[Screening test for calcium antagonist in natural products. The active principles of Uncariae ramulus et uncus]

We have previously reported on the Ca2+-blocking activity and active constituents of natural products. In the course of screening, Uncariae ramulus et uncus, a chinese herbal medicine, was found to possess such activity. In this paper, we attempted to characterize its active constituent which plays an important role in Ca2+-blocking activity. Its active principles were identified to be oxyindole-type alkaloids, rhynchophylline, corynoxeine, isorhynchophylline and isocorynoxeine, that showed inhibitory effects, similar to that of verapamil, on contractile response to high concentration of potassium ion (rats), CaCl2 (rats), norepinephrine in normal and Ca2+-free medium (rats and rabbits) and 45Ca2+-uptake (rats) in thoracic aorta with an activity two orders of magnitude less than the activity of verapamil.

Terminal segment of Kluyveromyces lactis linear DNA plasmid pGKL2 supports autonomous replication of hybrid plasmids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

By use of linear DNA plasmid pGKL2 from the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis we have constructed hybrid plasmids carrying a LEU2 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a selectable marker. The replication properties of hybrid plasmids in yeasts were investigated. We demonstrated that the insertion of a LEU2 gene into pGKL2 resulted in circularization of the hybrid plasmids and pGKL2 segment supported autonomous replication of the plasmids. Moreover, the hybrid plasmids propagated autonomously, independently of the presence of the natural pGKL2 plasmid.

Anti-ulcer action of Panax japonicus rhizome

Using HCl/ethanol-induced ulcer in rats as a screening model, an anti-ulcer effect was observed for a methanol extract of Panax japonicus rhizome, saponin fractions and chikusetsusaponin III. Results suggest that the gastric mucous membrane-protective effect of the methanol extract is likely to be due to the crude saponin fraction and chikusetsusaponin III.

Pharmacological investigations of the new antiinflammatory agent 2-(10,11-dihydro-10-oxodibenzo[b,f]thiepin-2-yl)propionic acid. 1st communication: inhibitory effects of rat paw edema

In the development process of a new nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) with less toxicity and side-effects, 2-(10,11-dihydro-10-oxodibenzo[b,f]thiepein-2-yl) propionic acid (CN-100) was chosen as the most excellent NSAID from synthetic tricyclic compounds after screening test. For the series of studies on antiinflammatory effects of this compound in detail, its effect on rat paw edema induced by various phlogists was first investigated. The inhibitory effect of CN-100 on carrageenin-induced edema was remarkable and nearly equal to that of indometacin. The effect was not affected by continuous administration for 2 weeks or adrenalectomy. Similarly to indometacin, CN-100 had no significant effect on yeast-induced edema mediated by 5-hydroxytryptamine and concanavalin-A-induced edema unrelated with prostaglandins. However, CN-100 displayed a weaker inhibitory effect on nystatin-induced edema than indometacin, suggesting that CN-100 has a low membrane stabilizing action and a strong blocking action on synthesis of prostaglandins. CN-100 inhibited the sustained edema induced by mustard, but the drug did not interfere with the increase in body weight of rats. Indometacin in the same dose caused decrease in body weight and death. The toxicity of CN-100 was definitely less than that of indometacin, although both drugs were similar in antiinflammatory activity and mode of action on rat paw edema. Results suggest that CN-100 is an effective drug on not only acute but also subacute and chronic inflammation.

Pharmacological investigations of the new antiinflammatory agent 2-(10,11-dihydro-10-oxodibenzo[b,f]thiepin-2-yl]propionic acid. 4th communication: inhibitory effects on rat adjuvant arthritis

The preventive and therapeutic effects of 2-(10,11-dihydro-10-oxodibenzo [b,f]thiepin-2-yl)propionic acid (CN-100) on local and systemic changes of rats with adjuvant arthritis being used frequently as experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis were investigated in comparison with those of reference drugs, indometacin and pranoprofen. Preventively and therapeutically CN-100 showed potent inhibitory effects on adjuvant primary inflammation and secondary lesion. CN-100 also exerted an evident preventive effect on destruction of foot bone, improved the changes in organ weight, and stimulated weight gain. These effects were dose-dependent, and the effects at 5.0 mg/kg were almost the same as those of indometacin and pranoprofen at 1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively. The mode of action of CN-100 resembled that of reference compounds. Although CN-100 improved the change in albumin/globulin ratio, which was a parameter of systemic inflammatory reactions, the effect was more remarkable in therapeutic administration than in preventive one. This suggests that CN-100 is suitable for clinical application.

