Aspirin and dazoxiben as inhibitors of platelet behaviour: modification of their effects by agents that alter cAMP production

The effects of aspirin and dazoxiben were determined on platelet behaviour in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from 20 volunteers. Dazoxiben prevented aggregation and the release reaction induced by arachidonic acid (AA) in nine of the samples; in the other eleven aggregation and the release reaction still occurred. Aspirin always prevented aggregation and release but higher concentrations were needed in some of the samples of PRP than with others. When the platelets were sensitive to dazoxiben they were relatively sensitive to aspirin; when they were insensitive to dazoxiben they were relatively insensitive to aspirin. The effects of agents that alter production of cAMP on the sensitivity of platelets to aspirin and dazoxiben were determined. Increasing the intracellular level of cAMP rendered platelets more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of both aspirin and dazoxiben; lowering the level of cAMP made the platelets less sensitive to both agents.

Control of gap junction formation in canine trachea by arachidonic acid metabolites

This study examined whether the synthesis of the metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA) was involved in gap junction formation by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) treatment in vitro in canine trachealis. Studies were made of the effects on gap junction formation of putative inhibitors of the cyclooxygenase and of both this and the lipoxygenase pathway of AA metabolism and the direct effects of prostaglandins (PG) E2 and I2. The number of gap junctions of similar size was increased after brief exposure to 4-AP. After indomethacin (IDM), 4-AP treatment decreased the number of gap junctions but did not affect their size. Pretreatment with 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid or nordihydroguiaretic acid, putative inhibitors of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes, inhibited both the 4-AP-induced increase and decrease in the number of gap junctions. FPL 55712, a putative antagonist of leukotriene C4, did not alter either the number or the size of gap junctions when added alone or in combination with IDM. AA alone increased the number of gap junctions, but after IDM, AA decreased the number of gap junctions compared with the controls. Incubation of trachealis strips in vitro for 30 min with PGE2 increased the number of gap junctions by about threefold along with an increase in the size of the gap junctions. Similar incubation with PGI2, however, increased the number of gap junctions by approximately 60% without any change in the size. In the course of some control experiments, an interaction between carbachol and alcohol was observed such that alcohol caused an IDM-sensitive relaxation of carbachol-induced contractions, which was not observed when serotonin was the contractile agent. These results strongly suggest that PGE2 and PGI2 increase the formation of gap junctions in canine trachealis and that these prostanoids are released by 4-AP treatment. Leukotrienes may also be inhibitory in the formation of gap junctions, but FPL 55712 did not affect either the increase or the decrease in gap junctions after 4-AP.

[The suppressive effect of pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid on platelet aggregation]

In the course of a search for novel antibiotics, an antiplatelet substance was isolated from the fermentation broth of Streptomyces sp. No. 82-85. Thereafter, the active substance was identified as pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid (P2C) by structural studies. The effects of P2C on adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-, arachidonic acid-, collagen- or tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation were examined in vitro and ex vivo. In in vitro studies, P2C (25-100 micrograms/ml) suppressed the aggregation of platelets of normal Wistar rats. The intraperitoneal administration of P2C (200 mg/kg) to rats and rabbits suppressed platelet aggregation induced by ADP, arachidonic acid and collagen when examined for 0.5-3 hours after administration. The agent also suppressed platelet aggregation induced by both mouse syngenic tumors, Meth-A fibrosarcoma and IMC carcinoma in vitro.

Arachidonic acid induced coronary reactions and their inhibition by docosahexaenoic acid

The objective of the present study was to further investigate the influence exerted by docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the coronary reactions induced in isolated perfused hearts of rats and guinea pigs by bolus doses of arachidonic acid (AA). As in previous studies, we found that AA produced a coronary constriction followed by a longer lasting dilatation. The present data demonstrate that a 5-min infusion of DHA at 0.17-0.68 microM caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the AA-induced constriction. The vasodilatation determined by AA was also depressed, but only after about 30 min of a sustained DHA infusion. The precursor of AA, linoleic acid (LA), was also infused for about 30 min, and like DHA it inhibited the coronary reactions induced by AA. LA is not converted into AA by the isolated heart, but like DHA, was probably incorporated into the cells of the coronary vascular compartment. It is known that LA, administered "in vivo" to mammals, is converted into AA and increases the production of eicosanoids, whereas DHA does not follow this metabolic pathway. The incorporation of these essential polyunsaturated fatty acids by the isolated perfused heart would inhibit the cyclooxygenase in the coronary vessel walls, interfering with the generation of vasomotor metabolites from AA. We postulate that the systemic administration of DHA, by inhibiting the synthesis of a constrictor metabolite, could be beneficial in reducing the damage due to microvascular constriction in myocardial ischaemia.

Effect of various blockers of arachidonic acid metabolism on release of beta-endorphin- and adrenocorticotropin-like immunoreactivity induced by phospholipase A2 from rat adenohypophysis in vitro

Anterior pituitary quarters were incubated in vitro and the release of beta-endorphin-like (beta-End-IR) and adrenocorticotropin-like immunoreactivity (ACTH-IR) was determined. The effect of phospholipase A2 as well as the effect of various compounds known to influence arachidonic acid metabolism under certain conditions were examined. Phospholipase A2 increased the release of beta-End-IR and ACTH-IR. This effect was reversible, concentration-dependent (1-400 ng/ml) and inhibited in calcium-free medium and in the presence of CoCl2 (5 mM) or phospholipase A2 inhibitors (p-bromophenacylbromide, 21 microM; mepacrine, 1 mM). The phospholipase A2-induced beta-End-IR release was accompanied by the release of prostaglandin E2. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity by indomethacin (14 or 140 microM) did not change beta-End-IR release induced by phospholipase A2 (5 ng/ml). The effects of blockers of lipoxygenase (nordihydroguaiaretic acid, NDGA; AA861) or lipoxygenase plus cyclooxygenase (BW755C; eicosatetraynoic acid, ETYA) on phospholipase A2-induced release of beta-End-IR were diverse. BW755C (up to 250 microM) and AA861 (up to 100 microM) produced no effect. However, NDGA or ETYA inhibited phospholipase A2-induced beta-End-IR release. NDGA (100 microM) produced a maximum inhibition by about 40% (p less than 0.05), whereas ETYA (100 microM) produced a maximum inhibition by about 85% (p less than 0.001). These data are consistent with the view that phospholipase A2 releases endogenous arachidonic acid which is transformed into products which stimulate ACTH and beta-endorphin release from the corticotrophs; the metabolizing enzyme (possibly a lipoxygenase or epoxygenase) is sensitive to NDGA and especially to ETYA.

