Bronchospasm and pressor effects induced in the guinea-pig by leukotriene C4 are probably due to release of cyclooxygenase products

The effect of a TXA2 receptor antagonist ON-579 on experimental allergic reactions

The effect of a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor antagonist, ON-579, on experimental allergic skin and airway reactions was studied in vivo. ON-579 at doses of 1 and 20 mg/kg clearly inhibited U-46619-induced increases in respiratory resistance (Rrs) in guinea pigs. ON-579 at doses of 1, 20 and 50 mg/kg inhibited the aerosolized antigen-induced biphasic increase in Rrs in guinea pigs. Moreover, ON-579 clearly inhibited repeated aeroantigen-induced airway hyperreactivity in guinea pigs. ON-579, however, did not have any significant effects on allergic cutaneous reactions in rats. These results suggest that ON-579 is a relatively selective TXA2 antagonist, especially in the airways, and indicate the efficacy of ON-579 on antigen-induced increase in airway resistance and antigen-induced airway hyperreactivity in guinea pigs.

The effects of a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, AA-861, on PGI2-like substance production in guinea-pig lungs

To determine the effects of AA-861 on PGI2 production in guinea-pig lungs, 3 g of guinea-pig lung was chopped in 4 ml of buffer (control group), in buffer with 4 micrograms/ml indomethacin (indomethacin group) and in buffer with 2.5 x 10(-5)M AA-861 (AA-861 group). The chopped lungs were incubated for 30 min. 250 microliters of incubation medium from each group was assessed before and after 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min of incubation. The incubation medium was centrifuged and the supernatant was tested for a PGI2-like substance (PGI2) by platelet aggregation inhibition. PGI2 was produced mainly during the initial 3-5 min of incubation and was decreased thereafter. PGI2 production was almost completely inhibited in the indomethacin group at all of the incubation times and was partially inhibited in the AA-861 group during the initial 3-5 minutes. Endogenous 5-lipoxygenase products generated in the early stages of incubation seem to be involved in PGI2 production in guinea-pig lungs.

The role of cyclooxygenase products in the acute airway obstruction and airway hyperreactivity of ponies with heaves

Airway obstruction and hyperreactivity are characteristics of human asthma and of "heaves," a naturally occurring respiratory disorder of horses and ponies. To document the role of cyclooxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism in the pathogenesis of heaves, we measured plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid concentrations of metabolites of thromboxane (TX)A2 and prostaglandins (PG) I2 and D2 in five affected ponies and their age- and gender-matched controls prior to and during acute airway obstruction precipitated by housing the ponies in a barn and exposing them to hay dust. Pulmonary resistance increased significantly and dynamic compliance and arterial oxygen tension decreased significantly in affected ponies that were placed in the barn. At this time, histamine aerosol challenge demonstrated the presence of airway hyperresponsiveness in the affected ponies. Plasma TXB2 was the only metabolite that increased significantly during the acute disease state. In a subsequent experiment, the ponies were treated with flunixin meglumine, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, to determine if this would alter the onset or development of clinical disease. At a dose of 1.1 mg/kg intramuscularly, 3 times daily, flunixin meglumine inhibited TXB2 production but did not alter the degree of airway obstruction or airway hyperreactivity measured at pasture and in the barn. We conclude that cyclooxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism are altered but do not play a role in the airway obstruction and hyperreactivity observed in ponies with heaves.

Modulation of arachidonic acid metabolites and vulnerability to ventricular fibrillation during myocardial ischemia in the cat

To determine the relative importance of arachidonic acid pathway products on vulnerability to ventricular fibrillation (VF), we examined the effects of synthesis inhibitors and a receptor blocker acting in the cyclooxygenase (C) and lipoxygenase (L) pathways on VF thresholds in a feline model of coronary occlusion. Thresholds for the induction of VF wer measured before and after a 5-minute coronary occlusion in drug-treated animals and control subjects. Animals were treated with BW755c, a dual L and C inhibitor, CGS-8515, and L inhibitor, FPL-55712, a leukotriene receptor blocker, or sulfinpyrazone, a C inhibitor. BW755c, CGS-8515, and FPL-55712 all prevented an otherwise significant fall in VF threshold during coronary occlusion (p less than 0.01) independent of an effect on effective refractory period, heart rate, or blood pressure. In contrast, sulfinpyrazone, the only compound devoid of an effect on the L pathway, did not protect against an occlusion-related fall in VF threshold. BW755c and CGS-8515 inhibited the synthesis of L and C metabolites coincident with their protection against VF (p less than 0.01). We conclude that agents that antagonize the effects of L products protect against enhanced ventricular vulnerability during acute ischemia, whereas C inhibition alone may not afford this protection.

