Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase activity in granule neurons and astrocytes from rat cerebellum

Cyclic GMP (cGMP) formation induced by agonist stimulation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent nitric oxide (NO) synthase type I is known to occur in both granule cell and astrocyte cultures from rat cerebellum. Here we show that in these same cells cGMP is predominantly hydrolyzed by a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase. At 10 microM cGMP, Ca2+ (25 microM) stimulated basal (Ca(2+)-independent) phosphodiesterase activity about 6 times in granular neurons and 15 times in astrocytes. The calmodulin antagonist calmidazolium blocked the Ca(2+)-dependent phosphodiesterase activity and exogenous calmodulin increased 3-4-fold the stimulatory potency of Ca2+ in both cell types (EC50 values 1.26 +/- 0.20 and 1.50 +/- 0.42 microM in the absence and 0.38 +/- 0.11 and 0.39 +/- 0.14 microM in the presence of 1 microM calmodulin, for neurons and astrocytes, respectively). In both cell types K(m) values for cGMP at 25 microM Ca2+ were similar (1.72 +/- 0.20 and 1.92 +/- 0.09 microM) and phosphodiesterase activities were inhibited by isozyme-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors with potencies analogous to those described for Ca2+/calmodulin-phosphodiesterases or phosphodiesterase type 1 isoforms in other preparations. The nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxantine (IBMX) effectively blocked the Ca2+/calmodulin-phosphodiesterase activity in granule cell and astrocyte extracts (IC50 values at 1 microM cGMP: 31 +/- 10 microM and 46 +/- 6 microM, respectively), in contrast to the apparent inability of this compound to inhibit the Ca(2+)-dependent activity reported in whole brain extracts. These results demonstrate that comparable phosphodiesterase type 1 activities are found in the cytosols of cerebellar granule cells and astrocytes and suggest that these activities may play an important role in controlling cGMP levels in cells where the Ca(2+)-dependent NO synthase type I is stimulated.

8-bromo-cAMP and 8-CPT-cAMP increase the density of beta-adrenoceptors in hepatocytes by a mechanism not mimicking the effect of cAMP

Addition of 8-bromo-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-bromo-cAMP) or 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-CPT-cAMP) to hepatocytes at the time of plating enhanced the acquisition of beta-adrenoceptors that occurs spontaneously upon culturing as primary monolayers. This effect was partially suppressed by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutyl methylxanthine, and was mimicked by 8-bromo-AMP, 8-bromo-adenosine, and the adenosine kinase inhibitor 5'-amino-5'-deoxyadenosine. Agents that elevated the intracellular level of cAMP, such as glucagon and forskolin, and Sp-8-bromo-adenosine 3',5'-monophosphorothioate (Sp-8-bromo-cAMPS), a cAMP analogue that is resistant towards metabolic breakdown, did not significantly enhance beta-adrenoceptor expression when used alone, but glucagon enhanced the effect of 8-bromo-adenosine. 8-bromo-cAMP and 8-bromo-adenosine decreased cellular ATP-levels. These observations suggest that the enhanced beta-adrenoceptor acquisition was mediated mainly through the action of metabolites of 8-bromo-cAMP and 8-CPT-cAMP, although there may be a cAMP-mediated component in the effect. Several mechanisms, including depletion of ATP, are probably involved, and might affect beta-adrenoceptor degradation.

Characterization of coronary arterial lesions in the dog following administration of SK&F 95654, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor

