Synthesis and antihypertensive activities of new 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives containing nitrooxyalkylester moieties at the 3- and 5-positions

We have synthesized new 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives having nitrooxyalkylester moieties at the 3- and 5-positions in order to develop potent and long-lasting vasodilators. The antihypertensive activities of these compounds were compared with that of nifedipine. One of them, 2-nitrooxypropyl 3-nitrooxypropyl 2,6-dimethyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-3,5- pyridinedicarboxylate (CD-349) was selected for further development. The structure-activity relationship is discussed.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of (nitrooxy)alkyl apovincaminates

A series of (nitrooxy)alkyl apovincaminates has been synthesized and evaluated for their effects on vertebral and femoral blood flow. These derivatives were prepared from apovincaminic acid (4). In cerebral circulation, compound 5 (0.03-1.0 mg/kg iv) caused a dose-dependent increase in cerebral blood flow (CerBF) without affecting the blood pressure. It was more potent than vinpocetine (2). The structures of 2 and 5, determined by X-ray crystallography, showed differences in the electrostatic potential image and in the conformation of the ethyl group at the 16-position.

Synthesis and antihypertensive activities of new 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives containing a nitrooxy moiety at the 3-ester position

The synthesis of a new series of dihydropyridines containing a nitrooxy moiety at the 3-ester position is described. The antihypertensive activity of the compounds was examined and compared with that of nifedipine; some of them were relatively potent. The structure-activity relationship is also discussed.

[A 52-week oral chronic toxicity study of 6-amidino-2-naphthyl 4-[(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)amino] benzoate dimethanesulfonate (FUT-187) in rats with a recovery period of 5 weeks

The chronic toxicity of FUT-187, a synthetic protease inhibitor, was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats. FUT-187 was given orally to the rats at doses of 0.4, 2, 10, 50 and 250 mg/kg/day for 52 weeks. The drug was then withdrawn for 5 weeks. The results are summarized as follows: There were no deaths or toxic signs caused by the drug throughout the experimental period. There were no drug-related changes in food consumption, ophthalmological examination, hematology or blood chemistry. Slight suppression of growth was observed in males in the 250 mg/kg group. This change was reversed on withdrawal of the drug. Drug crystals were observed in the urinary sediments of both sexes in the 250 mg/kg group, but this change disappeared on withdrawal of the drug. Gross pathological examination revealed the following changes: enlargement and nodule formation in the pancreas in both sexes given more than 10 mg/kg of the drug; dark red spots in the glandular stomach in males in the 250 mg/kg group; thickening of the small intestinal walls in both sexes given more than 50 mg/kg. Of these organs, no changes were observed in the stomach and small intestine at the end of the recovery period. Increased pancreas weight was observed in both sexes given more than 50 mg/kg of the drug. Examination at the end of the recovery period suggested reversibility, showing a lesser degree of change. Histopathological examination revealed the following changes in the pancreatic acinar cells: acidophilic foci and nodules in both sexes given more than 10 mg/kg of the drug; adenoma in one male in the 250 mg/kg group; increased zymogen granules in both sexes given more than 50 mg/kg of drug; fine vacuolization in females in the 250 mg/kg group. At the end of the recovery period, increased zymogen granules and fine vacuolization of the acinar cells were not found. Furthermore, erosion or healed erosion in the glandular stomach, duodenum and jejunum was observed in a few males or females in the 250 mg/kg group, but those changes disappeared after the recovery period. In the liver, altered cell foci was observed more frequently in males in the 250 mg/kg group than the other groups, but this change also disappeared after the recovery period. In addition, brown pigmentation in the proximal renal tubules of the kidney was observed in both sexes in the 250 mg/kg group, but lesions observed in the examination after the recovery period were less noticeable than in the examination at the end of the administration period.

[A 52-week dermal toxicity study of prednisolone farnesylate (PNF) gel in rats with a recovery period of 8 weeks]