Biological activity of platelet activating factor-amidophosphonate (PAF-AP), a novel phosphonolipid selective inhibitor of platelet activating factor (PAF)

A novel amidophosphonate analog of Platelet Activating Factor (PAF), trimethyl (3-phosphonopropyl) ammonium hydroxide (R)-mono[2-acetamido-3-(hexadecyloxy)propyl] ester (PAF-AP), was synthesized. A potent inhibitor of aggregation induced by Platelet Activating Factor, arachidonic acid, Ca2+-ionophore, ADP, and thrombin, PAF-AP had no or very little effect on aggregation induced by epinephrine and collagen. Inhibition of phospholipase A2 and C2 activity was suggested from suppression of release of [14C]-arachidonic acid from pre-labeled platelet glycerophospholipids.

Reactive-oxygen formation and its relationship to prostaglandin and cyclic AMP production by zymosan-treated rat peritoneal macrophages

Addition of zymosan (20 particles/cell) to suspensions of resident rat peritoneal macrophages caused an increase in the concns of prostaglandins and cyclic AMP. Preincubation of the cells with inhibitors of arachidonate metabolism led to inhibition of prostaglandin, but not of cyclic AMP, formation, which suggested that the two processes may occur independently of each other in phagocytosing cells. The luminol-dependent chemiluminescence associated with the addition of zymosan to the cells consisted of a minor, Ca2+-dependent, glucose-independent component and a major, glucose-dependent, Ca2+-independent component. Only the minor, Ca2+-dependent component appeared to be related to the lipoxygenation of arachidonic acid. Close examination of the production of prostaglandins and cyclic AMP and of chemiluminescence after zymosan addition, indicated that the expanded pool of endogenous cyclic AMP was probably not a negative modulator of the other two processes, although they remained susceptible to inhibition by exogenously-added cyclic AMP analogues or PGE2. The events induced by zymosan may be relevant to the physiological roles of prostaglandins during the inflammatory response.

Leukotriene A4-induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig in vivo

Administration of leukotriene A4 (0.03-0.3 microgram kg-1 i.v.) to anesthetized spontaneously breathing guinea pigs produced pronounced changes in pulmonary resistance, dynamic compliance and blood pressure. The pulmonary responses were unaffected either by pretreatment with indomethacin or following desensitization to leukotriene B4 but were significantly attenuated by the leukotriene D4 receptor antagonist, FPL-55712. Following administration of leukotriene A4 increased levels of leukotriene C4-immunoreactive material were determined in the plasma and neutrophil accumulation was observed in the lung. It was concluded that leukotriene A4 induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig either by acting directly on the leukotriene D4 receptor site or more probably through efficient metabolism in the lung to peptido-lipid leukotrienes which in turn exerted direct bronchoconstrictor actions.

Models for evaluating the anti-inflammatory effects of inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism

Inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism were characterized by their ability to modulate slow reacting substance (SRS) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release from stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages in-vitro. Differential effects of cyclo-oxygenase (CO) and lipoxygenase (LO) enzyme inhibitors and compounds which inhibit both enzymes were demonstrated using several animal models of inflammation. Carrageenan-impregnated sponges implanted subcutaneously in rats and immune-complexes injected intraperitoneally in mice produced inflammatory responses characterized respectively by polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell infiltration and by increased vascular permeability. Dual CO/LO inhibitors (eg. BW 755c and timegadine) were capable of suppressing both parameters and reduced SRS and PGE2 formation in-vivo. In contrast, selective CO inhibitors (e.g. indomethacin, naproxen and R-830) were less active against permeability, and potentiated SRS release. Although selective CO inhibitors reduced PMN migration, this occurred at doses which exceeded those required for inhibition of PGE2. Compounds possessing LO inhibitory activity suppressed the cellular component of an Arthus type reaction in the rat pleural cavity, but were less active than selective CO inhibitors against carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats.

Diacylglycerols and mezerein activate neutrophils by a phorbol myristate acetate-like mechanism

rac-1-O-Myristoyl-2-O-acetylglycerol, rac-1-O-palmitoyl-2-O-acetylglycerol, and rac-1-O-oleoyl-2-O-acetylglycerol acted like phorbol myristate acetate and mezerein in stimulating human neutrophil aggregation. Responses to these agents were equally influenced by cytochalasin B, extracellular calcium and magnesium, arachidonate antimetabolites, and procedures that rendered the cells desensitized to other agonists. The compounds also inhibited the binding of [3H]-phorbol myristate acetate to its receptor on neutrophils. Thus, these agents are biologically homologous. They act by binding to a common receptor. This receptor may function physiologically as a transducer for endogenous glycerides that form in cells challenged by other stimuli.

Inhibition of platelet aggregation by ketamine hydrochloride

Ketamine hydrochloride, 10 mg/kg by intramuscular injection, inhibited aggregation of platelets from three out of three baboons. Aggregation to ADP, arachidonic acid, epinephrine, and collagen was inhibited but aggregation to ristocetin was normal. Two baboons anaesthetised with the related drug phencyclidine, 1.0 mg/kg intramuscularly, had delayed aggregation. Ketamine inhibition of human platelets was irreversible in that aggregation could not be restored by either gel filtration of inhibited platelets and the re-addition of normal plasma, or by increasing the concentrations of agonists. Mixtures of human ketamine inhibited and aspirinised platelets failed to aggregated. Thromboxane B2 production was reduced to 3% of the amount produced by non inhibited platelets but the oxygen burst was not inhibited.

The role of arachidonic acid metabolism in the activities of interleukin 1 and 2

Several investigations have suggested that products of arachidonic acid metabolism have modulatory effects on the development of cellular immunity. In this report we have studied the role of arachidonic acid metabolism in the specific effects of interleukin 1 (IL 1) induction of interleukin 2 (IL 2), and also IL 2 stimulation of proliferation and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production. Utilizing cell lines that are specifically responsive to IL 1 or IL 2, it was found that both interleukins stimulate lipoxygenation of arachidonic acid in their respective target cell. The ability of each interleukin to induce monohydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) correlated with the induction of secondary lymphokine secretion. Utilizing selective and partially selective pharmacologic inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism, the data suggest that the participation of lipoxygenase activity is required for both IL 1 induction of IL 2 production and IL 2 regulation of proliferation and IFN-gamma secretion. The same requirement for lipoxygenase activity was seen when phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) was used as a secretory stimulant, suggesting a similar mode of action for stimulation-secretory activity between PMA and interleukins. Studies performed with an endogenous inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase (15-HETE) demonstrated the requirement of this enzyme system for IL 2-dependent proliferation and IFN-gamma production. Although leukotrienes could replace IL 2 for IFN-gamma secretion, they had no effect on IL 2 growth promotion. The results suggest that both IL 1 and IL 2, and PMA, may share the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism which is a component of the intracellular signal transduction process that regulates secretory activity and/or cellular proliferation.