Drugs that inhibit the low-Km, cGMP-inhibitable form of phosphodiesterase III (PDE III) are associated with arterial lesions in the extramural coronary arteries of dogs following oral and intravenous administration at high doses. Acute coronary arterial lesions have been investigated following administration to the dog of SK&F 95654, a potent PDE III inhibitor, and the progression of the lesion defined. Groups of 3 male beagle dogs received a single 2-hr infusion of SK&F 95654 at 8 mg/kg/hr and the characteristics of the coronary arterial lesions were evaluated at 1, 3, 10, and 34 days postdosing by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. At 24 hr postdosing, the arterial lesion was characterized by segmental or circumferential necrosis of medial smooth muscle cells and hemorrhage; adventitial hemorrhage was also noted, particularly in the right atrial artery. Ultrastructural evaluation showed extensive medial necrosis, characterized by loss of smooth muscle cells and their replacement by cellular debris with ingress of erythrocytes, platelets, and inflammatory cells into the media. Associated with medial changes, significant endothelial effects were observed consisting of widening of intercellular boundaries, loss of normal elongated cellular appearance, and the attachment of numerous leukocytes and platelets. During the 10-34-day postdosing period, substantial repair of the arterial lesions occurred such that by day 34 all sections of extramural coronary artery were normal. The lesions induced in the dog are consistent with a hemodynamic effect induced by the pharmacological action of SK&F 95654.

Mesenteric arteriopathy in the rat induced by phosphodiesterase III inhibitors: an investigation of morphological, ultrastructural, and hemodynamic changes

A reproducible model of a phosphodiesterase III (PDE III) inhibitor-induced arteriopathy has been developed in the rat after subcutaneous administration of SK&F 95654. Administration of this potent PDE III inhibitor induced an arteriopathy of mesenteric arteries within 24 hr that was dose-related in intensity and incidence over the range 0.174, 0.348, 0.523, and 0.697 mmol/kg. The arteriopathy was restricted to muscular arteries of external diameter of 100-800 microns and was shown microscopically to be focal or segmental medial necrosis and hemorrhage. A time-course experiment, conducted from 3 to 24 hr postdosing, showed that the first changes observed 6 hr postdosing were on the endothelium followed by focal hemorrhages into the media at 12 hr postdosing, causing compression, degeneration, and necrosis of myocytes. From 16 hr postdosing, there was focal endothelial cell necrosis and loss of confluence. Leukocytes and activated platelets were found adhering to exposed basement lamina and seen to pass through endothelial gaps into the subintima. By 24 hr postdosing, medial necrosis was extensive with large areas of media replaced by erythrocytes, cell debris, and a few leukocytes and platelets. The effect of 3 structurally dissimilar PDE III inhibitors administered subcutaneously at a dose of 0.697 mmol/kg was compared with that of SK&F 95654. The arteriopathy induced by these compounds were identical to that produced by SK&F 95654 with the incidence and severity of lesions ranked in the following order: SK&F 95654 > WIN 62582 > SK&F 94836, with no macroscopic lesions observed for SK&F 94120. Systolic blood pressure was measured for these 4 PDE III inhibitors at regular intervals over the 24-hr period postadministration by a plesthymographic method. The severity of the arterial lesions correlated with the magnitude of hypotension induced by these agents. It is postulated that the arterial damage is a consequence of profound vasodilation resulting in abnormal endothelial permeability and increased wall tension, resulting in progressive medial necrosis and hemorrhage.

Reversal of acute theophylline toxicity by calcium channel blockers in dogs and rats

Theophylline, widely used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases, has a narrow therapeutic index; the recommended plasma levels being 10-20 micrograms/ml in humans. The misuse or abuse of theophylline can cause life-threatening central nervous system and cardiovascular effects. Increased intracellular Ca2+ levels are thought to play an important role in theophylline toxicity and death. The objective of this study was to determine whether Ca2+ channel blockers, e.g. verapamil, nifedipine, or diltiazem, prevent sudden death caused by theophylline treatment in rats and dogs. Groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with theophylline alone (150 mg/kg i.p.) or with theophylline pretreatment followed by administration of verapamil (0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg i.p.), nifedipine (0.25 to 1.0 mg/kg i.p.), or diltiazem (0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg i.p.), 2.5 to 15 min later. The rats were observed for toxic signs and survival over a period of 15 days. All three calcium channel blockers significantly reduced the theophylline-induced sudden death in rats. In a separate study, neither verapamil (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) nor nifedipine (1.0 mg/kg i.p.) prevented the theophylline-induced myocardial necrosis in the rat. In beagle dogs, verapamil (0.5 mg/kg i.v.) prevented theophylline (15 mg/kg/min i.v. for 10 min)-induced hypotension, arrhythmias, and sudden death. Our results support previously reported findings that calcium plays a major role in theophylline-induced toxicity and death.