A novel leukotriene D4/E4 antagonist, SR2640 (2-[3-(2-quinolylmethoxy)phenylamino]benzoic acid)

We have studied the leukotriene antagonistic activity of a novel compound, SR2640 (2-[3-(2-quinolylmethoxy)phenylamino]benzoic acid), in vitro and in vivo. SR2640 inhibited LTD4- but not histamine-induced contractions of guinea-pig ileum and trachea in a concentration-dependent manner. Schild plot analysis of tracheal LTD4 antagonism yielded a pA2 value of 8.7 and a slope not different from unity. SR2640 concentration dependently inhibited the binding of 0.4 nM [3H]LTD4 to guinea-pig lung membranes with an IC50 value of 23 nM. The curve was parallel to that of unlabelled LTD4 (IC50 = 2.2 nM). SR2640 was equally effective in antagonizing LTD4 and LTE4, but was much less potent in reducing LTC4-induced ileum contractions. In vivo, SR2640 in the dose range 0.03-1.00 mg/kg shifted the dose-response curve for guinea-pig bronchoconstriction induced by intravenous LTD4 administration to the right at a rate proportional to the dose of SR2640, without reducing the maximum attainable obstruction: the slope of the Schild plot was 0.99. SR2640 (1 mg/kg) also caused a significant inhibition of antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in anaesthetized guinea-pigs pretreated with pyrilamine, indomethacin, propranolol and suxamethonium. In conclusion, SR2640 appears to be a potent and selective competitive LTD4/LTE4 antagonist, and may be useful in elucidating the role of leukotrienes in human asthma.

Vascular responses to leukotriene B4, C4 and D4 following FPL 55712, indomethacin, saralasin, phentolamine and verapamil in the conscious rat

The pressor and vascular permeability effects of leukotrienes B4 (LTB4), C4 and D4 were investigated in conscious unrestrained rats. Leukotrienes C4 and D4 (3.2-51 nmol kg-1 i.v.) caused an acute dose-dependent elevation of the mean arterial pressure, which was maximal after 2 min and returned to control levels within 14 min. Heart rate was significantly reduced by the higher doses of LTC4 and LTD4. LTB4 (up to a dose of 51 nmol kg-1) was essentially inactive. These effects of LTC4 and LTD4 were abolished by FPL 55712, a putative antagonist of sulphidopeptide leukotrienes and by verapamil, a calcium channel blocker. Indomethacin, phentolamine or saralasin pretreatment failed to modify the pressor response to LTC4 and LTD4. LTC4 and LTD4 furthermore caused an increase in haematocrit values, which was significantly attenuated by FPL 55712, indomethacin and verapamil. The present findings show that the pressor effect of LTC4 and LTD4 is not related to prostanoid release and can be reversed by calcium channel blockade; whereas the effect on vascular permeability seems to require the presence of both cyclo-oxygenase product(s) and calcium.

Actions of some prostaglandins and leukotrienes on rat cerebral and mesenteric arteries

The effects of some prostaglandins (PG's) and leukotrienes (LT's) on rat middle cerebral, basilar and mesenteric arteries were evaluated in vitro. The order of potency of some prostanoids with respect to their contractile effects in basilar arteries was: U44069 greater than PGF2 alpha greater than PGI2 approximately equal to PGE2 greater than 6-keto-PGE1 greater than 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, whereas 6,15-diketo-PGF1 alpha was inactive. Middle cerebral and basilar arteries were 3-5 times more sensitive than mesenteric arteries to PGF2 alpha. LTD4 and LTC4 were inactive in all three vessel types. PGI2 produced a concentration-related relaxation of similar potency in all three arteries contracted by PGF2 alpha. Arteries preactivated by other agents (K+, noradrenaline, 5-hydroxytryptamine) either failed to relax or inconsistently relaxed after PGI2 application. Among the PGI2 metabolites (6-keto-PGF1 alpha, 6,15-diketo-PGF1 alpha, 6-keto-PGE1), only 6-keto-PGE1 elicited relaxation in the PGF2 alpha-contracted basilar artery. However, the drug potency was significantly smaller than that of PGI2. Nifedipine inhibited the PGF2 alpha-induced contraction by 68% in middle cerebral arteries and by 80% in mesenteric arteries. Exposure to Ca2+-free medium for a time period which almost completely abolished the contractile response to K+ (less than 5% left), reduced the PGF2 alpha-induced contraction by 54, 61 and 85% in middle cerebral, basilar and mesenteric arteries, respectively. The PGF2 alpha-induced contraction of cerebral arteries in Ca2+-free medium was usually composed of a rapidly developing first phase, which levelled off after 1-2 min, and a second slowly developing tonic phase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

PAF-acether and leukotriene participation in acute circulatory shock

The fact that PAF-acether elicites acute circulatory collapse in anesthetized dogs supports the hypothesis that its endogenous double is involved in shock state events. The fact that cysteinyl containing leukotrienes has been shown to be released in various shock states, themselves producing noxious effects related to such circulatory disturbances, suggests a possible role of these arachidonic acid metabolites in shock syndrome. The present report summarizes the part played by these mediators in shock developments. More precisely, nanograms PAF-acether IV in anesthetized dogs produced biphasic effects on mesenteric blood flow and inhibited, in dogs and rats, histamine induced gastric acid secretion. These results confirm the distributive component of the PAF-acether circulatory collapse. On the other hand, as leukotrienes, nanograms PAF-acether elicited both plasma extravasation and vasoconstriction in guinea pig skin. Lastly, in conscious mice, lipoxygenase antagonists, but not cyclooxygenase antagonists, inhibited lethal effects of PAF-acether, suggesting a mutual and synergistic action of PAF-acether and leukotrienes in shock state.

