Adenosine A2a receptor-mediated modulation of striatal acetylcholine release in vivo

To determine the functions of striatal adenosine A2a receptors in vivo, the effects of a selective agonist, 2-[4-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethyl-carboxamidoaden osi ne hydrochloride (CGS 21680), and an antagonist, (E)-8-(3,4-dimethoxystyryl)-1,3-dipropyl-7-methylxanthine (KF17837), on acetylcholine release were investigated in the striatum of awake freely moving rats using microdialysis. Intracerebroventricular injection of CGS 21680 (10 micrograms) increased acetylcholine release in striatum and KF17837 (30 mg/kg p.o.) antagonized the CGS 21680-induced acetylcholine elevation. To investigate the contribution of dopaminergic and GABAergic neurons on A2a receptor-mediated acetylcholine release, the effects of CGS 21680 were studied by using dopamine-depleted rats in the presence or absence of GABA antagonists. In the dopamine-depleted striatum, the intrastriatal application of CGS 21680 (0.3-30 microM) increased extracellular acetylcholine, which was significantly greater than that in normal striatum. The CGS 21680-induced elevation of acetylcholine release was still observed in the presence of GABA antagonists bicuculline (30 microM) and 2-hydroxysaclofen (100 microM) and was similar in both normal and dopamine-depleted striatum. These results suggest that A2a agonist stimulates acetylcholine release in vivo, and this effect of A2a agonist is modulated by dopaminergic and GABAergic neurotransmission.

Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors in patients with endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

The prognostic factors of endometrial cancer are closely correlated. A multivariate analysis was carried to compare the importance of each factor.

METHOD

A multivariate analysis was performed of 19 clinicopathologic prognostic factors obtained from 144 endometrial cancer patients who had been surgically treated in our hospital between January 1971 and December 1993.

RESULTS

Significant prognostic factors according to the Kaplan-Meier method were depth of invasion, vascular invasion, nuclear grade, cervical involvement, lymph node metastases, intraperitoneal cytology, serous adenocarcinoma, DNA ploidy, type of hysterectomy and surgery only or combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Multivariate analysis showed that vascular invasion and nuclear grade were more significant than structural grade, histologic subtype or DNA ploidy.

CONCLUSION

Multivariate analysis is useful for extracting important recurrent factors from mutually related prognostic factors. Vascular invasion and nuclear grade are singled out as the most useful histologic prognostic factors.

Depletion of ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ store activates Ca2+ entry in rat submandibular gland acinar cells

The existence of ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ stores and their role in the Ca2+ entry mechanism were examined in the rat submandibular gland acinar cells, using the microfluorimetry of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). In the presence of thapsigargin, a Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor of inositol (1, 4, 5) triphosphate (InsP3)-sensitive Ca2+ stores, caffeine caused an increase in [Ca2+]i, which was inhibited by treatment with ryanodine (a ligand to the Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release channels). In the cells treated with ryanodine, 1 mM Ca2+ addition to a Ca(2+)-free solution caused a marked increase in [Ca2+]i, which was eliminated by application of Ni2+ or SK & F 96365, suggesting a Ca2+ entry triggered by ryanodine. The maximal change in the net increase in [Ca2+]i caused by the ryanodine-coupled Ca2+ entry, was 104.0 +/- 16.0 nM, which intense was caused by 10 microM ryanodine. Emptying the InsP3-sensitive stores by treatment with thapsigargin also caused Ca2+ entry, which maximally changed [Ca2+]i by 349.6 +/- 15.1 nM. Ten mumol/liter ryanodine was confirmed to cause a release of 45Ca2+ from the parotidic microsomal fraction enriched in endopalsmic reticulum. We propose that ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ stores are present in rat submandibular gland acinar cells. We further propose that release of Ca2+ from the ryanodine-sensitive stores, which means eventually depletion of the ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ stores, can activate the Ca2+ entry. The ability for Ca2+ entry coupled with the ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ stores seems to be about 30% of the ability for Ca2+ entry coupled with the thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ stores.