Inhibition of phosphodiesterase IV and intracellular calcium levels in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzyme type IV is the predominant cyclic AMP hydrolytic activity in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). PDE IV inhibitors depress functional responses of PMNs but their influence on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) has not been extensively studied. The present study examined the effects of rolipram (a selective PDE IV inhibitor) on the chemotactic peptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-induced changes of [Ca2+]i in fura-2 loaded human PMNs. Rolipram (1 nM-10 microM) did not alter basal [Ca2+]i values. fMLP (10 nM approximately EC50) produced a transient calcium response, i.e., a peak followed by decay to a residual value above baseline. Peak [Ca2+]i values after fMLP were not altered but a faster decay and a lower residual [Ca2+]i were observed in rolipram (0.1-10 microM)-treated cells. fMLP added after thimerosal (20 microM) produced a peak followed by a sustained oscillatory response. Rolipram (up to 10 microM) did not alter the peak but inhibited the sustained response (-log IC50 = 6.39 +/- 0.12). The inhibitory effects of rolipram may be due to alterations in the mobilization of Ca2+ produced by the increase in the cellular content of cyclic AMP. SKF94120 (a selective PDE III inhibitor) produced minor effects on the fMLP-induced calcium response. SCA40 (a mixed PDE III/IV/V inhibitor) produced similar effects but was less potent than rolipram. Reduction of the calcium response probably underlies the inhibition of PMN functions produced by PDE IV inhibitors.

Mitoxantrone induces nonimmunological histamine release from rat mast cells

The antineoplastic drug mitoxantrone (MTX) elicits a fast noncytotoxic and nonimmunological histamine release from peritoneal and pleural rat mast cells. The non specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobuthyl-methylxantine (1 mM) decreases the potency of MTX. Theophylline (10 mM) decreases both the potency and the efficacy of MTX-induced histamine secretion. The protein kinase C (PKC) activator, tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (50 ng/mL), enhances the effect of MTX, whereas the non specific PKC inhibitor trifluoperazine (10 microM) exerts no effect. Histamine release was also unaffected by substances acting on G-proteins, namely pertussis toxin (200 ng/mL), cholera toxin (300 mg/mL) and benzalkonium chloride (10 micrograms/ mL). The inhibition of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A by okadaic acid (1 microM) does not modify the response. The results indicate that mitoxantrone elicits the exocytosis in mast cells by a mechanism similar to the parent compound adriamycine, but different to the polyamine compound 48/80.

Inhibition of rat brain phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C by aluminum: regional differences, interactions with aluminum salts, and mechanisms

We have shown previously that aluminum chloride (AlCl3, 10-500 microM) inhibits hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) in a concentration-dependent manner. In the present study, we characterize further the effects of aluminum on PI-PLC. A comparison of different brain regions and liver revealed varying basal PI-PLC specific activities, as well as differential susceptibility to inhibition by 100 microM AlCl3. The hippocampus had the highest specific activity of PI-PLC, followed by striatum, frontal cortex, cerebellum, and liver. PI-PLC inhibition by 100 microM AlCl3 was greatest in the liver, followed by cerebellum, hippocampus, cortex, and striatum. Moreover, 100 microM AlCl3 or aluminum lactate (Al (lac)) were similarly effective at inhibiting PI-PLC activity in rat cortical tissue. Addition of AlCl3 (100 microM) decreased PI-PLC activity at CaCl2 concentrations ranging from 0 to 2 mM; however, AlCl3 did not affect the shape of the calcium concentration curve, suggesting that aluminum does not inhibit PI-PLC activity by interference with the cofactor, calcium. AlCl3 (100 microM) did inhibit rat cortical PI-PLC hydrolysis of PIP2 in a competitive manner. These results demonstrate some regional/tissue differences in PI-PLC activity and its sensitivity to aluminum, and effects of AlCl3 and Al(lac) consistent with the effects previously noted in PI turnover in brain slices. Furthermore, our results suggest that competitive inhibition of PLC-mediated PIP2 hydrolysis by aluminum is a potential mechanism by which aluminum may cause the disruptions phosphoinositide signaling which have been reported following in vivo and in vitro exposure.

