Further Evidence of Neuroprotective Effects of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin and Growth Hormone in Hypoxic Brain Injury in Neonatal Mice

Experimental in vivo data have recently shown complementary neuroprotective actions of rhEPO and growth hormone (rhGH) in a neonatal murine model of hypoxic brain injury. Here, we hypothesized that rhGH and rhEPO mediate stabilization of the blood−brain barrier (BBB) and regenerative vascular effects in hypoxic injury to the developing brain. Using an established model of neonatal hypoxia, neonatal mice (P7) were treated i.p. with rhGH (4000 µg/kg) or rhEPO (5000 IU/kg) 0/12/24 h after hypoxic exposure. After a regeneration period of 48 h or 7 d, cerebral mRNA expression of Vegf-A, its receptors and co-receptors, and selected tight junction proteins were determined using qRT-PCR and ELISA. Vessel structures were assessed by Pecam-1 and occludin (Ocln) IHC. While Vegf-A expression increased significantly with rhGH treatment (p < 0.01), expression of the Vegfr and TEK receptor tyrosine kinase (Tie-2) system remained unchanged. RhEPO increased Vegf-A (p < 0.05) and Angpt-2 (p < 0.05) expression. While hypoxia reduced the mean vessel area in the parietal cortex compared to controls (p < 0.05), rhGH and rhEPO prevented this reduction after 48 h of regeneration. Hypoxia significantly reduced the Ocln+ fraction of cortical vascular endothelial cells. Ocln signal intensity increased in the cortex in response to rhGH (p < 0.05) and in the cortex and hippocampus in response to rhEPO (p < 0.05). Our data indicate that rhGH and rhEPO have protective effects on hypoxia-induced BBB disruption and regenerative vascular effects during the post-hypoxic period in the developing brain.

Adaptation of Dinoroseobacter shibae to oxidative stress and the specific role of RirA

Dinoroseobacter shibae living in the photic zone of marine ecosystems is frequently exposed to oxygen that forms highly reactive species. Here, we analysed the adaptation of D. shibae to different kinds of oxidative stress using a GeLC-MS/MS approach. D. shibae was grown in artificial seawater medium in the dark with succinate as sole carbon source and exposed to hydrogen peroxide, paraquat or diamide. We quantified 2580 D. shibae proteins. 75 proteins changed significantly in response to peroxide stress, while 220 and 207 proteins were differently regulated by superoxide stress and thiol stress. As expected, proteins like thioredoxin and peroxiredoxin were among these proteins. In addition, proteins involved in bacteriochlophyll biosynthesis were repressed under disulfide and superoxide stress but not under peroxide stress. In contrast, proteins associated with iron transport accumulated in response to peroxide and superoxide stress. Interestingly, the iron-responsive regulator RirA in D. shibae was downregulated by all stressors. A rirA deletion mutant showed an improved adaptation to peroxide stress suggesting that RirA dependent proteins are associated with oxidative stress resistance. Altogether, 139 proteins were upregulated in the mutant strain. Among them are proteins associated with protection and repair of DNA and proteins (e. g. ClpB, Hsp20, RecA, and a thioredoxin like protein). Strikingly, most of the proteins involved in iron metabolism such as iron binding proteins and transporters were not part of the upregulated proteins. In fact, rirA deficient cells were lacking a peroxide dependent induction of these proteins that may also contribute to a higher cell viability under these conditions.

Differentiating health statuses using positive health indicators in an occupational context

OBJECTIVES

To identify different health statuses beyond the dichotomy of 'health' vs 'illness'. To achieve this, positive indicators based on current scientific definitions and concepts were constructed.

STUDY DESIGN

Data were collected between 2008 and 2010 in a nationwide representative cross-sectional survey.

METHODS

Data for approximately 11,800 wage or salary earners were analysed. Health statuses were modelled using hierarchical cluster analysis, and the relationships between clusters and working conditions were tested using discriminant analyses.

RESULTS

According to response patterns in the various health dimensions, four health statuses were found: individuals who were holistically healthy; individuals with multiple health impairments; individuals with stagnating potential for development; and individuals with higher tendency to wear out.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of positive health concepts enables better differentiation of health statuses. Under existing working conditions, it is possible to identify group-specific needs for the working population, and to derive appropriate measures as part of workplace health promotion.

