Effect of distigmine bromide on the central cholinergic system

Distigmine bromide (3, 3'-[hexamethylenebis (methyliminocarbonyloxy)] bis (1-methylpyridinium) dibromide), an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, produced a time-dependent and dose-dependent increase in acetylcholine (ACh) levels in the medial prefrontal cortex of rats. The overt cholinergic behaviours, such as tremor, fasciculation and lacrimation, were also elicited by distigmine bromide. The onset and duration of these behaviours were reflected in the microdialysis data showing that distigmine bromide enhances cholinergic neurotransmission in rat brain. The dose of distigmine bromide eliciting increase in ACh in the medial prefrontal cortex of rats correlated well with its dose for the induction of the cholinergic behaviours. Furthermore, distigmine bromide was an equipotent inhibitor of AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities in the present study. From these findings, it is suggested that distigmine bromide may produce centrally mediated behavioural signs by increasing the ACh levels in the brain, resulting from its AChE and BuChE inhibitions.

Effect of paroxetine on marble-burying behavior in mice

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), on marble-burying behavior in mice in comparison with those of fluvoxamine and clomipramine. Marble-burying test is extensively used as an animal model for obsessive/compulsive disorder. A significant inhibition in marble-burying behavior was observed with paroxetine, at a dose of 10 mg/kg. The earlier SSRI, fluvoxamine, also significantly inhibited marble-burying behavior at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Although clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, caused an inhibition in marble-burying behavior, a high dose of 100 mg/kg was needed to show a significant effect. On the other hand, all the drugs used in the present study showed no significant changes in spontaneous locomotor activity at doses inhibiting marble-burying behavior. In conclusion, it was confirmed that paroxetine has a potent inhibitory effect on marble-burying behavior in mice, and could have a similar antiobsessive/anticompulsive activity in human beings.

Effects of ropinirole on motor behavior in MPTP-treated common marmosets

The effects of ropinirole (4-[2-(dipropylamino)ethyl]-2-indolinone monohydrochloride), a nonergoline dopamine receptor agonist with a high affinity for native dopamine D(2)-like receptors, on Parkinsonism induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), 2.5 mg/animal in common marmosets were examined and compared to the effects of bromocriptine. Ropinirole (0.1-3 mg/kg, PO) increased motor activity dose dependently and reversed akinesia or uncoordinated movement in MPTP-treated marmosets. The activities for ropinirole were very similar to those of bromocriptine. Ropinirole had, however, several properties that differed from those of bromocriptine. Ropinirole caused a more rapid onset of anti-Parkinsonian activity compared to bromocriptine, and had a potency more than five times greater than that of bromocriptine in the improvement of motor deficits. The combination of ropinirole and L-DOPA increased the effectiveness of ropinirole or L-DOPA alone, and produced a more marked additive effect on motor activity than did bromocriptine and L-DOPA. Chronic administration of ropinirole for 21 days produced a statistically significant increase in motor activity compared to the initial administration, and akinesia scores, measured through rating the quality of movements, were also improved without obvious dyskinesia. This study suggests that ropinirole is a dopamine D(2)-like receptor agonistic drug of potential use in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Increased defecation during stress or after 5-hydroxytryptophan: selective inhibition by the 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist, SB-207266

5-HT(4) receptor antagonism prevents the ability of exogenous 5-HT or 5-HTP to sensitize the intestinal peristaltic reflex and increase the rate of defecation, generally without affecting non-stimulated intestinal function. In this study we confirmed the ability of the selective 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist SB-207266 1 - 1000 microg kg(-1) p.o., to prevent the increase in defecation evoked over a 60 min period by 5-HTP 10 mg kg(-1) s.c. in conscious mice, in the absence of an apparent constipating action. The role of endogenous 5-HT in the mechanisms of increased defecation and/or diarrhoea was then investigated in conscious, fed rats. This was evoked by 180 min exposure to restraint stress, which increased both the number and mean weight of formed, faecal pellets excreted over the entire time period. SB-207266 1 - 1000 microg kg(-1) p.o. (dosed 30 min before restraint) did not affect the increase in defecation evoked during the first 60 min of restraint stress, but significantly and dose-dependently reduced or prevented the increased defecation during the remaining 120 min of the experiment; this action occurred in the absence of an apparent constipating action of SB-207266. In fasted rats exposed to restraint stress, watery diarrhoea developed and although there was a tendency for SB-207266 1 - 1000 microg kg(-1) p.o. (dosed 30 min before restraint) to reduce the incidence of diarrhoea, this inhibition was not complete. We conclude that selective 5-HT(4) receptor antagonism prevents disruptions in defecation behaviours caused by exogenous or endogenous enteric 5-HT and that this activity is not accompanied by a concomitant suppression of activity (constipation-like) within the intestine itself.