The toxicity of repeated exposures to rolipram, a type IV phosphodiesterase inhibitor, in rats

Rolipram is a selective inhibitor of Type IV phosphodiesterase isozymes (PDE IV) which is often used as a baseline comparator for compounds in this class. To document the toxicological effects of rolipram, it was administered to female rats at 0, 10, 30 or 100 mg/kg/day orally for up to 2 weeks. One treatment-related death in the 100 mg/kg/day dose group was observed on day 3, and all rats at this dose level were considered moribund and euthanatized on day 5. Several clinical signs were observed in treated rats, including increased salivation, slight distention of the abdomen, emaciated appearance, and ataxia. After 14 days of treatment, the rats were necropsied and tissues examined microscopically. A number of compound-related histopathological changes were observed in rats receiving 30 or 100 mg/kg/day. Myocardial degeneration and necrosis, endocardial fibrosis, epicarditis, and arteritis/periarteritis of intramural and extramural coronary arteries were observed in the heart. A necrotizing vasculitis and inflammation were observed in the mesentery and interstitial areas of the liver, affecting medium-sized portal arteries and veins. Focal necrosis was also observed in the glandular mucosa of the stomach at these 2 dose levels. Other treatment-related effects included squamous hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis with or without ulceration in the nonglandular stomach of at least one animal from all treatment groups. Enlarged salivary glands were noted at necropsy in animals treated with 100 mg/kg/day, and this finding correlated microscopically with dilatation and degeneration of ducts and acini in the sublingual gland with secondary inflammation and edema. The results of this study demonstrate that rolipram, a selective inhibitor of the type IV class of PDE, can cause effects on the heart and vasculature of rats which heretofore have been ascribed only to selective inhibitors of the PDE III class of isozymes. Therefore, these organs should be closely examined in studies with other PDE IV inhibitors. In addition, the gastrointestinal tract and salivary glands were sites for rolipram-induced toxicity and may be targets of other PDE IV inhibitors.

Inhibitors in tea of intestinal absorption of phenylalanine in rats

This work studies the effect of tea extract on the mucosal and serosal transport of phenylalanine, and attempts to identify the active ingredient(s) therein by studying the effect of known tea constituents like theophylline, caffeine and tannic acid. Tea and all the constituents tested inhibited the mucosal uptake of phenylalanine. The serosal transport was unaffected by caffeine and tannic acid, but inhibited by theophylline and high concentrations of tea. The in vitro activity of the intestinal Na+-K+ATPase was also assayed from a jejunal homogenate in presence of theophylline, caffeine, tannic acid and cAMP. All were found to inhibit significantly the enzyme. The in vitro activity of a purified Na+-K+ATPase was however stimulated by theophylline and caffeine, and inhibited only by tannic acid. It was concluded that the inhibitory effect of tea is exerted mainly through its constituents which inhibit the Na+-K+ pump directly (tannic acid) or indirectly (theophylline and caffeine), possible by elevating cAMP levels, dissipating thus the sodium gradient needed for the mucosal uptake of the amino acid.

The effects of two phospholipase A2 inhibitors on the neuromuscular blocking activities of homologous phospholipases A2 from the venom of Pseudechis australis, the Australian king brown snake

