Cu-based thin rolled foils: relationship among alloy composition, micromechanical and antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2

The healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and pandemics caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) and new-generation pathogens threaten the whole world community. Cu and its alloys have been attracting widespread interest as anti-contamination materials due to the rapid inactivation of MDR-superbugs and viruses. Applying thin Cu-based foils on pre-existing surfaces in hygiene-sensitive areas represents a quick, simple, cost-effective self-sanitising practice. However, the influence of chemical composition and microstructure should be deeply investigated when evaluating the antimicrobial capability and durability of Cu-based materials. The effect of composition on micromechanical and antiviral properties was investigated by comparing Cu15Zn and Cu18Ni20Zn (foil thickness from 13 to 27 μm) with Phosphorous High-Conductivity (PHC) Cu. The influence of recrystallisation annealing of PHC Cu was also investigated. Microstructural characterisation was carried out by optical (OM) and scanning electron (FEG-SEM) microscopy, Energy-dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Electron-Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD). The micromechanical behaviour was assessed by microhardness, microscale abrasion and scratch tests. Cu-based foils were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 for different time points in quasi-dry conditions (artificial sweat solution), evaluating their antiviral capability by quantitative Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Surface morphology, contact angle measurements and Cu release were measured. All Cu-based surfaces completely inactivated SARS-CoV-2 in 10 min: pure Cu was the best option regarding antiviral efficiency, while Cu15Zn showed the best trade-off between micromechanical and antiviral properties.

New classes of antimuscarinic agents endowed with selective antispasmodic properties. 1-Arylsulfonyl pyrrolidin-2-ones and 2-thiones, 1-arylsulfonyl piperidin-2-ones and 2-thiones and 1-arylsulfonyl hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one

A series of 1-arylsulfonylpyrrolidin-2-ones (and 2-thiones), 1-aryl sulfonylpiperidin-2-ones (and 2-thiones) and 1-arylsulfonyl hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one were synthesized and submitted to a battery of binding assays. The compounds showed little or no affinity for the receptors tested other than muscarinic receptors labelled either with [3H]pirenzepine or with [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate. When tested in the isolated guinea pig ileum, they antagonized the contractions induced by acetylcholine and behaved as competitive muscarinic antagonists. After parenteral administration in mice, most compounds inhibited carbachol-induced diarrhoea but were less effective in counteracting salivation and lacrimation and showed little or no mydriatic action, thus displaying selectivity at the intestinal level. The reference drugs tested, atropine, butyl scopolamine and cimetropium bromide were far less selective. maximal in vivo activity was obtained by introducing diethylamino or 1-piperidino or 1-hexahydroazepinyl groups in the 4-position of the phenyl ring while the enlargement of a 5- to a 6-membered lactam ring or its conversion into a thiolactam had a less marked effect. The most interesting compounds were further evaluated for their ability to antagonize carbachol-induced colonic hypermotility in the rat and arecoline-induced analgesia in mice. The effect on gastric acid secretion in the rat was also investigated. The overall in vivo data showed that compounds 14, 15, 26 and 27, i.e. those bearing a 1-hexahydroazepinyl group in the 4-position of the phenyl ring, were the most potent and selective compounds.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Structure-activity studies of 16-methoxy-16-methyl prostaglandins

The synthesis of the pure diastereoisomer of 16-methoxy-16-methyl-PGF2 alpha, -PGE2, and -PGE1 is described. The absolute configuration of C-16 was established by chemical methods, while the absolute C-15 configurations of the diastereoisomers were assigned tentatively on the basis of their chromatographic behavior and NMR spectra. The synthetic prostaglandin analogues were evaluated for antisecretory, antifertility, and diarrheogenic effects. Both the C-15 and C-16 configurations were found to be critical for the biological activities. These studies indicate that the introduction of the methyl and methoxy groups at C-16 into the prostaglandin analogues markedly increases the ratio of antisecretory to diarrheogenic action. One of the PGE1 derivatives, 9f(15 alpha, 16R) (MDL 646, mexiprostil), was selected for further pharmacological evaluation and is currently under clinical investigation.