Epileptogenic activity induced by combined treatment with antiinflammatory drugs and enoxacin and its inhibition by a calcium antagonist, nicardipine

Epileptogenic activity induced by combined treatment with antiinflammatory drugs and enoxacin was investigated in chronic electrode-implanted rats. Ferubinac ethyl and aspirin DL-lysine showed a spike and wave complex in EEG without showing remarkable behavioral changes when they were injected intraventricularly, although a relatively high dose was needed. Enoxacin, on the other hand, elicited potent epileptogenic activity characterized by uninterrupted high voltage spike and wave complex at doses of 50 and 100 micrograms. At the same time, rats showed hyperactivity, jumping and violent convulsion. Combined treatment with enoxacin (p.o.) and ferubinac ethyl (i.v.) caused potent epileptogenic activity characterized by uninterrupted burst of high voltage spike and wave complex. Behaviorally, animals showed forelimb clonus, head nodding and generalized convulsion. High voltage spike and wave complex was also observed after combined treatment with enoxacin (i. vent.) and ferubinac ethyl (i.v. or i. vent.) in association with hyperactivity and jumping and violent convulsion. Nicardipine remarkably inhibited epileptic seizures induced by combined treatment with enoxacin (p.o.) and ferubinac ethyl (i.v.). It is concluded that simultaneous treatment with enoxacin and ferubinac ethyl produced epileptogenic activity when injected intraventricularly, and nicardipine inhibited convulsions induced by combined use of enoxacin (p.o.) and ferubinac ethyl (i.v.).

The control of endothelin-1 secretion

1. The human endothelin-1 (ET-1) gene, which is located on chromosome 6, contains cis-regulatory elements in the 5'-flanking region including the TPA-responsive element, nuclear factor 1 binding element and GATA motif. 2. The expression of preproendothelin-1 (PPET-1) mRNA is regulated by a mechanism involving receptor mediated mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ and activation of protein kinase C in endothelial cells. 3. Activation of protein kinase C results in the synthesis of c-Jun protein and the rapid dephosphorylation of c-Jun protein. Consequently, the binding activity of c-Jun protein to the TPA-responsive element increases, and this causes the induction of PPET-1 mRNA. 4. The microtubular system seems to play some important roles in ET-1 secretion, especially in the process of transferring the synthesized ET-1 to the cell surface of the endothelial cells. 5. The secretion of ET-1 from endothelial cells is also regulated by intracellular Ca2+ released from the Ca2+ store and by Ca2+-calmodulin complex. The phosphorylation of the myosin light chain, elicited by myosin light chain kinase and activated by Ca2+-calmodulin complex, facilitates the formation of filamentous myosin and actin which probably participate in ET-1 secretion especially in transporting the ET-1-containing vesicles towards the cell membrane in the stimulated endothelial cells. 6. Many cultured cells, other than endothelial cells, also secret ET-1 into the culture medium and this secretion can be stimulated by a variety of agents.

