Effects of olopatadine hydrochloride, an antihistamine drug, on skin inflammation induced by repeated topical application of oxazolone in mice

BACKGROUND

Olopatadine hydrochloride (olopatadine) is one of the second-generation antihistamines, which is prescribed for allergic disorders such as rhinitis, urticaria and eczema dermatitis.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the possible anti-inflammatory effect of olopatadine on the chronic contact hypersensitivity response to repeated topical application of oxazolone in mice.

METHODS

The preventive and therapeutic effects of oral olopatadine were quantified by measurements of ear swelling, cytokine protein and mRNA expression in the ear lesion, and were compared with those of topical betamethasone 17-valerate (betamethasone).

RESULTS

The ear receiving repeated applications of oxazolone exhibited erythema, oedema and abrasion. Both preventive and therapeutic administration of olopatadine (10 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) significantly inhibited the ear swelling and the increased production of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-1beta, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and nerve growth factor. In the histopathological analysis, olopatadine ameliorated epidermal hyperplasia and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Consistent with these results, olopatadine significantly reduced the increased expression of interferon-gamma and IL-4 mRNA. Although betamethasone (0.012 mg ear(-1) day(-1)) showed similar activities to olopatadine against these responses, it caused atrophy of the ear skin.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that olopatadine is an antihistamine agent having inhibitory activities against chronic inflammatory dermatitis, possibly resulting from its diminishing effect on elevated cytokines.

Olopatadine hydrochloride suppresses the rebound phenomenon after discontinuation of treatment with a topical steroid in mice with chronic contact hypersensitivity

BACKGROUND

Olopatadine hydrochloride (olopatadine; Allelock) is one of the second-generation antihistamines that are treated for allergic disorders such as rhinitis, urticaria and eczema dermatitis. Olopatadine has recently been shown to have inhibitory effects on the chronic contact hypersensitivity induced by repeated application of oxazolone in mice. Although topical steroids have widely been prescribed for atopic dermatitis, a relapse often occurs within several days after discontinuation of their prolonged use.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the possible efficacy of olopatadine against the relapse after discontinuation of prolonged use of topical prednisolone in the Balb/c mice with oxazolone-induced chronic contact hypersensitivity.

METHODS

Mice with the chronic contact hypersensitivity induced by repeated application of oxazolone were treated with olopatadine as a sequential therapeutic agent. The effects of olopatadine were quantified by measurements of ear-swelling, and levels of cytokines and histamine in the lesioned ear. Results Topical prednisolone (0.05 mg/ear/day) significantly inhibited the increases in ear swelling and production of IL-1beta, IL-4, IL-18, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and histamine. However, after discontinuation of the treatment with topical prednisolone, the inflammation relapsed and the IL-4 level exceeded the control one. The sequential treatment with olopatadine (10 mg/kg/day) after discontinuation of the treatment with topical prednisolone alone, or topical prednisolone with olopatadine, significantly inhibited the increases in ear swelling and levels of IL-1beta, IL-4, IL-18, GM-CSF, nerve growth factor and histamine.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that olopatadine is an antihistamine agent having inhibitory activities against the rebound phenomenon following the discontinuation of topical steroid therapy. Olopatadine is thus expected to be a sequential therapeutic agent after discontinuation of the chronic treatment with a topical steroid.

Evaluation of [4-O-methyl-(11)C]KW-6002 as a potential PET ligand for mapping central adenosine A(2A) receptors in rats

KW-6002, a xanthine-based adenosine A(2A) antagonist, was labelled with the positron emitter carbon-11 by O-methylation of its precursor, KF23325, using [(11)C]iodomethane and was evaluated in rats as a putative in vivo radioligand for positron emission tomography (PET). Following intravenous injection of [(11)C]KW-6002, radioactivity was measured in blood, plasma, peripheral tissues, and in discrete brain tissues over a 2-h time period commensurate with PET scanning. In brain, [(11)C]KW-6002 showed highest retention in striata, with evidence of saturable binding, and lowest retention in frontal cortex (a tissue low in adenosine A(2A) receptors). PET scanning with [(11)C]KW-6002 demonstrated a specific signal in the striata which could be described using compartmental modelling. Specific binding was, however, also detected in extrastriatal regions, including brain areas reported to have low adenosine A(2A) receptor density. Blocking studies with the A(1) selective antagonist KF15372 and the non xanthine-type A(2A) antagonist ZM 241385 failed to elucidate the nature of this binding. Thus, although [(11)C]KW-6002 shows some potential for development as a PET ligand for quantifying striatal adenosine A(2A) receptor function, its in vivo selectivity requires further investigation.

Effects of olopatadine hydrochloride on the cutaneous vascular hyperpermeability and the scratching behavior induced by poly-L-arginine in rats

Intradermal injections of poly-L-arginine induce cutaneous vascular hyperpermeability and scratching behavior in rats. Recently, we elucidated that the plasma extravasation involved both histamine and substance P, while the scratching behavior involved substance P, but not histamine. This study examined the effects of olopatadine hydrochloride (olopatadine), an antiallergic drug with histamine H1-antagonistic action, on the poly-L-arginine-induced responses. Olopatadine (1 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited both the plasma extravasation and the scratching behavior, suggesting that its inhibitory effects are mediated by the suppression of neuropeptidergic action as well as histaminic action. Olopatadine seems to be a novel-type drug for the treatment of dermatitis.

Roles of mast cells and sensory nerves in cutaneous vascular hyperpermeability and scratching behavior induced by poly-L-arginine in rats

We investigated whether the polycation poly-L-arginine elicited cutaneous vascular hyperpermeability and scratching behavior and, if so, whether these responses involved mast cells and sensory nerves in rats. Intradermal injections of poly-L-arginine induced vascular hyperpermeability and scratching behavior. Combined treatment with chlorpheniramine and methysergide almost completely suppressed the poly-L-arginine (50 microg/site)-induced plasma leakage. Capsaicin desensitization and the tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonist LY303870, (R)-1-[N-(2-methoxybenzyl)acetylamino]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2-[N-(2-(4-(piperidin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)acetyl)amino]propane, partially inhibited the leakage. In mast cell-deficient rats, poly-L-arginine only minimally induced plasma leakage. On the other hand, capsaicin desensitization and LY303870, but not chlorpheniramine or methysergide, suppressed the poly-L-arginine (200 microg/site)-induced scratching. Moreover, poly-L-arginine elicited the scratching even in mast cell-deficient rats. These results suggest that substance P is at least partly involved in both the cutaneous plasma leakage and the scratching behavior induced by poly-L-arginine. Moreover, mast cell-derived amines are suggested to be involved in the plasma extravasation but scarcely, if any, in the scratching behavior.