KW-3902, a selective high affinity antagonist for adenosine A1 receptors

1. We demonstrate that 8-(noradamantan-3-yl)-1,3-dipropylxanthine (KW-3902) is a very potent and selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, assessed by radioligand binding and cyclic AMP response in cells. 2. In rat forebrain adenosine A1 receptors labelled with [3H]-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), KW-3902 had a Ki value of 0.19 nM, whereas it showed a Ki value of 170 nM in rat striatal A2A receptors labelled with [3H]-2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)-phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoad enosine (CGS21680), indicating 890 fold A1 receptor selectivity versus the A2A receptor. KW-3902 at 10 microM showed no effect on recombinant rat A3 receptors expressed on CHO cells. 3. Saturation studies with [3H]-KW-3902 revealed that it bound with high affinity (Kd = 77 pM) and limited capacity (Bmax = 470 fmol mg-1 of protein) to a single class of recognition sites. A high positive correlation was observed between the pharmacological profile of adenosine ligands inhibiting the binding of [3H]-KW-3902 and that of [3H]-CHA. 4. KW-3902 showed potent A1 antagonism against the inhibition of forskolin-induced cyclic AMP accumulation in DDT1 MF-2 cells by the A1-selective agonist, cyclopentyladenosine with a dissociation constant (KB value) of 0.34 nM. KW-3902 antagonized 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine-elicited cyclic AMP accumulation via A2B receptors with a KB value of 52 nM. 5. KW-3902 exhibited marked species-dependent differences in the binding affinities. The highest affinity was for the rat A1 receptor (ki = 0.19 nM) and these values for guinea-pig and dog A1 receptors were 1.3 and 10 nM, respectively.

The role of adenosine A2a receptors in regulating GABAergic synaptic transmission in striatal medium spiny neurons

We demonstrated an adenosine A2a receptor-mediated disinhibition of medium spiny projection neurons using intracellular recording and the whole-cell patch-clamp recording applied to these cells, visually identified in thin rat striatal slices. The A2a receptor agonist 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl) phenylethylamino]-5'-N- ethylcarboxamido adenosine (CGS-21680; 0.3-10 microM) suppressed GABAergic synaptic transmission onto these cells in a manner inhibited by the A2a receptor-selective antagonist (E)-8-(3,4-dimethoxystyryl)-1,3-dipropyl-7-methylxanthine (0.1-1.0 microM). The A1 receptor antagonists had no effect on the CGS-21680-induced suppression. Analysis of spontaneous miniature inhibitory synaptic currents indicated that suppression of intrastriatal GABAergic synaptic transmission was attributable to presynaptic, but not postsynaptic, A2a receptors. Therefore, the A2a receptor may regulate striatal output activity by relieving GABA-mediated inhibition of the medium spiny projection neurons, which explains the ability of purinergic agents to affect motor control.

Studies of cardiotonic agents. 8. Synthesis and biological activities of optically active 6-(4-(benzylamino)-7-quinazolinyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-methyl-3(2H)- pyridazinone (KF15232)

We previously reported that (+/-)-6-(4-(benzylamino)-7-quinazolinyl)-4,5- dihydro-5-methyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone (+/-)-1, KF15232) showed potent cardiotonic activity with a strong myofibrillar Ca(2+)-sensitizing effect. As an extension of our work, we attempted to synthesize optically active 1. (+/-)-4-(4-(Benzylamino)-7-quinazolinyl)-3-methyl-4-oxobutyric acid (-)-menthyl ester (6) was separated into both diastereoisomers, and each was converted to optically pure 1 (> 99% ee) in an enantioselective manner. In order to determine the absolute configuration of the isomers, an alternative synthesis of optically active 1 was employed. The precursor of (-)-1 ((+)-9) was obtained by enantioselective synthesis from (R)-D-alanine. Consequently, we concluded that the absolute configuration of (-)-1 at the 5-position of the pyridazinone ring was R. The cardiotonic effects and inhibitory activities to PDE III and V of racemic 1 and (-)-1 were more potent than those of (+)-1. These compounds also demonstrated greater vasorelaxant effects in guinea pig aorta. In contrast, (+)-1 showed only weak cardiotonic and vasodilating effects, although the compound displayed potent Ca(2+)-sensitizing activity. Racemic and (-)-1 attracted our interest for the treatment of congestive heart failure.

