Aminoguanidine inhibits albuminuria, but not the formation of advanced glycation end-products in skin collagen of diabetic rats

Aminoguanidine, an inhibitor of advanced glycation reactions in vitro, inhibits the development of diabetic complications in animal models of diabetes, suggesting that it acts by inhibition of advanced glycation reactions in vivo. However, effects of aminoguanidine on the formation of specific advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in vivo have not been rigorously examined. Therefore, we studied the effects of aminoguanidine on the formation of pentosidine and N(epsilon)-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), measured by analytical chemical methods, in collagen of streptozotocin-diabetic Lewis rats at doses which ameliorated urinary albumin excretion, an index of diabetic nephropathy. At 12 weeks, diabetic animals had fivefold higher blood glucose, threefold higher glycated hemoglobin and fivefold higher collagen glycation, compared to metabolically healthy controls; pentosidine and CML in skin collagen were increased by approximately 30 and 150%, respectively. Administration of aminoguanidine, 50 mg/kg by daily intraperitoneal injection, significantly inhibited the development of albuminuria (approximately 60%, P < 0.01) in diabetic rats, without an effect on blood glucose or glycation of hemoglobin or collagen. Surprisingly, aminoguanidine failed to inhibit the increase in pentosidine and CML in diabetic rat skin collagen. Similar results were obtained in an independent experiment in which aminoguanidine was administered in drinking water at a dose of 0.5 g/l. We conclude that the therapeutic benefits of aminoguanidine on albuminuria may not be the result of inhibition of AGE formation.

Diarylsulfonamides as selective, non-peptidic thrombin inhibitors

Based on the structures of aminopyridine thrombin inhibitors (1), a series of aminoalkyl- and guanidinoalkyl-substituted diarylsulfonamides were prepared. The most potent derivative, N-[3-(4-guanidinobutoxy)-5-methyl-phenyl]-benzenesulfonamide (6c) had Ki = 0.18 microM for thrombin and did not inhibit trypsin, plasmin, or factor Xa. Comparison of the X-ray structures of the thrombin/1b and the thrombin/6c complexes revealed important aspects which govern the binding of such diarylsulfonamides to thrombin.

Production of sequence specific polyclonal antibodies to human parathyroid hormone 1-37 by immunization with multiple antigenic peptides

To generate site-specific antibodies to the N-terminal bioactive fragment of the parathyroid hormone hPTH 1-37, multiple antigenic peptide systems (MAP) for immunization were used. Two 10 residue fragments and a 14 residue fragment derived from knowledge of the secondary structure of hPTH 1-37 were selected to be synthesized as MAPs. Each peptide (hPTH 1-10, hPTH 9-18, and hPTH 24-37) was synthesized directly onto a branching heptalysine core matrix by automated solid phase synthesis. The hPTH 1-10 and the hPTH 24-37 MAP were highly immunogenic in rabbits. Ten polyclonal antisera obtained from rabbits were characterized by epitope mapping. Antigenic determinants were found as follows: 1) Sera K1-K3 raised to MAP 1-10 showed a predominant binding sequence at hPTH 1-5. 2) Sera K4-K6 raised to MAP 8-18 preferentially bound to residues 9-14. 3) Immunizing with hPTH 24-37 MAP led to antisera characterized as follows: serum K7 recognized residues 24-37, the sequence used for immunization, sera K8, K9 and K10 bound to residues 24-37 and 26-34. In summary, the favoured regions as deduced from the secondary structure of hPTH 1-37 were covered by the produced antibodies.

Synergistic effects of ularitide acetate with classical bronchorelaxants on guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle

Ularitide (CAS 118812-69-4, urodilatin) is a member of the family of the atrial natriuretic peptides. In the present study, the relaxant effects of ularitide acetate, isoproterenol (isoprenaline) hemisulfate, aminophylline, zaprinast, and different combinations between these drugs were investigated on methacholine chloride-precontracted guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle. Ularitide acetate was a weaker bronchorelaxant than isoproterenol hemisulfate and aminophylline. Moreover the relaxation induced by ularitide acetate was reversible, while the relaxation induced by isoproterenol hemisulfate, aminophylline, and zaprinast was irreversible. Combinations between in each case two of these substances were overadditive, if the phosphodiesterase-inhibiting component was applicated before the combination partner. Their effects were only additive, if the combination partners were applicated simultaneously. All combinations between ularitide acetate and isoproterenol hemisulfate, aminophylline, or zaprinast respectively relaxed the tracheas irreversibly. These results suggest that ularitide acetate might be a novel partner for classical bronchorelaxants in potent bronchorelaxing combinations in the therapy of asthma bronchiale.