Disaggregation and reaggregation of 'irreversibly' aggregated platelets: a method for more complete evaluation of anti-platelet drugs

Anti-platelet drugs are generally screened by evaluating their ability to influence initiation and development of irreversible aggregation of platelets. However, to fully characterize the inhibitory effects of an agent, it is essential to determine if it can also disperse irreversibly aggregated cells, whether drug-treated, dispersed platelets are refractory, sensitive to some but not all aggregating agents, as sensitive to all agents as before initial exposure, hypersensitive or whether they can be restored to a sensitive state by modulation of the platelet membrane. We have developed an in vitro system for evaluating the influence of a variety of agents on disaggregation and reaggregation of aggregated blood platelets. Results demonstrate that some agents which inhibit aggregation can also cause disaggregation, while others cannot. The ability to disaggregate is often selective, revealing a dependence on the nature of the agent causing aggregation, and the time after irreversible aggregation that the inhibitor is added. Agents that elevate intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels were potent inducers of platelet dissociation in aggregates caused by adenosine diphosphate. On the other hand, antimalarials, calmodulin complexing agents and phospholipase inhibitors caused dissociation of platelet aggregates, irrespective of the agonist used. By and large, the dissociated cells were refractory to the action of agonists. Restoration of the sensitivity of disaggregated platelets by treatment with epinephrine demonstrate an ability of inhibitor treated, refractory platelets to recover full functional capacity almost immediately. Thus, careful study of the effects of inhibitors on disaggregation, recovery and reaggregation may reveal features critical to the selection of anti-platelet drugs for clinical utilization.

Strong prostaglandin associated suppression of the proliferation of human maternal lymphocytes by neonatal lymphocytes linked to T versus T cell interactions and differential PGE2 sensitivity

Lymphocytes from human fetuses and newborns strongly, regularly, and non-specifically suppress the proliferation of PHA stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear leucocytes. The suppression is prostaglandin (PG)-dependent. Our present investigation clearly indicates that the suppression is associated with neonatal T versus maternal T lymphocyte interactions, independent of monocytes. This was borne out from co-cultures of PHA stimulated maternal and male cord T cells enriched by nylon wool columns (greater than 90% T3+ cells; residual adherent cells ranging between 0 and 0.05%, and sIg+ cells between 0.6 and 3.2%). Sex chromosomes served as markers for dividing cord (male) or maternal cells. Each of three separate PG synthetase inhibitors introduced into the co-cultures-indomethacin 28 microM, 5, 8, 11, 14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA) 33 microM, or Naprosyn 217 microM--decreased the suppression of the maternal T cells by a maximum of 65%, indicating the importance of PG for the suppression. Moreover, exogenous PGE2 ranging between 1.4 X 10(-5) and 1.4 X 10(-9) M strongly suppressed the proliferation of PHA stimulated maternal T cells (ranging between 62 and 26%) but left the proliferation of cord T cells virtually unchanged. This difference offers one explanation for the strong and invariable suppression of adult lymphocytes by fetal/neonatal lymphocytes. The suppression might be of importance for prohibiting rejection of the placenta by maternal lymphocytes.

Effects of trifluoperazine on platelet activation

Previous reports of the inhibitory effects of trifluoperazine on platelet responses to different aggregating agents have been conflicting, and the mechanism of action remains unclear. We have found that aggregation by minimum concentrations of collagen and arachidonic acid, and second phase aggregation by minimum concentrations of ADP, thrombin, epinephrine and the calcium ionophore A23187 were inhibited by 40-60 microM trifluoperazine. The first phase of aggregation by a minimum concentration of epinephrine was completely inhibited by 100 microM trifluoperazine, and the first phase of aggregation induced by ADP, thrombin or A23187 was decreased by 300 microM trifluoperazine. The platelet shape change caused by collagen, but by no other aggregating agent examined, was inhibited by 300 microM trifluoperazine. Secretion of 3H-5 hydroxytryptamine by minimum concentrations of ADP, collagen, epinephrine and arachidonic acid was completely suppressed by 50 microM trifluoperazine. Secretion by thrombin and A23187 was incompletely inhibited by 300 microM trifluoperazine. Thromboxane B2 formation caused by all aggregating agents, except epinephrine, was incompletely suppressed by 50 microM trifluoperazine, and 300 microM trifluoperazine only caused complete inhibition of thromboxane B2 formation by ADP, collagen and epinephrine. The phorbol ester, TPA, which mimics diacylglycerol by activating protein kinase C, caused aggregation and secretion. Aggregation, but not secretion, by low concentrations of TPA was inhibited by concentrations of trifluoperazine as low as 50 microM. However, aggregation by a combination of TPA and A23187 was only inhibited by concentrations of trifluoperazine in excess of 100 microM. Secretion by TPA was inhibited by concentrations of trifluoperazine in excess of 200 microM. Our findings suggest that low concentrations of trifluoperazine inhibit platelet activation by inhibiting phospholipase A2, and that higher concentrations inhibit platelet responses by interfering with protein kinase C.

Pharmacological modulation of responses of guinea-pig airways contracted with arachidonic acid

Arachidonic acid (AA) was used to induce contractions of guinea-pig tracheal and lung parenchymal preparations in the presence of indomethacin. Prior addition of FPL55712, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), piriprost, benoxaprofen or nafazatrom, in order of potency, inhibited AA-induced contractions of trachea. Higher concentrations (2 - 3 fold) were necessary to inhibit contractions of parenchyma. FPL55712 and piriprost appeared to act as pharmacological antagonists of leukotrienes because they rapidly reduced the tone of the airways established by AA. Administration of exogenous AA to indomethacin-treated trachea appears to be a good model to examine leukotriene receptor antagonists and inhibitors of the lipoxygenase pathway.