Leukotrienes potentiate the effects of epinephrine and thrombin on human platelet aggregation

A cooperation between leukocytes and platelets relative to metabolism of arachidonic acid has been observed in animal studies. To determine potential stimulatory effects of leukotrienes (LTs) on human platelets, LTs were incubated with platelet rich plasma followed by addition of subthreshold concentration of aggregatory stimulus. LTs (LTE4 LTD4 LTC4) alone had no direct effect on platelet aggregation, but potentiated the effects of subthreshold concentrations of epinephrine and thrombin and caused complete platelet aggregation. This potentiation was similar in citrated or heparinized blood and was unaffected by exogenous CaCl2. LTs did not induce secondary wave of aggregation in aspirin or selective TXA2-synthetase blocker OKY-046-treated platelets. In addition, LTs stimulated TXA2 biosynthesis by platelets in the presence of subaggregatory concentrations of epinephrine, but not when platelets had been pretreated with OKY-046. These data indicate that LTs potentiate epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation by modulating TXA2 synthetase activity.

Cyclooxygenase mediated airway response to leukotriene D4 in the cat

The effects of leukotriene D4 (LTD4) on pulmonary mechanics were investigated in anesthetized, paralyzed cats under conditions of controlled ventilation. Intravenous injections of LTD4 in doses of 3, 10, and 30 micrograms caused significant increases in transpulmonary pressure (PTP) and lung resistance (RL) while decreasing dynamic compliance (Cdyn). LTD4 also increased systemic arterial pressure (PAo). The changes in PTP, RL, and Cdyn in response to LTD4 were blocked by sodium meclofenamate, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. However, there was no significant change in the increase in PAo following cyclooxygenase blockade. U 46619, a thromboxane mimic, was 30 to 100 times more potent than LTD4 in increasing PTP, RL and decreasing Cdyn in the cat. These data show that LTD4 has significant smooth muscle constrictor activity in central airways as well as peripheral portions of the feline lung. In addition, these data suggest that in the cat the actions of intravenously administered LTD4 on lung mechanics are mediated by release of cyclooxygenase products while the systemic pressor effects are not dependent upon the integrity of the cyclooxygenase pathway.

Intravenous SRS-induced increases in tracheal mucous gel layer thickness: evidence for thromboxane involvement

Intravenous (IV) slow reacting substance (SRS) challenge produces bronchoconstriction that can be reduced by cyclooxygenase inhibitors. This report shows that IV SRS challenge also produces significant increases in tracheal mucous gel thickness and that the increases are inhibited by pretreatment with indomethacin (4 mg/kg, PO) or imidazole (10 mg/kg, IV). The increase in gel thickness is preceded by increases in plasma thromboxane B2 (TXB2) levels and the inhibition of gel thickening by imidazole is paralleled by decreases in plasma TXB2 levels. Aerosolized SRS produces increases in tracheal mucous gel thickness which are not inhibited by either indomethacin or imidazole, but are significantly inhibited by FPL-55712. These findings indicate that SRS acts, not only directly to stimulate mucous secretion but also indirectly through an indomethacin and imidazole sensitive mechanism.

A presumptive role for leukotrienes in obstructive airways diseases

The likelihood that the leukotriene products derived from the 5-lipoxygenase pathway mediate aspects of obstructive airways diseases is strongly suggested by their documented capacities to effect airway spasmogenicity, airway hyperreactivity, tissue edema formation, mucus secretion, and tissue infiltration by leukocytes. That the various leukotriene components of SRS-A have unique receptors on responding tissues and are recoverable from airway surfaces in several inflammatory lung diseases and that several resident and infiltrating cell types have significant potential for leukotriene biosynthesis lend further support to their postulated pathobiologic roles. To fulfill Koch's postulates for proof of leukotrienes' etiologic role, it remains to be shown that inhibition of their biosynthesis or specific antagonism at their end-organ receptors can greatly ameliorate these disease states.

Overall and regional hemodynamic effects of leukotriene D4 in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Leukotriene D4, a constituent of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis, elicits a pressor response followed by hypotensive shock in spontaneously hypertensive rats but not in other rats. Hemodynamic mechanisms underlying this pattern in spontaneously hypertensive rats, pithed and vagotomized to eliminate circulatory reflexes, were studied using radiolabeled microspheres. One minute after leukotriene D4 administration (20 micrograms/kg i.v.), mean arterial pressure increased by 54 mm Hg, total peripheral resistance index increased by 68%, heart rate decreased by 34 beats/minute, and cardiac index was unchanged. Profound reductions of blood flow and increases of vascular resistance in the hepatosplanchnic area, skeletal muscles, and skin also occurred. Five minutes later, mean arterial pressure remained elevated (+35%), hematocrit rose (+17%), and total peripheral resistance index increased, which offset 40% decreases in cardiac and stroke volume indices. Ten minutes after leukotriene D4 administration, during hypotension, cardiac and stroke volume indices and blood flow to all vascular beds declined further while total peripheral resistance index and hematocrit (+28%) continued to rise. In Wistar-Kyoto rats, administration of leukotriene D4 caused less of a pressor response (+34 mm Hg) because vascular resistance was increased only in skeletal muscles, which was followed by a slight hypotension without any significant changes in cardiac and stroke volume indices, total or regional vascular resistance, and hematocrit. Thus, in spontaneously hypertensive rats the leukotriene D4-induced pressor response appears to be caused by generalized vasoconstriction, and the subsequent hypotension appears to result not from vascular collapse but from reduced cardiac output.