Recurrent placental site trophoblastic tumor of the uterus: clinical, pathologic, ultrastructural, and DNA fingerprint study

Placental site trophoblastic tumor is a rare disease. Most benign cases of this disease show a few mitotic figures of the tumor while recurrent cases usually have more than 5 mitoses per 10 high-power fields. The present case was primarily treated by hysterectomy and chemotherapy and had 2 mitoses in 10 high-power fields. After 1 years and 4 months of therapy the patients was diagnosed as ovarian metastasis because of gradually increasing serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level and abnormally high fluid levels of beta-hCG and human placental lactogen (hPL) punctured from her cystic ovarian tumor. This recurrent case was further treated with another regimen of chemotherapy for 7 courses, and the serum beta-hCG level had decreased at present. This report describes the recurrent case and discusses the histology of a few mitotic figures, electron microscopic findings, and results of the DNA fingerprint analysis of the primary tumor.

[Clinical analysis of 62 patients with blunt renal trauma]

Sixty two patients with blunt renal trauma were treated and followed in our clinic between 1976 and 1993. Immediate operation was performed in one with major laceration, 3 with ruptures and one with pedicle injury, that is, nephrectomy in 4 and partial nephrectomy in one. Expectant management with the purpose of preserving the injured kidney was performed in 33 contusions, 20 minor lacerations and 5 major lacerations, resulting in no complications. We confirm that expectant management of blunt renal trauma may be reliable if the condition of the patient is stable even in the case of rupture, and the treatment of associated injury is preferential.

Hyper-dopaminemia may produce an increased outlet resistance of the prostatic urethra: a case report of malignant pheochromocytoma

We report on a 43-year-old man with difficult urination attributed to malignant pheochromocytoma with hyper-dopaminemia. A decrease and increase in the plasma dopamine values during the clinical course clearly coincided with improvement and deterioration, respectively, in urination difficulty. The prostatic peak pressure decreased by 37% when the plasma dopamine value was minimal. Detrusor function was normal throughout. Endocrinological and urodynamic studies suggested that hyper-dopaminemia produced an increased outlet resistance of the prostatic urethra without altering detrusor function. Thus, peripheral dopaminergic systems may influence voiding mechanisms, especially those involving the proximal urethra.

Binding of [3H]KF17837S, a selective adenosine A2 receptor antagonist, to rat brain membranes