Pharmacological investigations of the new antiinflammatory agent 2-(10,11-dihydro-10-oxodibenzo[b,f]thiepin-2-yl)propionic acid. 5th communication: antiplatelet effect of the drug and antiinflammatory effect of its main metabolite

Since nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) usually have an antiplatelet effect, the inhibitory effect of 2-(10,11-dihydro-10-oxodibenzo[b,f]thiepin-2-yl) propionic acid (CN-100), which exerts a potent antiinflammatory effect, was compared with those of reference drugs, indometacin and pranoprofen, in this study. Indometacin at 10(-5) mol/l inhibited completely (100%) rat and rabbit platelet aggregation induced by collagen and arachidonic acid. Pranoprofen at 10(-5) mol/l also entirely inhibited rat platelet aggregation induced by the two aggregators, but an about 10 times higher concentration was required to produce 100% inhibition of rabbit platelet aggregation. CN-100 at 10(-5) mol/l exerted 100% inhibition of rat platelet aggregation induced by collagen, whereas more than 10(-4) mol/l was needed to exhibit 100% inhibition of aggregation induced by arachidonic acid and ADP. The inhibitory activity of CN-100 on aggregation of rat platelets ex vivo was weaker than those of reference NSAID, i.e., the antiplatelet effect of CN-100 was found to be weak. The main metabolite of CN-100 also had a weak antiplatelet effect, and its antiinflammatory effect on carrageenin edema and UV erythema was apparently weaker than that of CN-100. The inhibitory effect of the metabolite on endotoxin diarrhea was weak. The ulcerogenic effect of the metabolite on gastric mucosa was similar to that of CN-100, but the effect rarely seemed to be a clinical problem because it was basically weak.

Pharmacological investigations of the new antiinflammatory agent 2-(10,11-dihydro-10-oxodibenzo[b,f]thiepin-2-yl)propionic acid. 3rd communication: inhibitory effects on leucocyte emigration and proliferation of granulation

The effects of 2-(10,11-dihydro-10-oxodibenzo [b,f]thiepin-2-yl)propionic acid (CN-100), which has a significant inhibitory effect on acute inflammatory reactions, on leucocyte emigration and proliferation of granulation were examined in this study. The compound obviously inhibited the protein exudation and polymorph emigration 6 h after application of carboxymethylcellulose pouch method. It also definitely inhibited the monocyte emigration occurring 24 h after carrageenin pleurisy, and the inhibitory activity of the compound was nearly equal to that of pranoprofen and weaker than that of indometacin. CN-100 inhibited the proliferation of granulation in the test by paper disk method, i.e., the compound inhibited wound healing. The antigranulation activity of CN-100 was also nearly equal to that of pranoprofen and weaker than that of indometacin. These results proved that CN-100 should definitely inhibit the reactions of the second and third inflammatory phases of the whole reactions from the exudative phase throughout proliferative phase, suggesting that the compound is a useful antiinflammatory drug.

Pharmacological investigations of the new antiinflammatory agent 2-(10,11-dihydro-10-oxodibenzo[b,f]thiepin-2-yl)propionic acid. 2nd communication: inhibitory effects on acute inflammation and prostaglandin-related reactions

Since a newly synthesized nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) having weaker effects on gastrointestinal tract, 2-(10,11-dihydro-10-oxodibenzo[b,f]thiepin-2-yl)propionic acid (CN-100), was found to markedly inhibit rat paw edema induced by carrageenin and other phlogists, the effects of the drug on other acute inflammatory reactions and prostaglandins (PGs)-related reactions were compared with those of known NSAID in this study. At even a large dose of CN-100, 20 mg/kg, the drug did not significantly inhibit the increased vascular permeability induced by histamine in rat skin, but CN-100 could dose-dependently inhibit the increased vascular permeability induced by acetic acid in mouse peritoneum. The inhibitory activity of CN-100 in the latter was equivalent to that of pranoprofen and indometacin. CN-100 exerted a potent inhibitory action on erythema induced by UV irradiation, which was equal to and 3 times stronger than pranoprofen and indometacin in activity, respectively. Since PGs participate in these acute inflammatory reactions, the effects of CN-100 on reactions relevant to PGs were examined. The drug at dose levels lower than antiinflammatory doses could prevent acute death and diarrhea induced by i.v. injection of arachidonic acid in rabbits and endotoxin in mice, respectively, suggesting that the drug had a potent inhibitory action on biosynthesis of PGs. The adverse effects of CN-100 on gastric and small intestinal mucosa was very weak, the activity being about one-tenth of that of pranoprofen and indometacin.