Pharmacological modulation of responses of guinea-pig airways contracted with antigen and calcium ionophore A23187

Ovalbumin (OA) and calcium ionophore A23187 were used to induce contractions of sensitized guinea-pig tracheal and lung parenchymal preparations in the presence and absence of indomethacin. This model was used to examine the properties of a series of compounds reported to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase or to antagonize lipoxygenase products at the receptor level. FPL55712 and piriprost appeared to act as pharmacological antagonists because they rapidly reduced tracheal tone established by OA. The prolonged phase (i.e. greater than 10 min post-challenge) of airways contractions induced by OA is assumed to be lipoxygenase-dependent and was inhibited by nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), FPL55712, nafazatrom and benoxaprofen, in order of potency. Piriprost had similar inhibitory effects on the trachea, but not on lung parenchyma. The inhibitory effects of NDGA and FPL55712 were reduced, and those of nafazatrom increased by indomethacin. Indomethacin decreased the inhibitory effect of piriprost on the trachea, but facilitated inhibition by this agent on the parenchyma. A roughly similar pattern was seen on A23187-induced contractions, but FPL55712 did not modify these contractions and benoxaprofen enhanced the response of the trachea. BW755C enhanced the overall contractile response of OA- and A23187-induced tracheal contractions (but not parenchymal contractions) in a bell-shaped manner, an effect not seen in the presence of indomethacin. This indicated that BW755C could be acting as a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor. The results suggested that, although inhibitors of the lipoxygenase pathway were partially effective in inhibiting the contractions of the airways induced by OA or A23187, other mediators in addition to those of the lipoxygenase pathway contribute to these contractions.

Effect of indomethacin on airway contraction and the release of LTC4-like material

Ovalbumin (OA) and arachidonic acid (AA) were used to induce contractions of sensitized guinea-pig tracheal and lung preparations in the presence and absence of indomethacin. Leukotriene (LT)C4-like material released from these tissues was extracted from the bathing fluid and measured by radioimmunoassay. Challenge with either OA or AA induced release of LTC4-like material from both parenchyma and trachea, AA inducing a greater release than OA although OA induced greater contractions. This suggested that OA-induced the synthesis of other bronchoconstrictor compounds than LTC4. Although indomethacin enhanced OA- and AA-induced contractions of trachea, there was no enhancement of the release of LTC4-like material, suggesting enhancement by indomethacin was a result of the inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 and not diversion of AA into the lipoxygenase pathway. Indomethacin had no effect on OA-induced contractions of parenchyma, but attenuated those induced by AA. Indomethacin had no modulatory effect on the release of LTC4-like material in the parenchyma. The results demonstrate that indomethacin does not result in increased synthesis of LTs in the airways.

Beta-adrenoceptor and cyclo-oxygenase block as a tool for evoking the direct bronchoconstrictor effect of leukotriene C4 in the guinea-pig

The intravenous administration of LTC4 to anaesthetized guinea-pigs induced dose-dependent bronchoconstriction, which was maximal at the dose of 1.6 nmol kg-1. The response was abolished by indomethacin. The maximal dose of LTC4, preceded by both (-)-propranolol and indomethacin, induced maximal, slow in onset and reversible broncho-constriction. This direct effect of LTC4 was markedly and long-lastingly antagonized by FPL-55712. The beta-blocker did not appreciably affect the systemic blood pressure changes induced by LTC4. The procedure described is suggested as a suitable tool for investigating the per se effect of leukotrienes on the guinea-pig airways in vivo, as well as the efficacy of their receptor antagonists.

Analysis of the antagonist profile of SK&F 88046 on guinea pig trachea

SK&F 88046 preferentially antagonized the contractions elicited by the functional thromboxane (Tx) A2 mimics and structural endoperoxide analogs, U-44069 and U-46619, on the guinea pig trachea. This concentration-dependent antagonism was described by pA2 values of 7.03 against U-46619 and 6.97 against U-44069; the slopes of both Schild plots were 0.9. Whereas SK&F 88046 did not antagonize the tracheal contractions elicited by leukotriene (LT) C4 or D4, carbachol or histamine, this agent did antagonize the contractions induced by carbocyclic thromboxane A2 (CTA2) and prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha and D2. At 1 X 10(-5)M SK&F 88046, the antagonism was described by -log KB values of 5.9 for CTA2, 5.5 for PGF2 alpha, and 6.4 for PGD2. Thus, SK&F 88046 was 3 to 20-fold more potent an antagonist of U-44069 and U-46619, suggesting that SK&F 88046 may function primarily as a thromboxane/endoperoxide antagonist on the guinea pig trachea.

Leukotriene-induced contraction and thromboxane production in guinea-pig lung parenchymal strips

Addition of leukotrienes (LTs)C4 and D4 to guinea-pig isolated lung parenchymal strips stimulated the production of thromboxane A2(TxA2) and prostacyclin (PGI2) as determined by radioimmunoassay of their respective degradation products, thromboxane B2(TxB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto PGF1 alpha) in the bathing medium. However, contraction of the lung strips in response to LTD4 preceded the increases in the levels of these products in the organ bath. Pretreatment of the lung strips with aspirin, indomethacin or BW 755C abolished the formation of TxA2 and PGI2 but had no significant effect (10-25% inhibition) on LT-induced contraction. By contrast, a similar concentration of indomethacin significantly inhibited LTD4-induced contractions when the agonist was administered as a bolus to superfused lung strips. It is concluded that the production of metabolites of arachidonic acid in response to the leukotrienes is not a major mechanism mediating their contractile action in peripheral lung tissues at equilibrium, but its contribution to the contractile response may vary with experimental technique.