Involvement of neuropeptides in the allergic nasal obstruction in guinea pigs

The purposes of the present study were i) to determine whether neuropeptides induce the nasal obstruction in guinea pigs, and ii) to examine the possible involvement of neuropeptides in allergic nasal obstruction. The decrease in nasal cavity volume was determined by acoustic rhinometry as an index of nasal obstruction. In non-sensitized guinea pigs, substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) caused the nasal obstruction 10 to 30 min after their intranasal application. LY303870 (1 mg/kg), a tachykinin NK1-receptor antagonist; SR48968 (1 mg/kg), a tackykinin NK2-receptor antagonist; and CGRP(8-37) (50 nmol/kg), a CGRP1-receptor antagonist, administered intravenously before the intranasal application of the neuropeptides, inhibited the responses induced by SP, NKA and CGRP, respectively. In the guinea pigs sensitized with dinitrophenyl-coupled Ascaris suum allergenic extract, the intranasal antigen challenge caused nasal obstruction. The response was biphasic and consisted of the early phase response (EPR) and the late phase response (LPR), which developed 30 min and 6 h, respectively, after the antigen challenge. Intravenous administration of LY303870 (1 mg/kg) before the antigen challenge inhibited the EPR, while those of SR48968 (1 mg/kg) and CGRP(8-37) (50 nmol/kg) inhibited the LPR. The present results suggest that neuropeptides are involved in the allergic nasal obstruction.

Inhibitory effect of olopatadine hydrochloride on the sneezing response induced by intranasal capsaicin challenge in guinea pigs

To investigate the possible inhibitory effect of olopatadine hydrochloride (olopatadine), an antiallergic drug, on the tachykinin-mediated nasal responses, we examined the effect of olopatadine on the sneezing and the nasal rubbing responses induced by intranasal capsaicin challenge in guinea pigs. Olopatadine (10 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited the sneezing response by 57% without affecting the nasal rubbing one. The antihistamines chlorpheniramine and clemastine did not affect the responses. Morphine caused the inhibition of both responses, which was antagonized by naloxone. These results suggest that olopatadine inhibits the sneezing response by the inhibition of the tachykinin release and not by its antihistaminic action.

Effects of olopatadine hydrochloride on the increase of histamine and peptide-leukotrienes concentrations in nasal lavage fluid following the antigen-antibody reaction in actively sensitized guinea pigs

To investigate the mechanism for the amelioration by olopatadine hydrochloride (olopatadine) of allergic rhinitis, we determined its effects on the increase of chemical mediator concentrations in nasal lavage fluid following the intranasal antigen challenge in guinea pigs actively sensitized with DNP-Ascaris. The concentrations of histamine and peptide-leukotrienes increased 10 min after the challenge. Olopatadine at 10 mg/kg (p.o.) significantly prevented the increase of histamine and tended to inhibit the increase of peptide-leukotrienes. The inhibition by olopatadine of the nasal symptoms seems to involve the inhibitory effect on the releases of histamine and, possibly, p-LTs into the nasal cavity.

Possible involvement of 5-HT4 receptors, in addition to 5-HT3 receptors, in the emesis induced by high-dose cisplatin in Suncus murinus

To clarify the mechanism for the severe emesis concomitant with intensive chemotherapy, we investigated the effects of 5-HT3- and 5-HT4-receptor antagonists on the emesis induced by the high-dose of cisplatin in Suncus murinus. The emesis induced by 50 mg/kg of cisplatin was reduced by the oral pretreatment with tropisetron, which is known as a 5-HT3- and 5-HT4-receptor dual antagonist in vitro, with the ID50 value of 0.52 mg/kg. On the contrary, granisetron, a selective 5-HT3-receptor antagonist, did not markedly inhibit the emesis at up to 30 mg/kg. Moreover, GR125487, a selective 5-HT4-receptor antagonist, did not inhibit the emesis. However, co-administration of GR125487 and granisetron significantly reduced the number of emetic episodes. The study of the co-administration of GR125487 with tropisetron showed that GR125487 did not further enhance the inhibitory effect of tropisetron alone, suggesting that the anti-emetic effect of tropisetron is mediated via the blockade of both 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors. These results suggest that both the 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors are involved in the emesis induced by the high-dose of cisplatin in Suncus murinus.

Effect of the selective adenosine A1-receptor antagonist KW-3902 on lipopolysaccharide-induced reductions in urine volume and renal blood flow in anesthetized dogs

We investigated the effects of KW-3902 (8-noradamantan-3-yl-1,3-dipropylxanthine), a potent and selective adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced reduction of urine volume (UV) in anesthetized dogs, in comparison with those of furosemide. LPS was intravenously administered at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg; and the heart rate (HR), systemic blood pressure (BP), renal blood flow (RBF) and UV were measured every 15 min for 4 h. Administration of LPS continuously decreased HR, BP, RBF and UV. KW-3902, furosemide or their corresponding vehicle was given as a bolus injection 5 min after the LPS injection. Treatment with KW-3902 (1 mg/kg, i.v.) ameliorated the LPS-induced decline of UV and RBF. Furosemide (3.2 mg/kg, i.v.) tended to ameliorate the LPS-induced decline of UV but not RBF, the duration of the effect being shorter than that of KW-3902. These results suggest that KW-3902 can ameliorate the oliguria and the decrease in RBF during the early phase of LPS-induced shock. Endogenous adenosine may be involved in the endotoxin-induced oliguria via the adenosine A1-receptor.

The effect of zaldaride maleate, an antidiarrheal compound, on acetylcholine-induced intestinal electrolyte secretion

The effect of zaldaride on acetylcholine-induced colonic electrolyte secretion was examined. The short-circuit current response to acetylcholine was partially reduced by tetrodotoxin, a neuronal blocker, and was completely inhibited by atropine, an acetylcholine M receptor antagonist, in the rat colonic preparations. The tetrodotoxin sensitive effect was significantly inhibited by zaldaride, whereas the tetrodotoxin insensitive effect was not affected. Acetylcholine release from synaptosomes of submucosal nerves of guinea-pig colon was significantly reduced by zaldaride. Zaldaride may reduce colonic electrolyte secretion by acetylcholine due to the inhibition of acetylcholine release from synaptosomes of colonic submucosal nerves.