Study of drug interaction between the new antiallergic drug 11-oxo-11H-pyrido[2,1-b]quinazoline-2-carboxylic acid and theophylline

A new chemical compound, 11-oxo-11H-pyrido[2,1-b]quinazoline-2-carboxylic acid (Sm 857), known to inhibit the second stage type I allergy and endowed with antiasthmatic action, was investigated with regard to its effects on theophylline (TP) blood level in comparison with ketotifen and tranilast, antiasthmatics of the same therapeutic category as Sm 857, and tiaramide, an antiinflammatory agent. Sm 857 was administered orally to rats at 50 mg/kg, followed by oral administration of TP at 10 mg/kg or intravenous administration of aminophylline 13 mg/kg 10 min later. The concomitant use of Sm 857 apparently lowered the development of TP blood level during 1-5 h after administration when compared with the control. A similar lowering effect on TP blood level was observed at both single and 3-day prior administration of Sm 857. Ketotifen also reduced TP blood level at a dose of 50 mg/kg, while tranilast proved to have almost no such influence on TP blood level. Unlike the mentioned antiasthmatics, tiaramide tended to delay TP clearance. The determination of TP free fraction produced by addition of testing drugs to TP-containing rat serum in vitro after incubation for a certain period of time revealed a 30% increase in free fraction percent in case of Sm 857 addition, 7% increase in case of tranilast addition and no change at all in case of ketotifen and tiaramide addition. Above results suggest that the concomitant use of Sm 857 and TP might cause drug interaction. Sm 857 is thought to increase the blood free fraction of concomitantly used TP and to accelerate elimination of TP from blood.

Effect of the new antiallergic drug 11-oxo-11H-pyrido[2,1-b]quinazoline-2-carboxylic acid on inflammatory reactions and platelet aggregation

A new chemical compound, 11-oxo-11H-pyrido[2,1-b]quinazoline-2-carboxylic acid (Sm 857), known to have antiallergic activity was investigated with respect to its antiinflammatory effect. Sm 857 did not inhibit ultraviolet-induced erythema in guinea pigs, intradermal increased vascular permeability induced by histamine in rats and carrageenin-induced edema of the rat hind paw. Further, the compound showed no influence on wound healing in rats and was observed to exert neither analgesic nor inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. Sm 857 was thus found to have no effect at all on acute and chronic inflammatory reactions. It was denied, therefore, that any antiinflammatory effect might be involved in the antiallergic effect of Sm 857 but it may be related to an inhibitory effect on the release of mediators or on some earlier stage. Therefore investigation was carried out into its inhibitory action on dextran- and compound 48/80-induced edema of the rat hind paw. As a result, Sm 857 showed a stronger inhibitory effect on dextran edema than tranilast. Sm 857 inhibited endotoxin-induced diarrhea in mice and the effect was similar to that of tranilast, suggesting its inhibitory action on the release of mediators.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in rats of alpha-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylidene)-gamma-butyrolactone (KME-4), and its intestinal damage

alpha-(3,5-Di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylidene)-gamma-butyrolactone (KME-4), an anti-inflammatory drug, possesses analgesic activity in rat models. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the oral ED50 values for KME-4, indomethacin, naproxen and ibuprofen were 5.2, 3.8, 7.0 and 18.6 mg kg-1, respectively, and the relative order of potency of these drugs correlated with their inhibitory effect on acetic acid-induced vascular permeability in rats. KME-4 also had analgesic activity in the tests of Randall-Selitto and adjuvant arthritic flexion, but the dose required was greater than that needed in the writhing test. KME-4 (10 mg kg-1 day-1 orally) has a preventive effect against adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats, and its efficacy was more potent than indomethacin (2 mg kg-1 day-1) as judged from various parameters determined. When administered orally to rats once daily for 12 days, KME-4 caused perforating ulceration of the small intestine but this action was less potent than the effect of indomethacin, naproxen and ibuprofen.

[Central depressant effect of l-tetrahydroberberine-d-camphor sulfonate (THB-CS). Electroencephalographic study]

Effects of l-tetrahydroberberine-d-camphor sulfonate (THB-CS) on spontaneous EEG, arousal response and recruiting response were investigated in rabbits and rats in comparison with those of chlorpromazine. The spontaneous EEG recorded from the motor cortex and hippocampus showed a prominent resting pattern 3-5 min after intravenous administration of THB-CS in doses more than 0.01 mg/kg in rabbits and 30 min after oral administration of the drug in doses more than 1 mg/kg in rats. These effects lasted for 30-60 min after i.v. administration and 60-90 min after oral administration; however, the effects were not proportional to the doses up to 8 mg/kg (i.v.) and 12.5 mg/kg (p.o.). The abnormal characteristics of the EEG pattern such as seizure pattern and flattening were not observed. Chlorpromazine also produced the resting pattern in doses of 2 mg/kg (i.v.) in rabbits and 1 mg/kg (p.o.) in rats. THB-CS and chlorpromazine produced a slight elevation of threshold for the EEG arousal response elicited by high frequency stimulation of the midbrain reticular formation, but did not alter the recruiting response elicited by low frequency stimulation of the centromedian nucleus of the thalamus. These results suggest that the effects of THB-CS resemble those of chlorpromazine, but are different from those of barbiturates.