Comparison of the effects of ularitide acetate and other bronchorelaxing substances on the thrombin-induced permeability raise of human endothelial cell monolayers

Endothelial cell contraction plays a pivotal role in vascular leakage. It increases the extravasation of fluid and macromolecules from the lumen into the interstitium. This is also true for bronchial edema. Previous studies have indicated that an elevation of intracellular adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) or guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), respectively, can counteract this vascular leakage by improving the endothelial barrier function in analogy to the relaxation of smooth muscle cells. To investigate the potential antiedemateous effects of ularitide acetate (CAS 115966-23-9), isoproterenol hemisulfate (CAS 6078-56-4), sodium nitroprusside (CAS 13755-38-9, SNP), aminophylline (CAS 317-34-0), and combinations of these compounds, their effects on thrombin-induced macromolecular permeability raise in relation to cGMP- or cAMP-levels, respectively, in a model of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were examined. Ularitide acetate, isoproterenol hemisulfate, and SNP all increased the amount of cyclic nucleotides and decreased the raise in permeability in the following order of potency: isoproterenol hemisulfate > ularitide acetate > SNP. Aminophylline raised both cGMP- and cAMP-levels in a weaker amount and was not able to decrease the thrombin-induced permeability raise on its own. By way of contrast, preincubation of HUVECs with aminophylline resulted in a more than additive potentiation of the cGMP-levels and the permeability lowering induced by ularitide-acetate. These in vitro-data indicate that ularitide-acetate, especially in combination with phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, could probably have beneficial effects in bronchial permeability edema.

Dose proportionality studies of novel thiazolidinedione derivatives as potent antidiabetic agents in mice

The determination of the plasma concentrations of the new oral antidiabetic agents BM 13.1246 ((+/-)-5-[4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl)-ethoxy] benzyl]-2,4-thiazolidinedione), [sequence: see text] BM 13.1215 ((+/-)-5-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl)-methyl-2- benzofuranyl-5-methyl]-2,4-oxazolidinedione), [sequence: see text] and BM 50.1050 ((+/-)-5[4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl)-ethoxy] naphthalyl]methyl-2,4-thiazolidinedione) [sequence: see text] in ob/ob mice plasma was performed by using liquid-liquid extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet (270 nm) detection. The analytical procedures have recoveries of more than 80%, and a between-run precision of less than 4% for all analysed compounds. The pharmacokinetic behaviour, especially the dose proportionality, was investigated in ob/ob mice after repeated oral doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg, respectively. All compounds were absorbed quickly and attained maximum plasma concentrations within 2-5 h after administration. In the examined interval of dosing, an approximately proportional increase of the plasma levels for BM 13.1246 and BM 50.1050 was observed. After repeated oral doses the terminal half-lives are about 4 h for BM 13.1246, 8 h for BM 13.1215, and 6 h for BM 50.1050.

Pharmacokinetics of some new oral blood glucose-lowering agents in dogs

The determination of the plasma concentrations of the new oral antidiabetic agents BM 17.0505 (2-(4-cyclopentylphenoxy)-7- (4-chlorphenyl)-heptanic acid), BM 13.1196 (2-(4-chlorphenyl)- heptanic acid), BM 13.1196 (2-(4-cyclopentylphenoxy)-7-(2-methoxy- phenyl)-heptanic acid: BM 13.1188 (2-(4-benzylphenoxy)-7-(2-methoxy- phenyl)-heptanic acid) and BM 13.1180 (2-(4-butylphenoxy)-5- (4-chlorphenyl)-pentanic acid) in dog plasma were performed by using liquid-liquid extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet (220 nm) detection. The analytical procedures have recoveries of more than 90%, and a between-run precision of less than 5% for all analysed compounds. The pharmacokinetic behaviour, especially the dose proportionality, was investigated in dogs after a single oral dose of 5 and 50 mg/kg and repeated oral doses of 5 and 50 mg/kg, respectively. All compounds were absorbed quickly and attained maximum plasma concentrations within 1-3 h after administration. In the examined interval of dosing, a clear non proportional increase of the plasma levels was observed. After repeated oral doses the terminal half-lives are about 60-70 h (BM 17.0505), 80 h (BM 13.1196), 30 h (BM 13.1180) and 100-140 h (BM 13.1180).