Previous studies have shown that homologous phospholipases A2 (PLA2) (Pa-3, Pa-9C, Pa-10F and Pa-11) from the venom of the Australian king brown snake, Pseudechis australis, significantly reduce the resting membrane potentials and quantal contents of endplate potentials recorded from endplate regions of mouse triangularis sterni nerve-muscle preparations. It is not clear whether PLA2 activity is essential for their neuromuscular activities. Therefore, pharmacological studies were carried out to determine whether neuromuscular activity of the toxins changed after treatment with the phospholipase A2 inhibitors 7,7-dimethyl-eicosadienoic acid (DEDA) and manoalide. After incubation of the toxins with manoalide (120 nM), or DEDA (50 microM), no PLA2 activity against 1-stearoyl 2-[3H]arachidonoylglycerophosphocholine was detected. After incubation with manoalide and/or DEDA, the toxins did not depolarize muscle fibre membranes up to 60 min after administration. However, manoalide and DEDA had different influences on the inhibitory effect of these toxic enzymes on acetylcholine release from nerve terminals. Manoalide abolished the inhibitory effect of the toxins on evoked release of acetylcholine. In contrast, DEDA was not able to prevent the reduction of quantal content of endplate potentials induced by the toxins. This study provides evidence that the depolarizing action and the inhibitory effect on release of acetylcholine exerted by these toxic PLA2 from king brown snake are independent phenomena. The evidence for this conclusion was that inhibition of enzymatic activity with an arachidonic acid analogue (DEDA) abolished the depolarizing effect of the toxins but not the effects on the quantal release of acetylcholine from mouse motor nerve terminals. The data suggest that the depolarizing effect of these toxins is probably due to the enzymatic activity. Since manoalide interacts with lysine residues of PLA2 polypeptides, and, as shown here, manoalide prevented inhibition of neurotransmitter release, lysine residues may play an important role in the inhibitory activity of these toxins.

Differential responses of human sperm to varying concentrations of pentoxyfylline with demonstration of toxicity

Pentoxyfylline (PF), a methylxanthine derivative, is an inhibitor of the cAMP-phosphodiesterase enzyme, and is known to stimulate the motility of fresh and post-thaw human sperm. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different concentrations of PF on motility (MOT), path (curvilinear) velocity (PV), and hyperactivation (HA) of fresh sperm from patients (n = 24) and donors (n = 6) and post-thaw donor sperm (n = 5). For cryopreservation, the donor semen was frozen in liquid nitrogen using test-yolk-glycerol cryopreservative, stored for a minimum of 48 hours, then thawed at room temperature prior to assay. Aliquots of all samples to equal 10 x 10(6)/ml were diluted in 1 ml of the following: medium (human tubal fluid) only (control), or 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 mg/ml PF in medium. Specimens were incubated at 37 degrees C, and all were assessed by computer-assisted motion analysis at 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 hours. The patient specimens were divided into two groups: group 1, mean percent (standard deviation [SD]) MOT < 20% (12.8 +/- 5.8); group 2, mean percent (SD) MOT > 20% (37.8 +/- 14). For fresh donor sperm, 2.5 mg/ml PF significantly stimulated PV and HA at 0, 1, and 2 hours, and MOT at 0, 0.5, and 2 hours. PF at 5 mg/ml resulted in a decreased PV and HA, whereas MOT was decreased by 10 mg/ml. In the < 20% MOT group, 2.5 mg/ml PF significantly stimulated MOT at 0.5, 1, and 2 hours, and HA at 0 and 2 hours. There was no effect on PV.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effect of forskolin on the teratogenicity of methylxanthines in the chick embryo heart

Interactions between forskolin and methylxanthines, including caffeine and isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), in the developing chick embryo heart were investigated. Forskolin, a potent activator of adenylate cyclase, was administered to young chick embryos (Hamburger-Hamilton stage 24) together with caffeine or IBMX at doses where each agent alone caused minimal embryotoxicity. The incidence of malformation in the embryonic chick heart or aorta induced by caffeine (5 x 10(-7) or 5 x 10(-6) mol) and IBMX (1 or 2.5 x 10(-6) mol) significantly increased with coadministration of forskolin (1 x 10(-9) mol). Cardiovascular malformations included ventricular septal defect, double outlet right ventricle, and aortic arch anomalies. These results indicate that forskolin potentiates the teratogenicity of caffeine or IBMX on the cardiovascular system in the chick embryo and suggest that this potentiation may be related to increase intracellular cAMP due to stimulation of adenylate cyclase (forskolin) and inhibition of phosphodiesterase (methylxanthines).