Effects of butorphanol and its metabolites on the levels of monoamines and their metabolites in the rat brain

The effects of butorphanol and its main metabolites, norbutorphanol and hydroxybutorphanol, on the contents of monoamines and their metabolites in various regions of the rat brain were compared with those of morphine and pentazocine using the HPLC-ECD method. The administrations of morphine and pentazocine increased dopamine turnover in the striatum and hypothalamus in a drug dose-dependent manner. The stimulative effects of butorphanol on the dopamine system were weaker than those of morphine and pentazocine, and there were no dose-dependencies in these effects of butorphanol. Butorphanol, morphine and pentazocine increased 5-HT turnover, but there was no drug dose-dependent effect in the case of butorphanol. These differences for the effects of butorphanol from those of morphine and pentazocine seemed to result from the antagonist-agonist property of butorphanol and from a different manner of interaction with the opioid receptor. The effects of butorphanol on the levels of the norepinephrine system were weak. It was considered that the effects of butorphanol on monoamine turnover were produced by the action of butorphanol itself, because norbutorphanol and hydroxybutorphanol showed little change on the level of monoamines and their metabolites.

Novel nonnarcotic analgesics with an improved therapeutic ratio. Structure-activity relationships of 8-(methylthio)- and 8-(acylthio)-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-2,6-methano-3-benzazocines

Conversion of the 8-phenolic 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-2,6-methano-3-benzazocines to the corresponding 8-thiophenolic analogues was achieved by three different routes. Diazotization of 8-amino-2,6-methano-3-benzazocine (2) followed by the reaction with CH3SNa afforded 8-(methylthio)-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-2,6-methano-3-benzazocine (3). Another route using Grewe cyclization was also examined for the synthesis of 3. As the most effective route, Newman-Kwart rearrangement of benzazocines was selected and closely investigated. 8-(N,N-Dimethylthiocarbamoyl)oxy derivatives (6a-e) rearranged to 8-(N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl)thio derivatives (7a-e) in good yields. Reductive cleavage of 7a-e and subsequent methylation or acylations gave the title compounds (3, 8-24). Although analgesic activities of sulfur-containing benzazocines decreased compared to the corresponding hydroxy compounds, the N-methyl derivative (S-metazocine, 8) showed potent analgesic activity.

Possible involvement of beta 2-adrenoceptors in hyperthermic effect of l-ephedrine in rats

The experiments were conducted in order to examine the mechanism of hyperthermia induced by l-ephedrine in rats. beta-Adrenoceptor agonists have been known to enhance normal body temperature. Therefore, the effect of various beta-adrenoceptor agonists on body temperature in rats was examined to clarify the mechanism of action of l-ephedrine. The results showed that drugs with beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist activity and l-ephedrine caused hyperthermia in rats and this effect was selectively inhibited by pretreatment of animals with propranolol (a mixed beta-adrenoceptor antagonist) or butoxamine (a selective beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonist). These results suggest that hyperthermic action of l-ephedrine may largely be due to its effect on beta-adrenoceptors.

Interaction of BW755C, a potent inhibitor of lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase, with mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase

The interaction between BW755C (3-amino-1-[m-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-pyrazoline), a potent inhibitor of both lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase, and respiratory chain in mitochondria and electron transport particles (ETP) from rat livers was examined. BW755C accelerated the oxygen uptake by mitochondria without the addition of substrate for the respiratory chain. Spectrophotometric study revealed that BW755C was quickly oxidized by cytochrome oxidase in mitochondria to a compound possessing an absorption maximum at 524 nm. p-Phenylenediamine (p-diaminobenzene, PPDA), which, like BW755C, serves as an electron donor to cytochrome oxidase, was shown to inhibit the generation of active oxygen in macrophages; the inhibition was stronger than that of BW755C. These results strongly suggest that the oxidative conversion of BW755C by mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase is associated with its potentially inhibitory action on the active oxygen-generating system in phagocytes.