Pharmacokinetics of the new oral blood glucose-lowering agent (-)-2-(4-tert.-butylphenoxy)-7-(4-chlorophenyl)-heptanic acid sodium salt in mice, rats and dogs

The pharmacokinetic behavior of the alpha-activated carbonic acid (-)-2-(4-tert.-butylphenoxy)-7-(4-chlorophenyl)-heptanic acid sodium salt ((-)-BM 13.1074-Na) was examined in ob/ob mice, rats and dogs. By applying an enantioselective HPLC-method, the in vivo stability of the administered (-)-enantiomer could be demonstrated in all tested species. After oral administration the compound was absorbed quickly and maximum plasma levels were reached within 1 h (ob/ob mice and rats) and 3 h (dogs), respectively. In dose proportionally studies in ob/ob mice, with doses of 0.25 and 1 mg/kg, a clear non proportional-increase of the plasma levels was observed. The terminal half-lives of (-)-BM 13.1074 after multiple dosing are approx. 30 h in ob/ob mice, 9 h in rats and approx. 380 h in dogs. The average effective plasma concentration in ob/ob mice is found to be 43.5 mg/l; minimal toxic concentrations are 58.8 mg/l in rats and 105.6 mg/l in dogs, respectively.

Pharmacokinetics of the organic nitrates trans-N-(4-nitroxycyclohexyl)-urea in dogs and trans-N-(4-nitroxycyclohexyl)-acetamide in dogs and in man

The pharmacokinetic behavior of the organic nitrates BM 12.1247 (trans-N-(4-nitroxycyclohexyl)-urea) and BM 12.1307 (trans-N-(4-nitroxycyclohexyl)-acetamide, CAS 137291-91-3) were examined in beagle dogs after oral and intravenous administration. To this end, a reliable and specific assay using capillary gaschromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD) was developed. BM 12.1247 showed its maximum plasma level after 2.2 h by oral application; the bioavailability was nearly 100%. The elimination half-life of 8.8 h p.o. Corresponded to the half-life after i.v. administration, concerning BM 12.1307, the elimination half-lives were still longer, they reached 11-13 h and bioavailability reached 68-70%; these results were confirmed by crossover tests. In a first application of healthy volunteers it was possible to show that the organic nitrate BM 12.1307 is eliminated much more slowly in man than in dog, the half-life of the compound in man being longer than the half-life in dog by a factor of 2.3.

Biotransformation of the organic nitrate trans-N-(4-nitroxycyclohexyl)acetamide in dogs

The biotransformation of BM 12.1307 (trans-N-(4-nitroxycyclohexyl)acetamide, CAS 137291-91-3) in the dog was examined after oral and intravenous administration. For that purpose, the organic nitrate was synthesized as radioactive [14C]- and as [13C]-labeled compounds. The defined isotopic mixture was administered to the dogs. Within the examined period of 168 h, the elimination of BM 12.1307 and its metabolites via urine and feces amounted to 76.5% after oral application, and to 80.7% of the applied dose after intravenous application. The major amount of radioactivity was eliminated via urine (69.4% and 73.6% of the dose, respectively), whereas the fecal elimination was found to be negligible. Investigations of the urinary samples showed that the drug is metabolized to a high percentage trans-N-(4-Hydroxycyclohexyl) acetamide is the main metabolite; 73% of the radioactive compounds (after p.o.-administration and 69% after intravenous application could be identified as the alcohol of BM 12.1307; the amounts of the drug totalled 9% and 13%, respectively. The quantitative determination of BM 12.1307 in urine and plasma was performed by gas chromatography; the amount of the main metabolite excreted in urine was determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Trans-N-(4-hydroxycyclohexyl)-acetamide, N-(4-oxocyclohexyl)acetamide, and 3-acetamido-7-oxa-bicyclo [4.1.0]heptane were formed as metabolites. For the identification and characterization of the possible metabolic structures, these compounds were synthesized and used in comparison with the detected drugs.