The role of c-Jun protein in thrombin-stimulated expression of preproendothelin-1 mRNA in porcine aortic endothelial cells

Treatment of porcine aortic endothelial cells with thrombin induced a time- and dose-dependent expression of preproendothelin-1 (PPET-1) mRNA. The thrombin-induced expression of PPET-1 mRNA was markedly inhibited by calphostin C, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA) induced the expression of PPET-1 mRNA dose-dependently, but 4 alpha-phorbol 12, 13-didecanoate, an inactive enantiomer of phorbol ester, had no effect on the expression of PPET-1 mRNA. On the other hand, challenge of the endothelial cells with thrombin induced a marked and time-dependent increase in the binding activity of nuclear extract to the TPA-responsive element. Furthermore, thrombin elicits synthesis of c-Jun protein as well as triggering its dephosphorylation. From these results, it is concluded that thrombin-stimulated expression of PPET-1 mRNA in porcine aortic endothelial cells can be induced not only by c-Jun protein synthesis but also by initial dephosphorylation in response to activation of protein kinase C.

Antiallergic effect of epinastine (WAL 801 CL) on immediate hypersensitivity reactions: (II). Antagonistic effect of epinastine on chemical mediators, mainly antihistaminic and anti-PAF effects

Anti-histamine and anti-PAF effects of epinastine were tested in rats, guinea pigs and rabbits. Epinastine showed a potent histamine H1-blocking effect, but the potency was slightly less than that of ketotifen in histamine-induced contraction of guinea pig ileum and histamine-induced cutaneous reactions in rats. In histamine-induced dye leakage into the nasal cavity tested in rats, the drug was slightly more potent than ketotifen and azelastine. Epinastine as well as ketotifen suppressed rabbit platelet aggregation induced by PAF at higher concentrations compared with WEB 2086, a specific PAF-antagonist. In the bronchospasm induced by PAF in guinea pigs, epinastine was more effective than ketotifen in inhibiting the bronchoconstriction, while it showed no remarkable effect on the hypotension induced by PAF. Epinastine caused a potent antagonistic effect on LTC4-induced contraction of isolated guinea pig trachea. In conclusion, the potent anti-histamine, anti-PAF and anti-LT effects of epinastine may significantly contribute to its antiallergic activity.

Thrombin-stimulated phosphorylation of myosin light chain and its possible involvement in endothelin-1 secretion from porcine aortic endothelial cells

Thrombin-stimulated secretion of endothelin-1 (ET-1) from porcine aortic endothelial cells was inhibited in the presence of 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid 8-(diethylamino)octyl ester (TMB-8), trifluoperazine and N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7). 1-(5-Chloronaphthalene-1-sulfonyl)-1H-hexahydro-1,4-diazepine (ML-9) also prevented the thrombin-stimulated secretion of ET-1 but it enhanced the accumulation of ET-1 in the endothelial cells. When the endothelial cells were treated with thrombin, the phosphorylation of a 20-kDa protein which was identified as myosin light chain (MLC) was detected. Phosphorylation was augmented in a time-dependent manner. As in the case of ET-1 secretion, MLC phosphorylation was prevented by TMB-8, trifluoperazine, W-7 and ML-9 at the same concentrations which were effective in inhibiting the ET-1 secretion. The site of phosphorylation of MLC was identified as a serine residue. Parallel to the phosphorylation of MLC, thrombin increased the amounts of the 43- and 200-kDa proteins in the Triton-insoluble fraction; these proteins were identified as actin and myosin heavy chain, respectively. These results suggest that the MLC phosphorylation elicited by MLC kinase may facilitate the formation of filamentous myosin and actin which are probably involved in ET-1 secretion, possibly in the transport of ET-1-containing vesicles in thrombin-stimulated endothelial cells.

Antiallergic effect of epinastine (WAL 801 CL) on immediate hypersensitivity reactions: (I). Elucidation of the mechanism for histamine release inhibition

Epinastine caused an inhibition of histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells induced by both antigen-antibody reaction and compound 48/80. Epinastine was similarly effective in inhibiting compound 48/80-induced histamine release not only from isolated rat peritoneal mast cells but also from rat mesenterial pieces. Also, histamine release from lung pieces obtained from actively sensitized guinea pigs after exposure to antigen challenge was markedly inhibited by epinastine. The drug was effective in inhibiting not only Ca2+ uptake into lung mast cells in actively sensitized guinea pigs but also Ca2+ release from the intracellular Ca store of rat peritoneal mast cells exposed to both compound 48/80 and substance P. No significant changes were observed in phosphodiesterase activity in rat peritoneal mast cells treated with epinastine, while adenylate cyclase activity was augmented by epinastine. Epinastine has no inhibitory effect on histamine release induced by Ca2+ or IP3 from permeabilized mast cells. However, the drug significantly and dose-dependently suppressed calmodulin activity suggesting that histamine release inhibition due to epinastine may be partly attributable to Ca(2+)-calmodulin dependent process(es). The drug caused no visible changes in thermodynamic behavior of lipids, either in order parameter or in differential scanning calorimetry, indicating that the drug has no influence on membrane fluidity.