Efficacy of acamprosate for alcohol dependence in a family medicine setting in the United States: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

Acamprosate has been found to enhance rates of complete abstinence and to increase percent days abstinent (PDA) from alcohol relative to placebo treatment. As most U.S. clinical trials of acamprosate have been conducted in alcohol and other drug specialty clinics, there is a need to examine the efficacy of acamprosate in generalist settings. This study tested the efficacy of acamprosate versus placebo on the primary study outcome of PDA in the treatment of alcohol-dependent patients in a family medicine setting. Secondary study outcomes included percent heavy drinking days (%HDD) and gamma glutamyltransferase level (normal or high).

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group design of acamprosate was conducted in 2 family medicine settings (North Carolina and Wisconsin). One hundred volunteers were recruited primarily by advertisement, and participants were assigned to 666 mg (2 pills) oral acamprosate 3 times daily (1,998 mg/d) or matching placebo over a 12-week period. All participants concomitantly received 5 sessions of a brief behavioral intervention from a family/primary care physician.

RESULTS

No significant treatment effect of acamprosate was found on PDA or the secondary outcomes. Significant treatment goal by time interaction effects was found on PDA and %HDD. Participants who had an initial goal of abstinence versus a reduction in alcohol use improved on average over time in PDA and had less %HDD from baseline to the end of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This clinical trial did not find evidence of efficacy for acamprosate compared to placebo among alcohol-dependent individuals recruited primarily by advertisement as studied in a primary care setting. Drinking outcomes significantly improved regardless of medication condition. A goal of abstinence was significantly associated with improved drinking outcomes, suggesting that alcohol-dependent patients with such a goal may do particularly well with counseling in a family medicine setting.

Three thiadiazinone derivatives, EMD 60417, EMD 66430, and EMD 66398, with class III antiarrhythmic activity but different electrophysiologic profiles

The thiadiazinone derivatives EMD 60417, EMD 66430, and EMD 66398 were developed as class III antiarrhythmic agents. Their chemical structure is closely related to that of their calcium-sensitizing congener [+]-EMD 60263, and EMD 66398 possesses the methylsulfonylaminobenzoyl moiety present in the prototypical IKr blocker E-4031. We compared the electrophysiologic effects of these compounds with standard drugs (almokalant, E-4031, quinidine) in cardiac myocytes from guinea-pig ventricle and human atrium by whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The test compounds' class III action, which is related to impairment of K+ channel function, was confirmed by action potential measurements. EMD 60417, EMD 66430, EMD 66398, and almokalant (1 microM each) reversibly prolonged the action potential duration in guinea-pig myocytes. In the same cells, the rapidly activating component IKr of the delayed rectifier K+ current, which has been defined by its sensitivity to E-4031, was reduced by EMD 60417, EMD 66430, EMD 66398, and almokalant. Inhibition of IKr was concentration-dependent as determined by attenuation of tail currents. The slowly activating component IKs of the delayed rectifier K+ current was not affected. The inward rectifier K+ current IK1 was not influenced at potentials close to the reversal potential. Transient and sustained outward K+ currents (Ito, Iso) measured in human atrial myocytes were not altered by any EMD compound. L-type Ca2+ current was hardly affected at concentrations of 1-10 microM, but sodium current was decreased. Action potential prolongation by EMD 60417, EMD 66430, and EMD 66398 is due to block of IKr. INa is inhibited at higher concentrations by EMD 66430 and EMD 60417. EMD 66398 is more potent and selective for IKr than EMD 60417 and EMD 66430, and thus resembles E-4031 in structure and function.

Na(+)/H(+) exchange inhibition prevents endothelial dysfunction after I/R injury

Whereas inhibition of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE) has been demonstrated to reduce myocardial infarct size in response to ischemia-reperfusion injury, the ability of NHE inhibition to preserve endothelial cell function has not been examined. This study examined whether NHE inhibition could preserve endothelial cell function after 90 min of regional ischemia and 180 min of reperfusion and compared this inhibition with ischemic preconditioning (IPC). In a canine model either IPC, produced by one 5-min coronary artery occlusion (1 x 5'), or the specific NHE-1 inhibitor eniporide (EMD-96785, 3.0 mg/kg) was administered 15 min before a 90-min coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Infarct size (IS) was determined by 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining and expressed as a percentage of the area-at-risk (IS/AAR). Endothelial cell function was assessed by measurement of coronary blood flow in response to intracoronary acetylcholine infusion at the end of reperfusion. Whereas neither control nor IPC-treated animals exhibited a significant reduction in IS/AAR or preservation of endothelial cell function, animals treated with the NHE inhibitor eniporide showed a marked reduction in IS/AAR and a significantly preserved endothelial cell function (P < 0.05). Thus NHE-1 inhibition is more efficacious than IPC at reducing IS/AAR and at preserving endothelial cell function in dogs.