The potential of 8-(3,4-dimethoxystyryl)-1,3-dipropyl-7-[3H] methylxanthine ([3H]Kf17837S) as a highly selective antagonist radioligand for the adenosine A2A receptor was examined and compared with the properties of the adenosine A2A receptor agonist radioligand 2-[p-(2-[3H]carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethyl- carboxamidoadenosine ([3H]CGS21680). [3H]KF17837S specific binding to rat striatal membranes was saturable and reversible. Saturation studies showed that the binding of [3H]KF17837S occurred at a single site, with high affinity (Kd, 7.1 +/- 0.91 nM) and limited capacity (Bmax, 1.3 +/- 0.23 pmol/mg of protein). Adenosine receptor antagonist ligands competed with the binding of 1 nM [3H]KF17837S with the following order of activity: CGS15943 > KF17837S > N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-methyl- 4-(2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-1H-purin-8-yl)benzenesul fonamide > or = xanthine amine congener > 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine > 8-(noradamantan-3-yl)-1,3-dipropylxanthine > caffeine. Adenosine receptor agonists inhibited [3H] KF17837S binding in the following order: 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine > or = CGS21680 > 2-phenylaminoadenosine > or = (R)- N6-phenylisopropyladenosine > N6-cyclopentyladenosine > (S)- N6-phenylisopropyladenosine. The Ki values of the antagonists for [3H]KF17837S binding and the rank order of potency were similar to those for [3H]CGS21680 binding. The affinities of the agonists were lower with [3H]KF17837S binding than with [3H] CGS21680 binding. However, a strong positive correlation (r = 0.98) was observed between the pharmacological profiles for these two radioligand assays. The inhibition curve for CGS21680 was best fitted to a two-component binding model and addition of GTP shifted the inhibition curve to the right, suggesting that [3H]KF17837S labeled two agonist coupling states. Other pharmacological agents had negligible affinities for the [3H]KF17837S binding site. Autoradiographic study of [3H]KF17837S binding using rat brain sections revealed that the binding site was highly enriched in the striatal region. These data indicate that [3H] KF17837S labels the adenosine A2A receptor in rat brain.

Gold sodium thiomalate down-regulates intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression on vascular endothelial cells

We examined whether antirheumatic drugs alter cytokine- or lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of adhesion molecules on vascular endothelial cells. Human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells were co-cultured with various antirheumatic drugs in the presence of inflammatory cytokines, and adhesion molecule expression was measured by cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Northern blot analysis. Among these antirheumatic drugs, gold sodium thiomalate significantly inhibited intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression on vascular endothelial cells and suppressed cellular binding between human monocytic cell lines, including U937 and HL-60 cells, and interleukin-1 beta-stimulated vascular endothelial cells. It is speculated that down-regulation of adhesion molecules might be one of the novel mechanisms of action of gold sodium thiomalate.

Inhibition by KF17837 of adenosine A2A receptor-mediated modulation of striatal GABA and ACh release

1. The effect of the A2A adenosine receptor agonist, 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethyl-amino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680) on the potassium evoked release of [3H]-gamma-aminobutyric acid ([3H]-GABA) from nerve terminals derived from the caudate-putamen and the globus pallidus of the rat was compared. In both preparations CGS 21680 (1 nM) inhibited the [3H]-GABA release evoked by 15 mM KCl but had no effect on that evoked by 30 mM KCl. 2. The ability of CGS 21680 (1 nM) to inhibit the release of [3H]-GABA from striatal nerve terminals was unaffected by the presence of the GABA receptor antagonists, bicuculline (10 microM), phaclofen (100 microM) and 2-hydroxysaclofen (100 microM). Similarly the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone (10 microM), the adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX, 40 nM), and the cholinoceptor antagonists, mecamylamine (10 microM) and atropine (100 nM) had no effect on this inhibition. 3. The ability of CGS 21680 (0.1 nM) to stimulate the release of [3H]-acetylcholine ([3H]-ACh) from striatal nerve terminals was unaffected by the presence of bicuculline (10 microM), 2-hydroxysaclofen (100 microM), phaclofen (100 microM), naloxone (10 microM) and DPCPX (4 nM). 4. The novel A2A receptor antagonist, (E)-8-(3,4-dimethoxystyryl)-1,3-dipropyl-7-methylxanthine (KF 17837), blocked the CGS 21680 (1 nM)-induced inhibition of [3H]-GABA efflux with an EC50 of approximately 30 nM and also antagonized the CGS 21680 (0.1 nM)-induced stimulation of [3H]-ACh release with an EC50 of approximately 0.3 nM. 5. It is concluded that the A2A adenosine receptor is present on both GABAergic and cholinergic nerve terminals of the rat striatum and that in both the caudate-putamen and the globus pallidus this receptor inhibits [3H]-GABA release. No evidence was seen for a difference in the ligand binding sites of this receptor in the two groups of nerve terminals.