Indomethacin and salicylate modulate effect of insulin on glucose kinetics in dogs

We studied insulin's effects on glucose production (Ra) and utilization (Rd) in trained, conscious dogs before and during treatment with indomethacin (Indo) and salicylate (S). Ra and Rd (mg X kg-1 X min-1) were calculated by isotope dilution using [3-3H]glucose. Animals were treated with either oral Indo or acetylsalicylic acid for 1 day before the respective studies. On the study day, experimental animals were given a continuous infusion of either saline (control), Indo (5 mg/kg bolus followed by 0.05 mg X kg-1 X min-1), or sodium salicylate (0.45 mg X kg-1 X min-1) for 330 min on separate days; each animal participated in all three protocols. After establishing steady-state specific activity, control (C) and experimental animals (n = 6/group) received insulin, 0.275 mU X kg-1 X min-1 for 150 min, raising serum insulin levels two- to threefold above basal. During insulin infusion in C, plasma glucose (G) fell from 99 +/- 2 to 82 +/- 6 ml/dl (P less than 0.01), associated with a transient fall in Ra from 2.5 +/- 0.3 to 1.9 +/- 0.2 (P less than 0.01) at 30 min, returning to base line at 45 min; Rd did not change. In the Indo and S groups, G also fell by a similar extent. In contrast to C, however, the fall in G was associated with a rise in Rd, commencing at 30 min in the Indo group (P less than 0.05) and at 45 min in the S group (P less than 0.01); Ra did not fall and actually rose above basal (P less than 0.05), although it did not match the rise in Rd.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Opposing effects of glucocorticoids on interferon-gamma-induced murine macrophage Fc receptor and Ia antigen expression

Two macrophage markers associated with differentiation are the Fc receptor (FcR) and the Ia antigen. Expression of these markers is increased with IFN-gamma treatment, although some evidence suggests that the induction pathway for Fc receptor and Ia antigen expression may be dissociable. In this study, the effect of glucocorticoids on basal and IFN-induced levels of Fc-mediated phagocytosis and Ia antigen expression was investigated. Macrophages incubated for 2 days with glucocorticoids alone showed no change in basal levels of Fc-mediated phagocytosis. However, incubation with glucocorticoids plus IFN-gamma resulted in increased Fc-mediated phagocytosis and binding to a much greater extent than IFN-gamma treatment alone. This enhancement was specific for IFN-gamma, because the IFN-beta-induced increase in Fc-mediated phagocytosis and binding was not affected by glucocorticoids. In contrast to the expression of Fc receptor capacity, both basal and IFN-gamma-induced levels of Ia antigen expression were inhibited by glucocorticoids. The glucocorticoid effect on these two markers was not observed with other steroid hormones, nor was it altered by inhibitors of the arachidonic acid pathway. The findings of this study provide additional evidence that induction of Fc receptor and Ia antigen by IFN-gamma occurs by different mechanisms.

Comparative pharmacology of cyclooxygenase inhibitors on platelet function

Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated a critical role for ferrous heme in prostaglandin synthesis. Based upon these studies, we proposed a model for heme-arachidonic acid interaction and demonstrated that compounds which interfere with this interaction inhibit arachidonic oxidation by ferrous heme. In this study, we have examined the effect of four different inhibitors for their effect on platelet arachidonic acid metabolism and function. The compounds studied were an iron chelator, 2,2'-dipyridyl, the cyclooxygenase inhibitors, Ibuprofen and aspirin, and a polyenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid. All four compounds at approximately 100 microM concentration blocked the second wave of platelet aggregation in response to epinephrine or adenosine diphosphate. They were equally potent in inhibiting 14C-arachidonic conversion by platelets to thromboxane. However, inhibition of platelet thromboxane production and function by dipyridyl and DHA was reversible. Removal of these compounds from the medium restored platelets ability to respond to agonists and generate products through the cyclooxygenase pathway. The inhibitory effect of Ibuprofen and aspirin on cyclooxygenase activity could not be reversed by washing the platelets. However, Ibuprofen treated platelets aggregated when stirred with arachidonate in a normal way. No such response could be elicited from aspirin treated platelets. All compounds (except DHA) interfered with heme-arachidonic acid interaction in a cell-free system and prevented arachidonic acid oxidation. Results of our studies suggest a common mechanism of action for these different classes of compounds. In spite of the common mechanism, each class of drug seems to have a relatively different effect upon platelet cyclooxygenase and function.

Analysis of the antipyretic action of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in rabbits

alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) or paracetamol was injected into a lateral cerebral ventricle (I.C.V.) of rabbits with elevations in rectal temperature induced by sodium arachidonate (I.C.V.), prostaglandin E2 (I.C.V.) or leucocytic pyrogen (I.V.). alpha-MSH (200 ng) was more effective than paracetamol (0.5 mg) in reducing fever caused by leucocytic pyrogen, but it did not alter hyperthermia induced by sodium arachidonate. In contrast, paracetamol reduced hyperthermic responses to arachidonate by about 70%. Neither alpha-MSH nor paracetamol affected hyperthermic responses to prostaglandin E2. The doses of alpha-MSH and paracetamol used in these experiments did not interfere with thermoregulation in a cold environment (10 degrees C). We conclude (1) that alpha-MSH and paracetamol differ in their central mechanism of antipyresis or (2) that inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism by paracetamol is not requisite for its antipyretic effect, in which case central release of alpha-MSH may mediate the antipyretic effect of paracetamol.

Effects of riboflavin-2', 3', 4', 5'-tetrabutyrate on platelet function and plasma lipids

Riboflavin-2', 3', 4', 5'-tetrabutyrate (B2-But) inhibited, in vitro, ADP (4 micrograms/ml)-induced platelet aggregation when added at the concentration of more than 1 microgram/ml and arachidonic acid (Aa) (1 mM)-induced platelet aggregation when given at the concentration of more than 0.1 microgram/ml. These inhibitions were dose-dependent. Both cyclic AMP and prostaglandin metabolites in the platelets, however, remained unchanged when the amount of B2-But added was between 0.1-10 micrograms/ml. In a volunteer study, 80 mg of B2-But taken in one bolus inhibited both ADP- and Aa-induced platelet aggregation 4 hr after oral administration. The administration of B2-But at this dose was associated with a significant decrease in malondialdehyde formation in plasma. The oral administration of 40 mg (t.i.d.) of B2-But daily did not result in significant changes in ADP- and Aa-induced platelet aggregation. B2-But showed no significant effects on either platelet adhesiveness or collagen-induced platelet aggregation, in vitro or in vivo. Our data suggest that a decrease of lipoperoxide in plasma, not in platelets, influences platelet aggregation induced by ADP and Aa.