Structure of the C-domain of human cardiac troponin C in complex with the Ca2+ sensitizing drug EMD 57033

Ca(2+) binding to cardiac troponin C (cTnC) triggers contraction in heart muscle. In heart failure, myofilaments response to Ca(2+) are often altered and compounds that sensitize the myofilaments to Ca(2+) possess therapeutic value in this syndrome. One of the most potent and selective Ca(2+) sensitizers is the thiadiazinone derivative EMD 57033, which increases myocardial contractile function both in vivo and in vitro and interacts with cTnC in vitro. We have determined the NMR structure of the 1:1 complex between Ca(2+)-saturated C-domain of human cTnC (cCTnC) and EMD 57033. Favorable hydrophobic interactions between the drug and the protein position EMD 57033 in the hydrophobic cleft of the protein. The drug molecule is orientated such that the chiral group of EMD 57033 fits deep in the hydrophobic pocket and makes several key contacts with the protein. This stereospecific interaction explains why the (-)-enantiomer of EMD 57033 is inactive. Titrations of the cCTnC.EMD 57033 complex with two regions of cardiac troponin I (cTnI(34-71) and cTnI(128-147)) reveal that the drug does not share a common binding epitope with cTnI(128-147) but is completely displaced by cTnI(34-71). These results have important implications for elucidating the mechanism of the Ca(2+) sensitizing effect of EMD 57033 in cardiac muscle contraction.

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic evaluation of the NHE inhibitor eniporide

The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the new cardioprotective sodium/proton exchange (NHE-1) inhibitor eniporide in humans. Eniporide was administered intravenously to healthy volunteers in doses between 2.5 and 100 mg. Concentrations of parent drug and its metabolite were measured by HPLC, and the data were analyzed by noncompartmental and compartmental pharmacokinetic methods. Platelet-swelling time was determined in each subject as a biomarker to assess pharmacodynamic activity. Eniporide showed linear pharmacokinetics with an average half-life of approximately 2 hours. The mean total body clearance was 34.4 L/h. The mean volume of distribution (Vdss) was 77.5 L, and the mean residence time was 2.3 hours. An average of 43% of the dose was recovered unchanged from urine. A pharmacokinetic two-compartment model was found suitable to provide excellent curve fits of the measured plasma concentration profiles. Plasma concentrations of the major metabolite were lower than that of the parent drug. An average of 27% of the dose was found in urine as that metabolite. The effect on platelet swelling could be well characterized by a direct Emax model. The average concentration for half-maximum effect (IC50) was 12 ng/mL. Eniporide was found to have predictable linear pharmacokinetics in the investigated dose range. Platelet-swelling time was shown to be a reproducible individual biomarker for pharmacodynamic activity, with great potential for a surrogate that predicts clinical outcome, since this effect is mediated through the same mechanism of action (NHE-1 inhibition) as the desired cardioprotective activity. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling allowed a first estimate of the degree of NHE inhibition in the investigated dose range.

Interaction of cardiac troponin C with Ca(2+) sensitizer EMD 57033 and cardiac troponin I inhibitory peptide

The binding of Ca(2+) to cardiac troponin C (cTnC) triggers contraction in cardiac muscle. In diseased heart, the myocardium is often desensitized to Ca(2+), leading to weak cardiac contractility. Compounds that can sensitize cardiac muscle to Ca(2+) would have potential therapeutic value in treating heart failure. The thiadiazinone derivative EMD 57033 is an identified 'Ca(2+) sensitizer', and cTnC is a potential target of the drug. In this work, we used 2D ¿(1)H, (15)N¿-HSQC NMR spectroscopy to monitor the binding of EMD 57033 to cTnC in the Ca(2+)-saturated state. By mapping the chemical shift changes to the structure of cTnC, EMD 57033 is found to bind to the C-domain of cTnC. To test whether EMD 57033 competes with cardiac TnI (cTnI) for cTnC and interferes with the inhibitory function, we examined the interaction of cTnC with an inhibitory cTnI peptide (residues 128-147, cIp) in the absence and presence of EMD 57033, respectively. cTnC was also titrated with EMD 57033 in the presence of cIp. The results show that although both the drug and cIp interact with the C-domain of cTnC, they do not displace each other, suggesting noncompetitive binding sites for the two targets. Detailed chemical shift mapping of the binding sites reveals that the regions encompassing helix G-loop IV-helix H are more affected by EMD 57033, while residues located on helix E-loop III-helix F and the linker between sites III and IV are more affected by cIp. In both cases, the binding stoichiometry is 1:1. The binding affinities for the drug are 8.0 +/- 1.8 and 7.4 +/- 4.8 microM in the absence and presence of cIp, respectively, while those for the peptide are 78.2 +/- 10.3 and 99.2 +/- 30.0 microM in the absence and presence of EMD 57033, respectively. These findings suggest that EMD 57033 may exert its positive inotropic effect by not directly enhancing Ca(2+) binding to the Ca(2+) regulatory site of cTnC, but by binding to the structural domain of cTnC, modulating the interaction between cTnC and other thin filament proteins, and increasing the apparent Ca(2+) sensitivity of the contractile system.