Comparative cardiac effects of milrinone and sodium nitroprusside in conscious rats

The rat has been shown to be resistant to the inotropic action of milrinone. We compared in conscious rats, the effects of an i.v. infusion of milrinone (0.3 mg/kg/min), a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor to those of nitroprusside (50 micrograms/kg/min), a pure vasodilator, on blood pressure and dP/dtmax to determine whether or not an inherent positive inotropic effect of milrinone is offset by its powerful hypotensive action. For the first 10 min of infusion, we found no differences in dP/dtmax, (the first derivative of the left ventricular pressure (LVP), an index of contractility) for equihypotensive doses of milrinone or nitroprusside. A second objective of this study was to determine if milrinone-induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) is due to cardiac ischemia which could be associated with the profound hypotension induced by the drug. Milrinone infusion was accompanied by a significant QTc interval (QT corrected for heart rate) prolongation. VF and death occurred in 5/6 rats at total doses varying from 3.6 to 20.1 mg/kg infused over 12 to 67 min respectively. Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) were noted in all 6 milrinone infused rats during the first min. of infusion. No arrhythmias were noted during the 2 hour i.v. infusion with nitroprusside. A direct action on the heart is postulated to explain, at least partially, the milrinone-induced VF since nitroprusside had a similar hypotensive action but no effect on the ECG. We conclude that the rat, in analogy to patients with severe cardiac failure, might be resistant to the inotropic action of milrinone but is sensitive to its vasodilatory and arrhythmogenic effects.

Substituted 1,8-naphthyridin-2(1H)-ones as selective phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors

New substituted 1,8-naphthyridin-2(1H)-ones have been found to exhibit highly selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) IV inhibition. These compounds inhibited polymorphonuclear leukocyte activation induced by N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine and caused relaxation of isolated guinea pig trachea precontracted by histamine or leukotriene D4. In anesthetized guinea pigs, presensitized with the antigen, these compounds also alleviated airway constriction induced by the antigen. Since these compounds differ in their chemical structure compared with theophylline and other PDE IV inhibitors so far reported and some of them have been shown to be well tolerated in acute toxicity studies, they will provide a new tool for investigating the possible relationship between PDE IV inhibition and anti-asthmatic activity.

Coronary artery toxicity in beagle dogs given indolidan, a type III phosphodiesterase inhibitor

The hemodynamic changes and cardiovascular lesions produced by a single iv dose of 2.0 mg/kg indolidan were evaluated in four beagle (two male, two female) dogs. Four additional dogs (two male, two female) served as vehicle controls. This was followed by a multidose study in which the same dose of indolidan or vehicle was given iv to dogs (4/group) on 4 consecutive days. Both studies were followed for 4 days postdose before termination. Clinical signs, mean arterial blood pressure, and heart rate were evaluated. Seven sections of the heart, approximately 25 sections of the coronary arteries, and 3 sections of the carotid, subclavian, spermatic or ovarian, renal, and femoral arteries were examined. Mean blood pressure was decreased 20 to 25% over a 24-hr period and heart rates were increased 40 to 50% after treatment and remained elevated for at least a 24-hr period in both single and multidose treated groups. The earliest lesions occurred in three of four treated dogs after a single intravenous dose of 2.0 mg/kg. The main lesion was sporadic in distribution and seen in the outer one-half of the smooth muscle media of the coronary arteries. Smooth muscle degeneration and necrosis were present, with little secondary inflammation. No lesions were observed in the peripheral arteries or the myocardium. The coronary arterial lesions observed after the multidose study were more extensive and severe. The lesions were seen in large extramural and large intramural coronary arteries. These were characterized by marked smooth muscle necrosis involving most of the media, destruction of the internal elastic membrane, and marked adventitial fibroplasia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Studies on antiplatelet agents. I. Synthesis and platelet inhibitory activity of 5-alkyl-2-aryl-4-pyridylimidazoles

5-Alkyl-2-aryl-4-pyridylimidazoles were synthesized and tested in rat ex vivo platelet aggregation studies. Among these compounds, 2-(2-fluorophenyl)-5-methyl-4-(3-pyridyl)imidazole (25) was most potent, and showed 98% inhibition at a dose of 10 mg/kg (p.o.). 25 had inhibitory activity on cyclooxygenase, thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthetase, and phosphodiesterase, and also showed inhibited KCl-induced contraction of rat aorta. All compounds have little acute toxicity and appear to be free of adverse effects on the stomach.