Toxic properties of arachidonic acid on normal, ischemic and reperfused hearts. Indirect evidence for free radical involvement

We studied the effect of arachidonic acid on function and CPK release of normal, ischemic and reperfused isolated rat hearts. Under control conditions arachidonate (10 micrograms/ml) produced a transient inotropic effect which gradually reversed during a 90 minute perfusion. Creatinephosphokinase (CPK) release was augmented by arachidonic acid, particularly under high flow (pre-ischemia and reperfusion) conditions. Recovery of contractility following reperfusion of ischemic myocardium was significantly depressed by arachidonic acid. Vitamin E (100 ng/ml) an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, reduced the enzyme leakage and enhanced recovery of contractility of reperfused myocardium. It also prevented the depression in contractility during control perfusion. Similar protective effects were observed by perfusing the heart with reduced calcium but not by nifedipine; a calcium channel blocker, indomethacin; a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor or nordihydroguarietic acid; a lipoxygenase inhibitor. Arachidonic acid also inhibited membrane Na+/K+-ATPase although it is unlikely that this property mediated its cardiotoxic influence since it was not prevented by vitamin E. In addition, we observed that arachidonic acid increased the coronary resistance of isolated hearts, probably through enhanced calcium influx as this constriction was reduced by low calcium as well as by nifedipine. Thus, arachidonic acid possesses distinct properties. Its cardiotoxic influence is likely mediated by free radical generation.

SK&F 88046: inhibition of thromboxane-induced bronchoconstriction in anesthetized dogs

In addition to its well-described pro-aggregatory action, thromboxane A2 (TxA2) has been shown to be a potent bronchoconstrictor. The present study was designed to evaluate whether SK&F 88046 [N,N'-bis-7-(3-chlorobenzeneaminosulfonyl)-1,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinolyl disulfonylimide] had any inhibitory effects against canine bronchoconstriction induced by U-44069, a functional TxA2 mimic. Bronchopulmonary responses were measured by computer analyses in spontaneously breathing, pentobarbital-anesthetized mongrel dogs. In a dose range of 0.3-3.0 micrograms/kg i.v., U-44069 produced potent, dose-related increases in pulmonary airway resistance (RL) and decreases in dynamic lung compliance (CDYN), which were indicative of severe bronchoconstriction. The onset of agonist activity was prompt (1-2 min) and recovery usually occurred within 5-10 min. Pretreatment with varying doses of SK&F 88046 (1, 3 and 5 mg/kg) as a 10 min i.v. infusion, produced a significant inhibition of the RL and CDYN effects of U-44069. In addition, SK&F 88046, as well as UK 37248 (dazoxiben), a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, was effective vs. arachidonic acid-induced decreases in CDYN; however, SK&F 88046 failed to alter significantly bronchopulmonary effects induced by other known bronchoconstrictors, e.g., PGF2 alpha, PGD2, histamine or acetylcholine. Therefore, SK&F 88046 represents an antagonist of TxA2-mediated changes in airway mechanics in the anesthetized dog.

Metabolites of arachidonic acid in experimental lung vascular injury

Several metabolites of arachidonic acid have potent effects on lung vascular and airway function. Some of these substances are released from the lungs when the lungs are diffusely injured. For example, after infusion of Escherichia coli endotoxin into unanesthetized sheep, high concentrations of both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase products appear in lung lymph. These products appear in sequential waves: thromboxane B2 peaks early, coincident with peak pulmonary artery pressure and maximum changes in lung mechanics; a prostacyclin metabolite peaks slightly later as pulmonary artery pressure begins to fall; both 5- and 12-lipoxygenation products peak even later, as lung vascular permeability begins to increase. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors attenuate the early changes in lung mechanics and pulmonary artery pressure caused by endotoxemia in sheep but do not prevent the later increase in lung vascular permeability. High doses of corticosteroids attenuate both the late phase increase in lung lymph lipoxygenation products and the increase in vascular permeability. These unequivocal associations between lung injury and endogenous generation of biologically active arachidonate metabolites suggest but do not prove that these substances mediate the pathophysiology.

Inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism is not involved in dexamethasone-induced growth inhibition in embryonic palatal development

Previous studies have shown that glucocorticoids induce cleft palate in susceptible strains of mice and inhibit proliferation of palatal mesenchyme cells in vivo and in culture. The present study shows that the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (DEX), inhibits serum-stimulated arachidonic acid release in cultured mouse palatal mesenchyme cells. Arachidonic acid could neither prevent the DEX effect on cell proliferation when added in culture nor prevent glucocorticoid-induced cleft palate when administered in vivo. Furthermore, the time course for DEX-induced inhibition of arachidonic acid release (maximal by 5h) is markedly different from the time courses for both inhibition of cell proliferation in culture and cleft palate induction in vivo (3 to 4 days). These results suggest that both DEX-induced cleft palate formation and inhibition of palatal cell proliferation arise from some mechanism other than a DEX-induced inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism.

Bradykinin stimulates Cl secretion and prostaglandin E2 release by canine tracheal epithelium

Bradykinin increased mean short-circuit current (Isc) when added either to the mucosal (KD = 1.1 nM; delta Imaxsc = 29.8 +/- 4.4 microA/cm2) or submucosal bath (KD = 108 nM; delta Imaxsc = 27.1 +/- 4.9 microA/cm2). Bumetanide or replacement of Cl reduced the maximal change in Isc. In paired tissues, the increase in net 36Cl flux toward the mucosa equaled the change in Isc. Net 22Na flux toward the submucosa was unchanged. Involvement of intramural nerves was ruled out because bradykinin-induced increases in Isc were not inhibited by phentolamine, propranolol, atropine, or tetrodotoxin. A direct action of bradykinin on the epithelium was also made probable by the autoradiographic demonstration of specific bradykinin binding sites. The antagonists of arachidonic acid metabolism, indomethacin and eicosa-5,8,11,14-tetraynoic acid, inhibited the increase in Isc induced by bradykinin. Finally, prostaglandin E2 release was significantly increased by submucosal addition of bradykinin, and this effect was abolished by pretreatment with indomethacin. We conclude that bradykinin stimulates Cl secretion in canine tracheal epithelium by increasing prostaglandin release.

Protective effects of the antianginal agent nicorandil on arachidonate-induced sudden death in rats: comparison with several antianginal agents and cyclooxygenase inhibitors

In anesthetized rats, intra-carotid injections of arachidonate . Na (20 mg/kg) elicited a marked pressor response, producing death within 10 min in untreated rats. The antianginal agents (nicorandil, nitroglycerin and diltiazem) and cyclooxygenase inhibitors (indomethacin and aspirin), applied i.v. or p.o., effectively protected the rats from death. In the surviving rats, these drugs significantly prevented intravascular thrombosis in cerebral vessels and the marked pressor response to arachidonate . Na. The protective mechanism of the antianginal agents tested seems to be different from that of cyclooxygenase inhibitors.