Inhibitors of ischemic preconditioning do not attenuate Na+/H+ exchange inhibitor mediated cardioprotection

Pharmacologic inhibition of the K(ATP) channel with sulfonylureas or the adenosine receptor with methylxanthines has been shown to attenuate ischemic preconditioning (IPC). Both classes of compounds are widely used clinically, and several reports have demonstrated adverse outcomes in patients taking sulfonylureas. Recently inhibition of the sodium/hydrogen exchanger isozyme-1 (NHE-1) has been shown to be equal to IPC at providing myocardial protection in dogs and may be an alternative to IPC in patients taking sulfonylureas or methylxanthines. However, no experiments have examined the pharmacologic overlap between IPC and NHE-1 inhibitor-mediated cardioprotection in dogs. With an in vivo canine infarct model in which the left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded for 60 min and reperfused for 3 h, neither the K(ATP) channel antagonist glibenclamide nor the adenosine-receptor antagonist PD 115199 attenuated NHE-1 inhibitor-mediated reduction in infarct size expressed as a percentage of the area at risk produced by EMD 85131 (Control, 24.2 +/- 3.6%; EMD 85131, 6.4 +/- 2.3%; PD 115199 + EMD 85131, 6.6 +/- 2.4%; glibenclamide + EMD 85131, 3.5 +/- 1.2%). NHE-1 inhibition and IPC do not overlap pharmacologically, and NHE-1 inhibition may be an alternative for cardioprotection in patients taking sulfonylureas or methylxanthines.

New drugs for the Na+/H+ exchanger. Influence of Na+ concentration and determination of inhibition constants with a microphysiometer

The NHE-1 isoform of the Na+/H+ exchanger is excessively activated in cardiac cells during ischemia. Hence NHE-1 specific inhibitors are being developed since they could be of beneficial influence under conditions of cardiac ischemia and reperfusion. In this study, the Cytosensortrade mark microphysiometer was used to measure the potency of four new drug molecules, i.e., EMD 84021, EMD 94309, EMD 96785 and HOE 642 which are inhibitors of the isoform 1 of the Na+/H+ exchanger. The experiments were performed with Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO K1) which are enriched in the NHE-1 isoform of the Na+/H+ antiporter. The Na+/H+ exchanger was stimulated with NaCl and the rate of extracellular acidification was quantified with the Cytosensor. The proton exchange rate was measured as a function of the NaCl concentration in the range of 10-138 mm NaCl stimulation. The proton exchange rate followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a KM = 30 +/- 4 mm for Na+. Addition of either one of the four inhibitors decreased the acidification rate. The IC50 values of the four compounds could be determined as 23 +/- 7 nm for EMD 84021, 5 +/- 1 nm for EMD 94309, 9 +/- 2 nm for EMD 96785 and 8 +/- 2 nm for HOE 642 at 138 mm NaCl, in good agreement with more elaborate biological assays. The IC50 values increased with the NaCl concentration indicating competitive binding of the inhibitor. The microphysiometer approach is a fast and simple method to measure the activity of the Na+/H+ antiporter and allows a quantitative kinetic analysis of the proton excretion rate.

Bicyclic acylguanidine Na+/H+ antiporter inhibitors

Blockade of the Na+/H+ exchange has been shown to diminish the serious consequences of myocardial ischemia. The aim of this investigation was to alter the structure of the common benzoylguanidine NHE inhibitors in such a way that the 3-methylsulfonyl and 4-alkyl group form a ring. The new benz-fused five-, six-, and seven-membered ring sulfones were prepared by internal Heck reaction. Benz-fused five-membered ring sulfones could also be prepared by internal aldol-type condensation using ketones or nitriles as acceptor groups. In the final step, the carboxyl groups were converted to acylguanidines preferentially by guanidine treatment of the esters or acid chlorides. The compounds were tested as their methanesulfonate salts. The inhibition of the Na+/H+ antiport activity was determined by observing the uptake of 22Na+ into acidified rabbit erythrocytes. Additionally, the inhibition of the antiport activity was assessed also by the platelet swelling assay (PSA), in which the swelling of human platelets was induced by the incubation in the presence of a weak organic acid. On average, the IC50 values in the PSA turned out to be about 10-fold higher than in the erythrocyte assay primarily due to a higher Na+ concentration in the PSA; however, the order of the compounds' potency was not substantially altered. The new compounds were found to be highly active with peak values ranging within the cariporide and EMD 96785 standards.