Change of the involvement of 5-HT3 receptor in the gastric motor stimulating actions of KW-5139 (Leu13-motilin acetate) in the recovered and post-operative periods in dogs

We have previously reported that KW-5139, a motilin analogue, evokes gastrointestinal motor stimulating action in the post-operative period as well as in the recovered period of conscious dogs. In this report, we compared the mechanisms of the KW-5139-induced contractions in the post-operative period with those in the recovered period using beagle dogs implanted force transducers in the gastric antrum, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon. In addition, we also examined the mechanisms of the prostaglandin F2alpha-induced contractions in both periods. The gastric contractions evoked by KW-5139 (0.5 microg kg(-1), i.v.) were inhibited by the pretreatment of ondansetron (0.1 mg kg(-1), i.v.), a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, in the recovered period, but were not affected in the post-operative period even by higher doses of ondansetron (0.3-1 mg kg(-1), i.v.). The KW-5139-induced contractions in the small and large intestine were not inhibited by ondansetron in the both periods. The contractions evoked by KW-5139 (0.5 microg kg(-1), i.v.) in the gastric antrum, duodenum, jejunum and colon were significantly inhibited by the pretreatment with atropine (0.05 mg kg(-1), i.v.), a muscarinic receptor antagonist, in the recovered period as same extent as in the post-operative period. The contractions evoked by prostaglandin F2alpha (50 microg kg(-1), i.v.) in the any recording sites were not affected by the pretreatment with ondansetron (0.1 mg kg(-1), i.v.) in the recovered period. On the other hand, atropine (0.05 mg kg(-1), i.v.) tended to inhibit the gastric and colonic contractions. These effects of ondansetron and atropine on the prostaglandin F2alpha-induced contractions were not different between in the post-operative and recovered periods. The present results indicate that 5-HT3 receptors are involved in the KW-5139-induced motor stimulating action in the recovered period but not in the post-operative period. The mechanisms of the alteration were discussed.

Effect of zaldaride maleate, an antidiarrheal compound, on 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2-induced intestinal ion secretion in rats

The effect of zaldaride, a calmodulin inhibitor, on 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (dmPGE2)-induced intestinal ion secretion was investigated in rats. Zaldaride inhibited the dmPGE2-induced increase in water content in the colon, but not that in the small intestine. In the colonic mucosa, zaldaride attenuated the dmPGE2-induced short-circuit current; however, it did not affect the forskolin or dibutyryl cAMP-induced effect. These results suggest that zaldaride inhibits dmPGE2-induced intestinal ion secretion by reducing the activity of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent adenylate cyclase linked to a receptor, and the colon may be an important site in the action of zaldaride.

Effects of zaldaride maleate, an antidiarrheal compound, on intracellular Ca2+-mediated short-circuit current response in the rat colonic mucosa

The effect of zaldaride maleate (ZAL) on intracellular Ca2+-mediated short-circuit current (Isc) response in rat colonic mucosa was investigated. The Isc response to acetylcholine was partially reduced by the neuronal blocker tetrodotoxin. The tetrodotoxin-sensitive Isc response to acetylcholine was inhibited by ZAL. The tetrodotoxin-insensitive effect, which indicates direct stimulation of acetylcholine in colonic mucosa, was not affected by ZAL. The Isc response to the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 was reduced by ZAL in the presence of tetrodotoxin. These results suggest that ZAL reduces colonic ion secretion by inhibiting a tetrodotoxin-sensitive neuronal pathway and an intracellular Ca2+ pathway in epithelium.

Effect of zaldaride maleate, an antidiarrheal compound, on intracellular cyclic nucleotide-mediated intestinal ion secretion in rats

The purpose of this study is to clarify the mechanisms of action of zaldaride, a calmodulin inhibitor. 16,16-Dimethyl prostaglandin E(2), forskolin, 8-bromo cAMP, nitroprusside, 8-bromo cGMP and Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin STa increased the short-circuit current in rat colonic mucosa. Zaldaride at >/=10 microM significantly attenuated the 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E(2) and Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin STa-induced increase in short-circuit current; whereas it did not affect other secretagogues-induced effects. These results suggest that zaldaride inhibits the activation of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-sensitive adenylate cyclase or guanylate cyclase linked to a receptor.

One amino Acid change in cucumber mosaic virus RNA polymerase determines virulent/avirulent phenotypes on cowpea

ABSTRACT The elicitation of the hypersensitive response (HR) is known to depend on the interaction between a resistance gene of a host plant and a corresponding avirulence gene of a pathogen. The cv. Kurodane-Sanjaku of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) has the Cry locus that confers resistance against cucumber mosaic virus strain Y (CMV-Y). The resistance is overcome by infection with a legume strain of CMV (CMV-L). RNA 2, which codes for the 2a protein, a subunit of the viral replicase components, has been known to control virulent/avirulent phenotypes. We generated chimeric constructs of full-length cDNA clones of RNA 2 of both strains and inoculated infectious transcripts to delimit the domain controlling symptoms. A 243-base pair fragment containing a coding region for the GDD RNA-dependent RNA polymerase core sequence was shown to be responsible for the phenotypic differences. From sequence alignment analysis, two amino acids (Phe631 and Ala641) of the HR-type 2a protein encoded in this fragment were specifically exchanged to Tyr and Ser, respectively, in the 2a proteins of resistance-breaking strains. Point mutations introduced into RNA 2 backgrounds of both strains that were designed to change the amino acid at position 631 resulted in a change of symptoms, indicating that a single nucleotide change determines the reactions elicited by both strains. Analysis for one additional mutant RNA 2 showed that symptom determination may be correlated with the nature of the lateral chain of amino acid 631.

[Effects of benidipine hydrochloride (Coniel) on blood pressure, heart rate and plasma norepinephrine concentration in spontaneously hypertensive rats]

We investigated the effects of benidipine hydrochloride (benidipine, Coniel) on blood pressure, heart rate and plasma norepinephrine (NE) concentration in spontaneously hypertensive rats and compared them with those of other calcium channel blockers. Benidipine (2 mg/kg, p.o.) was compared with the equihypotensive doses of nifedipine (5 mg/kg), cilnidipine (6 mg/kg) and amlodipine (3 mg/kg). All the 4 calcium channel blockers exhibited significant antihypertensive effects. Nifedipine and cilinidipine significantly increased heart rate, as compared with that in the control group, whereas benidipine or amlodipine did not significantly affect it. The area under the curves for hypotensive effect and tachycardic effect for 10 hr after the drug administration were compared among the 4 compounds. As a result, the tachycardic effect of benidipine was significantly lower than those of nifedipine, cilnidipine and amlodipine, while the hypotensive effects were similar among the 4 compounds. Nifedipine and amlodipine, significantly increased plasma NE concentration, cilnidipine tended to increase it. In contrast, benidipine did not significantly affect plasma NE concentration. These results suggest that the effects of benidipine on plasma NE concentration and heart rate are less prominent than those of the other calcium channel blockers.

Resistance of Fc receptor- deficient mice to fatal glomerulonephritis

Immune complex-mediated inflammation is a common mechanism of various autoimmune diseases. Glomerulonephritis (GN) is one of these diseases, and the main mechanism of the induction of GN has been unclear. We examined the contribution of Fc receptors in the induction of nephrotoxic GN by establishing and analyzing mice deficient in the Fc receptor gamma chain (FcRgamma). Whereas all wild-type mice died from severe glomerulonephritis with hypernitremia by administration of anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibodies, all FcRgamma-deficient mice survived. Histologically, wild-type mice showed glomerular hypercellularity and thrombotic changes, whereas the renal tissue in FcRgamma-deficient mice was almost intact. Deposition of anti-GBM antibody as well as complement components in the GBM were equally observed in both wild-type and knockout mice. These results demonstrate that the triggering of this type of glomerulonephritis is completely dependent on FcR+ cells.