The toxicity of Prednisolone farnesylate (PNF) gel, a synthetic glucocorticoid, was investigated in the Sprague-Dawley rat. PNF gel was administered dermally to the rats at doses of 0.125, 0.5 and 2.0 mg/kg/day for 52 weeks, then the drug was withdrawn for 8 weeks to evaluate the reversibility. The results are summarized as follows: 1. In the PNF gel 2.0 mg/kg/day group, thinning of the skin at the application site, slightly retarded body weight gains, a tendency toward a decrease in the white blood cell count, an elevation of serum GOT and GPT activity, free fatty acid level, and a decrease in alpha 1-globulin fraction were observed. In the pathological examinations, decreased organ weights of the thymus, spleen and adrenal glands, and thinning of the skin were observed. Histopathological examination revealed atrophy of the thymus and zona fasciculata of the adrenal glands, thinning of the skin with atrophied skin appendages, and hepatocellular hypertrophy with hypertrophied uncleus in the perilobular zone. 2. In the PNF gel 0.5 mg/kg/day group, thinning of the skin at the application site and a decrease in alpha 1-globulin fraction were observed. Histopathologically, thinning of the skin atrophied skin appendages was observed. 3. In the PNF gel 0.125 mg/kg/day group, there were no toxic signs induced by the drug. 4. After the 8-week recovery period, the changes in the skin were observed in the 2.0 mg/kg/day group, but the severity was lowered. The other changes disappeared and so it was demonstrated that the changes were reversible. 5. Based on these results, it was concluded that the overt toxic dose of PNF gel was 0.5 mg/kg/day and the non-toxic dose was 0.125 mg/kg/day in the present study.

Structure-activity studies of 3-benzoylpropionic acid derivatives suppressing adjuvant arthritis

3-Benzoylpropionic acid derivatives possess an immunomodulative activity and suppress adjuvant arthritis. To understand how substituents affect the biological activity, the quantitative structure-activity relationships of 30 compounds were analyzed by the adaptive least-squares method. For the suppressing activity in rats, the electronic effects and the structural feature of the substituent on benzene ring were suggested to be important. To reinforce and confirm the correlation, 4 additional compounds of phenoxybutyric acid derivatives were synthesized and tested with the rat adjuvant-induced arthritis. These compounds were found to have potent suppressing activity.

Synthesis and platelet aggregation inhibitory activities of 3-(2-oxopropylidene)azetidin-2-one derivatives. II

A series of 3-acylidene-4-methylazetidin-2-one derivatives bearing various substituents at the 1-position of the azetidin-2-one ring was synthesized. These compounds were evaluated for platelet aggregation inhibitory activities. Most of the compounds synthesized showed potent inhibitory activities against rabbit platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate or collagen in vitro. Structure-activity relationships are also discussed.

Comparative studies of some functional and morphological parameters in the livers of germfree, conventional and ex-germfree mice

Some parameters of hepatic function and morphology were studied to compare germfree (GF) and conventional (CV) BALB/c mice. The levels of lipid peroxide (LPO) and aniline-hydroxylase (AH) activity in the livers and the serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and phospholipid (PL) were significantly lower in GF than in CV 8-week-old mice. There were no significant differences in the histology and lectin-histochemistry of the livers in the GF and CV mice. On the other hand, in ex-GF mice which were induced by housing 4-week-old GF mice together with age-matched CV mice, the levels of LPO and AH activity in the liver and the serum TC, TG and PL contents increased rapidly within the first week and then approached values almost identical to those in CV mice 4 weeks later (i.e. at 8 weeks of age). The histologic picture of the liver was similar among the GF, CV and ex-GF mice.

Novel epoxysuccinyl peptides. Selective inhibitors of cathepsin B, in vitro

A series of new epoxysuccinyl peptides were designed and synthesized to develop a specific inhibitor of cathepsin B. Of these compounds, N-(L-3-trans-ethoxycarbonyloxirane-2-carbonyl)-L-isoleucyl-L-proli ne (compound CA-030) and N-(L-3-trans-propylcarbamoyloxirane-2-carbonyl)-L-isoleucyl-L-prol ine (compound CA-074) were the most potent and specific inhibitors of cathepsin B in vitro. The carboxyl group of proline and the ethyl ester group or the n-propylamide group in the oxirane ring were necessary, the ethyl ester group or the n-propylamide group being particularly effective for distinguishing cathepsin B from other cysteine proteinases such as cathepsins L and H, and calpains.

Studies on topical antiinflammatory agents. IV. 21-(Alkylthio)acetates and (methylthio)methoxides of corticosteroids

A series of 21-(alkylthio)acetates and 21-(methylthio)methoxides of corticosteroids were synthesized and examined for vasoconstrictive activities. The activities of seven compounds were equal to or greater than that of 9 alpha-fluoro-11 beta,21-dihydroxy-16 beta-methyl-17 alpha-valeryloxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione (betamethasone 17-valerate, BV). Among them, betamethasone 21-(methylthio)acetate 17-propanoate (2Ca) was found to have the most potent activity, which is superior to that of BV. A structure-activity relationship study revealed that substitution of the 21-hydroxy group of corticosteroids with the (methylthio)acetate function is a useful approach for obtaining potent activity.