KF17837 ((E)-8-(3,4-dimethoxystyryl)-1,3-dipropyl-7-methylxanthine), a potent and selective adenosine A2 receptor antagonist

8-(3,4-Dimethoxystryryl)-1,3-dipropyl-7-methylxanthine exhibited high affinity and selectivity for adenosine A2A receptors in binding assay using rat striatal A2A receptors labeled with [3H]2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)-phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamido adenosin e (CGS21680). The affinity was stereo selective: the E isomer, KF17837, showed a Ki value of 1.0 +/- 0.057 nM for the A2A receptors, whereas the Z isomer showed much lower affinity. KF17837 had 62-fold selectivity for the A2A receptors versus rat forebrain A1 receptors labeled with [3H]N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA). KF17837 was rapidly photoisomerized to form a stable equilibrium mixture (18% E - 82% Z), KF17837S, which showed Ki values of 7.9 +/- 0.055 nM and 390 +/- 68 nM for the A2A and A1 receptors, respectively. The inhibition type was competitive for [3H]CGS21680 binding. In rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells KF17837S antagonized cAMP accumulation induced by 1 microM CGS21680 via the A2A receptors, with an IC50 value of 53 +/- 10 nM. cAMP accumulation induced by 10 microM 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine via the A2B receptors in Jurkat cells (human T-cell line) was inhibited by KF17837S with an IC50 value of 1500 +/- 290 nM. These results indicate that KF17837S (and hence KF17837) is a highly potent and selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonist.

RES-701-1, a novel, potent, endothelin type B receptor-selective antagonist of microbial origin

The unique cyclic peptide designated RES-701-1 blocked the binding of 125I-labeled endothelin (ET)-1 to bovine cerebellar membranes. ETB receptors are predominant in bovine cerebellum. However, in bovine lung membranes, where both ETA and ETB receptors are expressed, RES-701-1 inhibited 125I-ET-1 binding by up to 70%; RES-701-1, in the presence of the ETA-selective antagonist BQ-123 at 1 microM, displaced 125I-ET-1 binding completely. With membranes from transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the human ETA or ETB receptors, RES-701-1 inhibited 125I-ET-1 binding to the ETB receptor with an IC50 value of 10 nM but had no effect on 125I-ET-1 binding to the ETA receptor. Thus, RES-701-1 is highly specific for the ETB receptor; it has no effect on a number of other receptors. RES-701-1 selectively inhibited the ET-1-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in COS-7 cells expressing the ETB receptor but did not inhibit the Ca2+ transient in ETA-expressing cells. When injected intravenously (250 nmol/kg) into anesthetized rats, RES-701-1 abolished the initial depressor response to ET-1 but enhanced the subsequent pressor response. These results suggest that RES-701-1 is a potent and specific antagonist for the ETB receptor and that RES-701-1 will be a powerful tool for understanding the physiological roles of this receptor.

Simple colorimetric cell-cell adhesion assay using MTT-stained leukemia cells

A new and simple method for quantitating adhesion of leukemia cells, HL60, to endothelial cells was developed. HL60 cells were incubated with MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) which forms a blue dye of formazan in the cells. MTT did not inhibit shape change of HL60 cells induced on activated endothelial cells at 90 min. The expression of a cell adhesion molecule, LFA-1, in HL60 cells at 21 h was not inhibited by MTT. After incubation of the MTT-labeled cells and endothelial cells, non-adhered cells were washed out. Adhered cells were lysed with dimethylsulfoxide, and quantitated by measuring absorbance at 540 nm. The absorbance was well correlated with the adherent cell numbers measured by direct counting or by 51Cr-labeling method. U937 and Ramos cells were also quantitatively labeled by MTT. The method has the advantage of being easy, simple and applicable to various cell-cell adhesion assays.