Effects of KW-5092 on antroduodenal coordination and gastric emptying in guinea-pigs

KW-5092 (2-[1-[2-[[5-(piperidinomethyl)-2-furanyl] methylamino]ethyl]imidazonylidin-2-ylidenene]malononitrile fumarate) is a novel gastroprokinetic agent with both acetylcholine release facilitatory and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. We have investigated the effects of KW-5092 on antroduodenal coordination and gastric emptying in guinea-pigs. In the guinea-pig isolated gastroduodenal preparation, KW-5092 at 3 x 10(-7) to 3 x 10(-6) M significantly increased antroduodenal coordination. The effect of KW-5092 was almost completely inhibited by atropine or tetrodotoxin. Cisapride, a gastroprokinetic agent with acetylcholine release facilitatory activity, also increased coordination whereas neither acetylcholine nor the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor neostigmine affected it. In-vivo, KW-5092 and cisapride enhanced gastric emptying whereas neostigmine delayed it. These results suggest that acetylcholine release facilitation, but not acetylcholinesterase inhibition, is involved in the enhancement by KW-5092 of antroduodenal coordination and gastric emptying.

Effects of KW-5617 (zaldaride maleate), a potent and selective calmodulin inhibitor, on secretory diarrhea and on gastrointestinal propulsion in rats

KW-5617 (zaldaride maleate), 1,3-dihydro-1-[1-[(4-methyl-4H,6H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][4,1]-benzoxazepin -4-yl)methyl]-4-piperidinyl]-2H-benzimidazol-2-one maleate, is a selective calmodulin inhibitor. We studied the effects of KW-5617 on secretory diarrhea and gastrointestinal propulsion in rats, as compared with those of loperamide, a conventional anti-diarrheal drug. Diarrhea was induced in rats either by 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (500 microg/kg, i.p.) or by castor oil (1 ml/100 g body weight, p.o.). In the 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 model, KW-5617 at the doses of 3 mg/kg (p.o.) and higher ameliorated the diarrhea. Similarly, loperamide improved the diarrhea, the activity of loperamide being equivalent to that of KW-5617. In the castor oil model, KW-5617 significantly delayed the onset of diarrhea at the doses of 3 mg/kg (p.o.) and higher, while loperamide delayed the onset of diarrhea at the doses of 0.3 mg/kg (p.o.) and higher. KW-5617 only at the high doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg (p.o.) reduced gastric emptying, small intestinal propulsion, proximal colonic propulsion and distal colonic propulsion. In contrast, loperamide at its anti-diarrheal doses inhibited gastrointestinal propulsion. Our results show that KW-5617, unlike loperamide, at its anti-diarrheal doses does not exert anti-propulsive effects in rats. KW-5617 may be a useful drug for the treatment of diarrhea in terms of less side effects such as constipation.

Quantitative EEG correlates of normal aging in the elderly

To clarify the effect of normal aging on the EEG in the elderly, relative EEG power and coherence were studied in 68 elderly subjects (age range 61-90 years) as well as in 20 young subjects (age range 23-38 years). Relative beta power was significantly higher in the elderly subjects, while no significant differences were seen among the elderly groups. Therefore it may be assumed that EEG power in the centrooccipital region among the normal elderly remains almost unchanged. Also, age had no effect on interhemispheric coherence. However, intrahemispheric coherence was found to decrease with age in all bands almost linearly. Thus, intrahemispheric coherence is a more sensitive indicator of normal aging than relative power.

Effect of KW-5092, novel gastroprokinetic agent, on the peristalsis in the isolated guinea pig ileum

We examined the effect of KW-5092, a gastroprokinetic agent with acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and acetylcholine release facilitatory activities, on the peristalsis of isolated guinea pig ileum. KW-5092 (10(-9)-3 x 10(-6)M) increased the frequency of the peristaltic wave without changing its amplitude. Neostigmine increased the frequency at 10(-7) M, but domperidone (10(-8)-3 x 10(-6)M) had no effect on the peristalsis. The present results suggest that KW-5092 enhances the peristalsis via the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, resulting in the intestinal propulsion.

Effects of KW-3902 (8-(noradamantan-3-yl)-1,3-dipropylxanthine), an adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, on urinary excretions of various electrolytes in rats

We examined the effects of KW-3902 (8-(noradamantan-3-yl)-1,3-dipropylxanthine), an adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, on urine volume and urinary excretions of various electrolytes in saline-loaded rats, as compared with those of furosemide, trichlormethiazide (TCM), acetazolamide and amiloride. KW-3902 at doses of 0.001-1 mg/kg (p.o.) significantly increased urine volume and excretions of sodium, calcium, magnesium, chloride and bicarbonate. In addition, KW-3902 shifted urine pH to alkaline and decreased free water reabsorption. KW-3902 did not induce kaliuresis, whereas furosemide (30 mg/kg, p.o.), TCM (1 mg/kg, p.o.) and acetazolamide (25 mg/kg, p.o.) induced kaliuresis. In the KW-3902-treated group, the increases in bicarbonate excretion and urine pH were less prominent than those induced by acetazolamide, and the excretions of sodium, calcium, magnesium and chloride were similar to those induced by furosemide. The present results suggest that the adenosine A1-receptor antagonist exhibits diuresis by the inhibited reabsorption of electrolytes, not only at the proximal tubule but also at the distal tubule.

Modulation of erythropoietin production by selective adenosine agonists and antagonists in normal and anemic rats

Hypoxia or anemia is the fundamental stimulus for erythropoietin (EPO) production. Recent in vitro studies suggest that EPO secretion in response to hypoxia is regulated by adenosine in the kidney. In order to examine the in vivo effect of adenosine on EPO production, we determined the effects of adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists on serum EPO concentration in normal and anemic rats. In normal rats, intravenous injection of adenosine agonists (NECA, CHA and CGS-21680) dose-dependently stimulated EPO production. Pretreatment with KW-3902, an adenosine A1 antagonist with modest A2b antagonistic action, or KF17837, an adenosine A2a antagonist, inhibited the NECA (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.)-stimulated EPO production. Anemic hypoxia, induced by 2% (v/w body weight) blood withdrawal, increased serum EPO concentration from 38 +/- 2 to 352 +/- 76 mU/ml, with the increased serum adenosine concentration in the renal vein. KF17837 (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.), but not KW-3902 (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.), inhibited the anemic hypoxia-induced increase in EPO production. The present findings support the notion that adenosine mediates the EPO production in response to hypoxia in the kidney.