Blockade of coronary reactions to arachidonic acid by glyceryl trinitrate and tranylcypromine

Isolated perfused hearts of rats or guinea pigs reacted to bolus doses of arachidonic acid (AA) with a coronary constriction followed by a protracted vasodilatation phase. Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN; 55-95 microM) produced coronary dilatation during which the AA-induced constriction remained unaltered, or even enhanced. After 'acute tolerance' developed by sustained GTN infusion, the constrictor phase of AA was inhibited while the vasodilatation continued unaltered or slightly enhanced. Nitroprusside (Np; 5-56 microM) determined a coronary vasodilatation that persisted throughout its administration and appeared to be associated with an inhibition of the AA-induced coronary constriction. While withdrawal of Np resulted in an immediate recovery of coronary flow levels and of the reactions to AA, the blockade of AA-coronary constriction continued after GTN withdrawal. Tranylcypromine (TRC) infusion did not alter the basal coronary flow, but it produced a specific inhibition of the AA-induced coronary vasodilatation. We postulated that the blockade of the coronary constriction exerted during GTN acute tolerance would result from an inhibition of the synthesis of a constrictor metabolite (thromboxane-like substance?) formed in the coronaries through the cyclooxygenase metabolic pathway of AA.

Glucocorticoid inhibition of zymosan-induced arachidonic acid release by rat alveolar macrophages

The phospholipase-dependent liberation of arachidonic acid (AA) from membrane phospholipids has been proposed as the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of bioactive AA metabolites, which play an important role in the expression of inflammatory and immune reactions. We have examined the effects of steroids in vitro on the release of AA by rat alveolar macrophages exposed to zymosan. Fluocinolone (1 microM) significantly inhibited the zymosan-induced release of radiolabeled AA from phosphatidylcholine as well as the production of radiolabeled prostaglandin E2. (PGE2). Dose-response curves gave the following rank order of potency: fluocinolone greater than dexamethasone greater than hydrocortisone. The maximal degree of inhibition of radiolabeled AA release observed was approximately 70%. Inhibition was not observed after 3 h of glucocorticoid pretreatment, but maximal inhibition was achieved after 10 h of pretreatment. Pretreatment with gonadal sex hormones (1 microM) did not inhibit AA release. Concurrent incubation of macrophages with hydrocortisone and excess concentrations of the partial glucocorticoid agonist, progesterone, blunted the degree of inhibition observed with hydrocortisone alone. These data are consistent with a receptor-mediated process. The time course suggests a response dependent on new protein synthesis, and the increased concentration of the phospholipase-inhibitory protein, lipomodulin, in steroid-treated cultures is putative evidence of new protein synthesis.

Influence of verapamil and diltiazem on aggregatory responses in cat and rabbit platelet rich plasma

The effects of verapamil and diltiazem, calcium channel blockers, on aggregatory responses to ADP, arachidonic acid (AA), U46619, a thromboxane A2 mimic, and prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) were investigated in cat and rabbit platelet rich plasma. Results of the present study demonstrate that verapamil and diltiazem inhibit cat or rabbit platelet aggregation induced by ADP, AA, U46619, and PGH2. Furthermore, the present experiments provide the first reported data showing the inhibitory actions of calcium channel blockers on aggregatory responses to PGH2, the pivotal endoperoxide intermediate of arachidonic acid metabolism. Since verapamil and diltiazem at similar concentrations inhibited aggregatory responses to a similar degree in platelet rich plasma from cat or rabbit, the present data indicate that the influence of verapamil and diltiazem on platelet aggregation may be independent of species studied as well as nonspecific in nature.

[Pressor and depressor responses to intracerebroventricularly administered prostaglandins and arachidonic acid in anaesthetized rabbits]

The effects of intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) administered prostaglandins (PG) E2, F2a, I2 and their precursor, arachidonic acid (AA), on systemic blood pressure were investigated in anaesthetized rabbits. PGE2 (0.03-1 microgram/0.1 ml/rabbit) elevated blood pressure in a dose-related manner. PGF2a exerted no significant changes on blood pressure. PGI2 (0.3-10 micrograms/0.1 ml/rabbit) lowered blood pressure in a dose-related manner. AA (0.1-10 microgram/0.1 ml/rabbit) dose-independently elevated blood pressure. I.c.v. pretreatment with indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, abolished the hypertensive effect of AA, but did not influence the hypertensive and hypotensive effect caused by PGE2 and PGI2, respectively. These results suggest that the hypertensive effect of AA may be composed of various actions of the above-mentioned PG and the related substances synthetized from AA in the brain tissues.

Reduced glutathione modulates the arachidonic acid induced coronary reactions

Coronary flow was recorded from spontaneously beating isolated perfused hearts of rats and guinea pigs. Arachidonic acid (AA), in single bolus doses, produced a fast short lasting coronary constriction followed by a slow developing but persisting vasodilation. These reactions (biphasic type) were characteristic of the guinea pig heart. In about 50% of the rat hearts the vasoconstrictor action predominated while the biphasic response was obtained in the rest of the experiments. Pretreatment of rats with aspirin prevented the responses to AA in the isolated heart. The administration of reduced glutathione (GSH) (about 1 mM to the rat or 0.5-0.75 mM to the guinea pig hearts) produced a marked development and (or) enhancement of the vasodilator action of AA. Repeated or single large doses of AA produced a change of pattern of responses from biphasic to constrictor type; the addition of GSH restored the vasodilator phase. Since GSH directs the endoperoxide metabolism towards the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), we postulate that the coronary dilatation of resistance vessels produced by AA would be due to a great extent to PGE2.

Inhibitory activity of indobufen (*) on platelet aggregation in vivo

Indobufen, administered by gavage, reduced mortality induced in mice and rabbits by intravenous injection of arachidonic acid (A.A.). The doses of compound required to protect 50% of the mice and rabbits from death (ED50) were 1.3 and 0.58 mg/kg respectively. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was considerably less active than indobufen (ED50 = 22.4 and 8 mg/kg). Since the lethal effect of A.A. is mostly due to the formation of platelet aggregates (Silver et al., 1974; Kohler et al., 1976), it is concluded that indobufen is a very potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation in vivo.