[Antitumor effect of OK-432 (3)--mechanisms of tumor growth inhibition by OK-432 induced activated macrophages]

Spleen cells and peritoneal exudate cells obtained from BALB/c mice which had received an i.p. injection of 0.1 mg of OK-432 4 days previous to sacrifice, were examined by Winn's neutralization assay for their antitumor activity against Meth-A sarcoma cells in BALB/c mice. Both of the cell preparations clearly inhibited the growth of admixed Meth-A cells, but when these same cell populations were treated on a Sephadex G-10 column, the effector activity seen in Winn's assay disappeared. The effector cells responsible for tumor inhibition were therefore considered to be cytotoxic macrophages. However, the inhibitory effect of these cytotoxic macrophages in Winn's assay was not evident in either X ray (300 rad)-irradiated BALB/c mice or in nu/nu BALB/c mice. These results indicate that the antitumor activity of cytotoxic macrophages is associated with a sequential immune mechanism in which T cells may play an important role.

The effect of clidanac, a potent anti-inflammatory drug, on mitochondrial respiration: a consideration on the uncoupling activity of optical enantiomers

The uncoupling activities of clidanac and its dechlorinated derivative on oxidative phosphorylation were examined using isolated rat liver mitochondria. Clidanac was found to uncouple the oxidative phosphorylation and no difference was detected in the uncoupling potency of the two enantiomorphs. Dechlorclidanac was significantly less effective in the uncoupling activity than clidanac.

[Active oxygen and anti-inflammatory drug: measurement by luminol dependent chemiluminescence]

The active oxygen produced from stimulated phagocytic cells emits luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) upon reaction with luminol. So the active oxygen was measured by using the CL and the results of this were compared with those by the LDH-NADH method. Moreover, effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) on the generation of active oxygen were studied by both methods. Rat peritoneal and pleural exudated cells (PEEC and PLEC) emitted strong CL on incubation with zymosan, but that from rat whole blood cells was very weak. The effects of superoxide dismutase, catalase, NaN3 and L-ascorbic acid on the generation of active oxygen from rat phagocytic cells were different between CL and LDH-NADH methods. These discrepancies seem to be due to the different kinds of active oxygen that can be measured by both methods. Except for BW-755C, most of the NSAID had only a slight inhibitory effect on the generation of active oxygen measured by both methods, and the ex vivo effect was the same as that observed in vitro. It may be considered that NSAID decrease the phagocytic function of cells by non-specifically stabilizing the biological membrane and inhibit slightly the generation of active oxygen from phagocytes. On the other hand, the CL method could be performed not only in PEEC and PLEC, but also in whole blood cells. From these results, it was suggested that CL measurement can be used as a simple and valuable method for the detection of all types of active oxygen including superoxide anion radical and its metabolites and for testing cellular functions and drug actions on them.

[The effects of various drugs on the binding site of bilirubin in serum albumin]

In the presence of various drugs, the concentration of free bilirubin which was released from the first binding site of bilirubin in serum albumin was evaluated, using a sensitive method based on static fluorescence quenching of dansyl serum albumin. Bilirubin bound to human serum albumin more strongly than to bovine serum albumin. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, fenamates and allylphenyl propionic acids, affected the bilirubin-serum albumin interaction. Flufenamic acid and ketoprofen released bilirubin from human serum albumin. The bilirubin bound to the serum albumin was not influenced by the presence of indomethacin, but clidanac strongly dissociated bilirubin from the bilirubin-serum albumin complex. Sulfa-drugs, antibiotics, steroidal agents, warfarine, tolubutamide and phenytoin showed no significant effects on the bilirubin-serum albumin interaction. The fluorescence quenching method may be useful to evaluate the interaction of drug-bilirubin-serum albumin.

[Interaction of suprofen and serum albumin]

The serum albumin-interaction of suprofen (SPF), a novel anti-inflammatory drug, was compared with those of indomethacin (IM) and ketoprofen (KTP). The binding constants of these drugs were determined with difference absorption spectra based on the binding to bovine serum albumin (BSA). The constants for SPF and IM were nearly equal, and the value for KTP was smaller than those of the other drugs. The magnitude of the inhibitory effect on heat denaturation of BSA reflected the difference in these binding constants. In the presence of these drugs, the tryptophan fluorescence in BSA was quenched (IM, SPF and KTP, in this order). The metachromagy based on the binding of an azodye, HABA, to BSA was potentiated by IM or SPF. Phenylbutazone suppressed the absorption of the metachromagy. SPF displaced only the binding of the fluorescent Site II probe, dansylproline, to human serum albumin (HSA), and both the bindings of dansylproline and dansylamide (Site I probe) to HSA were inhibited by KTP or IM. KTP released bilirubin from BSA and HSA, but SPF and IM did not show any effects on the bilirubin-serum albumin binding. These results all support that there is considerable interaction between SPF and serum albumin and that the mode of the interaction differs from those of KTP and phenylbutazone.