A new sodium/hydrogen exchange inhibitor, EMD 85131, limits infarct size in dogs when administered before or after coronary artery occlusion

Administration of inhibitors of the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) have been shown to produce cardioprotective effects in a number of animal models of ischemia-reperfusion injury; however, controversy still exists as to the efficacy of these agents when administered just before reperfusion. To address this question, the efficacy of several doses of a new selective NHE-1 isoform inhibitor (IC50 for inhibition of 22Na uptake in NHE-1 expressing mouse fibroblast cells = 10.4 +/- 1.0 nM), EMD 85131 (2-methyl-5-methylsulfonyl-1-(1-pyrrollyl)-benzoyl-guanidine), was tested in a canine infarct model in which the left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded for 60 min followed by 3 hr of reperfusion. EMD 85131 (0.75 or 3.0 mg/kg) was infused for 15 min before left anterior descending occlusion or 15 min before reperfusion. Infarct size was determined by use of the triphenyltetrazolium chloride histochemical stain and was expressed as a percent of the area at risk. EMD 85131 (0.75 or 3.0 mg/kg) administered before left anterior descending occlusion produced a marked (*P < .05) and dose-related reduction in IS/AAR (24.3 +/- 3.6, control; 9.3 +/- 3.4%, EMD 0.75; 6.4 +/- 2.3%, EMD 3.0). These two doses of EMD also produced significant (*P < .05) reductions in infarct size/area at risk (12.2 +/- 2.1%, EMD 0.75; 13.0 +/- 2.9%, EMD 3.0) when administered 15 min before reperfusion. These results suggest that selective NHE-1 inhibitors are able to markedly reduce infarct size when given before or during ischemia and also suggest that these compounds may have clinical utility when administered after the initiation of an ischemic insult.

(2-Methyl-5-(methylsulfonyl)benzoyl)guanidine Na+/H+ antiporter inhibitors

The inhibition of the Na+/H+ exchanger during cardiac ischemia and reperfusion has been shown to be beneficial for the preservation of the cellular integrity and functional performance. The aim of the present investigation was to come up with potent and selective benzoylguanidines as NHE inhibitors for their use as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. During the course of our investigations it became clear that the substitution ortho to the acylguanidine was of crucial importance for the potency of the compounds. 4-Chloro- and 4-fluoro-2-methylbenzoic acids 6 and 7 were prepared using the directed ortho metalation technique with the carboxylic acid as the directing group. With the LDA/methyl iodide system the 2-methyl group could be extended to an ethyl group. 4-Alkyl groups were inserted by the palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction into the 4-bromo-2-methylbenzoic acid methyl ester (20). Starting with benzoic acids 6-19, the methylsulfonyl group was introduced by a sequence of standard reactions (sulfochlorination, reduction, and methylation). 4-Aryl derivatives 68-75 were synthesized by the palladium-catalyzed Suzuki reaction. A large number of nucleophilic displacement reactions in the 4-position were carried out with S-, O-, and N-nucleophiles as well as with the cyano and trifluoromethyl group. Using the ester method, acid chlorides, or Mukaiyama's procedure, the 5-(methylsulfonyl)benzoic acid derivatives were finally converted to the (5-(methylsulfonyl)benzoyl)guanidines 165-267 with excessive guanidine. In some cases nucleophilic substitutions with pyridinols and piperidine derivatives were carried out at the end of the reaction sequence with the 4-halo-N-(diaminomethylene)-5-(methylsulfonyl)-benzamides. Variations in the 4-position were most reasonable, but the volume of the substituents was of crucial importance. Substitution in the 3- and particularly in the 6-position led to considerable worsening of the inhibitory effects of the Na+/H+ exchanger. The 2-methyl compounds, however, showed without exception higher in vitro activities than their respective demethyl counterparts as they are exemplified by the reference compounds 266 and 267, obviously caused by a conformational restriction of the acylguanidine chain. The development compound (2-methyl-5-(methylsulfonyl)-4-pyrrolobenzoyl)guanidine, methanesulfonate (246) is a NHE-1 subtype specific NHE inhibitor, being 27-fold more potent toward the NHE-1 than the NHE-2 isoform. 246 was found to act cardioprotectively not only when given before an experimentally induced ischemia, but also curatively after the onset of symptoms of acute myocardial infarction when given prior to the induction of reperfusion.