Alcohol dementia and alcohol delirium in aged alcoholics

In the present study, 126 alcoholics aged 60 years or older were compared with 104 alcoholics aged 35-45 years. No dementia was found in the younger group, whereas 62.7% of the aged patients had dementia; the dementia being irreversible in 32.9% of such patients. Cases of so-called alcohol dementia excluding organic brain diseases accounted for 42.1%. The percentage of aged alcoholics having dementia increased with age, being far beyond the frequency of senile dementia in the general aged. Among various physical complications, hepatic injury and myocardiopathy were more frequent in the aged alcoholics than in general aged people, suggesting that hypertension, myocardiopathy and hepatic injury underlie the manifestation of dementia. There was no case of dementia attributable to the direct effect of alcohol distinctly exceeding the effects of various physical factors. Problem behaviors characteristic of the aged group included 'being soaked in drink' and being inebriated, showing no correlation with the presence or absence of dementia. There was no significant difference in frequency of delirium between the aged group and the younger group. However, in aged alcoholics delirium tended to continue for a longer period during abstinence and was more likely to occur even during non-abstinence. A similar trend was found in aged alcoholics with dementia compared with those without dementia.

Modulation of oligosaccharide structure of a pro-urokinase derivative (pro-UK delta GS1) by changing culture conditions of a lymphoblastoid cell line Namalwa KJM-1 adapted to serum-free medium

Pro-UK delta GS1 was designed as a long-life and thrombin-resistant derivative of pro-urokinase (pro-UK) by deleting the growth factor domain of pro-UK and introducing a glycosylation site near the thrombin cleaving site for thrombin-resistance using site-directed mutagenesis. An expression plasmid for pro-UKDGS1, pIH1UK delta GS1SEd1-5 was constructed and introduced into Namalwa KJM-1, a lymphoblastoid cell line adapted to serum-free medium, and cells resistant to G418 and Methotrexate (MTX) were obtained. Amongst them, the highest pro-UK delta GS1 producer (resistant to 200 nM of MTX), clone 2-9, was selected and used for further studies. Under the conventional conditions, i.e. at 37 degrees C in serum-free ITPSGF medium (based on RPMI-1640 medium), the oligosaccharide structure of pro-UK delta GS1 produced by clone 2-9 mainly consisted of fucose (Fuc)-containing biantennary complex-type oligosaccharide. Addition of dexamethasone (Dex), changed the carbohydrate contents in the media, and a shift down of incubation temperature caused a change in oligosaccharide structure of pro-UK delta GS1 from mainly Fuc-containing biantennary to mainly Fuc-containing tri- and tetraantennary complex-type oligosaccharide. The modulated pro-UK delta GS1 showed superior in vivo activity for a canine femoral thrombosis formed by inserting a copper-coil.

Suppressive effects of benidipine on the development of hypertension and renal lesions in salt-loaded stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats

1. The effects of benidipine hydrochloride (benidipine), a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, on the development of hypertension and renal lesions were examined in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). 2. SHRSP were fed with 8% NaCl diet for 3 weeks from 13 weeks of age, and benidipine (1 or 3 mg/kg per day) was orally administered during the same period. 3. The high salt diet accelerated an increase in urinary excretions of total protein and albumin, and caused marked arteriole, glomerular and tubular lesions in the kidney. 4. Benidipine significantly inhibited these changes, and also suppressed the elevation of blood pressure in salt-loaded SHRSP. 5. These results reveal that benidipine has protective effects against the development of hypertension and the progression of renal lesions induced by the high salt diet in SHRSP.

Recovery of gastrointestinal motility from post-operative ileus in dogs: effects of Leu13-motilin (KW-5139) and prostaglandin F2 alpha

Cyclical motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract, normally occurring during the interdigestive period in several mammals, is disrupted in the post-operative ileus. We determined the recovery from the disappearance of cyclical motor activity, from the stomach to the colon, in dogs after laparotomy with the force transducers. Moreover, we examined the effects of Leu13-motilin (KW-5139) and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), administered in the early post-operative period, on the gastrointestinal motility. Following laparotomy, the cyclical motor activity reappeared firstly in the ileum and the colon, then in the jejunum and the duodenum, and finally in the stomach. The reappearance time of the phase III contractions in the stomach was 105.8 +/- 10.6 h (n = 4). In the early post-operative period, KW-5139 (0.5 microgram kg-1, i.v.) induced phase-III-like contractions, whereas PGF2 alpha (50 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) induced simultaneously occurring contractions over the whole gastrointestine. The treatment with KW-5139 (0.5 microgram kg-1, i.v.) four times (twice daily on the first and the second post-operative day) significantly (P < 0.05) shortened the time required to recover the phase III contractions in the stomach (64.2 +/- 2.2 h, n = 4), whereas that with PGF2 alpha (50 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) four times did not (111.3 +/- 17.2 h, n = 4). The present results indicate that, after laparotomy, the cyclical motor activity recovers faster in the distal intestine than in the proximal intestine and the stomach, and that KW-5139, but not PGF2 alpha, shortens the reappearance time of the phase III activity in the stomach.

Magnetic resonance imaging study of the brain in aged volunteers: T2 high intensity lesions and higher order cortical function

The aims of the present study were to clarify the findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the aging brain, and to relate the MRI findings to higher order cortical function. A total of 118 healthy aged volunteers (41 men, 77 women) underwent cranial MRI electroencephalography (EEG), Benton visual retention test (BVRT) and interview. The subjects had no past history or clinical evidence of cerebrovascular disorder, head trauma or dementia and were living at home without any difficulty. The majority of the subjects have participated in this series of studies since 1982. Using a 1.5 T superconductive MR instrument, T1-weighted, proton density and T2-weighted images were obtained. The MRI data were rated visually by regarding 12 items according to fixed criteria. T2 high signal intensity (T2HSI) lesions were found in 69.5% of subjects, the prevalence of which increased with age. T2HSI lesions were most frequently found in the basal ganglia (61.9%), followed by the thalamus (39.0%), parietal lobe (37.0%), temporal lobe (12.7%) and pons (8.5%). Among these lesions, lacunar infarction showed low signal intensity in T1-weighted images and was found in 24.6% of subjects, the prevalence also increasing with age. These findings, including brain atrophy determined according to similar criteria, were correlated closely with the subjects' age. The results of BVRT showed a close relation with T2HSI, suggesting that T2HSI may influence cognitive function. When the subjects were classified according to the presence of T2HSI, lacunar infarction and EEG abnormalities, brain atrophy was significantly milder in a group of subjects with T2HSI(-), lacunar infarction(-) and normal EEG than in the other groups. This suggests that changes seemingly representing physiological aging may be promoted by another pathological which also exerts influences on higher order cerebral function.