Conventional and enantioselective determination of a new blood glucose-lowering agent in biological fluids using liquid-liquid extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography

Two analytical methods are described for the determination of 2-(4-tert.-butylphenoxy)-7-(4-chlorophenyl)heptanoic acid sodium salt (I) in animal models (beagle dog and rat). Method 1 is conventional reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography on an octadecylsilane column with an eluent of acetonitrile-0.02 M potassium buffer (pH 3) (65:35, v/v). Method 2 is used for the enantioselective determination of I. This method uses a chiral column (Chiralcel OJ) with an eluent of n-hexane-2-propanol (95:5, v/v) containing 3 ml/l trifluoracetic acid. The analytical procedure has a recovery of more than 90%; within-run precision of less than 5.1%, and between-run precision of less than 4.3%.

Differential fibrinolytic properties of the recombinant plasminogen activator BM 06.022 in human plasma and blood clot systems in vitro

The effects of the unglycosylated recombinant plasminogen activator BM 06.022, consisting of the kringle 2 and protease domains of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), on clot lysis were evaluated in an in vitro system. Fresh and aged 125I-labelled human platelet-poor (PPP) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and whole blood clots were immersed in human plasma. Clot lysis was quantitated by measurement of released 125I. Fresh PPP clots were time- and concentration-dependently lysed by BM 06.022, alteplase, melanoma t-PA (mt-PA), and urokinase. Fifty per cent clot lysis at 4 h required 3.2-, 6.4- and 15.2-fold higher nM concentrations of mt-PA, BM 06.022, and urokinase respectively compared with alteplase. Maximal lysis (Emax) at 4 h was similar (84.1-87.6%) for BM 06.022, alteplase, and mt-PA, but lower (65.3 +/- 0.6%) for urokinase. Emax for BM 06.022 was lower (P < 0.05) than for alteplase for fresh and aged PRP and whole blood clot lysis. These data suggest that in vitro BM 06.022 achieved, compared with alteplase, the same maximal efficacy in fresh PPP-clot lysis despite a lower potency, but was less effective in lysing aged and fresh PRP and whole blood clots.

Rapid reversal of canine thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension by bolus injection of the novel recombinant plasminogen activator BM 06.022

We used a canine model of embolic pulmonary hypertension induced by intravenous (i.v.) injection of autologous thrombi to evaluate whether the novel recombinant plasminogen activator (r-PA) BM 06.022 reversed pulmonary hypertension. The effects of BM 06.022 after bolus injection were compared with those of vehicle, alteplase, urokinase, and anistreplase in 6 dogs per group. Thirty minutes after initiation of treatment, the decrease in pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) caused by a bolus of 200 kU/kg (0.35 mg/kg) BM 06.022 was greater (p < 0.05) than that caused by a 2-h infusion of 1.33 mg/kg alteplase or of 40,000 U/kg urokinase and that caused by a bolus of 0.4 U/kg anistreplase but not that caused by a 15-min infusion of 1 mg/kg alteplase. At 3 h, all thrombolytic agents had reduced PAP equally. The greatest measured plasma concentration of BM 06.022 was higher (p < 0.05) than that of 2-h infused alteplase (4,498 +/- 716 vs. 519 +/- 119 IU/ml). We conclude that because of its bolus-pharmacokinetics, BM 06.022 more rapidly reversed thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension than did 2-h infusion of alteplase or urokinase or a bolus of anistreplase.

Influence of hepatic and renal failure on pharmacokinetic properties of the novel recombinant plasminogen activator BM 06.022 in rats

BM 06.022 is a novel recombinant, unglycosylated plasminogen activator comprising only the kringle 2 and protease domains of human tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), and it has a longer half-life than t-PA. Because t-PA is mainly cleared by the liver, rat models of hepatic and renal insufficiency were used to identify the main catabolic organ of BM 06.022, compared with alteplase (recombinant t-PA). Hepatic insufficiency in rats was chemically induced by pretreatment with carbon tetrachloride for 1 day; renal insufficiency was achieved by acute bilateral, surgical nephrectomy. Plasma concentration of functionally active BM 06.022 or alteplase was measured by an indirect spectrophotometric assay. Intravenous administration of 200 kU/kg of BM 06.022 or alteplase over 15 sec to rats with hepatic failure or olive oil pretreatment as control did not significantly alter the total plasma clearance (CL) of BM 06.022 vs. control (4.9 +/- 0.5 vs. 5.7 +/- 0.5 ml.min-1 x kg-1, NS) in contrast to alteplase (32.1 +/- 6.5 vs. 82.3 +/- 12.9 ml.min-1 x kg-1, p < 0.05). Renal insufficiency increased the CL of BM 06.022 vs. sham surgery (3.1 +/- 0.4 vs. 6.3 +/- 0.5 ml.min-1 x kg-1, p < 0.05) in contrast to alteplase (33.2 +/- 5.2 vs. 37.2 +/- 7.2 ml.min-1 x kg-1, NS). In vitro incubation of 2000 U/ml BM 06.022 or alteplase in citrate blood and plasma demonstrated a decrease of the plasma concentration with a shorter (p < 0.001) half-life for BM 06.022 than for alteplase in blood (71.9 +/- 3.1 vs. 130 +/- 3.3 min) and in plasma (62.9 +/- 1.2 vs. 129.9 +/- 5.3 min).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biotransformation and pharmacokinetics of the nitrate trans-2-amino-2-methyl-N-(4-nitroxycyclohexyl)-propionamide in dogs