Studies on topical antiinflammatory agents. V. 17-(Alkylthio)- and methoxyalkanoates of corticosteroids

As part of our search for new topical antiinflammatory agents, a series of corticosteroid 17-(alkylthio)- and methoxyalkanoate derivatives was prepared and tested for vasoconstrictive activities. Several compounds were proved to have activity superior or comparable to that of 9 alpha-fluoro-11 beta,21-dihydroxy-16 beta-methyl-17 alpha-valeryloxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione (betamethasone 17-valerate, BV). Among these compounds, 21-chloro-11 beta-hydroxy-17 alpha-(methylthio)acetoxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (5Aa) was found to have the most potent activity, being more active than BV. The structure-activity relationships of the series revealed that introduction of a (methylthio)acetate function into the 17-position as well as the 21-position of corticosteroids was effective for enhancing the topical antiinflammatory activity.

Synthesis and platelet aggregation-inhibitory activities of novel 3-(2-oxopropylidene)azetidin-2-one derivatives. I

Treatment of (E)-3-(2-hydroxypropylidene)-4-methyl-1-phenylazetidin-2-one (11) with 10% Pd/C gave (E)-(12), (Z)-3-(2-oxopropylidene)-4-methyl-1-phenylazetidin-2-one (13), 3,4-cis-(14a) and 3,4-trans-3-(2-oxopropyl)-4-methyl-1-phenylazetidin-2-one (14b). Among them, 12 and 13 were found to show potent inhibitory activities against rabbit platelet-rich plasma aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate or collagen. Ring-expanded homologous derivatives and an acyclic analogue of 12 were also synthesized and tested for the biological activities. The azetidin-2-one skeleton bearing a 2-oxoalkylidene moiety at the 3 position was found to be essential for the platelet aggregation inhibitory activities of these compounds.

Studies on topical antiinflammatory agents. III. Synthesis of 17 alpha-acyloxy-9 alpha-fluoro-11 beta-hydroxy-16 beta-methyl-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-thio derivatives and related compounds

A series of 21-thio derivatives of 9 alpha-fluoro-11 beta,17 alpha-dihydroxy-16 beta-methyl-1,4-pregnadiene-3, 20-dione 17-esters and related compounds were synthesized and evaluated as topical antiinflammatory agents. These compounds were prepared by the reaction of 9 alpha-fluoro-11 beta,17 alpha,21-trihydroxy-16 beta-methyl-1,4-pregnadiene-3, 20-dione (betamethasone, I) 17-ester derivatives and various mercapto compounds. A structure-activity relationship study revealed that the structural combination of a thio group at the 21-position and an ester group at the 17-position contributed to vasoconstrictive activity. Among these compounds, the 21-methylthio 17-propanoate compound (6) was found to have the most potent activity, being more potent than betamethasone 17-valerate (BV).

Studies on topical antiinflammatory agents. II. Synthesis and vasoconstrictive activity of 21-substituted corticosteroids with sulfur-containing moieties

As part of the search for new topical antiinflammatory agents, various 21-substituted corticosteroids having sulfur-containing moieties were prepared and tested for vasoconstrictive activity in humans. A structure-activity relationship study revealed that substitution of the 21-hydroxy group with a lower alkyl-thio group enhanced the activity. The activities of the 21-methylthio (3Ad) and the 21-ethylthio (3Ae) compounds were more potent than that of 9 alpha-fluoro-11 beta,21-dihydroxy-16 beta-methyl-17 alpha-valeroyloxy-1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione (betamethasone 17-valerate, BV).

[A comparative clinical trial with tegafur plus lentinan treatment at two different doses in advanced cancer]

In order to evaluate the clinical efficacy of combined tegafur plus lentinan treatment, a comparative trial was performed on patients with advanced cancer using two different doses, a conventional-dose group and a high-dose group. Thirty-four patients were evaluable in this trial. The doses of medication were 600 mg of tegafur p.o. daily and 1-2 mg of lentinan i.v. weekly in the conventional-dose group, and 1,200-800 mg of tegafur p.o. daily and 4 mg of lentinan i.v. weekly in the high-dose group. The response was evaluated using the criteria of Koyama. The response rates were 14.3% for the conventional-dose group and 25.0% for the high-dose group, although no statistical difference was observed. Acute toxicities such as oppression in the anterior chest and dryness of the throat, which were considered to be probably due to lentinan, were noted in patients given rapid administration with 20 ml of solution. However, these effects disappeared with slow-drip infusion using 100-200 ml of solution. These results suggest that the combined tegafur plus lentinan treatment would be better administered at a dose higher than the conventional one for the treatment for advanced cancers.