Effects of benidipine, a long-acting calcium antagonist, on renal functions in anaesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats

1. The effects of benidipine, a long-acting calcium antagonist, on renal functions were determined in anaesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), as compared with those of amlodipine. 2. Benidipine at 3 and 10 mu g/kg (i.v.) significantly increased urine volume, sodium (Na) and potassium (K) excretions with no change in creatinine clearance (C-CRE). The increase in K excretion was relatively slight. Benidipine increased p-amino-hippuric acid clearance (C-PAH) without any change in C-CRE and, thus, decreased filtration fraction (FF). 3. On the other hand, amlodipine at 300 mu g/kg (i.v.) significantly increased Na and K excretions, but did not change FF. 4. Thus benidipine, but not amlodipine, can dilate glomerular efferent arteriole as well as afferent arteriole in SHR. It is, therefore, expected that benidipine would not induce intraglomerular hypertension, which could result in the progression of glomerular injury. 5. Benidipine at 3 mu g/kg (i.v.) increased lithium clearance, while it decreased CRE concentration and increased Na concentration in the stop-flow urine from the distal tubule. 6. These results suggest that benidipine produces diuresis by the inhibition of water and Na reabsorption at both the proximal and the distal tubules.

Excitation and inhibition via adenosine receptors of the twitch response to electrical stimulation in isolated guinea pig ileum

The effects of adenosine and its related compounds on the cholinergic twitch response were examined in electrically stimulated guinea pig ileum. Adenosine (3 x 10(-7)-10(-5) M) and an adenosine A1-receptor agonist N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA, 10(-8)-10(-6) M) suppressed the twitch. Conversely, the A2a-receptor agonist 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]-5'-N- ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680, 10(-9)-10(-7) M) potentiated the twitch in half the preparations examined. The A1-antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), which per se did not affect the twitch, recovered the attenuated twitch caused by CHA (10(-7) M) or adenosine (10(-6) M) and converted it into a potentiated twitch. These results suggest the presence of adenosine A1- and A2a-receptors coupled negatively and positively, respectively, to acetylcholine release in the preparation.

Effects of KW-5092, a novel gastroprokinetic agent, on intestinal water and electrolyte transport in rats

KW-5092 ([1-[2-[[[5-(piperidinomethyl)- 2-furanyl]methyl]amino]ethyl]-2-imidazolidinylidene]propanedini trile fumarate) enhances acetylcholine release from enteric neurons and inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE), resulting in the enhancement of a wide range of gastrointestinal motilities. The present study examined the effects of KW-5092 on intestinal water and electrolyte transport in rats. In the jejunum, oral or intrajejunal administration of the laxative bisacodyl (30 mg/kg) significantly inhibited absorption of water, Na+ and Cl-, and significantly enhanced K+ secretion. In contrast, neither KW-5092 (1-30 mg/kg) nor the AChE inhibitor neostigmine (0.3-10 mg/kg), orally or intrajejunally administered, affected water or electrolyte transport in the jejunum. Similar results were obtained in the colon when the drugs were applied orally or intracolonically. Moreover, neither KW-5092 (1-30 mg/kg, p.o.) nor neostigmine (0.3-10 mg/kg, p.o.) induced diarrhea, while bisacodyl (30 mg/kg, p.o.) induced diarrhea in all the rats examined. These results demonstrate that KW-5092 or neostigmine at the gastroprokinetic doses does not affect intestinal water or electrolyte transport in rats, suggesting that cholinergic activation enhances gastrointestinal motility rather than intestinal secretion of water and electrolytes.

KW-5092, a novel gastroprokinetic agent, reverses the norepinephrine-induced decline of the gastric mucosal blood flow in rats

We examined the effects of KW-5092 ((1-[2-[[[5-(piperidinomethyl)-2-furanyl]methyl]-amino]ethyl]- 2-imidazolidinylidene) propanedinitrile fumarate), a novel gastroprokinetic agent, on gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) in anesthetized rats. Intravenous infusion of KW-5092 (0.1 mg/kg/min for 30 min), which did not affect the basal GMBF, reversed the norepinephrine (1 microgram/kg/min, i.v. infusion for 30 min)-induced decline of GMBF in the corpus and the antrum. The improvement by KW-5092 of the GMBF was abolished by atropine (0.1 mg/kg/min, i.v. infusion for 30 min). These results suggest that KW-5092, via cholinergic activation, could counteract the decline of GMBF induced by adrenergic activation.

Antihypertensive effects of KW-3902, an adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, in Dahl salt-sensitive rats

We determined the effects of KW-3902 (8-(noradamantan-3-yl)-1,3- dipropylxanthine), a novel adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, on the development of hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl-S) rats. KW-3902 (0.00017% w/w-0.017% w/w), fed with the diet, prevented the development of hypertension at 2-6 weeks in response to the high (8% w/w) NaCl diet. KW-3902 increased urine volume and sodium excretion and attenuated cardiac hypertrophy. In another series of the experiments employing the clearance method, KW-3902 (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) increased urine volume, sodium excretion and lithium clearance in anesthetized Dahl-S rats. These results suggest that the antihypertensive effect of KW-3902 in Dahl-S rats is mediated via its natriuretic effect, the site of action being, at least partly, the proximal tubule. The adenosine A1-receptor antagonist may be effective for the treatment of salt-sensitive hypertension.

Effects of KW-3902, an adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, on ascites volume in puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN)-induced nephrotic rats

We investigated the effects of KW-3902 (8-(noradamantan-3-yl)-1,3-dipropylxanthine), a potent adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, on the nephrotic edema induced by puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN; 100 mg/kg, i.v.) in rats. The treatment with PAN decreased urine volume and urinary excretions of sodium and potassium, resulting in the ascites formation in 7 days. In rats with the nephrosis, KW-3902 (0.01-1 mg/kg/day for 3 days, p.o.) showed diuretic effects and reduced the volume of ascites, as was the case with furosemide (30 mg/kg/day) and trichlormethiazide (1 mg/kg/day). These results suggest that even in the nephrotic state, the adenosine A1-receptor antagonist can be an effective diuretic to ameliorate edema.

Effects of the adenosine A1-receptor antagonist on defecation, small intestinal propulsion and gastric emptying in rats

We examined the effects of 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) and (R)-7,8-dihydro-8-ethyl-2-(3-noradamantyl)-4-propyl-1H-imidazo[2,1 -i]purin- 5(4H)-one (KF20274), selective adenosine A1-receptor antagonists, on the gastrointestinal propulsion in rats, as compared with those of the laxative bisacodyl. DPCPX and KF20274 (p.o.) dose-dependently increased the fecal pellet output, whereas these drugs at the dose that increased defecation did not affect small intestinal propulsion or gastric emptying. Bisacodyl increased defecation and slowed gastric emptying without any influence on small intestinal propulsion. Bisacodyl, but not DPCPX or KF20274, induced diarrhea at the dose inducing defecation. The present results suggest that the adenosine A1-receptor antagonist selectively enhances the lower gastrointestinal propulsion, resulting in defecation without diarrhea.