2-(1,1'-Biphenyl-4-yl)- 1,2,4-triazole[5,1-a] isoquinoline (L 14105), a potential orally active contragestational agent for the bitch: studies in the rat, hamster and dog

In the search for second generation post-coital pregnancy terminating agents belonging to the class of 2-phenyl-triazole[5,1-a]isoquinolines, the contragestational profile of (1,1'-biphenyl)-4-yl-1,2,4-triazole[5,1-a]isoquinoline, referred to as L 14105, was investigated in hamsters, rats, and bitches. Following subcutaneous or intramuscular administration in oily vehicles, L 14105 shows a very high anti-fertility activity in the three animal species, being from 1.8 to 2.5 times more effective than the parent drug, DL 717-IT. Unlike DL 717-IT, L 14105 possesses a high activity when administered by the oral route. The results obtained in the bitch make it confirm its potential use as a new orally active agent for the interruption of unwanted pregnancies.

The rate of N-demethylation of N,N-dimethylanilines and N-methylanilines by rat-liver microsomes is related to their first ionization potential, their lipophilicity and to a steric bulk factor

The N-demethylation of a series of 12 p-substituted N,N-dimethylanilines, nine m-substituted N,N-dimethylanilines, one o-substituted N,N-dimethylaniline and four p-substituted N-methylanilines by rat-liver microsomes was studied. For each compound, the apparent Vmax and Km values were determined and these parameters were correlated with their electronic, lipophilicity and steric bulk parameters reported in the literature. Multi-parameter linear regression analysis showed a good correlation between log Vmax and these parameters for the p-substituted N,N,-dimethylanilines. A lower degree of correlation was observed with the meta-substituted N,N-dimethylanilines.

Zetidoline metabolism by rat liver microsomes. Formation of metabolites with potential neuroleptic activity

1-(3'-Chlorophenyl)-3-[2-(3,3-dimethyl-1-azetidinyl)ethyl] imidazolidin-2-one, zetidoline, a new neuroleptic agent, when incubated with rat liver microsomes was rapidly metabolized to six free (mets B, D, I, L, M and N) and two conjugated metabolites (mets E and F). Sites of the metabolic attack (oxidation) were primarily the aromatic moiety, then the imidazolidinone and the azetidine rings. The metabolites were purified and structures assigned by means of EI-MS, 1H-NMR and chemical synthesis (mets B, D, L and M). The main metabolites, zetidoline, some chemical analogues and a few known dopamine antagonists were tested as in vitro inhibitors of 3H-zetidoline and 3H-spiperone binding to rat striatal membranes, and as in vivo inducers of prolactin release in female rats (inhibition of the estrus cycle). Two zetidoline metabolites, namely 4'-hydroxy zetidoline (met. B) and 5-hydroxy zetidoline (met. L), were found to have both in vitro and in vivo activities comparable to those of the parent drug. Identification of these active hydroxylated metabolites appears important both in the search of new leads of neuroleptics and for designing pro-drugs derivatives with improved pharmacokinetic profiles.

Biochemical characterization of the hepatic effects in mice and rats of 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene, a hepatic neoplasm promoter

The biochemical effects on the liver of 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene (TCPOBOP), a phenobarbital-like enzyme inducer, were studied in the mouse and rat. In mice a single dose of TCPOBOP (3 mg/kg, ip) caused marked and long-lasting (at least 7 days) induction of liver cytochrome P-450, 7-ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase, and epoxide hydrolase. TCPOBOP had much less effect in rats than in mice, even at a higher dose (30 mg/kg) TCPOBOP also induced DNA synthesis in mice and rats but ornithine decarboxylase activity only in mice. In addition, in mice but not in rats, TCPOBOP increased microsomal membrane fluidity, as detected by fluorescence polarization measurements.

On the mode of action of a new contragestational agent (DL 111-IT)

Non-hormonal compounds belonging to 3,5-diphenyl-1H,1,2,4 triazoles and chemically related classes (triazoles in short) are known to be endowed with high contragestational activity in rodents, dogs and primates. The data herein reported for one of the leaders of this family of compounds (DL 111-IT) along with those previously reported for some analogues, demonstrate that triazoles cause pregnancy arrest by a direct action on conception product. This action is expressed through a progressive slowing down of the conceptus development with a consequent onset of a state of anoxia, pregnancy arrest, degeneration of placentae and adnexae and their absorption or expulsion. The selective time of gestation during which they elicit the antifertility effect (early post-implantation period) and the histological examinations revealed that the target of their action are the ectoplacental and decidual cells. Biochemical studies on conceptus product demonstrate that, although they do not bind to progesterone receptors or inhibit ornithine decarboxylase activity, triazoles induce an early and marked increase in the number of cytosol progesterone receptors accompanied by a steep decrease in the ornithine decarboxylase activity in the product of conception. These findings are discussed in relation to the possibility that triazoles may trigger pregnancy arrest by interfering with the chain of events by which progesterone regulates the mitotic activity of decidual and trophoblastic cells.