The platelet-independent release of thromboxane A2 by Paf-acether from guinea-pig lungs involves mechanisms distinct from those for leukotriene

Intra-arterial injections of platelet-activating factor (Paf-acether, 10-300 ng) to the perfused guinea-pig lung induced a dose-related bronchoconstriction, followed by contraction of the rat aorta superfused with the lung effluent, indicating the release of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) activity. These effects were matched with injections of bradykinin (Bk) at 100-1000 ng, leukotriene C4(LTC4) at 10-300 ng or arachidonic acid (AA) at 30-300 micrograms. Repeated doses of Paf-acether led to a specific desensitization of the release of TXA2, under conditions where Bk, LTC4 and arachidonic acid retained their ability to release TXA2. Bronchoconstriction and the release of TXA2 induced by Paf-acether were suppressed when the lungs were perfused with acetylsalicylic acid, but not with salicylic acid. The phospholipase A2 inhibitor, p-bromophenacyl bromide suppressed the release of TXA2 by Bk, but did not interfere with its formation from AA, nor with its release with Paf-acether and LTC4. The lipoxygenase inhibitor, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, inhibited to a similar extent the release of TXA2 by Bk, LTC4 and Paf-acether but also reduced directly the formation of TXA2 from arachidonic acid, invalidating its use as a specific antilipoxygenase agent. The leukotriene C4/D4 antagonist, FPL 55712, suppressed the TXA2 releasing effects of LTC4, and was completely inactive against Paf-acether, Bk or arachidonic acid. The aerosol of Paf-acether was tested in the anaesthetized guinea-pig and resulted in bronchoconstriction, unaccompanied by thrombocytopenia. Unlike bronchoconstriction induced by intravenous Paf-acether, which is refractory to cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors, the effects of the aerosol were suppressed by aspirin. Platelet depletion, which blocks the intravenous effects of Paf-acether, failed to interfere with those of the aerosol. Paf-acether induced a marked contraction of the superfused guinea-pig isolated parenchyma lung strip, which was followed by total and irreversible desensitization to itself. The contractile effect was not inhibited by aspirin or indomethacin, atropine, mepyramine, methysergide, phenoxybenzamine or propranolol, indicating that cyclo-oxygenase products, cholinergic stimuli, histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and catecholamine mechanisms are not involved. Our results indicate that Paf-acether interacts with pulmonary sites distinct from those for Bk, LTC4 or AA, since no cross-desensitization between Paf-acether and the other agonists was noted, p-bromophenacyl bromide inhibited Bk only and FPL 55712 inhibited only LTC4. The phospholipase A2 involved with the release of the arachidonate needed for the formation of TXA2 by Paf-acether or LTC4-stimulated lungs may differ from the enzyme accounting for its formation by Bk. The cellular sites with which Paf-acether interacts may also be distinct and less readily accessible to p-bromophenacyl bromide.

Total profiling by GC/NICIMS of the major cyclo-oxygenase products from antigen and leukotriene-challenged guinea-pig lung

Separation and quantitation of all the major cyclo-oxygenase products in perfused guinea-pig lungs challenged with antigen or leukotrienes C4 and D4 were achieved using a novel combined capillary column gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometric (GC/NICIMS) method. In descending order of magnitude, unchallenged lungs released thromboxane B2 (TXB2) plus its pulmonary metabolite (TXDK) greater than 6-keto-PGF1 alpha plus its 13,14-dihydro-15-keto metabolite (K2H1F1 alpha) greater than PGE2 plus PGF2 alpha greater than PGD2; after ovalbumin anaphylaxis there were increases of X 26 in TXB2 plus TXDK, X 28 in PGD2 and histamine (measured fluorometrically) but of only X 3 in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha plus K2H2F1 alpha and PGE2 plus PGF2 alpha. FPL55712 treatment greatly reduced the release of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and their metabolites (showing this to be a secondary effect mediated by leukotriene action) but did not affect PGD2 output. LTC4 and LTD4 themselves induced the release of TXB2 and TXDK, as did bradykinin, but neither substance caused appreciable PGD2 release. Aside from illustrating the great value of the GC/NICIMS method for simultaneously determining all cyclooxygenase products, the main conclusions are: (i) PGD2 may be an in vitro marker for activation of lung inflammatory cells; (ii) prostacyclin and thromboxanes are actively metabolized in situ in the lung; and (iii) 'pathological subversion' of pulmonary function by anaphylaxis, leukotrienes or bradykinin principally causes thromboxane release from unknown target cells, with a smaller release of prostacyclin which may be compensatory in nature.