Protective effects of KW-3902, an adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, against cisplatin-induced acute renal failure in rats

We investigated possible renal protective and therapeutic effects of KW-3902 (8-(noradamantan-3-yl)-1,3-dipropylxanthine), a novel and potent adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, on cisplatin-induced acute renal failure (ARF). ARF was induced in rats by a single injection of cisplatin-induced acute renal failure (ARF). ARF was induced in rats by a single injection of cisplatin (5 mg/kg, i.v.). Prophylactic treatment with KW-3902 (0.01-1 mg/kg, p.o., twice a day) significantly attenuated the increases of serum creatinine (S-CRE) and urea nitrogen (S-UN) induced by cisplatin. On the other hand, neither furosemide nor trichlormethiazide showed any ameliorating effects against the cisplatin-induced ARF. In the clearance study, the cisplatin-treatment induced marked decreases of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF), and reabsorptions of water, sodium and potassium at tubular sites, in comparison with those in untreated normal rats. KW-3902 (0.1 mg/kg, p.o., twice a day) significantly improved these deteriorated glomerular and tubular functions. In the rats with established cisplatin-induced ARF, KW-3902 ameliorated the cisplatin-induced reductions of GFR, RPF, and reabsorptions of water, sodium and potassium at tubular sites. These results suggest that activation of adenosine A1-receptors is involved in the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced ARF. The adenosine A1-receptor antagonist may be useful for the treatment of cisplatin-induced ARF.

Enhancement of defecation and distal colonic motor activity by KW-5092, a novel gastroprokinetic agent, in rats

KW-5092 ([1-[2-[[[5-(piperidinomethyl)-2-furanyl]- methyl]amino]ethyl]-2-imidazolidinylidene]propanedinitrile fumarate) is a novel gastroprokinetic agent with acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and acetylcholine release facilitatory activity. The present study examined the effects of KW-5092 on the defecation and colonic motor activity in rats. KW-5092, at 1 to 30 mg/kg, p.o., dose-dependently increased the fecal pellet output. In the in vitro study, KW-5092, at 10(-6) M to 10(-5) M, evoked contraction of the isolated distal colonic preparation. In the in vivo study, KW-5092, at 1 to 10 mg/kg, p.o., induced an increase in the distal colonic motor index, which was dose-dependently inhibited by atropine (0.1 to 1 mg/kg, i.v.). The present results suggest that KW-5092 induces the defecation in rats by enhancing the distal colonic motor activity via its acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and/or acetylcholine release facilitatory activity. KW-5092 may be a useful drug in the treatment of constipation.

Stimulating effects of KW-5092, a novel gastroprokinetic agent, on the gastric emptying, small intestinal propulsion and colonic propulsion in rats

KW-5092 ((1-[2-[[[5-(piperidinomethyl)-2-furanyl]methyl]amino]ethyl]- 2-imidazolidinylidene) propanedinitrile fumarate) is a novel gastroprokinetic agent with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and acetylcholine (ACh) release facilitatory activity. The present study examined the effects of KW-5092 on gastrointestinal (GI) propulsion in rats. KW-5092 at 1 to 30 mg/kg, p.o. dose-dependently enhanced the gastric emptying, small intestinal propulsion and the proximal and distal colonic propulsion. Metoclopramide, a dopamine D2-receptor antagonist with ACh release facilitatory activity, dose-dependently enhanced the gastric emptying at 0.03 to 1 mg/kg, p.o., whereas this drug did not affect the small intestinal propulsion, or the proximal and distal colonic propulsion. Neostigmine, an AChE inhibitor, dose-dependently enhanced the small intestinal propulsion and the proximal and the distal colonic propulsion at 0.3 to 10 mg/kg, p.o., whereas it delayed the gastric emptying at 10 mg/kg, p.o. The present results demonstrate that KW-5092 enhances the GI propulsion from the stomach to the colon and that metoclopramide or neostigmine enhances only the upper or the lower GI propulsion, respectively. Thus, KW-5092 may be a gastroprokinetic drug of a novel type for the treatment of GI motility dysfunctions in a wide range from the stomach to the colon.

Diuretic effects of KW-3902, a novel adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, in anesthetized dogs

The effects of intravenous infusion of KW-3902 (8-(noradamantan-3-yl)-1,3-dipropylxanthine), a novel adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, on urine volume, urinary excretion of electrolytes and renal hemodynamics were examined in anesthetized dogs. KW-3902 at 10 and 30 micrograms/kg/min for 20 min inhibited the decline of renal blood flow induced by intrarenal arterial injection of adenosine (0.5-2.0 micrograms). KW-3902 at these doses produced significant increases in urine volume and sodium excretion with little change in potassium excretion. The diuretic effect of KW-3902 at 30 micrograms/kg/min for 20 min continued for longer than 1 h even after discontinuation of the KW-3902 infusion. KW-3902 did not affect creatinine clearance, renal blood flow, arterial blood pressure or heart rate. Furosemide at 10 micrograms/kg/min for 20 min brought about significant increases in urine volume and excretion of sodium and potassium. The diuresis and saliuresis induced by furosemide continued for only 40 min after discontinuation of the drug infusion. Trichlormethiazide at 3 micrograms/kg/min for 20 min also provoked increases in urine volume and sodium excretion, but did not affect potassium excretion. The diuretic and natriuretic effect of trichlormethiazide gradually disappeared after discontinuation of the drug infusion. The present study in anesthetized dogs suggests that KW-3902, an adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, produces diuresis and natriuresis but not kaliuresis and that the diuresis and natriuresis are caused in large part by the inhibition of sodium reabsorption at tubular sites.

Inhibitory effects of KW-5092, a novel gastroprokinetic agent, on the activity of acetylcholinesterase in guinea pig ileum

KW-5092 ([1-[2-[[[5-(piperidinomethyl)-2- furanyl]methyl]amino]ethyl]-2-imidazolidinylidene] propanedinitrile fumarate) is a novel gastroprokinetic agent with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and acetylcholine release facilitatory activity. The present study used guinea pig ileal homogenates to examine the inhibitory effects of KW-5092 on the activities of AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). KW-5092 inhibited AChE and BuChE with the IC50 values of 6.8 x 10(-8) M and 2.4 x 10(-5) M, respectively. The IC50 values of neostigmine for AChE and BuChE were 3.6 x 10(-8) M and 1.9 x 10(-7) M, respectively. HSR-803 (N-[4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]benzyl]-3,4-dimethoxybenzamide hydrochloride), a gastroprokinetic agent, inhibited AChE and BuChE with the IC50 values of 8.6 x 10(-6) M and 6.0 x 10(-4) M, respectively. The AChE inhibition by KW-5092 was reversible and noncompetitive, whereas that by HSR-803 was reversible and uncompetitive. On the other hand, the AChE inhibition by neostigmine was non-competitive when the enzyme was preincubated with this inhibitor for 2 min prior to the addition of the substrate, and it was nearly competitive when the enzyme, the inhibitor and the substrate were incubated simultaneously. The present results demonstrate that KW-5092 is a selective, reversible and noncompetitive inhibitor of AChE with different characteristics from those of neostigmine and HSR-803. The AChE inhibitory action may contribute to its gastroprokinetic effect.