[Physical dependence liabilities of butorphanol, a narcotic antagonist, and its main metabolites, norbutorphanol and hydroxybutorphanol]

After the intravenous injection of butorphanol or norbutorphanol in rats every 1 hr for 3 days, naloxone-induced body weight loss and withdrawal syndrome were observed to some degree. A slow-released emulsion containing each of the test drugs was injected subcutaneously in guinea-pigs, and naloxone was administered after 2 or 3 days. BT caused little jumping response even at a dose of 600 mg/kg, and the reaction was significantly weaker than that of pentazocine. No jumping responses were recognized in the cases of NB (600 mg/kg). In morphinized rats, the injection of BT or HB caused potent body weight loss, and these rats exhibited withdrawal syndrome which was more potent than that by pentazocine at the same dose. The body weight losses by the injection of NB and pentazocine were to the same degree, and these changes were significantly different from that of the saline control. BT inhibited the adenylate cyclase activity of the rat caudate nuclei, and the effect was weaker than that of pentazocine. NB showed a slight inhibition, and HB had no effect on the activity. These results suggest that the physical dependence liability of butorphanol is less than that of pentazocine, and the potent mu-antagonistic character of butorphanol is based on the liability. NB, a mu-agonist, makes dependence production possible. The ability of HB is negligible.

[Opioid receptor interactions of butorphanol, a narcotic antagonist analgesic, and its metabolites]

The Opioid receptor affinities of butorphanol (BT) and its main metabolites, norbutorphanol (NB) and hydroxybutorphanol (HB), were determined by an in vitro receptor binding assay using crude synaptosomal membrane preparations of rat brain. BT showed high affinities to all types of the receptor except the alpha type (phencyclidine binding site), resulting in displacements of the bindings of mu (dihydromorphine)-, delta (D-Ala2-D-Leu5-enkephalin)- and kappa (ethylketocyclazocine)-ligands with more potency than morphine and ketocyclazocine, and it preferentially bound to mu- and kappa-opioid receptors. NB bound to the mu-binding site with affinity higher than that of pentazocine and to the kappa-binding site with the lowest affinity. HB exclusively bound to the mu-binding site with lower affinity. The affinities of BT, NB, HB and morphine to the alpha-site were smaller than those of pentazocine and ketocyclazocine. In the presence of 100 mM NaCl or by treating with 500 microM 5,5'-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid), the binding capacity of the membrane preparation was altered, and BT behaved as a typical antagonist. NB showed an agonistic property, and HB behaved as an antagonist. BT appears to be a mu-opioid receptor antagonist and has a kappa-receptor agonist-like character.

[Correlation of biliary cholesterol, phospholipids and bile acid compositions and the development of cholesterol cholelithiasis in mice]

A study was attempted to establish a screening method for detecting cholelitholytic ingredients from a wide variety of natural substances. Although mice were selected as a suitable pathological model of cholelithiasis to detect a small amount of the ingredients, all the conventional lithogenic diets caused unfavorable influence on the animals. Therefore, as the first step we formulated a new lithogenic diet consisting of butter, cholesterol, cholic acid, etc, which was adequate for mice. Subsequently, the pathological characteristics and persistence of cholelithiasis were examined in the animals; the changes in bile compositions including free and conjugated bile acids, cholesterol and phospholipids were observed before and at the onset of cholelithiasis. Following confirmation of the stone formation, a normal diet was substituted for the lithogenic diet to likewise assess the bile compositions 4 and 6 weeks later. An increasing tendency for deoxycholic acid, disappearance of chenodeoxycholic acid and decrease in ursodeoxycholic acid were seen under the condition of cholelithiasis. In addition, the cholic acid-glycine conjugate which should not exist in the normal state and the increase in free and tauring-conjugated cholic acid were noticed. The biliary cholesterol level in treated mice increased to about 4 times higher than that in untreated mice, while the biliary phospholipids and total bile acids levels increased to only about 1.5 and about 2 times the control levels, respectively. The incidence of stone formation rose sharply at an experimental period between 2 and 3 weeks after starting the lithogenic diet. Gallstones die not disappear even at the 6th week after substituting a normal diet for the lithogenic one. However, the cholic acid-glycine conjugate disappeared, and deoxycholic acid as well as chenodeoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid tended to recover to the normal levels in the bile.