Vasoconstrictor effects of leukotrienes C4 and D4 in the feline mesenteric vascular bed

The effects of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and leukotriene D4 (LTD4) in the feline mesenteric vascular bed were investigated under conditions of controlled blood flow so that changes in perfusion pressure directly reflect changes in vascular resistance. Intra-arterial injections of LTC4 and LTD4 (0.3-3.0 micrograms) increased perfusion pressure in a dose-related fashion. Vasoconstrictor responses to LTC 4 and LTD4 were similar to norepinephrine (NE) whereas mesenteric vasoconstrictor response to the thromboxane analog, U46619, was markedly greater than were responses to LTC4 and LTD4. Meclofenamate in a dose that greatly attenuated the systemic depressor response to arachidonic acid was without effect on vasoconstrictor responses to LTC4 and LTD4, NE and U46619 in the mesenteric vascular bed. The present data show that LTC4 and LTD4 possess significant vasoconstrictor activity in the feline mesenteric vascular bed. In addition, the present data suggest that products of the cyclooxygenase pathway do not mediate vasoconstrictor responses to LTC4 and LTD4 in the intestinal circulation of the cat.

Propranolol potentiates leukotriene D4-induced bronchoconstriction and enhances antagonism by FPL 55712

Aerosol LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction in anesthetized, spontaneously breathing guinea pigs was potentiated by either pretreatment with propranolol or bilateral adrenalectomy, whereas bilateral vagotomy did not affect the LTD4 response. The dose-response curve describing LTD4-induced changes in dynamic lung compliance (CDYN) and pulmonary resistance (RL) [as reflective indices of bronchoconstriction] was shifted to the left by approximately 20-fold by propranolol. Against an equal degree of LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction, the leukotriene antagonist, FPL 55712, had an apparent 20-fold greater potency in propranolol-pretreated animals vis a vis saline-treated controls. The duration of action of aerosol FPL 55712 was similar in both propranolol-treated and saline-treated animals. These results demonstrate that aerosol LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction is modulated by an adrenergic compensatory bronchodilator mechanism that is apparently dependent upon the adrenals and independent of vagal influences. Inhibition of the effect of this reflex with propranolol also enhances the apparent potency of an aerosol leukotriene antagonist, FPL 55712, presumably reflecting a constant LTD4 to antagonist ratio in the saline-treated and propranolol-pretreated guinea pigs.

Pharmacologic properties of FPL 55712 administered by aerosol

FPL 55712 was investigated by the aerosol route of administration for efficacy at protecting against leukotriene-induced bronchoconstrictions in guinea pigs and for mediator release inhibitory activity in passively sensitized rats. In the studies to investigate leukotriene antagonism; anesthetized, spontaneously breathing guinea pigs were pretreated with propranolol and were exposed via tracheal cannula to aerosols generated by a Monaghan nebulizer. Subsequently, the animals were artificially ventilated and challenged with LTD4 or LTE4 (25 micrograms/kg, i.v.). FPL 55712 produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of LTD4 and LTE4-induced bronchoconstriction (IC50's 0.5% and 0.8%, respectively). Although the biologic half-life of FPL 55712, administered intravenously, was very short (1.7 minutes against LTD4 and 1.2 minutes against LTE4) after aerosol administration the biological half-life was surprisingly long (120 minutes against LTD4 and 90 minutes against LTE4). Aerosolized FPL 55712 also possessed weak antiallergic activity in comparison to disodium cromoglycate when measured as an inhibitor of IgE-mediated anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in rats (IC50's of 2.0% and 0.01%, respectively). Thus, these studies demonstrate that, when administered by aerosol, FPL 55712 is effective at protecting against leukotriene-induced bronchoconstrictions, exhibits a long duration of action and also possesses weak antiallergic activity.

Leukotriene E4 causes pulmonary vasoconstriction, not inhibited by meclofenamate

Leukotriene E4 (LTE4) appears to be a rather stable product of the lipoxygenase pathway. Its action in the pulmonary circulation is unknown. Therefore we investigated its effect on the circulation of isolated rat lungs perfused with a cell- and plasma-free solution. Synthetic LTE4 in doses from .15 micrograms to 5 micrograms/.25 ml .9% NaCl injected as a bolus in the pulmonary artery during normoxia caused a fast, transient perfusion pressure increase within seconds. This was followed by a slow rise in baseline perfusion pressure (normoxia) over 25 min. In addition, 5 micrograms LTE4 caused edematogenic lung damage. Injection of 1.5 micrograms LTE4 during hypoxic vasoconstriction caused fast, transient pressure rises, similar to normoxic conditions. 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and TXB2 were measured in the lung effluent before and after LTE4 injection. Neither 6-keto-PGF1 alpha nor TXB2 production changed after LTE4 injection. Meclofenamate (.5 micrograms/ml) increased the fast, transient and the slow, sustained pressure rise. We conclude that LTE4 caused direct pulmonary vasoconstriction unrelated to cyclooxygenase products.