Mechanism of the cytoprotective effect of prostaglandin I2 and its analogue in human platelets

The responsiveness of washed human platelets to thrombin was well preserved up to 72 and 96 hours, when they were stored at 4 degrees C with prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) and its stable analogue OP-41483, respectively, while the washed platelets stored with sodium citrate completely lost their responsiveness to thrombin at 48 hours. The effect of PGI2 or the analogue on the resting level of intraplatelet Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was investigated, utilizing fluorescent Ca2+ indicator quin 2. PGI2 lowered the resting [Ca2+]i in a dose related manner in the presence or absence of the extracellular Ca2+. The similar results were obtained when OP-41483 was added to the quin 2 loaded platelets. From these results, it was concluded that the lowering of the resting [Ca2+]i may be the prerequisite for the cytoprotective effect of PGI2 or OP-41483.

Interrelationship between secretion, protein phosphorylation and intracellular Ca2+ concentration in platelets stimulated by thrombin or thromboxane A2 analogue

The interrelationship between ATP-secretion, protein phosphorylation and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was studied in both 32P and quin 2 loaded human platelets stimulated by thrombin or thromboxane A2 analogue (STA2). In platelets stimulated by thrombin, the degree of 47,000 dalton polypeptides (P47) phosphorylation was observed in completely dose-related manner, regardless of the amount of [Ca2+]i. In the same condition, the degree of myosin light chain (P20) phosphorylation, however, was well correlated with ATP secretion and [Ca2+]i, when platelets were stimulated by lower dose of thrombin. The similar results were obtained in platelets stimulated by STA2. These findings suggested that P20, but not P47, phosphorylation in activated platelets is mediated by a rise of [Ca2+]i and is well correlated with the secretory reaction. It was unlikely that P47 phosphorylation plays any role in promoting platelet activation.

Fluorescent Ca2+-indicator quin 2 as an intracellular Ca2+ antagonist in platelet reaction

Preincubation of fluorescent Ca2+-indicator quin 2 resulted in inhibition on platelet aggregation and secretion in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. And the mechanism of the inhibition was studied. The inhibition by quin 2 of thrombin stimulated aggregation and ATP secretion of human platelets was dose and incubation time dependent and the inhibition was overcome by an addition of CaCl2 to the suspending buffer. Combination of quin 2 and Ca2+-blockers exerted the complete inhibition of the reaction in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. The inhibitory effect was observed when the intracellular concentration of quin 2 exceeds 3 mM, regardless of the initial dose or the preincubation time. The cellular content of ATP was not reduced by loading platelets with quin 2 in the concentration which exerted an inhibitory effect on the platelet reaction. From these observations, it was postulated that the inhibition is due to chelation of intracellular Ca2+ by quin 2 and the application of this agent as an intracellular Ca2+ antagonist was proposed. Also, we discussed the limitations in the use of quin 2 system as an intracellular Ca2+ indicator.

[Studies on the anti-ulcer effects of isoprenyl flavonoids (1). The anti-ulcer effects of isoprenyl chalcone extracted from Sophora subprostrata (author's transl)]

A series of extracted fractions from sophora subprostrata was screened by determining anti-ulcer effects in pylorus ligated and stressed rats. Fr. [C-2] had the most potent anti-ulcer effects of all fractions extracted. Sophoradin and sophoranone which were isolated from Fr. [C-2] were also found to have inhibitory effects on ulcer formation in pylorus ligated and stressed rats. The anti-ulcer effect of sophoradin was relatively potent in comparison with that of sophoranone and/or Fr. [C-2]. The anti-ulcer effect of sophoranone was approximately the same as that of Fr. [C-2]. The authors examined the effects of sophoradin and sophoranone on gastric secretion in pylorus ligated rats. Sophoradin and sophoranone significantly reduced the volume of gastric juice. Sophoradin but not sophoranone inhibited the free and total acid output of gastric juice. The effect of sophoradin was examined on various secretagogues which induced gastric secretions in rats with acute fistula. Sophoradin showed a tendency to inhibit tetragastrin- and insulin-induced gastric acid secretion, but there were no effects on methacholine- and histamine-induced secretions. These results suggest that sophoradin may have marked anti-ulcer and inhibitory effects on gastric secretion.