Non-peptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists: synthesis and biological activity of a series of novel 4,5-dihydro-4-oxo-3H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine derivatives

A series of novel non-peptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists containing a 2,3,5-trisubstituted 4,5-dihydro-4-oxo-3H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine was prepared via several synthetic routes. Their affinity for angiotensin II receptors was established in a binding assay experiment and in an isolated-organ test. Molecules with small alkyl groups at C-2 and the (methylbiphenylyl)tetrazole moiety at N-3 were the preferred compounds with affinities and potencies in the nanomolar range. Variations at the N-5 position modulate the activity. Substitution at N-5 with various benzyl groups led to derivatives with in vitro potencies in the nanomolar range, which were equivalent to those of losartan in these assays. Replacement of the N-5 hydrogen with acetic acid esters or, in particular, acetamides gave molecules with increased activity. The most potent was 2-butyl-4,5-dihydro-4-oxo-3-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-4- biphenylyl]methyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5- (N,N-diethylacetamide) (14u), which is superior to L-158,809 in vitro. Two prototypes were selected as their potassium salts for in vivo testing as antihypertensives. Compounds 14a (EMD 61,650) and 14q (EMD 66,684) reduced blood pressure dose dependently in spontaneously hypertensive rats when administered iv. In this assay, acetamide 14q is superior to losartan.

Stereoselective actions of thiadiazinones on canine cardiac myocytes and myofilaments

Thiadiazinones are cardiotonic agents that have potent, direct, and stereoselective actions on the myofilament response to Ca2+ in intact myocardium. Their mechanism of action is unknown. We studied the effects of racemic thiadiazinone, EMD 53998 (5-[1-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-quinolyl]-6-meth yl-3,6- dihydro-2H-1,3,4-thiadiazin-2-one), and its enantiomers on Ca2+ signaling in myocytes, myofilaments, and myofilament proteins. Intact canine ventricular myocytes responded to the positive enantiomer, EMD 57033, with an increase in the extent of shortening during twitch contractions without increasing the peak amplitude of the Ca2+ transient. The negative enantiomer, EMD 57439, also increased the extent of shortening, but in this case there was a concentration-dependent increase in the peak amplitude of the Ca2+ transient. This is predicted from in vitro data showing that this enantiomer is a relatively potent inhibitor of phosphodiesterase activity. There was no effect of EMD 57439 on the relation between pCa and actomyosin Mg-ATPase activity of canine heart myofibrils. In contrast, EMD 57033 shifted the pCa-Mg-ATPase activity relation to the left. There was no effect of either enantiomer on Ca2+ binding to myofilament troponin C. Moreover EMD 57033, but not EMD 57439, stimulated actomyosin ATPase activity of myofilament preparations in which either troponin or troponin-tropomyosin had been extracted. EMD 57033 had no effect on Mg-ATPase activity of pure ventricular myosin. EMD 57033 also stimulated the velocity of actin filament sliding on myosin heads adhered to nitrocellulose-coated glass coverslips. We propose that the action of EMD 57033 is at the actin-myosin interface on a "receptor" that may be on actin or the crossbridge. Drug binding to this domain appears to reverse the inhibition of actin-myosin interactions by troponin-tropomyosin and also to promote transition of crossbridges from weak to strong force-generating states.

The two mechanisms of action of racemic cardiotonic EMD 53998, calcium sensitization and phosphodiesterase inhibition, reside in different enantiomers