Oxygen radicals mediate the cerebral arteriolar dilation from arachidonate and bradykinin in cats

Topical application of sodium arachidonate (50-200 micrograms/ml) or bradykinin (0.1-10 micrograms/ml) on the brain surface of anesthetized cats caused dose-dependent cerebral arteriolar dilation. This dilation was blocked by 67-100% in the presence of superoxide dismutase and catalase. These enzymes did not affect the changes in arteriolar diameter caused by alterations in arterial blood PCO2, or the arteriolar dilation from topical acetylcholine. Enzymes inactivated by heat had no effect on the vasodilation from arachidonate or bradykinin. Superoxide dismutase alone or catalase alone reduced the dilation during application of 200 micrograms/ml of arachidonate for 15 minutes; they also completely prevented the residual dilation seen 1 hour after washout, as well as the reduction in the vasoconstrictive effects of arterial hypocapnia observed at this time. The results show that superoxide anion radical and hydrogen peroxide, or radicals derived from them, such as the hydroxyl radical, are mediators of the cerebral arteriolar dilation from sodium arachidonate or bradykinin. These radicals are not the endothelium-derived relaxant factor released by acetylcholine. The presence of both superoxide anion radical and hydrogen peroxide is required for the production of the vascular damage seen during prolonged application of high concentrations of sodium arachidonate.

The effect of urethane and thiopental sodium on platelet aggregation in vitro and in vivo

The potential in vitro (heparinized or citrated PRP) and in vivo effects of urethane and thiopental sodium on arachidonic acid, collagen, or ADP-induced rat platelet aggregation has been investigated. Both anesthetics antagonized platelet aggregation in vitro at concentrations higher than those found in plasma during anesthesia. Neither anesthetic altered the piastrinopenia induced by intravenous administration of these aggregating agents. These findings suggest that both anesthetics are suitable for in vivo platelet aggregation studies.

Dual effect of (-)-N6-phenylisopropyl adenosine on guinea-pig trachea

The effect of (-)-N6-phenylisopropyl adenosine (PIA), a metabolically stable P1-receptor agonist, was investigated on guinea-pig isolated trachea. PIA showed two opposite effects: contraction, evident at low concentrations (10(-7) to 2-5 X 10(-6) M), and relaxation at higher doses. Relaxation by PIA was antagonized in an apparently competitive manner by two antagonists of extracellular (P1) adenosine receptors: theophylline (Theo) and 8-phenyltheophylline (PT). Contraction by PIA was not inhibited by methylxanthines and was not mediated by stimulation of cholinergic or histaminergic systems. Inhibitors of arachidonic acid cascade acting at different levels, i.e. indomethacin, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and BW755C, all inhibited the contraction by PIA, while they potentiated the relaxation in a concentration-dependent manner. Mepacrine, an inhibitor of phospholipase A2, inhibited the contraction by PIA, but did not affect the relaxation. These results indicate that the contractile effect induced by PIA is supported by an indirect mechanism involving the release of arachidonic acid derivatives (via P2-purinoceptor?). Thus the balance between the two opposite effects of adenosine on tracheal tone is possibly modulated by the prostaglandin turnover.

Effects of metabolized and unmetabolized arachidonate on rat platelet shape change

Arachidonate (0.12-1.5 mM) initiated a concentration-dependent, saturable shape change of rat platelets suspended in citrated plasma. Interaction of arachidonate with platelets led to the formation of active metabolites that appeared to be the actual inducers of shape change. Among these, prostaglandin endoperoxides rather than thromboxane A2 seemed necessary for shape change. No role of the products of the lipoxygenase pathway could be shown. In the presence of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors, arachidonate (0.25-0.5 mM) prevented platelet shape change induced by the endoperoxide analog U-46619 but not by other agonists such as ADP or serotonin. Arachidonate acts therefore as both an agonist and an antagonist of platelet shape change. The agonistic effect requires arachidonate metabolism while the antagonistic activity seems to be linked to the fatty acid molecule itself.

Role of lipoxygenase products in murine pulmonary granuloma formation

Various arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites are known to regulate immune cell function(s) and dictate the progression of both acute and chronic inflammatory reactions. Using a model of Schistosoma mansoni egg-induced hypersensitivity granulomas, we have delineated the in vivo effects of inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (CO) and lipoxygenase (LO) pathways on granuloma development and granuloma macrophage I-region-associated (Ia) antigen expression. In addition, by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) we have profiled the metabolism of AA by macrophages that are isolated from granulomatous foci, and have biochemically characterized the in vitro specificity and activity of selected CO and LO inhibitors. The development of hypersensitivity-type pulmonary granulomas in mice was dramatically suppressed by inhibitors with anti-LO activity (nordihydroguairetic acid (NDGA), nafazatrom, and BW755c) in a dose-dependent manner, while indomethacin, which is primarily CO-selective, had no significant effect. Furthermore, NDGA and nafazatrom profoundly arrested the normal progression of preformed granulomatous lesions. The inhibitors of the LO pathway also suppressed the in vivo kinetics of Ia antigen expression by granuloma macrophages. In contrast, indomethacin augmented Ia-antigen expression. The major AA metabolites that were synthesized by the granuloma macrophages were shown to be leukotriene C4 and mono-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids. HPLC analysis of AA metabolites from granuloma macrophages that were treated with the various inhibitors confirmed that indomethacin was most CO-selective and NDGA most LO-selective. Nafazatrom and BW755c inhibited AA metabolism by both pathways. Notably, high concentrations of the compounds (5 X 10(-5) M) tended to suppress all products. Our results suggest that LO products may be important in the generation and maintenance of immune granulomatous inflammatory responses.

An analysis of the relationship between 5-lipoxygenase product generation and the secretion of preformed mediators from mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells

The quantitative relationships between the secretion of a granule-associated mediator, beta-hexosaminidase, and the oxidative metabolism of arachidonic acid by the 5-lipoxygenase pathway were analyzed for a homogeneous population of T cell-dependent, bone marrow-derived, murine mast cells. The mast cells were either sensitized with a monoclonal IgE and challenged with specific antigen, or to bypass a transmembrane signal, were stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187. The released products of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway were quantitated by integrated ultraviolet absorbance after resolution by reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography in the case of 5-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), and by separate radioimmunoassays for leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4). The activation-release response of the cells was perturbated by the introduction of three pharmacologic agents, each directed to different steps in the 5-lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism, and the action of each agent was determined for separate cell samples while present and after its removal by washing. 5,6-Dehydroarachidonic acid (5,6-DHA), an irreversible inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, prevented formation of 5-HETE from exogenous [14C]arachidonic acid and from membrane-derived arachidonic acid in a dose-related fashion when sensitized mast cells, preincubated with drug, were washed before antigen activation. Release of 5-HETE, LTC4, and LTB4 was inhibited by 5,6-DHA in a corresponding dose-related fashion, with a minimal preincubation period of 1 to 5 min before the cells were washed and subjected to antigen-dependent activation. In contrast, the inhibitory effect of 5,6-DHA on beta-hexosaminidase release was lost after three washes and was not evident after one wash unless the preincubation period was extended to 15 min. The capacity of 5,6-DHA to prevent leukotriene generation without altering beta-hexosaminidase release was also observed with ionophore-activated mast cells. Preincubation of sensitized cells with diethylcarbamazine (DEC), followed by a wash before antigen-dependent activation, produced inhibition of leukotriene generation, no effect on beta-hexosaminidase release, and augmentation of 5-HETE release at the maximum dose studied; thus, DEC interrupts the pathway distal to the formation of 5-hydroperoxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HPETE) from arachidonic acid by 5-lipoxygenase. Preincubation of sensitized cells with incremental amounts of the prostacyclin analog U-60,257, followed by washing and antigen challenge, inhibited LTC4 release without altering the release of LTB4 or beta-hexosaminidase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Thiourea causes endothelial cells in tissue culture to produce neutrophil chemoattractant activity