Biliverdin as an electron transfer catalyst for superoxide ion in aqueous medium

Stopped flow experiments gave evidence of the formation of a biliverdin-superoxide complex and/or a biliverdin radical anion by reaction of aqueous O2- with biliverdin. Such transient species are likely intermediates both in the bleaching of biliverdin, during exposure to the aerobic xanthine oxidase reaction, and in the reduction of ferricytochrome c under the same conditions.

Immunological profile of DL111-IT, a new immunosuppressant agent

The immunosuppressive properties of the non-hormonal contragestional agent 3-(2-ethylphenyl)-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole (DL111-IT) were evaluated on different immunological functions. The compound displayed significant immunosuppressive activity on both humoral and cellular immunity when administered during the inductive phase of the immune response. In experimental models autoimmunity and skin transplantation, DL111-IT was able to reduce the production of auto-antibodies and prolong skin graft survival. The compound, even at doses much higher than those effective inhibiting immune responses, did not influence the survival time of some haematological tumors in mice. This suggest that DL111-IT does not act by a general cytotoxic mechanism.

In vivo stereospecific [3H]spiperone binding in rat brain: characteristics, regional distribution, kinetics and pharmacological properties

The time course of [3H]spiperone distribution in the three major pools (specifically and non-specifically membrane-bound and soluble) of different brain areas, was studied in rats given a tracer amount of the drug. In addition, the stereospecificity, dissociation kinetics and pharmacological nature of the in vivo bound [3H]spiperone were investigated. The data show that [3H]spiperone binding sites in the striatum, olfactory tubercles and hypophysis differ clearly from those of the cortical regions. In the prevalently dopaminergic areas the amount of ligand bound to membranes is, up to 24 h post-treatment, proportional to the total 3H present. However a more correct analysis of the data was obtained in all the experiments when membrane-bound was measured instead of total radioactivity. Thus assay of the in vivo specifically bound [3H]spiperone appears essential for a correct evaluation of the density, affinity, regional distribution, pharmacological nature and kinetics of the drug-receptor interaction.

Characterization of [3H]zetidoline binding to rat striatal membranes

The binding of [3H]zetidoline, a novel neuroleptic agent, to rat brain striatal membranes was investigated in-vitro. The optimal binding conditions for [3H]zetidoline differed from those for [3H]spiperone in pH, temperature and time. [3H]Zetidoline has high affinity for striatal dopamine receptors. Its binding is saturable, stereo-specific, has a low non-specific component and is reversible and tissue specific. The Scatchard analysis gave a biphasic curve, indicating that [3H]zetidoline interacts with more than one population of receptor sites (B'max = 67 fmol mg-1 protein, K'd = 0.11 nM; B"max = 500 fmol mg-1 protein, K'd = 2.49 nM). Kinetic analysis of rates of association and dissociation yielded a Kd value in agreement with that measured at equilibrium. Inhibition studies indicated that only dopamine and dopaminergic agents are able to displace [3H]zetidoline from its binding sites, and in a different rank order from that for displacement of [3H]spiperone. (-)-Sulpiride was especially effective in inhibiting [3H]zetidoline specific binding. Furthermore, like that of [3H]benzamides, [3H]zetidoline binding appears to be highly Na+-dependent and Li+ only partially substitutes Na+.

Promoting effects of 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene in mouse hepatocarcinogenesis

The effects of phenobarbital (PB) and 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene (TCPOBOP) on liver hyperplasia, induction of microsomal enzyme activities, and two-stage hepatocarcinogenesis were evaluated in B6C3F1 female mice. For 4 weeks four groups of mice received PB (500 p.p.m. in the drinking water), TCPOBOP (3 mg/kg i.p. once every week), PB together with TCPOBOP or corn oil vehicle i.p. TCPOBOP induced liver hyperplasia and hypertrophy and increased p-nitroanisole-O-demethylase and aminopyrine-N-demethylase more than PB. Neither chemical changed UDPG-transferase activity. The association of PB and TCPOBOP gave the same effects as TCPOBOP alone. Other four groups of mice were treated with N-nitroso-N-diethylamine at 7 days of age and then, starting from 8 weeks of age, received the above specified weekly treatments for 20 weeks and were then sacrificed. Hepatocellular nodules greater than 150 microns were found in all animals of all groups. Due to increased size of the liver compared to controls, the number of nodules/cm3 decreased after PB and TCPOBOP treatments given alone or together; however the mean volume of nodules and the percentage of liver volume occupied by nodules increased after TCPOBOP but not after BP treatment, and the association of PB and TCPOBOP was even more effective than TCPOBOP alone. Hepatocellular adenomas greater than 2.4 mm in diameter were observed in 5 of 10 TCPOBOP-treated mice (total of 11 nodules) and in 5 of 11 mice that received PB plus TCPOBOP (total of 15 nodules). Hepatocellular carcinomas were seen in one mouse treated with PB and in three mice given PB and TCPOBOP.

Contragestational profile of the tumor-inhibiting agent, L-alanosine, in the rat and the hamster

L-Alanosine [L-2-amino-3(N-hydroxy-N-nitrosamino)propionic acid], a tumor-inhibiting agent, induces pregnancy arrest after single or multiple SC or PO administration to rats and hamsters. Its contragestational effects are dose- and route-dependent, with no important differences in species-sensitivity or administration schedules. L-Alanosine is maximally effective shortly (3-4 days) after implantation. Both placenta and fetus appear to be target tissues. Consistent with previous in vitro findings, adenine but not aspartic acid counteracts the contragestational action of L-alanosine. The 'contragestational test', i.e., the effect on conceptus growth, appears to be an interesting approach for learning more about the antiproliferative activity of an antineoplastic agent.

Structure reactivity relationships in the microsomal oxidation of tertiary amines

Apparent kinetic parameters Vmax and KM have been measured for the oxidative N-demethylation of twelve para-substituted N, N-dimethylanilines catalysed by rat liver microsomes. Vmax was enhanced by pretreatment of the rats with phenobarbital, whereas pretreatment with beta-naphthoflavone gave no appreciable enhancement. In the case of phenobarbital pretreatment the kinetic parameters could be expressed in terms of lipophilic and electronic effect of the substituents. Kinetic parameters from control and beta-naphthoflavone microsomes gave no statistically meaningful correlation.

Metabolic pathways of the contragestational agent, 3-(2-ethylphenyl)-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole (DL 111-IT), in the rat

The metabolic pathways of the non-hormonal anti-fertility agent 3-(2-ethylphenyl)-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole (DL 111-IT) were studied in rats given the 14C-labelled compound intramuscularly. The diaryltriazole, once absorbed, was metabolized rapidly by three phase I reactions: (a) hydroxylation at the C-4 of the methoxyphenyl ring, (b) hydroxylation at the alpha-C of the ethyl chain, and (c) demethylation of the methoxyl function. Seven free metabolites and three conjugates have been isolated and characterized by u.v., i.r., n.m.r. and mass spectroscopy. The products of the first step of metabolism of the diaryltriazole were tested for their pregnancy-terminating activity in the rat. They were only 5-9% as effective as the parent compound, indicating that the unchanged drug is the active molecule.

Studies on the luteolytic activity of MDL-646, a new gastroprotective PGE1 analogue, in the hamster

MDL-646, 11,15-dihydroxy-16-methyl-16-methoxy-9-oxo- prost -13-en-1-oic acid methyl ester, is one of the most active members of a new class of PGE1 analogues with potent gastric cytoprotective and antisecretory activity. The potential luteolytic activities of MDL-646 and its corresponding PGE2 derivative, L 14224 were assessed from their ability to terminate pregnancy and to reduce plasma progesterone levels in the hamster. PGE1 and PGE2 were used as reference compounds. The biological and biochemical data clearly demonstrate that these 16-methyl-16-methoxy PGE derivatives, given s.c. or p.o. either once or for 3 days, have no luteolytic effects up to a daily dose of 2-2.5 mg/kg, and are therefore at most 1/2 to 1/4 as luteolytic as the parent natural PGEs. The dissociation between gastroprotective and luteolytic activity was interpreted to indicate that these new PGE derivatives have a specific action.

Prolactin-releasing effect of zetidoline, a new neuroleptic agent, in the rat

The effect of a new neuroleptic agent, zetidoline, 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-3-[2-(3,3-dimethyl-l-azetidinyl)ethyl]imidaz olidin-2-one (ZET), on prolactin release was studied in both male and female rats and compared to that of the classic antipsychotic drugs chlorpromazine and haloperidol. Time-course and dose-effect studies showed that ZET induces a rapid and short lasting increase in plasma prolactin levels, with a significant increase after a dose as low as 0.33 mg/kg, i.p.. The overall patterns of prolactin release appeared to be similar in both sexes but the response was markedly greater in females than in males. The prolactin-releasing effect of ZET was counteracted by apomorphine and L-dopa, which indicates that blockade of dopamine receptors is the basis of its neuroendocrine action. As a prolactin-releaser, ZET was found to be about 5 times as potent as chlorpromazine and about one-ninth as potent as haloperidol.

The microbial oxygenation of the benzylisoquinoline alkaloid laudanosine

The microbial transformation of the benzylisoquinoline alkaloid laudanosine by a strain of Pseudomonas putida gives a metabolite in which O-demethylation of 1 methoxyl group of ring C, and introduction of 1 ketonic oxygen at C9 and 1 phenolic oxygen at ring C have occurred. Also, O-methylcoripalline is formed in this transformation.

Contragestational effects of DL-alpha-difluoro-methylornithine, an irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, in the hamster

In the hamster, there are remarkable changes in ODC activity in various uterine reproductive tissues during gestation. When DL-alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), a highly selective irreversible inhibitor of ODC, is given during the early post-implantation period, when ODC activity in the conceptus is rapidly rising and reaches its highest values, it causes pregnancy arrest. Low doses of DFMO are contragestational only during a short period of gestation (day 7 and 8), with primary action on the embryo. Higher doses given soon after implantation (day 5) induce early pregnancy termination by a primary effect on decidual tissue. Biochemical investigations in animals treated on day 5 or day 7 showed that DFMO induces a rapid and dramatic fall in ODC activity in the products of conception. These findings strengthen and extend previous evidence that ODC and polyamines play an essential role in the maintenance of early pregnancy in rodents.

A new class of nonhormonal pregnancy-terminating agents. Synthesis and contragestational activity of 3,5-diaryl-s-triazoles

A series of 3,5-diaryl-s-triazoles were synthesized and evaluated as postimplantation contragestational agents. The introduction of various substituents (e.g., an o-alkyl chain on one phenyl and a m-alkoxy group on the other) was found to increase the potency. Several compounds with very high pregnancy-terminating activity in both hamsters and rats were obtained. One of these, 3-(2-ethylphenyl)-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-s-triazole, DL 111 (36), was selected for detailed evaluation in various animal species. A synthetic scheme for the preparation of these compounds and preliminary structure-activity relationships are presented.

Synthesis and antifertility activity of 13-aza 14-oxo-prostaglandins

Some 13-aza-14-oxo prostaglandin analogues of PGF2 alpha, PGE2 and PGA2 have been synthetized in optically active form, starting from Corey's intermediate and evaluated for antifertility activity in the hamster. The C-15 absolute configuration was established and found critical for the biological activity, but unexpectedly the highest potency was always associated with the 15 epi derivatives. Among the PGF2 alpha analogues the 15 epi derivative was about one tenth as potent as PGF2 alpha. The preparation of a few 16-phenoxy 17,18,19,20 tetranor-derivatives led to more potent compounds with the p-fluorophenoxy analogue having the same potency as PGF2 alpha.

Ex vivo binding to glucocorticoid receptors in the thymus of the adrenalectomized rat

The interaction of glucocorticoids with thymic cytosol receptors in the adrenalectomized rat was studied by a method based on their capacity to deplete cytosol receptors when administered in vivo. Three h after a single oral administration of reference steroids at various dose levels, thymus cytosol aliquots were incubated with a saturating concentration of [3H]dexamethasone (30 nM) for 24 h at 0-2 degrees C with and without 2000 nM unlabeled dexamethasone. Bound radioactivity was determined by dextran-coated charcoal adsorption. The depletion of cytosol receptors was dose-dependent for each glucocorticoid, with the following ED50 (mg/kg): fluocinolone acetonide 0.032, dexamethasone 0.09, triamcinolone acetonide 0.12, betamethasone 0.24, deflazacort 0.55, triamcinolone 1.6, prednisolone 4.0, hydrocortisone 17.0. A striking correlation (r 0.991) between ex vivo receptor binding and thymolytic effect was observed. When data from in vitro competition studies were compared with those obtained in ex vivo experiments, the latter were correlated more tightly with the biological response.