The novel cardiotonic EMD 53,998 increases contractile force in vitro through both inhibition of phosphodiesterase III (PDE III) activity and increase in the responsiveness of the contractile proteins to calcium ("calcium sensitization"). Because EMD 53,998 is a racemate, the possibility arose that the two modes of action do not reside equally in the enantiomers. Therefore, the effects of the racemate and its two enantiomers [(+)EMD 57,033 and (-)EMD 57,439] were analyzed in guinea pig and rat cardiac tissue with respect to Ca2+ sensitization (Ca(2+)-induced force development in skinned cardiac myofibers and myofibrillar ATPase activity) and PDE III inhibition (isolated PDE isoenzymes and cyclic AMP level in isolated cardiac myocytes). In addition, the positive inotropic effects were compared in isometrically contracting papillary muscles. Enhancement of force of contraction (Fc) in submaximally activated skinned fibers showed a selectivity for the (+)enantiomer with EC50 = 1.7, 4.8, and > 100 microM for EMD 57,033, EMD 53,998, and EMD 57,439, respectively. Ca2+ concentration for half-maximal activation was decreased by 0.5 log units, and Cmax was increased by 15% at 10 microM EMD 57,033. Similarly, myofibrillar ATPase activity was most potently enhanced by the (+)enantiomer, with EC50 values of 1.8, 2.5, and > 30 microM for EMD 57,033, EMD 53,998, and EMD 57,439, respectively. PDE III activity was inhibited with greater potency by the (-)enantiomer, with IC50 values of 0.05, 0.06, and 1.94 microM for EMD 57,439, EMD 53,998, and EMD 57,033, respectively. The cyclic AMP content of isoprenaline-stimulated rat cardiac myocytes was increased by 50% at 13.6 and 0.71 microM for EMD 57,033 and EMD 57,439, respectively. In intact guinea pig papillary muscle, the positive inotropic effect of the (+)enantiomer was insensitive to isoprenaline pretreatment; in contrast, the (-)enantiomer showed only a weak positive inotropic action which was strongly enhanced in the presence of isoprenaline. We conclude that one of the two different mechanisms underlying the overall positive inotropic activity of EMD 53,998 can be assigned, almost exclusively, to one of the two enantiomers. Thus, the (-)enantiomer EMD 57,439 is a "pure" PDE III inhibitor with almost no Ca2+ sensitizing activity; the (+)enantiomer EMD 57,033 is a potent Ca2+ sensitizer with only a weak PDE III inhibitory activity as compared with the racemate. In contrast to other compounds with mixed activity, EMD 57,033 is unique in possessing both a high absolute potency at the level of the contractile elements and a favorable relation of Ca2+ sensitization to PDE inhibition.

Novel diazinone derivatives separate myofilament Ca2+ sensitization and phosphodiesterase III inhibitory effects in guinea pig myocardium

The inotropic state of the myocardium can be enhanced via an increase in cell Ca2+ loading or in myofilament responsiveness to Ca2+. Although different pharmacological agents combine these properties, no presently available drug acts predominantly as a myofilament sensitizer in situ. We have investigated the effects and the mechanism of action of novel diazinone derivatives, EMD 54622, EMD 53998, and EMD 54650 (developed by E. Merck, Darmstadt), on guinea pig myocardial preparations. Force- and ATPase-pCa relations in skinned fibers show differing potencies of these agents on myofilament sensitization: EMD 54622 greater than EMD 53998 much greater than EMD 54650. This is in contrast to their relative potencies to inhibit isolated myocardial phosphodiesterase III: EMD 54650 greater than EMD 53998 greater than EMD 54622. In isolated hearts studied at constant coronary flow, each of the three diazinone derivatives had a positive inotropic effect. In enzymatically dissociated left ventricular myocytes loaded with the Ca2+ probe indo-1, the positive inotropic effect of EMD 54622 occurred with no change in the amplitude of the cytosolic [Ca2+] (Cai) transient. In contrast, both EMD 53998 and EMD 54650 enhanced Cai transient and twitch contraction amplitudes. Length-indo-1 fluorescence relations were analyzed to determine the effects of the three substances on myofilament responsiveness to Ca2+. EMD 54622 enhanced and EMD 54650 had no effect on myofilament responsiveness to Ca2+. Less uniform results were obtained with EMD 53998 (in two of five cells the myofilament responsiveness to Ca2+ was increased, whereas in three other cells it was unaltered). Our results indicate that structural changes in the diazinone molecule shift the mechanism of action for the positive inotropic effect of the diazinone derivatives in the intact cell from a predominant myofilament sensitization (EMD 54622) to an enhancement in cell Ca2+ loading and an augmentation in the Cai transient (EMD 54650).