Antiallergic effects of major metabolites of astemizole in rats and guinea pigs

Antiallergic effects of astemizole (CAS 68844-77-9) and its metabolites were studied using rats and guinea pigs. All the metabolites of astemizole tested i.e., desmethylastemizole, 6-hydroxydesmethylastemizole and norastemizole, were more active than astemizole in inhibiting the contraction of the ileum as well as the bronchoconstriction induced by histamine in guinea pigs. Desmethylastemizole was about the same as the parent compound in inhibiting the 3H-mepyramine binding in guinea pig cerebellum. In heterologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and homologous PCA, the metabolites caused almost equipotent inhibition to that seen in astemizole. On the other hand, in the studies of histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells induced by compound 48/80 or from lung fragments in actively sensitized guinea pigs, desmethylastemizole, 6-hydroxydesmethylastemizole and norastemizole were much less potent than was astemizole. No H2-antagonistic activity was observed with either astemizole or desmethylastemizole.

Comparative study of certain antibiotics on epileptogenic property, including (1Rpi, 5S, 6S)-2-[(6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrazolo[1,2-a][1,2,4]triazolium-6-yl)] thio-6-[(R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-1-methyl-carbapenem-3-carboxylate (LJC10627), a carbapenem antibiotic with broad antimicrobial spectrum

The epileptogenic effects of (1R, 5S, 6S)-2-[(6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrazolo[1,2-a][1,2,4]triazolium-6- yl)]thio-6-[(R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-1-methyl-carbapenem-3-carboxylate (LJC10627), a new derivative of carbapenem were studied in comparison with those of imipenem (imipenem/cilastatin), cefazolin and penicillin G. In intraventricular injection in rats, LJC10627 caused no epileptogenic activity at a dose of 32 micrograms. In contrast, imipenem, cefazolin and penicillin G showed dose-related seizure signs, continuous rhythmic spikes or high voltage spike-wave complexes and convulsive behaviors at doses higher than 10 micrograms. After intravenous injection of LJC10627, no epileptogenic signs on the electroencephalogram (EEGs) or in behavioral symptoms were observed, even at a dose of 500 mg/kg in rats and 300 mg/kg in rabbits, respectively. By contrast, imipenem/cilastatin provoked severe seizure patterns characterized by high voltage spikes-wave complex and convulsive behavior, both in rats and rabbits, using the same doses of LJC10627. Cefazolin and penicillin G also induced obvious epileptogenic signs in both rats and rabbits after intravenous injection. From these results, it was concluded that LJC10627, unlike imipenem (imipenem/cilastatin) and cefazolin, dose not elicit epileptogenic activity, and may therefore be safely used for clinical purpose.

Comparative study of the adverse effects of various radiographic contrast media, including ioversol, a new low-osmolarity medium. II. The complement system and endothelial cells

The effects of ioversol, iohexol, iopamidol and meglumine sodium amidotrizoate (MSA) on the complement system and endothelial cells were investigated. The protein bindings of the radiographic contrast media (RCM), each tested with guinea pig plasma, were less than 1%. When guinea pig serum was incubated with any of the RCM, activation of the complement system, which leads to hemolysis, was not influenced by the nonionic agents, ioversol, iohexol or iopamidol. However, MSA, an ionic agent, significantly reduced hemolytic activity at 370 mgI/ml. Perfusion of the abdominal aorta with nonionic agents did not elicit significant endothelial damage; ioversol induced the least damage among the nonionic RCM, while MSA caused remarkable endothelial damage. Although MSA caused a marked release of endothelin-1 from cultured endothelial cells obtained from porcine aorta, nonionic RCM did not induce significant endothelin-1 release; no influence was elicited by ioversol and iohexol caused a weak suppression, while iopamidol had the opposite effect. These results indicate that ioversol could be used as a safe contrast medium in intravascular administration.