The effect of indomethacin on the contractile response of the guinea-pig lung parenchymal strip to leukotrienes B4, C4, D4 and E4

Indomethacin (1 microgram ml-1) almost totally inhibited the dose-dependent contractile response of isolated lung parenchymal strips of the guinea-pig (GPLS) to leukotriene B4 (LTB4) over the concentration range 0.18-18 nM. LTC4 (0.63 pM-63 nM)-induced contractions of GPLS were not significantly inhibited by indomethacin (1.0 and 10.0 micrograms ml-1) except when the highest LTC4 concentration (63 nM) was tested in the presence of indomethacin (10 micrograms ml-1). LTD4 (1.3 fM-13 nM)-induced contractions of GPLS were not significantly inhibited by indomethacin (0.1-10 micrograms ml-1) except for contractions induced by concentrations of LTD4 greater than 0.13 nM and 13 nM. Indomethacin 1 microgram ml-1 and 10 micrograms ml-1 inhibited the contractile response to 13 nM LTD4 by 37 and 16% respectively. LTE4 (2.3 fM-23 nM)-induced contractions of GPLS were not significantly inhibited by indomethacin (0.1-10 micrograms ml-1). Contraction due to LTE4 23 pM was significantly potentiated by indomethacin (1 microgram ml-1). Clotrimazole (10 microM) significantly inhibited LTD4-induced contractions of GPLS at concentrations greater than 13 pM but had no significant effect on LTC4-induced contractions. Cyclo-oxygenase products, probably principally thromboxane A2, are important secondary mediators of LTB4-induced contractions of GPLS but make little or no contribution to contractions of GPLS induced by LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4, except at higher concentrations of LTD4 and possibly LTC4. Certain concentrations of LTE4 may generate bronchodilator PGE2 in GPLS.

Detection of leukotriene C4 and D4 in the exudate of rat carrageenin-induced pleurisy

Rat carrageenin-induced pleurisy was used as an acute exudative inflammatory model. The crude ethanol extract of the pleural fluid at 5 hr after carrageenin injection caused the very slow contraction of guinea-pig ileum, which was antagonized by FPL 55712 (1 microgram/ml). The ethanol extract was cleaned by LH-20 and was rendered for separation of LTC4 and LTD4 by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Two peaks which showed the same retention time on HPLC as those of LTC4 and LTD4 had the contractile activity of guinea-pig ileum and the ratios of the contractile activity to the height on HPLC agreed with those of synthetic LTC4 and LTD4. Two peaks of delta 6-trans-LTB4, 5S, 12R-(E, E, E, Z)-diHETE and 5S, 12S-(E, E, E, Z)-diHETE, were detected, but the appreciable amount of LTB4 was smaller than that of each delta 6-trans-LTB4 in the pleural fluid at 5 hr.

Dependency of the Paf-acether induced bronchospasm on the lipoxygenase pathway in the guinea-pig

The Paf-acether (platelet-activating factor) induced bronchospasm (Paf-BCS) was studied in the anesthetized guinea-pig. The SRS antagonist, FPL-55712, as well as inhibitors of both lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, phenidone, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), and benoxaprofen, caused a dose-related antagonism of Paf-BCS. By contrast, selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase, indomethacin and aspirin, exerted moderate antagonism at intermediate doses, but had no effect at high doses. Furthermore, diethylmaleate (DEM), which impairs leukotriene synthesis by interfering with glutathione (GSH), suppressed Paf-BCS. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the lipoxygenase pathway plays a major part in the bronchospasmogenic effect of Paf-acether in the guinea-pig.

Beta 2-adrenoceptor blockade is the basis of guinea-pig bronchial hyper-responsiveness to leukotriene C4 and other agonists

Four beta-adrenoceptor antagonists, namely (-)-propranolol, (+)-propranolol, ICI-118551 and (+/-)-practolol, were investigated for their effects on leukotriene C4 (LTC4)-induced bronchoconstriction in the anesthetized guinea-pig. (-)-Propranolol was also investigated for its effects on acetylcholine and histamine bronchospasm in the anaesthetized guinea-pig, and on LTC4-induced contractions of guinea-pig isolated trachea and lung parenchyma. The various beta-adrenoceptor antagonists potentiated, dose-dependently, the bronchoconstriction induced by threshold doses of LTC4 and the intensity of the potentiation correlated with the beta 2-blocking capacity possessed by the drugs. (-)-Propranolol potentiated the bronchospasm induced by threshold doses of acetylcholine and histamine but to a lesser degree than the LTC4-induced bronchospasm. The airway hyper-responsiveness induced by (-)-propranolol was unaffected by pretreatment with mepyramine, cyproheptadine, phenoxybenzamine, atropine or indomethacin. The airway hyper-responsiveness induced by (-)-propranolol persisted even in adrenalectomized or reserpine-treated guinea-pigs, although adrenalectomy induced some increase in airway responsiveness. (-)-Propranolol had no effect on LTC4, histamine and acetylcholine-induced contractions of isolated trachea and lung parenchyma. The results show that the airway hyper-responsiveness induced by beta-adrenoceptor antagonists generally correlates with their beta 2-blocking activity. The possibility remains that some other unknown mechanism(s) may also be implicated.

Effect of inhibition of thromboxane production on the leukotriene D4-mediated bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig

Leukotriene D4 (LTD4) administered intravenously to anesthetized, spontaneously breathing guinea pigs elicited decreases in dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn) and airway conductance (GAW) with a maximal response achieved at 0.5 min. Simultaneously, plasma levels of the thromboxane metabolite, TxB2, and the prostacyclin metabolite, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, increased 10-fold over pre-LTD4 levels. Pretreatment of the guinea pigs with meclofenamic acid delayed the onset of the LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction, antagonized the magnitude of the decreases in Cdyn and GAW, and blocked the increase in plasma TxB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels. The thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, UK 37,248, suppressed the LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction, while it completely blocked TxB2 production without significantly affecting 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. The SRS-A end organ antagonist, FPL 55712, blocked both the LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction and the production of the arachidonic acid metabolites. These results suggest that thromboxane A2 plays an important role in mediating part of the bronchoconstriction elicited by intravenously administered LTD4 in the guinea pig.