We describe neutrophil chemoattractant activity that is produced by cultured bovine aortic and pulmonary arterial endothelial cells when incubated with thiourea, a substance that causes increased permeability pulmonary edema in animals. The chemoattractant activity was present in culture supernates and cell lysates of endothelial cells incubated with thiourea but was not present in untreated cells. Production of chemoattractant activity was not associated with cell death; viable cell counts and cell homogenate angiotensin converting enzyme levels were not affected, and Cr release was only slightly elevated after incubation with thiourea. At least 1.5 h of incubation with 0.5 mM thiourea was necessary for generation of neutrophil chemoattractant activity. Culture supernates from pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells and lung fibroblasts did not show increased neutrophil chemoattractant activity after incubation with thiourea. The chemoattractant had both chemokinetic and chemotactic properties, was heat stable, and was extractable into organic solvents. Meclofenamate, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, minimally inhibited chemoattractant production, whereas 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), an inhibitor of both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, completely abolished generation of chemoattractant activity, suggesting that the activity could be a product of arachidonic acid metabolism. These results demonstrate that endothelial cells can produce a substance(s) with neutrophil chemotactic activity. Production of neutrophil chemoattractant activity by endothelial cells could be important in polymorphonuclear leukocyte accumulation at injured vascular sites.

[Inhibition of thrombocyte spreading and the formation of thrombus-like aggregates bound with substrate by the anti-anginal agent trapidil]

Effects of trapidil (rocornal) on interaction of human thrombocytes, purified by gel filtration, and the surface covered with fibrillar collagen from calf skin (CCS) were studied using scanning electron microscopy. When the soluble inductors were absent, trapidil did not affect the thrombocyte adhesion. At the same time, trapidil inhibited the shape alterations of laminated thrombocytes, induced by CCS-substrate with simultaneous increase in the ratio of disc-shaped cells and a decrease in laminated thrombocytes. Soluble inductors of the thrombocyte activity (arachidonic acid, stable derivative of prostaglandin endoperoxides U46619 and thrombin) stimulated the cells mass-scale lamination as well as formation of thrombus-like aggregates bound with CCS-substrate. Trapidil prevented completely the effects of exogenous arachidonic acid and of U46619 on interaction of thrombocytes and the substrate but inhibited only by 40-50% the synthesis of thromboxane A2 in the cells induced by arachidonic acid. The drug blocked also an aggregation of thrombocytes in suspension, lamination and formation of aggregates bound with the surface, induced by low but not by high concentrations of thrombin. Possible use of trapidil is discussed.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a series of analgesic and antiinflammatory 4-aminopyrroles

The synthesis and the pharmacological evaluation of a series of analgesic, antiinflammatory beta-aminopyrroles is described. Qualitative structure activity relationships are discussed. One of the compounds reported in the study is a candidate for toxicological and clinical trials.

[The inhibitory effect of oxaprozin, a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, on platelet aggregation]

The inhibitory effects of oxaprozin, a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, on platelet aggregation and prostaglandin (PG) synthetase activity were studied. In arachidonic acid (AA)-induced rabbit platelet aggregation in vitro, oxaprozin exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect, and its median inhibitory concentration was 124.2 microM. The effect of oxaprozin was less potent than that of indomethacin and piroxicam, equipotent as that of aspirin and phenylbutazone, and 2 times as potent as that of ibuprofen. In collagen-induced rat platelet aggregation ex vivo, oxaprozin showed a weak but significant inhibitory effect with oral dose of 300 mg/kg. Indomethacin, aspirin and ibuprofen exhibited an inhibitory effect with 100 mg/kg. Although phenylbutazone also exhibited an inhibitory effect with 300 mg/kg, the effect was more potent than that of oxaprozin. ADP-induced platelet aggregation both in rabbit in vitro and rat ex vivo was not affected by oxaprozin. Moreover, oxaprozin administered orally inhibited dose-dependently AA-induced pulmonary thrombotic mortality in mice, and its median effective dose was 56.4 mg/kg. The effect of oxaprozin was less potent than of sulindac, piroxicam and ibuprofen, equipotent as that of aspirin, and 5 times as potent as that of phenylbutazone. On the other hand, oxaprozin inhibited dose-dependently PG synthetase activity. The inhibitory effect of oxaprozin was less potent than that of indomethacin and piroxicam, almost equipotent as that of ibuprofen, and more potent than that of phenylbutazone and aspirin. These results suggest that oxaprozin, like many other acidic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, suppresses platelet aggregation by mainly inhibiting PG synthetase activity.

Inhibition of prostanoid-mediated platelet aggregation in vivo and in vitro by 3-hydroxymethyl-dibenzo(b,f)thiepin 5,5-dioxide (L-640,035)

Platelet aggregation was studied in vitro with human platelets and in vivo in guinea pigs and rabbits. L-640,035 and its acetic acid metabolite, L-636,499, significantly inhibited human platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid, collagen and a prostaglandin endoperoxide analog (U44069) but not ADP. In guinea pigs, circulating platelets labeled with 111indium were monitored with probes in the lung and abdominal regions. Platelet aggregation was indicated by an increase in the ratio of gamma-radiation of the lung vs. the abdominal region, as aggregates of platelets accumulate in the microvascular network in the lung. L-640,035 (1 and 3 mg/kg i.v.) inhibited platelet aggregation induced in this model by U-44069 but not by ADP. In rabbits acute thrombosis was induced in the carotid artery by local electrical stimulation and platelet accumulation at the stimulus site was quantitated using 111indium-labeled autologous platelets. L-640,035 (1 and 3 mg/kg i.v.) significantly reduced electrically evoked platelet accumulation. It is concluded that L-640,035 is a novel and selective antagonist of platelet aggregation induced by thromboxane A2 or prostaglandin endoperoxides and that it may have utility as an antiplatelet drug.