Involvement of the microtubular system in the endothelin-1 secretion from porcine aortic endothelial cells

The effects of certain microtubule-disrupting agents on endothelin-1 (ET-1) secretion from porcine aortic endothelial cells were studied. When endothelial cells were treated with thrombin (1 unit/mL), a significant increase in ET-1 secretion was detected in the incubation medium, while ET-1 secretion in the medium was diminished when the cells were treated simultaneously with either colchicine or vinblastine (10(-8)-10(-6) M). In such cases, however, the ET-1 content detected in the cells increased dose-dependently in accordance with the concentrations of the microtubule-disrupting agents. The intracellular accumulation of ET-1 was observed both in mitochondrial and microsomal fractions. On the other hand, thrombin produced a significant increase in polymerized tubulin content without affecting the total tubulin content. A thrombin-induced increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration of endothelial cells was inhibited by treatment with either colchicine or vinblastine. These results seem to indicate that the microtubular system may play an important role in ET-1 secretion from endothelial cells.

Structure-activity relationships of sarafotoxins: chemical syntheses of chimera peptides of sarafotoxins S6b and S6c

The three chimera peptides of sarafotoxins S6b (SRTb) and S6c (SRTc), [Thr2]SRTb, [Asn4]SRTb and [Glu9]SRTb, were synthesized chemically. From the comparisons of lethality, vasoconstrictor activity and receptor binding activity of SRTb, SRTa [( Asn13]SRTb), SRTc [( Thr2,Asn4,Glu9,Asn13]SRTb), [Thr2]SRTb, [Asn4]SRTb and [Glu9]SRTb, it appears that the Lys9 to Glu9 substitution greatly diminishes these activities while the Lys4 to Asn4 substitution does not affect them, and the Ser2 to Thr2 substitution or the Tyr13 to Asn13 substitution slightly diminishes these activities. These results suggest that the very low activities of SRTc are caused mainly by the Lys9 to Glu9 substitution, but not by the Ser2 to Thr2 substitution, which was suggested to be responsible for the weak bioactivities of SRTd [( Thr2,Ile19]SRTb).

Presence of non-selective type of endothelin receptor on vascular endothelium and its linkage to vasodilation

We studied the role of non-selective type (ETB) of endothelin (ET) receptor in the vasculature, using a ligand specific to the ETB receptor, [Glu9]-sarafotoxin S6b ([Glu9]SRTb). Endothelium-containing rat thoracic aorta possessed specific binding sites for 125I-[Glu9]SRTb, which were almost eliminated by removal of the endothelium, while ET-3-specific binding sites were not detected in the endothelium-intact rat aorta. Only ETB receptor was detected in the membranes from the endothelium of porcine thoracic aorta. [Glu9]SRTb exerted only vasodilation in rat aortic ring. These findings indicate that ETB receptors are located on vascular endothelium and linked to vasodilation.

Vasodilator effects of sarafotoxins and endothelin-1 in spontaneously hypertensive rats and rat isolated perfused mesentery

Sarafotoxins (SRTa, SRTb and SRTc) and ET-1 produced a potent vasodilator effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats in vivo and in rat isolated perfused mesenteries in vitro. Among these peptides SRTc demonstrated the most potent vasodilator activity, and was three times more active than SRTa in both preparations. These peptides induced endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in vitro and pretreatment with methylene blue inhibited this effect, while exposure to the antagonists of other vasodilators did not. In contrast, [nitrophenylsulfenylated Trp21]SRTc, SRTc(1-18) and reduced and S-carboxymethylated SRTc caused no vasodilatation in either animal model; the vasodilator effect of acetylated SRTc was less potent than that of SRTc. These results suggest that (i) the vasodilatations of these peptides may be exerted through the release of endothelium derived relaxing factor; (ii) the C-terminal Trp21 and disulfide bonds are essential; and (iii) the N-terminal amino group plays an important role in vasodilator activity.