Pharmacokinetics-activity relationships of a new non-hormonal antifertility agent: 3-(2-ethylphenyl)-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1H-1, 2,4-triazole, in the rat and the hamster

The pharmacokinetic profiles of a new non-hormonal anti-fertility agent, DL 111-IT, were studied in rats and hamsters given the 14C labelled compound parenterally dissolved in aqueous or oily vehicles. In both species, DL 111-It was rapidly metabolized and excreted when given intravenously or subcutaneously in aqueous vehicles (half-lives = 15-45 min.), whereas the kinetics were prolonged when it was administered in oily formulations (half-lives = 7-10 h). Binding studies revealed a high affinity of DL 111-IT for rat serum albumin (Ka = 6 X 10(5) 1/mole). The radioactivity concentrations in different tissues of pregnant rats appeared to be uniform with the excretory organs and lungs being the main target tissues. At the site of action, the utero-placental complex, the levels of total 14C were comparable to those in plasma, whereas the concentration of unchanged DL 111-IT was higher and remained so for a longer time. A comparison between the kinetic profiles and the activity data after single or multiple dose administration in different formulations, clearly indicates a close relationship between activity and plasma and tissue (utero-embryo placental complex) levels of DL 111-IT, and also makes clear the influence of the formulation and of the treatment schedule on the anti-fertility activity of the compound.

Evidence for a role of progesterone in the control of uterine ornithine decarboxylase in the pregnant hamster

Changes in uterine ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity throughout pregnancy and the importance of progesterone in the regulation of this enzyme during the early post-implantation period have been studied in the hamster. Soon after implantation, from day 5 to day 6 of pregnancy, ODC activity rapidly increased. It reached a plateau on day 7, then abruptly fell on day 8 and remained low until the end of pregnancy. DL-alpha-difluoromethyl-ornithine (DFMO), an irreversible inhibitor of ODC, induced pregnancy termination as a consequence of the reduction of uterine ODC activity. When pregnancy arrest was induced by removing endogenous progesterone by administration of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) or by ovariectomy, the ODC rise was completely abolished, and exogenous progesterone was able to entirely counteract this effect on the enzyme activity and the termination of pregnancy. These results suggest that progesterone play a significant role in the rise of uterine ODC activity, which appears to be essential for the early post-implantation events needed for pregnancy maintenance.

DL 111, a new non-hormonal antifertility agent: contragestational and kinetic profile in baboons

It was previously shown that 3-(2-ethylphenyl)-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,4 triazole (DL 111) given parenterally in single or multiple doses during the early stage of embryonal development terminates pregnancy in the mouse, the hamster, the rat, the rabbit and the dog. In the present work, the studies have been extended to the baboon. In this sub-human primate, single and/or multiple intramuscular injections of the compound terminated pregnancy when given between day 34 and 54 of gestation. The effectiveness of DL 111 was greater when earlier in gestation and the optimal mode of treatment appears to be a multiple one. DL 111 appears to act by a direct action on the conceptus, with consequent suppression of the endocrine function of the placenta, progesterone withdrawal and abortion. In all the baboons that aborted, the menstrual cycles resumed within a reasonable length of time and subsequent cycles were regular. All the animals that did not abort have given birth to normal and health term infants. Fertility appears to be unimpaired and the progeny resulting form these pregnancies did not show any abnormalities. No significant drug-related side-effects or alterations in plasma enzymes or haematological parameters were observed. Pharmacokinetic and activity relationships strongly suggest that sustained exposure of the conceptus to the drug action is indispensable for optimizing the pregnancy-terminating effect.

Increased oral activity of a new class of non-hormonal pregnancy terminating agents

A series of selected analogues of 2-(3-ethoxyphenyl)-5,6-dihydro-s-triazole [5, 1-a] isoquinoline (DL 204-IT) modified at the three sites of metabolism of the DL 204-IT molecule, were studied for their anti-fertility activity and absorption (in situ and in vivo) following oral administration to the hamster. All test-compounds were rather well absorbed, nevertheless, the ratios between the oral and subcutaneous pregnancy termination activity ranged between 3 and 722, suggesting a marked influence of metabolic first-pass. One of these new anti-fertility agents, 2-(1, 1'-biphenyl-4-yl)-s-triazole [5, 1-a]-isoquinoline (L 14105), showed an interesting oral activity (ED50: 0.2 mg/kg/d), 300 times greater than that of the parent compound DL 204-IT.