Cardiovascular and adrenal proliferative lesions in Fischer 344 rats induced by long-term treatment with type III phosphodiesterase inhibitors (positive inotropic agents), isomazole and indolidan

Male and female Fischer 344 rats were treated with the positive inotropic agents, isomazole or indolidan, in the diet for 104 weeks. The doses were 0.0, 11.5, 23.5, or 48.0 mg/kg and 0.0, 0.12, 0.40, or 1.3 mg/kg, respectively. Only 17% of the males treated with 48.0 mg/kg isomazole survived the duration of the study. The male component of the indolidan study was terminated at 22 months, with only 18% of the high-dose males surviving. Sixty-five percent of the males treated with 48.0 mg/kg isomazole and 70% of the males treated with 1.3 mg/kg indolidan were found to have severe periarteritis, often with thrombi located mainly in the mesenteric arteries. Fifty-four percent of the male rats treated with 48.0 mg/kg isomazole and 55% of the male rats treated with 1.3 mg/kg indolidan died from cardiovascular disease compared to 1-2% among the control males. Animals in the low- and middle-dose groups of both studies had a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease than did those in the high-dose group. Additional lesions associated with the long-term administration of both drugs were markedly increased incidence of adrenal medullary proliferative lesions (both hyperplasia and pheochromocytomas) and increased incidence of chronic progressive glomerulonephrosis. These lesions, like those in the cardiovascular system, occurred in a dose-dependent manner and were more frequent in males than in females. Treatment-related effects in these studies were judged to be related to the pharmacologic action of these compounds.

Coronary vascular lesions in dogs treated with phosphodiesterase III inhibitors

A treatment-related coronary arteriopathy has been observed in the dog following the oral or intravenous administration of 4 potent phosphodiesterase type III inhibiting inodilators at high multiples of their ED50 for periods from 1 day to 6 months. A fifth compound of a similar pharmacological class exhibited limiting toxicity at low multiples of its ED50 and this compound failed to induce coronary arterial lesions. The earliest treatment-related findings observed were medial hemorrhage and necrosis with focal breaks in the internal elastic lamina. Later changes, observed from day 9 onwards, included intimal thickening consisting of smooth muscle proliferation with a mucoid ground substance, variable and inconsistent inflammatory changes involving one or more arterial tunics and adventitial hemorrhage, fibrosis and neovascularization. The changes were restricted to the coronary arteries including the extramural and intramural branches. The distribution of lesions varied from widespread, multifocal involvement of both coronary arterial systems to focal lesions with no obvious site of predilection. Induction of this lesion may involve changes in coronary flow and pressure as a result of an exaggerated pharmacological response to this class of compound. The susceptibility of other species (rat, cynomolgus monkey, or pig) to this effect has been investigated with no treatment-related arteriopathy being observed.

Is phosphodiesterase inhibition arrhythmogenic? Electrophysiologic effects in pithed rats and in normoxic and hypoxic rabbit atria of enoximone, a new cardiotonic agent

The positive inotropic and chronotropic actions of enoximone were confirmed. At concentrations within the clinical range, enoximone prolonged the chronotropic and hypotensive action of isoproterenol in pithed rats. Very high doses of both enoximone and isoproterenol caused ventricular fibrillation in only one of six rats. In isolated rabbit atria, the maximum frequency at which pacing stimuli were followed 1:1 was increased by enoximone, and atrial flutter was consistently induced, then terminated by greatly suprathreshold stimulation. Enoximone significantly shortened action potential duration (APD), but did not exacerbate the APD-shortening induced by hypoxia. Since such hypoxia-induced shortening occurred in the presence of glucose 11 mmol/L and oxygen 20%, it was concluded that it was unlikely to have been caused by the opening of ATP-regulated potassium channels. These animal experiments suggest that enoximone, at concentrations encountered clinically in humans, does not have any electrophysiologic actions that would be likely to increase the probability of arrhythmias.