A new anti-mycotic drug tioxaprofen and its uncoupling effect on isolated mitochondria

An oxazole compound, tioxaprofen, exerted a strong anti-mycotic activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum, which were major dermatophytes from patients. It was found that tioxaprofen was a potent uncoupling agent of mitochondrial respiration.

Platelet aggregation response in schizophrenia and prostaglandin E1

Platelet aggregation response to various stimulants was examined in 18 unmedicated schizophrenic patients, 13 medicated patients, and 13 control subjects. Platelet aggregation response to epinephrine decreased only in unmedicated schizophrenic patients. Clinical improvement in seven patients after neuroleptic medication was significantly correlated with an increase in platelet aggregation response to arachidonic acid, and nonsignificantly to epinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. The inhibitory effect of prostaglandin E1 on platelet aggregation response to adenosine diphosphate was investigated in seven unmedicated schizophrenic patients, six medicated patients, and eight controls. The inhibitory effect of prostaglandin E1 on platelet aggregation response to adenosine diphosphate was significantly reduced in all unmedicated schizophrenic patients. Neuroleptic medication had some effect in normalizing aberrant sensitivity to prostaglandin E1 in those patients, although acute medication induced an adverse reaction in the controls.

Concurrent malignant lymphoma of the jejunum and multiple synchronous colon cancers

This paper describes a unique case of combined malignant lymphoma of the jejunum and multiple synchronous carcinomas of colon and rectum. The jejunal tumor developed obstructive growth without regional lymph node involvement. Histologically, it was a malignant lymphoma corresponding to medium-sized cell type of follicular lymphoma, suggesting B cell origin in the bowel wall. In the colon and rectum, except for the transverse segment, there were three encircling, annular infiltrative tumors, and six polyps with malignant change. They developed independently, separated by an intact mucosa suggesting multiple synchronous cancers. Histologically they showed adenocarcinoma with or without mucus production, adenosquamous cell carcinoma, and villotubular adenocarcinoma. A case report is presented with a brief review of the incidence and pathogenesis of both jejunal and colonic tumors.

Biologically active principles of crude drugs. Pharmacological evaluation of cholagogue substances in clove and its properties

The present study was carried out to elucidate the effect of clove and its active principles in view of cholagogue. The cholagogue effect was observed in acetone extract of clove and eugenol. Acetyl-eugenol also possessed cholagogue property.

Effect of anti-inflammatory drugs on endotoxin-induced diarrhea in mice

Prostaglandins (PGs) increase the intestinal fluid to result in diarrhea. Some laxatives are known to exert their actions partially by stimulating the PGs biosynthesis. On the other hand, it is well documented that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) inhibit markedly the PGs biosynthesis. Since endotoxin (ETX) also produces diarrhea similarly in all species of experimental animals, we investigated the effect of various NSAID and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (SAID) on ETX-induced diarrhea in mice. ETX given p.o. did not produce diarrhea, but it could induce it after parenteral administration, especially intravenous injection. ALL NSAID and SAID tested inhibited ETX-induced diarrhea at dose levels similar to or lower than those commonly producing an acute anti-inflammatory effect. The anti-diarrheal effects were found in not only acidic NSAID, but also in basic NSAID and SAID which did not inhibited ultraviolet erythema, acute death induced by arachidonic acid injection and PGs biosynthesis. Therefore, this test using ETX-induced diarrhea in mice may be used as a new and desirable method for screening or evaluating anti-inflammatory drugs. The mechanism of diarrheogenic action of ETX is poorly understood, but may be attributed to inhibition of PGs biosynthesis besides other unknown actions.

Anti-inflammatory effect of diclofenac-sodium ointment (cream) in topical application

This study was performed to develop a topical ointment of diclofenac-Na which has a potent anti-inflammatory activity by oral administration. At first, research was carried out on the ointment base which influences the external anti-inflammatory effect of the drug. Ointments of diclofenac-Na were prepared with three kinds of bases: lipophilic, emulsion (cream) and gel bases; and their anti-inflammatory effects were compared. The cream was found to have the most potent effect. Therefore, in the next experiment, an optimum concentration of diclofenac-Na in cream was determined comparing the anti-inflammatory effect among the cream preparations containing 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.5% of the drug. Obvious effects were observed with the cream containing 1.0% and 1.5% of the drug concentration, and there was no significant difference in the anti-inflammatory activities of these two concentrations. Based on these results, the cream preparation containing 1.0% of diclofenac-Na (DF cream) was adopted as the external ointment of the drug. The anti-inflammatory effect of this cream was compared with that of existing anti-inflammatory ointments, i.e., indomethacin gel (IM gel), bufexamac cream (BM cream) and mobilat ointment (ML ointment). DF cream produced obvious inhibition on increased vascular permeability and on acute edema and remarkable suppression of ultraviolet erythema. These activities of DF cream were similar to those of IM gel and more potent than those of BM cream and ML ointment. The inhibitory effect of DF cream on the proliferation of granulation tissue was almost equal to that of ML ointment and more distinguishable than that of IM gel and BM cream. In adjuvant arthritis, DF cream reduced the swelling remarkably in the treated paw and slightly in the untreated paw. The anti-adjuvant activity of DF cream was equal to that of IM gel and more potent than that of BM cream and ML ointment. In pain to pressure stimulation, an analgesic effect was observed in the early stage of DF cream application, and its activity was slightly stronger than that of the other ointments. These results show that DF cream has an obvious anti-inflammatory effect as an external preparation, and the activity is comparable or superior to that of similar existing anti-inflammatory ointments. This cream may be considered as useful in the clinical field as a topical anti-inflammatory preparation.