Effects of a thromboxane A2-receptor antagonist, a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor and aspirin on prostaglandin I2 production in endothelium-intact and -injured aorta of guinea pigs

We examined the effects of KW-3635, a thromboxane (TX) A2-receptor antagonist, and OKY-046, a TX synthetase inhibitor, on the prostaglandin (PG) I2 production in endothelium-intact and -injured guinea pig aorta and compared them with those of aspirin. In the endothelium-intact aorta, both the low (3 mg/kg) and the high (100 mg/kg) dose of aspirin similarly reduced the PGI2 production, as measured ex vivo 1 hr after the injury. In contrast, neither KW-3635 (10 mg/kg) nor OKY-046 (30 mg/kg) inhibited the PGI2 production. The endothelial injury, induced by balloon catheterization, caused a reduction of PGI2 production in the aorta and decline of plasma PGI2/TXA2 ratio. In the endothelium-injured animals, the high dose of aspirin further reduced the PGI2 production in the aorta, whereas KW-3635 and OKY-046 did not affect it. KW-3635 and OKY-046 also ameliorated the reduced ratio of PGI2/TXA2 in the plasma. The present results demonstrate that aspirin, but not KW-3635 or OKY-046, reduces the PGI2 production in the aorta either in the endothelium-intact or -injured state. It is thus suggested that the TXA2-receptor antagonist and the TX synthetase inhibitor have some advantages over aspirin when used for the prevention of acute thrombosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

Cardiovascular effects of benidipine and amlodipine in isolated tissues and anesthetized dogs

Benidipine and amlodipine, 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocking drugs, are long-acting antihypertensive and antianginal drugs. In the present study, the vascular-selectivity and duration of action of benidipine were determined in vitro and in vivo, and compared with those of amlodipine. The relaxing effect of benidipine on the canine coronary artery precontracted by KCl (55 mM) was about 40 times that of amlodipine. The negative inotropic effect of benidipine in the electrically-stimulated canine right ventricular papillary muscle was about twice that of amlodipine. The potency ratios of the vasorelaxing effect in the coronary artery and the negative inotropic effect in papillary muscle were 1300 for benidipine and 67 for amlodipine, respectively. In anesthetized dogs, the maximum hypotensive effect and the duration of action of 3 micrograms/kg (i.v.) benidipine was almost the same as those of 500 micrograms/kg (i.v.) amlodipine. The duration of the hypotensive action of benidipine at 10 micrograms/kg (i.v.) was almost the same as that of amlodipine at 1500 micrograms/kg (i.v.). Amlodipine at 1500 micrograms/kg (i.v.) reduced mean blood pressure and left ventricular dp/dt max immediately after its administration, whereas such transient falls were not observed after the administration of benidipine at 10 micrograms/kg (i.v.). These results suggest that benidipine possesses a stronger vasodilating effect and a higher vascular-selectivity, compared with amlodipine.

Possible physiological role of endogenous adenosine in defecation in rats

Evacuated feces after intraperitoneal administration of selective adenosine receptor antagonists were evaluated in rats. The selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonists, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) (100-300 micrograms/kg i.p.) and (R)-7,8-dihydro-8-ethyl-2-(3-noradamantyl)-4-propyl-1H-imidazo[2,1 -i]purin- 5(4H)-one (KF20274) (30-300 micrograms/kg i.p.), significantly increased defecation, whereas the selective adenosine A2 receptor antagonist 4-amino-8-chloro-1-phenyl[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline (CP-66,713) failed to cause a significant increase at up to 10 mg/kg i.p. The defecation caused by DPCPX (100 micrograms/kg) was markedly alleviated by (2S)-N6-(2-endo-norbornyl)adenosine ((S)-ENBA) (30-300 micrograms/kg s.c.), a selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist, but not influenced by 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosin e (CGS 21680) (30-1000 micrograms/kg s.c.), a selective adenosine A2 receptor agonist. These results suggest that endogenous adenosine plays a physiological role in sustained inhibition of defecation via adenosine A1 receptors.

Effects of benidipine on renal function in anesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats

Effects of benidipine on urine volume, excretion of electrolytes and renal hemodynamics were investigated in anesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Benidipine at 3 and 10 micrograms/kg (i.v.) significantly increased urine volume, sodium (Na) and potassium (K) excretion with no change of creatinine clearance (CCRE). The increase in K excretion was relatively slight when compared with that in Na excretion. In another series of experiments, the tubular sites of action of benidipine were determined by the lithium clearance (CLi) technique and the stop-flow method. Benidipine at 3 micrograms/kg (i.v.) increased CLi, decreased creatinine concentration and increased Na concentration in the stop-flow urine from the distal nephron. These results suggest that benidipine produces diuresis and natriuresis by the inhibition of water and Na reabsorption at both the proximal tubule and the distal nephron. Benidipine increased p-aminohippuric acid clearance, but not CCRE, at doses of 3 and 10 micrograms/kg (i.v.), suggesting that benidipine dilates the glomerular efferent arteriole as well as the afferent arteriole. It is, therefore, expected that benidipine does not cause intraglomerular hypertension and has a beneficial effect in progressive renal disease.

Susceptibility to adenosine agonists of giant migrating contraction induced by glycerol enema in anesthetized rats

The present study examined whether adenosine agonists influence the occurrence of giant migrating contractions (GMCs) induced by glycerol enema (65%, 2 ml/kg) in rats. Catheter pressure transducers were used to measure the colonic luminal manometric alterations. The adenosine A1 agonists (2S)-N6-(2-endo-norbornyl)adenosine ((S)-ENBA) (10 micrograms/kg, i.v.) and N6-cyclohexyladenosine (30 micrograms/kg, i.v.) abolished the GMCs, whereas the adenosine A2 agonist 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosin e (CGS 21680) (30-300 micrograms/kg, i.v.) failed to influence the GMCs. The suppressive action of (S)-ENBA on the GMCs was entirely counteracted by the peripheral adenosine antagonist 8-(p-sulfophenyl)theophylline (10 mg/kg, i.v.). The present observations suggest that the adenosine A1 agonist suppresses the GMCs via peripheral adenosine receptors.