A new cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase isozyme expressed in the T-lymphocyte cell lines

Cytosolic phosphodiesterase activities of Jurkat, a human T-lymphocyte cell line, were resolved by high performance liquid chromatography into two major peaks of cAMP-specific enzyme. One was the Rolipram-sensitive isozyme. The other showed a low Km value (0.45 +/- 0.04 microM) for cAMP and different properties from reported isozymes in that it was hardly affected by well-known phosphodiesterase inhibitors or activators. This enzyme, "JK-21", was found in other human T-cell lines, MOLT-4, HPB-ALL and HUT-78, whereas no fraction containing JK-21 was detected in human B-lymphocyte cell lines, Jijoye, JY and Namalwa and in human promyelocytic cell line, HL-60. The results indicate that JK-21 is a new phosphodiesterase isozyme localized to T-cells.

[Effects of KW-3635 on the diuretic action of furosemide in rats]

The effects of KW-3635 (sodium (E)-11-[2-(5,6-dimethyl-1-benzimidazolyl) ethylidene]-6,11-dihydrodibenz-[b,e]oxepine-2-carboxylate monohydrate, CAS 127166-41-0), a novel thromboxane A2 (TxA2) receptor antagonist, on furosemide diuresis were examined in rats. After an overnight fast, the rats received either saline or drugs, and 6-hr urine samples were collected. Urine volume, urinary excretion of electrolytes and urine TxB2 were measured. The administration of KW-3635 (10, 30 mg/kg, p.o.) or BM-13505 (10, 30 mg/kg) significantly increased the diuretic effect of furosemide (10 mg/kg, p.o.). Neither drug had any effect on urinary excretion of TxB2. These results demonstrated that the diuretic effect of furosemide was potentiated by TxA2 receptor blockade with KW-3635 or BM-13505. It is suggested that the diuretic effect of furosemide might be modulated by renal production of TxA2 elicited by this drug.

New bronchodilators. 3. Imidazo[4,5-c][1,8]naphthyridin-4(5H)-ones

In order to develop new oral bronchodilators, a series of novel imidazol[4,5-c][1,8]naphthyridin-4(5H)-ones 5 were designed and synthesized. Some of these new heterocycles exhibited more potent bronchodilator activity in vitro and in vivo than theophylline. With respect to modification at the 5-position, both phenyl and n-butyl substitution produced potent activity. Though bulk tolerance at N-3 is observed with short and small lipophilic groups, any substitution at the other positions and transformations of the parent skeleton eliminated activity. Thus 5-phenyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c][1,8]naphthyridin-4(5H)-one (23) (KF17625), which satisfied these conditions, was selected for further studies (antigen inhalation-induced bronchospasm model; minimum effective dose (MED) = 1 mg/kg, po; antigen-induced contraction of trachea (the Schultz-Dale reaction), IC50 = 2.2 microM). Compound 23 inhibited carbachol-, histamine-, or leukotriene D4-induced contraction and relaxed spontaneous tone in guinea pig isolated tracheal preparations with, 4- to 16-fold greater potency than aminophylline. Thus it appeared to relax directly the airway smooth muscle. 23 did not have any influence on adenosine binding at 10 microM, but inhibited canine tracheal phosphodiesterase (PDE) IV (IC50 = 12 microM) and concanavalin-A-induced histamine release from rat mast cells (44% inhibition at 10 microM). Although the detailed mechanisms of these compounds remain to be elucidated, this series of novel tricyclic heterocycles represents a new class of bronchodilator.