On the mechanism of action of a new pregnancy-terminating agent. Part I: Effects of prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolism in the rat and the hamster

Studies have been carried out to evaluate the effects of 3-(2-ethyl-phenyl)-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,4 triazole (DL 111-IT) a new non-hormonal post-implantation anti-fertility agent, on metabolism of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha MET) by the utero-placental unit (UPU) and the lung. In rats treated with a single (100 mg/kg) subcutaneous minimal 100%-effective dose, DL 111-IT showed a slight and transient inhibitory effect on UPU PGF2 alpha MET, whereas after multiple (2.5 mg/kg/day for 3-5 days), equally effective doses, no effect was observed. In addition, PGF2 alpha levels in both plasma and the UPU were not changed. In rat lung, PGF2 alpha MET was markedly inhibited either after single or multiple injections and the inhibition was prolonged for at least 5-6 days after administration. In hamster, on the contrary, doses up to twenty times greater than 100%-effective ones caused only a slight inhibition of PGF2 alpha MET. The effects of DL 111-IT seem therefore to be dose and species dependent, but not to be related to its pregnancy-terminating activity, thus excluding the involvement of this effect as a part of its mechanism of action.

A new non-hormonal pregnancy-terminating agent

DL 111-IT, 3-(2-ethylphenyl)-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,4 triazole, a compound belonging to a new class of non-hormonal antifertility agents, when given subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intravaginally or orally terminates pregnancy in the rat, the mouse, the hamster and the dog. Time-course and dose-activity studies indicate that its effectiveness is dependent on dose, vehicle, route and time of pregnancy. DL 111-IT has no pre-implantation activity. The most effective time for treatment is the early post-implantation period. The compound has an antifertility effect through a slow and continuing action that results in the degeneration and subsequent resorption or expulsion of conceptuses. As a result, there must be sustained availability of active principle to arrest the pregnancy. Administered parenterally in a proper vehicle (oily) and with a suitable schedule of treatment (x 2-5 days), it demonstrates a very high pregnancy terminating activity (ED50: 0.04-0.7 mg/kg/day). Multiple intravaginal and oral administrations are also effective but the daily doses required are 10-20 and 40-100 times higher than the parenteral ones. Studies of the mechanism of action indicate that the site of action is the utero-placental complex. In fact, in pregnant rats, mice, hamsters and dogs, both plasma progesterone levels and the ineffectiveness of progesterone therapy rule out luteolysis as a basis for the activity. Moreover in hypophysectomized, ovariectomized animals whose pregnancies were maintained with proper hormonal treatments, DL 111-IT terminates pregnancy and adrenalectomy does not prevent its effect, which suggests that pituitary, ovaries and adrenals are not required for the antifertility action.

Synthesis of new psychotropic 2-imidazolidinones

The report describes the synthesis and pharmacology of some new derivatives of 1-(m or p-chlorophenyl)-2-imidazolidinone. These compounds were obtained either by reacting an amine with an N-(2-chloroethyl)-2-imidazolidinone or by reacting a 2-chloroethylamine with an N-substituted-2-imidazolidinone. Two compounds (II f, h) showed interesting psychotropic activity.

Pregnancy termination in dogs with novel nonhormonal compounds

Resorption of the products of fertilization was induced in bitches given (subcutaneously) single or multiple doses of the nonhormonal compounds L-10492 and L-10503 during the first half of gestation; also resorption or expulsion of the conceptus was induced when these compounds were given during the latter part of pregnancy. The smallest doses were required at a time immediately after implantation of the fertilized ova in the uterus. Effectiveness and appearance of side effects were dose-dependent. These consisted of decreased appetite, loss of body weight, and diarrhea (feces sometimes containing streaks of blood). Bitches which had aborted returned to estrus within normal intervals of time, exhibited normal mating behavior, and were fertile. They had normal deliveries and lactation, and the pups were normal. The mechanism of action does not involve effects on nidation and the compounds were not luteolytic, but probably involved the uteroplacental complex.