[Influence of indomethacin and clidanac on the blood pressure lowering effect of beta-blockers]

In conscious rabbits, the intravenous administration of pindolol (1.25 mg/kg), propranolol (1 mg/kg) and alprenolol (2 mg/kg) induced a highly significant decrease of mean arterial blood pressure and significant bradycardia. In the same model, the intravenous administration of saline, indomethacin, and clidanac did not affect the mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Pretreatment with indomethacin and clidanac reduced the effect of these beta-blockers on the mean arterial blood pressure and had no effect on the heart rate. Treating of the guinea pig heart homogenate with 1 microM indomethacin or clidanac decreased the number of beta-adrenoceptors without changing their affinity. These results suggest that indomethacin and clidanac interfere with beta-adrenoceptor-mediated effects.

Regulation of opioid receptor binding; possible mechanisms of sulfhydryl groups in the binding site

Opioid receptor bindings of four different ligands, dihydromorphine (DHM), D-Ala2-D-Leu5-enkephalin (DADLE), ethylketocyclazocine (EKC) and phencyclidine (PCP), were investigated with the treatment of 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid), DTNB, and 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitro-N-2'-hydroxyethylbenzamide), DTNHEB; a relative positive charged analog of DTNB. DTNB and DTNHEB effectively inhibited the binding of DHM and DADLE. Despite the presence of maximally effective concentrations of DTNB for DHM and DADLE, the receptor binding of EKC decreased intermediately, like effect of a partial agonist. DTNHEB inactivated the binding of EKC in a similar fashion to that of DHM. DTNB did not alter the intensity of the decrease of EKC binding by DTNHEB, even given concurrently. It suggests that an anionic center of the receptor has multiple active sulfhydryl sites. The ability of GTP to inhibit DADLE binding to the receptor disappeared by the pre-treatment of DTNB, and DTNB-induced inactivation of opioid agonist binding was potentiated in the presence of NaCl. DTNB-sensitive site may couple a mechanism of ligand binding that GTP regulated. The receptor binding of PCP was not influenced by DTNB and/or DTNHEB.

(1,2-Diphenylethyl) piperazines as potent opiate-like analgesics; the unusual relationships between stereoselectivity and affinity to opioid receptor

A series of novel diphenylethylpiperazines were synthesized, and analgesic activities and opioid receptor interactions were evaluated. Analgesic activity of S(+) enantiomer of 1-cyclohexyl analogues (I-C6) was as potent as morphine. This compound showed narcotic properties. Racemate of I-C6 demonstrated the most potent analgesic activities among the enantiomorphic pairs. The R(-) isomer and (-) spa, NN-dimethyl-1, 2-diphenylethylamine, had mu-agonist like character. The S(+) isomer possessed high affinity for all types of the receptor, especially favorable for delta and kappa, in the different manner from opiate-like analgesics. It is conceivable that opioid receptor has various subsites, and this S(+) enantiomer alter the conformation of the receptor.

Abnormal platelet aggregation response in Huntington's disease

Platelet aggregation response to epinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, adenosine diphosphate, arachidonic acid, and collagen was examined in seven patients with Huntington's disease and nine of their relatives. All patients, except for two cases that were in terminal states, showed enhanced response to all the stimulants, especially to dopamine and epinephrine. The platelet aggregation response in many relatives also deviated from the normal limit. The relationship between platelet aggregation abnormality in Huntington's disease and the pathophysiology of the disease was discussed from the view of a generalized membrane defect hypothesis in Huntington's disease, and of disturbed cathecholamine metabolism, both in the CNS and periphery. A possibility that platelet aggregation response examination will be a useful screening test of offspring at risk was proposed.