Specificity of receptors for leukotrienes A4, B4, C4, D4, E4 and histamine on the guinea-pig lung parenchyma. Effect of FPL-55712 and desensitization of the myotropic activity

The novel metabolites of arachidonic acid, leukotriene (LT) A4, B4, C4, D4 and E4 have potent myotropic activity on guinea-pig lung parenchymal strip in vitro. The receptors responsible for their action were characterized using desensitization experiments and the selective SRS-A antagonist, FPL-55712. During the continuous infusion of LTB4, the tissues became desensitized to LTB4 but were still responsive to histamine, LTA4, LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4. When LTD4 was infused continuously, the lung strips contracted to LTB4 and histamine but were no longer responsive to LTA4, LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4. Furthermore, FPL-55712 (10 ng ml-1 - 10 ug ml-1) produced dose-dependent inhibitions of LTA4, LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4 without inhibiting the contraction to LTB4 and histamine. On the basis of these results, it appears that the guinea-pig lung parenchyma may have one type of receptor for LTB4 and another for LTD4; LTA4, LTC4 and LTE4 probably act on the LTD4 receptor.

Alteration of drug responsiveness in guinea-pig lung anaphylaxis using different antigen challenge concentrations

Antihistamine-resistant anaphylactic bronchospasm in guinea pigs is increased with increasing doses of antigen (ovalbumin, OA) challenge. This was observed in passively and actively sensitized animals, and by both i.v. and aerosol routes of antigen challenge. At a challenge concentration of 100 mg/kg OA, antihistamines were virtually inactive. Indeed, the resulting bronchospasm was inhibited by isoproterenol, theophylline and ketotifen but not any anticholinergics, anti-5HT, SRS-A antagonists, arachidonic acid lipoxygenase inhibitors or antiallergic drugs. However, in the presence of chlorpheniramine, the response was antagonized by SRS-A antagonists (FPL 55712 and isamoxole), but not the lipoxygenase inhibitors (BW 755C, ETYA, NDGA and phenidone). This suggests that the antihistamine-resistant bronchospasm produced in guinea pigs challenged with high antigen concentrations might be the result of SRS-A release. This is by no means certain since the currently available SRS-A antagonists possess other mechanisms of action; furthermore, the failure of lipoxygenase inhibitors to influence this response is not consistent with a role for SRS-A. Elucidation of the mechanism of the antihistamine-resistant bronchospasm awaits development of more specific SRS-A antagonists.

Studies on the role of arachidonic acid metabolites in airways contraction induced in vitro by antigen and calcium ionophore A23187

The effects of inhibitors of the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism were studied on the contractions of guinea pig tracheal spirals and lung parenchymal strips induced by antigen and calcium ionophore A23187. Inhibition of the cyclooxygenase pathway with indomethacin results in enhancement of antigen- and A23187-induced contraction of trachea which is a result of diversion of AA into the lipoxygenase pathway and inhibition of modulatory cyclooxygenase products. Indomethacin does not enhance parenchymal contractions but partly inhibits contraction induced by a strong stimulus (5.7 microM A23187 or 100 micrograms/ml ovalbumin). Parenchymal contraction is inhibited by agents that block the lipoxygenase pathway of AA metabolism, phenidone and nordihydroguaiaretic acid. These agents inhibit the prolonged phase of antigen-induced tracheal contraction but in some cases enhance the early phase of tracheal contraction induced by antigen or A23187. The results suggest that contraction of parenchyma induced by antigen or A23187 are the result of a bronchoconstrictor lipoxygenase product and only have a cyclooxygenase bronchoconstrictor component following a strong stimulus. In contrast, contraction of trachea also appears to be the result of a bronchoconstrictor lipoxygenase product which may not be identical to that contracting parenchyma, and is modulated by cyclooxygenase products. The results emphasize the importance of comparing small and large airways to further our understanding of asthmatic broncho-constriction.

Possible involvement of thromboxane in bronchoconstrictive and hypertensive effects of LTC4 and LTD4 in guinea pigs

The actions of leukotriene (LT) C4 and D4 on the systemic arterial pressure and the insufflation pressure in guinea pigs and rabbits were examined. In guinea pigs, 0.3 - 3 nmole/kg of LTC4 and 0.1 - 1.0 nmole/kg of LTD4 administrated from left jugular vein caused dose-dependent increase of the airway resistance measured by the Konzett-Rössler method and a triphasic blood pressure response; an initial hypotension, a secondary hypertension and a third long-lasting hypotension. All of the hypertensive phase and 100 - 150% of the increase of the airway resistance by LTC4 and LTD4 were inhibited by a selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, OKY-1581 (10 mg/kg, i.v.) and only the hypotension was observed. Indomethacin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) also inhibited not only the airway resistance increase, but also the prolonged hypotension by LTC4 and shortened the duration of the hypotension by LTD4. It is suggested that thromboxane might be involved in bronchoconstriction and hypertensive effects by LTC4 and LTD4 and that hypotensive prostaglandin might be involved in the hypotensive phase after LTC4 and LTD4. In rabbits, the increase of the airway resistance by LTC4 and LTD4 (upto 100 nmole/kg, i.v.) was negligible and only the hypotension was observed.