Structure-activity relationship in vasoconstrictor effects of sarafotoxins and endothelin-1

Sarafotoxins (SRTa, SRTb and SRTc) as well as endothelin-1 (ET-1) produced vasoconstrictions in rat thoracic aorta, rat isolated perfused mesentery and pithed rat in various of extents. The potency was ET-1 greater than SRTb greater than SRTa greater than SRTc at lower doses, but SRTb greater than ET-1 greater than SRTa greater than SRTc at higher doses. [Nitrophenylsulfenylated Trp21]SRTb and SRTb(1-19) caused no vasoconstriction. Either the reduction and carboxymethylation of Cys residues, the destruction of the intramolecular loop or the production of the non-natural disulfide bond, eliminated the constrictor activity. These results indicate that Trp21 and the intramolecular loop structure are essential, and Lys9 and Tyr13 may play some important roles for the vasoconstrictor activity of these peptides.

Effects of antihistamines on the spinal reflex in rats

The effect of antihistamines on the spinal reflex in rats was studied. When H1-blocking agents such as pyrilamine, promethazine and diphenhydramine were given intravenously, both monosynaptic reflex (MSR) and polysynaptic reflex potentials (PSR) were inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion without affecting the dorsal root reflex and dorsal root-dorsal root potential. The extent of suppression of the MSR and PSR measured in spinal rats was smaller than that of intact rats. When H1-blocking agents (0.25-5.0 nmol) were applied by intraspinal microinjection close to the motoneuron, the MSR and PSR were depressed dose-dependently. Simultaneous application of carbachol partially blocked the inhibitory effects of H1-blocking agents induced by intraspinal microinjection. Also, the motoneuron discharges evoked by microinjection of glutamic acid or acetylcholine were depressed by simultaneous administration of any of H1-blocking agents tested. However, H2-blocking agents, such as cimetidine and ranitidine, given either intravenously or intraspinally had a scarcely measurable effect on the spinal reflex. The depression of H1-blocking agents on the spinal reflex is due to a direct inhibition of the motoneuron on the one hand. On the other hand, there is also an involvement of higher centers in the central nervous system increasing potential depression.

Comparative study of various H1-blockers on neuropharmacological and behavioral effects including 1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-2-(4-methyl-1-homopiperazinyl)benzimidazole difumarate (KB-2413), a new antiallergic agent

In a conditioned avoidance response tested in rats, all of the H1-blockers employed caused a dose-related inhibition at doses 5-20 mg/kg (i.v.) except for ketotifen that elicited significant suppression even at a dose of 1 mg/kg. No inhibition was seen after administration of 1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-2-(4-methyl-1-homopiperazinyl)benzimidazole difumarate (KB-2413). ED50s were ranged from 4.1 to 7.4 mg/kg in diphenhydramine, pyrilamine and promethazine. In laminectomized rats, diphenhydramine, pyrilamine, promethazine and ketotifen suppressed the amplitudes of monosynaptic reflex potentials at doses higher than 2 mg/kg (i.v.). In the case of chlorpheniramine, significant inhibition was observed at a dose of 20 mg/kg. In a polysynaptic reflex, similar but less prominent inhibitions were affected by those drugs. However, KB-2413 did not influence spinal reflexes even at a dose of 20 mg/kg. In the rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation, perfusion of H1-blockers at a concentration of 10(-5) M decreased the amplitudes of end-plate potentials except for chlorpheniramine and KB-2413. At 10(-4) M, all the test drugs caused significant inhibition. When the action potential of superior cervical ganglion was measured by the sucrose gap method, promethazine inhibited the action potential significantly at 10(-6) M, but the rest of the test drugs depressed the potentials at 10(-5) M. In spontaneous EEG, all H1-blockers caused a marked drowsy pattern at lower doses (2-5 mg/kg) except for chlorpheniramine, while in higher doses (10-20 mg/kg) epileptic signs in EEG with or without convulsive behavior were noticed. However, after KB-2413 (5-20 mg/kg) neither drowsy nor seizure pattern was observed, in EEG or behavior.