The novel cardiotonic agent EMD 53 998 is a potent "calcium sensitizer"

EMD 53 998, a novel thiadiazinone derivative, increases the contractile force of cardiac tissue in vitro through both an inhibition of phosphodiesterase III (PDE III) and a sensitization of cardiac contractile proteins to Ca2+. Guinea pig ventricular PDE III is selectively inhibited by EMD 53 998 (IC50 = 60 nM) without major effects on other PDE isoenzymes. Consonant with this is an increase in cAMP content of rat ventricular cells and a potentiation by EMD 53 998 of the cAMP-elevating action of isoprenaline (increase by 50% at 1.3 microM). Sensitization to Ca2+ by EMD 53 998 (3-30 microM) finds its expression in a leftward shift of the Ca2+ response curve for force generation in skinned fibers from porcine ventricular muscle and failing human heart as well as for activation of bovine cardiac myofibrillar actomyosin ATPase. Interestingly, EMD 53 998 elevates the maximum of the Ca(2+)-response curve for both parameters. Pimobendan studied under identical conditions was 100 times less potent than EMD 53 998. EMD 53 998 increases force development of guinea pig papillary muscle in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 3.6 microM, thus being 10 times more potent than pimobendan. In contrast to pimobendan, the positive inotropic effect of EMD 53 998 is barely affected by carbachol. Further evidence for a Ca(2+)-sensitizing effect of EMD 53 998 is provided by an additional increase in force generation in the presence of supramaximal isoprenaline concentrations. It is concluded that the positive inotropic action of EMD 53 998 is mediated through both cAMP-independent and cAMP-dependent mechanisms, with the former probably prevailing. We are not aware of other compounds with a similarly high Ca(2+)-sensitizing potency. On these grounds. EMD 53 998 appears to be a promising inotropic agent.

Amino acid sequence of the cyclic GMP stimulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase from bovine heart

The complete amino acid sequence of the cyclic GMP stimulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (cGS-PDE) of bovine heart has been determined by analysis of five digests of the protein; placement of the C-terminal 330 residues has been confirmed by interpretation of the corresponding partial cDNA clone. The holoenzyme is a homodimer of two identical N alpha-acetylated polypeptide chains of 921 residues, each with a calculated molecular weight of 103,244. The C-terminal region, residues 613-871, of the cGS-PDE comprises a catalytic domain that is conserved in all phosphodiesterase sequences except those of PDE 1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and a secreted PDE from Dictyostelium. A second conserved region, residues 209-567, is homologous to corresponding regions of the alpha and alpha' subunits of the photoreceptor phosphodiesterases. This conserved domain specifically binds cGMP and is involved in the allosteric regulation of the cGS-PDE. This regulatory domain contains two tandem, internal repeats, suggesting that it evolved from an ancestral gene duplication. Common cyclic nucleotide binding properties and a distant structural relationship provide evidence that the catalytic and regulatory domains within the cGS- and photoreceptor PDEs are also related by an ancient internal gene duplication.

Isolation and characterization of a highly phosphorylated troponin from bovine heart

A modified procedure for isolation of troponin from bovine heart is described, which results in a stable and highly phosphorylated protein. 31P-NMR spectra show up to four phosphoserine signals indicating that at least four serine residues of cardiac troponin are phosphorylated in the intact organ. The hydrodynamic parameters of phosphotroponin are almost identical to those previously published. Characteristically cardiac troponin shows a strong tendency to associate that is dependent on protein concentration. Mg2+ may specifically induce an aggregation, which can be observed during sedimentation. This phenomenon seems to be analogous to the Mg2+-induced dimerization of cardiac troponin C [Jaquet, K. and Heilmeyer, L. M. G., Jr (1987) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 145, 1390-1396]. Upon Mg2+ saturation a shift of one of the four 31P-NMR signals is observed. The affinity of troponin to Ca2+ is reduced when the protein concentration is enhanced only in the presence of Mg2+. This effect of Mg2+ suggests a model for the regulation of the Ca2+-binding affinity of cardiac troponin.

Identification of a conserved domain among cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases from diverse species

Partial amino acid sequences have been determined for the Ca2+/calmodulin-stimulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase from bovine brain and the cGMP-stimulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase from bovine heart. Examination of these sequences for homologous segments and comparison with protein sequences derived from the nucleotide sequences of the yeast PDE2 gene and the Drosophila dunce+ gene [Chen, C.-N., Denome, S. & Davis, R. L. (1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83, 9313-9317; Sass, P., Field, J., Nikawa, J., Toda, T. & Wigler, M. (1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83, 9303-9307] reveal a 200- to 270-residue segment in each that is homologous to the others. The molecular masses of the four proteins vary from 40 kDa to 105 kDa, and the structural resemblance appears to be constrained to a single segment of each protein. These related segments are proposed to comprise the catalytic domains in this set of enzymes. The lack of absolute sequence identity between the two bovine enzymes shows that they are unique gene products that are not produced by alternative processing of a larger protein or of a single mRNA precursor. The data also strongly support the conclusion that the dunce+ gene locus of Drosophila and the PDE2 gene locus in yeast code for structural genes of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases.