetron 1, respectively. The structure activity relationships (SAR) study suggested that the high potency of 14 may be attributed to the suitable position and direction of the N-C-N centroid in the conformationally restricted imidazole ring against the planar (2-methoxyphenyl)aminocarbonyl part in the binding of 14 to the receptor.

Novel 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT3) receptor antagonists. II. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazole derivatives

A novel series of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazole derivatives 4,5,6 and 7 was prepared and evaluated for activities as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT3) receptor antagonists which may be useful for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well as nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. These compounds were designed by modifying the aromatic-carbonyl part of N-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-5-benzimidazolylcarboxamide 3, leaving the imidazole moiety unchanged as the amine part. The indole derivatives 7d, g, h and indolizine derivatives 7k, l were found to be highly potent on the von Bezold-Jarisch (B.J.) reflex test with ID50 values of below 0.1 microgram/kg, and the indoline derivative 6c, indole derivatives 7a, d, g, benzofurane derivative 7j and indolizine derivative 7k were observed to be very potent on the colonic contraction with IC50 values of below 0.1 microM. In particular, 7l was the most potent on the B.J. reflex (ID50 = 0.018 microgram/kg), approximately 200 and 50 times more potent than ondansetron 1 and granisetron 2, and 7k was the most potent on the colonic contraction (IC50 = 0.011 microM), approximately 70 and 6 times more potent than 1 and 2, respectively.

Characterization of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor subtypes influencing colonic motility in conscious dogs

We examined the effects of exogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and selective 5-HT receptor agonists and antagonists on proximal, middle and distal colonic motility in conscious fasted dogs with extraluminal force transducers implanted chronically. 5-HT (0.003-0.1 mg/kg i.v.) dose-dependently enhanced motility along the entire length of the colon. The 5-HT (0.03 mg/kg i.v.)-induced response was inhibited by 0.1-1.0 mg/kg i.v. methysergide, a 5-HT1/2 antagonist, at all recording sites and by 0.1-1.0 mg/kg i.v. ketanserin, a 5-HT2A antagonist, at the middle and distal sites only. At 1 mg/kg i.v., YM060, a 5-HT3 antagonist, reduced the amplitude of the initial transient high-amplitude contractions induced by 5-HT, but did not affect the tonic contraction induced by 5-HT. At doses up to 3 mg/kg i.v., 2-methoxy-4-amino-5-chlorobenzoic acid 2-(diethylamino) ethyl ester (SDZ205-557), a 5-HT4 antagonist, and hexamethonium (up to 10 mg/kg i.v.) did not affect 5-HT-induced responses at any recording site. Renzapride, a 5-HT4 agonist, also stimulated motility along the entire length of the colon at 0.3 mg/kg i.v.. The renzapride-induced response was inhibited by 1 mg/kg i.v. SDZ205-557 or 3 mg/kg i.v. hexamethonium. m-Chlorophenylbiguanide (m-CPBG), a 5-HT3 agonist, (1 mg/kg i.v.) produced a transient high-amplitude contraction at all recording sites and this contraction was eliminated by pretreatment with 0.03 mg/kg i.v. YM060. The contraction produced by m-CPBG declined rapidly, so the increase in the motility index by m-CPBG was not significant at any recording site. Of the antagonists tested, 0.1-1 mg/kg i.v. methysergide produced a delayed and prolonged contractile response at the middle and distal sites. The onset of the response was delayed about 20 min after application and the response was maintained over the subsequent 60-min observation period. The methysergide (1 mg/kg i.v.)-induced response was inhibited by 3 mg/kg i.v. hexamethonium. The other antagonists, ketanserin, YM060 and SDZ205-557, had no contractile effect at any recording site. These results indicate that exogenous 5-HT stimulates motility along the entire length of the fasted canine colon and that 5-HT-induced responses in the proximal colon are mediated mainly by 5-HT1, whereas those in the middle and distal colon are mediated by both 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptors. Renzapride and methysergide also stimulate colonic motility via additional mechanisms. The activation of 5-HT4 receptors and the blockade of endogenous 5-HT inhibitory regulation via 5-HT1 receptors may be involved in the action of renzapride and methysergide respectively.

A case of Kabuki make-up syndrome with EBV+Burkitt's lymphoma

Kabuki make-up syndrome was first reported in 1981 and is characterized by peculiar facies with post natal growth deficiency and mental retardation. Since the first report, approximately 100 cases have been reported, but there have been no reports of tumor development. A case is reported of a patient with Kabuki make-up syndrome who developed malignant lymphoma in his abdomen at the age of 3 years. The tumor was histologically diagnosed as Burkitt's lymphoma and Epstein-Barr virus was detected by in situ hybridization.

Comparison of [3H]YM060 binding to native and cloned rat 5-HT3 receptors

We characterized [3H]YM060 ([methyl-3H]-(-)-(R)-5-[(methyl-1H- indol-3-yl)carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazole monohydrochloride) binding in membrane homogenates prepared from three different rat tissues (cerebral cortex, ileum and colon), and compared the binding characteristics between the native and cloned rat 5-HT3 receptors. The dissociation constant (Kd) of [3H]YM060 was similar in all membranes. In competition studies, the affinity of 5-HT3 receptor agonists and antagonists was similar between the native and the cloned rat 5-HT3 receptors. In conclusion, intra-species difference of 5-HT3 receptor was not observed in rats and pharmacological properties of the cloned rat 5-HT3 receptor were nearly identical to that of the native rat 5-HT3 receptor.

[Two cases of multiple liver metastases (H3) from colon cancer treated by home hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy]

Two cases with unresectable multiple liver metastases to both lobes (H3) from colon cancer, in which cases the life expectancy usually does not exceed 1 year, were treated with home hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy employing implantable port system. They could live over one year with good performance status. Drug treatment consisted of the administration of carboplatin (CBDCA), 150 mg/body, given in a minute for one day and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), 250 mg/body, given in a 5-hour intra-arterial infusion daily for 5 days. Cycles were administered every 2 weeks. Home hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy using an implantable port system, which offers good local control of liver metastases, a high patient quality of life without the need for hospitalization, is suitable for treatment of unresectable liver metastases.

Characteristics of inhibitory effects of serotonin (5-HT)3-receptor antagonists, YM060 and YM114 (KAE-393), on the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex induced by 2-Methyl-5-HT, veratridine and electrical stimulation of vagus nerves in anesthetized rats

We evaluated the inhibitory effects of YM060 [(R)-5-[(1-methyl-1H-indol- 3-yl)carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazole monohydrochloride] and YM114 (KAE-393) [(R)-5-[(1-indolinyl)carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H- benzimidazole monohydrochloride] on the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR) induced by 2-methyl-5-HT, a selective serotonin (5-HT)3-receptor agonist; veratridine, which stimulates chemoreceptors and baroreceptors; and electrical stimulation of vagal efferent nerves in anesthetized rats. Results were compared with those of ondansetron and granisetron. 2-Methyl- 5-HT (5-160 micrograms/kg, i.v.) and veratridine (100-200 micrograms/kg, i.v.) dose-dependently decreased the heart rate (BJR). YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron dose-dependently inhibited 2-methyl-5-HT (40 micrograms/kg, i.v.)-induced BJR, with ID50 values of 0.012, 0.060, 0.97 and 0.15 microgram/kg, i.v., respectively. Their 5-HT3 receptor blocking potencies against 2-methyl-5-HT-induced BJR were largely consistent with those against 5-HT-induced BJR. In contrast, higher doses (100 micrograms/kg, i.v.) of YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron did not inhibit veratridine (150 micrograms/kg, i.v.)-induced BJR. Atropine (300 micrograms/kg, i.v.) abolished bradycardia induced by electrical stimulation of vagal efferent nerves, whereas YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron had no effect at a dose of 1000 micrograms/kg, i.v. 5-HT (0.625-5.0 micrograms) injected into the left ventricle also caused a dose-dependent decrease in heart rate, an effect that was abolished by YM060 (0.1 microgram/kg, i.v.), atropine (100 micrograms/kg, i.v.) and vagotomy. These results suggest that YM060 and YM114 are highly potent and selective 5-HT3-receptor antagonists that do not affect veratridine- or electrical stimulation-induced bradycardia in anesthetized rats. They also suggest that 5-HT-induced BJR in anesthetized rats originates from 5-HT3 receptors located on the endings of vagal afferent nerves in the heart.

New 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one derivatives as gastrin/cholecystokinin-B antagonists

A novel series of 1-aroylmethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one derivatives was prepared and evaluated for activity as gastrin/cholecystokinin (CCK)-B receptor antagonists. In vitro binding studies showed that some derivatives exhibited potent affinity for gastrin CCK-B receptor and high selectivity over peripheral CCK(CCK-A) receptor. Furthermore these compounds potently inhibited pentagastrin-induced gastric acid secretion upon intravenous administration in an in vivo model in rats. Structure-activity relationship studies of this series suggested that 1-[(R)-2,3-dihydro-1-(2,3-dihydro-1-(2-methylphenacyl)-2-oxo-5-phe nyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-yl]-3-(3-methylphenyl)urea (35b, YM022) was the optimal compound with IC50 values of 0.17, 0.11 and 150 nM for gastrin, CCK-B and CCK-A receptors, respectively, and an ED50 value of 9.5 nmol/kg (i.v.) in rats. The absolute configuration of the precursor of YM022, an (R)-3-amino-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one derivative ((R)-25), was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis of its (S) mandelate. It would be expected that YM022, a potent and selective gastrin CCK-B receptor antagonist, inhibits gastric acid secretion without inducing gastrin-mediated side effects such as hypergastrinemia and hyperplasia of oxyntic mucosa.

Percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation for papillary stenosis

In this study, a case of primary common bile duct stone due to papillary stenosis is reported. The patient was a 68-year-old man with complaints of epigastric pain and fever who had undergone gastrectomy at age 55 and cholecystectomy with choledocholithotomy at age 62. Laboratory data revealed elevation of the transaminases acid biliary enzymes. Both abdominal ultrasonography and CT scan revealed dilatation of the common bile duct with stones. Since endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography could not visualize the bile duct, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was carried out. After lithotripsy by percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy a diagnosis of papillary stenosis was made following percutaneous transhepatic manometry of the sphincter of Oddi, and balloon dilatation through the PTBD fistula was successfully performed. In this case report, emphasis is placed on the diagnosis and treatment of papillary stenosis.

Effect of serotonin (5-HT)3-receptor antagonists YM060, YM114 (KAE-393), ondansetron and granisetron on 5-HT4 receptors and gastric emptying in rodents

We investigated the effects of YM060 [(R)-5-[(1-methyl-3-indolyl)carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazol e hydrochloride] and YM114 (KAE-393) [(R)-5-[(2,3-dihydro-1-indolyl)-carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H- benzimidazole hydrochloride] on 5-HT4 receptors and gastric emptying in normal and cisplatin-treated rats and compared results with those for ondansetron and granisetron. YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron dose-dependently inhibited the specific binding of [3H]-GR113808 ([[1-[(2-methylsulphonyl)amino]ethyl]-4-piperidin-yl]methyl 1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylate) in guinea pig striatum, with pKi values of 5.53, 5.13, 5.21 and 5.63, respectively. According to the pKi values reported in 5-HT3-receptor binding of [3H]GR65630 to rat cortical membranes, the affinity of YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron for 5-HT4 receptors was approximately 5, 5, 3.5 and 3.5 log units lower than that for 5-HT3 receptors, respectively. In the guinea pig longitudinal muscle with myenteric plexus and rat esophageal tunica muscularis mucosae, YM060 and YM114 showed neither 5-HT4-agonistic nor antagonistic properties. Although ondansetron produced concentration-dependent increases in the magnitude of the twitch response in longitudinal muscle, it did not possess 5-HT3- and 5-HT4-agonistic activity. Granisetron antagonized 5-HT-induced relaxation of the rat esophagus with an apparent pA2 value of 5.39. Intravenous YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron significantly enhanced gastric emptying of glass beads and improved cisplatin-induced slowing of gastric emptying in rats. These results indicate that the selectivity of YM060 and YM114 for 5-HT3 receptors is higher than that of ondansetron and granisetron and that these 5-HT3 antagonists have gastroprokinetic activity in normal and cisplatin-treated rats without affecting 5-HT4 receptors.

[A clinical study of gastrointestinal flora in patients with, or without MRSA colonization in the upper-respiratory tract after introduction of preventive measures of hospital infection]

In early 1980's methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was reported as a major pathogenic organism of geriatric hospital infection in Japan. At the same time in the A geriatric hospital MRSA infection was prevalent. To decrease nosocomial infections some active preventive measures against hospital infection were taken since Oct. 1991. After introduction of preventive measures of hospital infection in geriatric ward (190 beds) nosocomial bacteremia and pneumonia were markedly decreased in comparison to the episode number before introduction of prevention. However several patients with MRSA colonization were observed every month. The aim of this clinical study was to clear how frequent MRSA was isolated from the gastric juice and stool. Any MRSA was not observed in 63 cultured stool, but just one MRSA was isolated in patients with MRSA colonization. On the other hand gram-negative organisms, which were E. coli, P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis etc., were frequently observed in cultured stool. In conclusion, we considered frequency of MRSA colonization in gastrointestinal space was not so high but rather very low.

[Effects of blowing or aspiration on ablation rate by excimer laser]

Accurate calibration of ablation rate by excimer laser prerequisite for precise photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). When a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) plate is ablated by excimer laser, debris is generated, which may affect homogeneity of the laser beam and energy density, and change the ablation rate. In order to clarify the effects of the debris on the ablation rate, we studied the changes in the ablation rate when the debris was removed by blowing or aspirating over the ablation area during PRK.PMMA plates were ablated using a scanning excimer laser system (EC-5000, NIDEK, Japan) in PRK mode under the following conditions: (1) with air blowing over the ablation area, (2) with aspiration of the debris, and (3) without treatment. The ablation rates were determined by measuring the refractive power of PMMA plates with a lens meter. The ablated surface was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The ablation rate with blowing was the highest among the three conditions, that with aspiration was the second, and that without treatment was the lowest. The ablation rates with blowing showed no significant change when the ablation rates were changed. However, the ablation rates with aspiration or without treatment decreased as the pulse rate increased. The surface ablated during blowing was the smoothest in SEM photographs. We concluded that calibration of the ablation rate using PMMA plates must be done with appropriate air blowing.

RP67580, a neurokinin1 receptor antagonist, decreased restraint stress-induced defecation in rat

We investigated the possibility that substance P would mediate defecation in rats subjected to restraint-stress. The increases in fecal pellet output caused by restraint-stress were inhibited by a neurokinin (NK)1 receptor antagonist, RP67580 with an ED50 (95% confidence limits) value of 0.59 (0.54-0.65) mg/kg i.p. RP68651, the enantiomer of RP67580 devoid of affinity for NK1 receptors, had little effect on it. In contrast, (+/-)SR48968, an NK2 receptor antagonist, was without effect. Furthermore, capsaicin treatment (125 mg/kg i.p.) was inactive in this model. These results suggest that the activation of NK1 receptors and substance P released from intrinsic neurons of the colon would be involved in stress-induced defecation in rats.

Novel muteins of human tumor necrosis factor with potent antitumor activity and less lethal toxicity in mice

Eight muteins of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rhTNF; 1SSSRTP...29RR...155L), in which 29Arg was replaced by another amino acid, were prepared and their anti-tumor effects in BALB/c mice bearing Meth A fibrosarcoma were evaluated. The therapeutic indices, which mark the extent of the therapeutically effective dose, of V29 (29Arg-->Val) and D29 (-->Asp) were 3.5 and 3.2, respectively, whereas that of rhTNF was 1.4. Clearly, the therapeutically effective range of these muteins was extended along with a decrease in lethal toxicity. V29 did not produce hypotension in the rat system, but D29 did. In addition, V29 showed potent anti-tumor activity (Tumor Volume Inhibition Rate = 81% on day 15 after implantation) in 3 consecutive injection schedules despite the decreases in toxicity compared with rhTNF. The relative receptor binding constant was determined using HEp-2 cells (expressing mainly 55-kDa-TNF receptor; p55R) and HL60 cells (expressing mainly 75-kDa-TNF receptor; p75R), and revealed that the reduced toxicity of V29 in mice was due to the reduced binding to p55R (34% of rhTNF). On the other hand, the ratio of the constants HEp-2/HL60 of V29 was 11 in comparison with the value of 1.0 for rhTNF, suggesting that this mutein binds preferentially to p55R. The biological activities in human cell lines (HEp-2 and HL60 cells) correlated well with the binding activities to each receptor in vitro. Therefore, the much lower toxicity and the potent anti-tumor activity of this mutein suggest that V29 merits further investigation in pre-clinical and clinical trials.

Species difference in the 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor associated with the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex

Species differences in the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)3 receptor among anesthetized rats, mice, rabbits, ferrets, dogs and guinea-pigs were examined in the transient bradycardia induced by i.v. injection of 5-HT (the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex). We also investigated the mechanism of the 5-HT-induced bradycardia in these species. 5-Hydroxytryptamine and the selective 5-HT3 receptor agonists, 2-methyl-5-HT and m-chlorophenylbiguanide, dosedependently decreased heart rate in all species. In anesthetized rats, mice, ferrets and guinea-pigs, 2-methyl-5-HT and m-chlorophenylbiguanide behaved as full agonists against the 5-HT3 receptor, whereas their agonistic action in rabbits was partial. On the basis of ED50 values, there was no marked species difference in the potency of 5-HT3 receptor agonists. In contrast, the blocking activities of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, YM060, YM114 (KAE-393), granisetron and ondansetron, were markedly weaker in anesthetized guinea-pigs than in the other species. With regard to the mechanism of the 5-HT-induced bradycardia, YM060, atropine or vagotomy completely inhibited the 5-HT-induced bradycardia in anesthetized rats and mice. In guinea-pigs, in contrast, higher doses of YM060 and atropine or vagotomy inhibited this reflex by approximately 80%. Although the YM060-resistant part of the 5-HT-induced bradycardia in guinea-pigs was affected by neither 5-HT2 receptor antagonists nor 5-HT4 receptor antagonists, it was completely abolished by methysergide, a 5-HT1-like and 5-HT2 receptor antagonist. These results suggest that there is a species difference in the 5-HT3 receptor between guinea-pigs and other species in the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex system. They also suggest that the 5-HT-induced bradycardia in anesthetized rats and mice is evoked by acetylcholine released through activation of 5-HT3 receptors on the vagus nerve, while that in guinea-pigs is, at least in part, mediated through 5-HT1-like receptors in addition to 5-HT3 receptors.