Pharmacological profiles of 2-carboxyphenyl-1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindole-3-acetate and 2-[(2-carboxyphenoxy)-carbonyl]phenyl-1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-meth oxy-2- methylindole-3-acetate, new antiinflammatory agents

When the effects of new antiinflammatory drugs, 2-carboxyphenyl-1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-indole-3-acetate (TB 219) and 2-[(2-carboxyphenoxy)carbonyl]phenyl-1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5- methoxy-2-methylindole-3-acetate (TB 220), were investigated in various experiments, the following results were obtained: 1. TB 219 and TB 220 showed remarkable inhibitory effects on carrageenin edema, ultraviolet erythema and adjuvant arthritis. Although TB 219 displayed almost equipotent or slightly more potent effect than those of indometacin and acemetacin, TB 220 was slightly less effective than these two reference drugs except for the therapeutic effect on adjuvant arthritis. 2. TB 219 and TB 220 inhibited the writhing syndrome induced by acetic acid and inflammatory hyperesthesia, and they provided a significant antipyretic activity. 3. Both drugs elicited almost negligible side effects in the gastrointestinal tract even after the repeated administrations. Especially, ulcerogenic activity of TB 220 was extremely weak. LD50's of both drugs are higher than that of indometacin in rats. 4. Both drugs elicited no appreciable changes in general behavior in mice and rats after oral administration. After intraperitoneal or intravenous injection of these two drugs, no marked changes in spontaneous EEG pattern and the spinal reflex were observed.

The effects of histamine and some related compounds on conditioned avoidance response in rats

When histamine (Hi) and other agonists were applied intraventricularly, Hi caused a dose-dependent inhibition of the avoidance response in rats; its ED50 was 3.60 micrograms. 1-methylHi, 1-methylimidazole acetic acid and imidazole acetic acid which are major metabolites of Hi produced no inhibitory effect even at 50 micrograms. H1-agonists (2-methylHi and 2-thiazolylethylamine) also depressed the avoidance response; their dose-response lines run parallel to that of Hi. The depressant effects of H2-agonists (4-methylHi and dimaprit) were relatively weak; their dose-response lines were not parallel to that of Hi. When antagonists were pretreated intravenously, Hi action was clearly antagonized by diphehydramine and pyrilamine, but not by cimetidine or ranitidine. Intraventricular injection of Hi mixed with cimetidine or ranitidine did not change the effect induced by Hi alone. The avoidance response was not affected by noradrenaline, dopamine or 5-hydroxytryptamine. Although acetylcholine (ACh) suppressed the avoidance response dose-dependently, its effect was much weaker than that of Hi. Pretreatment with cholinergic blocking drugs (atropine and scopolamine) antagonized ACh action but not Hi action. From these results, it is assumed that the inhibitory effect of Hi on the avoidance response is preferentially linked to the H1-receptor. After intraventricular application of 3H-Hi, the highest radioactivity was determined in the hypothalamus.

Epileptogenic activity induced by intravenous injection of certain cephalosporins in rats

Epileptogenic activity induced by intravenous injection of certain cephalosporin derivatives was studied. Ceftezole provided the most potent epileptogenic activity among the drugs tested. Changes in seizure patterns on electroencephalogram (EEG) tracings and behavioral signs after administration of cefotiam and cefazolin were similar to those seen after ceftezole, though the intensity and duration were less than those of ceftezole. Cephacetrile and cephaloridine elicited the spiking activity in the frontal cortex and the other regions without apparent behavioral changes. Latamoxef and cefmenoxime displayed a weak epileptogenic activity at a dose of 1000 mg/kg. On the other hand, cephapirin, cefmetazole and cefoxitin did not evoke any changes in EEG nor in behavior. Penicillin G at a dose of 200 mg/kg affected spike or spike-and-wave complex in a few cases, but at a dose of 500 mg/kg the animals died of dyspnea almost immediately after injection without showing apparent epileptogenic signs. These results suggest that some of cephalosporins such as ceftezole, cefotiam, cephacetrile and cefazolin provide epileptogenic activity at higher doses.