Differences in activities of thromboxane A2 receptor antagonists in smooth muscle cells

Thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TXA2/PGH2) receptors were characterized in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The specific binding of [3H]SQ 29,548 was inhibited by KW-3635, a novel non-prostanoic TXA2 antagonist, SQ 29,548 and BM-13505 (daltroban). SQ 29,548 showed a single class of binding sites with a Ki value of 1.6 nM. The inhibition patterns were better fit to two-component curves for KW-3635 (Ki values of 0.45 nM and 42 nM) and BM-13505 (2.3 nM and 20 nM). U46619, a TXA2 agonist, induced an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), which was inhibited by these antagonists. KW-3635 and SQ 29,548 did not induce any increase in [Ca2+]i, whereas BM-13505 was found to induce a smaller increase in [Ca2+]i. The BM-13505-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was also inhibited by pretreatment with KW-3635, SQ 29,548 and BM-13505. The results demonstrate that BM-13505 has partial agonistic activity on TXA2/PGH2 receptors, and KW-3635 and SQ 29,548 do not. SQ 29,548 and BM-13505 inhibited both U-46619- and BM-13505-induced increases in [Ca2+]i to a similar degree. Alternatively, KW-3635 inhibited a U46619-induced increase in [Ca2+]i more effectively than a BM-13505-induced increase. These results suggest the heterogeneity of functional binding sites or subtypes of TXA2/PGH2 receptors present in VSMC.

KS-505a, a novel inhibitor of bovine brain Ca2+ and calmodulin-dependent cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterase from Streptomyces argenteolus

A novel compound, KS-505a was isolated from the culture broth of a strain identified as Streptomyces argenteolus A-2. The compound inhibited bovine brain Ca2+ and calmodulin-dependent cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterase with an IC50 value (the concentration causing 50% inhibition) of 0.065 microM. The compound around that concentration had little or no effect on heart calmodulin-dependent and -independent cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterases, and protein kinase C.

HS-142-1, a novel nonpeptide atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) antagonist, blocks ANP-induced renal responses through a specific interaction with guanylyl cyclase-linked receptors

HS-142-1, a novel microbial product, blocked 125I-labeled rat atrial natriuretic peptide (rANP) (= ANF(99-126)) binding to bovine adrenocortical membranes, where guanylyl cyclase-containing receptors are predominantly expressed. However, HS-142-1 only slightly inhibited [125I]rANP binding to bovine lung membranes where only a small portion of binding sites are coupled to guanylyl cyclase. Further, HS-142-1 only recognized the 135 kDa ANP receptor, which is considered to be the guanylyl cyclase-containing receptor based on the results obtained in affinity cross-linking studies with bovine adrenocortical and lung membranes. Under identical conditions, Atriopeptin I selectively recognized guanylyl cyclase-free receptors both in binding and affinity cross-linking experiments. When injected intravenously (1 mg/kg) to anesthetized rats, HS-142-1 abolished ANP-induced diuresis and natriuresis. These results suggest that HS-142-1 works in vivo through a specific interaction with the ANP functional receptor, and that HS-142-1 will be a powerful tool for understanding the physiological roles of ANP in distinction from its pharmacological effects.

Wortmannin, a microbial product inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase

We have found that a fungal strain, Talaromyces wortmannin KY12420, produces a potent inhibitor of smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). This active product, designated as MS-54, was isolated and purified from the culture broth of the fungus and identified as wortmannin. The inhibition of MLCK by wortmannin was prevented by a high concentration of ATP. The activity of the catalytic domain, which was disclosed by partial tryptic digestion, was also inhibited by wortmannin. These results suggest that wortmannin acts at or near to the catalytic site of the enzyme. It was shown clearly by kinetic analyses, preincubation studies, and dialysis experiments that the inhibitory action of wortmannin on MLCK was irreversible. Under the condition of preincubation for 3 min, 0.3 microM wortmannin inhibited the activity of MLCK, while 10 microM wortmannin had no effect on the activities of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, cGMP-dependent protein kinase, and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and had little effect on protein kinase C activity. These data expressed clearly the marked selectivity of the compound for MLCK. Furthermore, wortmannin also inhibited both the phosphorylation of myosin light chain and the contraction in rat thoracic aorta stimulated with KCl, which indicates the effectiveness of the compound in the cellular level as an MLCK inhibitor.