The biotransformation and the pharmacokinetic behavior of the organic nitrate trans-2-Amino-2-methyl-N-(4-nitroxycyclohexyl)-propionamide (BM 12.1179, CAS 129795-96-6) were examined in dogs. BM 12.1179 was predominantly eliminated by urinary excretion, and the unchanged molecule prevailed in urine as well as in plasma. By means of various mass spectroscopic methods, the chemical structures of the metabolites were elucidated. As metabolites trans-2-amino-2-methyl-N-(4-hydroxycyclohexyl)-propionamide and trans-2-amino-2-methyl-N-(4-oxocyclohexyl)-propionamide were formed. Urine levels of the main metabolite were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography; plasma and urine levels of BM 12.1179 were determined by capillary gas chromatography. The absolute bioavailability of BM 12.1179 was 80-100%. The plasma protein binding was about 34% which is high in comparison to other organic nitrates. BM 12.1179 represents a long-acting organic nitrate in that it shows a slow reductive denitration, and a long elimination half-life of about 10 h.

Pharmacokinetics of the organic nitrates trans-2-amino-2-methyl-N-(4- nitroxycyclohexylmethyl)-propionamide in dogs, and of 4-(2-nitroxyethyl)-piperidine in dogs and in monkeys

The plasma concentrations of the organic nitrates (nitric acid esters) trans-2-amino-2-methyl-N-(4-nitroxycyclohexylmethyl)-propionamide (BM 12.1200) and of 4-(2-nitroxyethyl)-piperidine (BM 12.1173, CAS 129999-77-5) were determined in dog plasma by capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD). Intra- and interassay variation coefficients of the gas chromatographic analysis lay between 2.9 and 8.8%; recoveries amounted to 50-62%. Both nitric acid esters were absorbed quickly and attained maximum plasma levels within 1 h. The total bioavailability of BM 12.1200 is > 55%, and that of BM 12.1173 is 63%; their elimination half-lives are, respectively, 4.2 h and 1.3-1.4 h. Thus, BM 12.1173 and the reference substance IS-5-MN (isosorbide-5-mononitrate) show corresponding elimination half-lives. These results regarding the pharmacokinetic parameters of BM 12.1173 were confirmed by cross-over application of BM 12.1173 and IS-5-MN to Macaca Arctoides. In comparison to all species which have been treated with IS-5-MN thus far, the shortest elimination half-life (t1/2 = 0.6 h) is found in monkeys.

Hirudin and sulotroban improve coronary blood flow after reperfusion induced by the novel recombinant plasminogen activator BM 06.022 in a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis

Thrombus formation in anesthetized, open-chest dogs was induced by electrical injury to the intimal surface of the left circumflex coronary artery. One-hour postocclusion, administration of vehicle to heparinized dogs (n = 12) did not induce reperfusion despite concomitant treatment with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), sulotroban, or saline. Intravenous bolus injection of 140 kU/kg (= 0.24 mg/kg) of the unglycosylated t-PA variant BM 06.022 induced reperfusion in 4 out of 6 dogs, followed by flow deterioration. Pretreatment with i.v. ASA did not improve coronary blood flow (CBF). Conjunctive treatment with the thromboxane A2-receptor antagonist, sulotroban, (10 mg/kg i.v. bolus, followed by 10 mg/kg/h) or with recombinant hirudin, a specific thrombin inhibitor, (1 mg/kg/h) 30 min prior to i.v. injection of BM 06.022, prolonged (p < 0.01) the cumulative patency time (sum of time-intervals in which the coronary artery was patent) to 147.4 +/- 9.2 min in 4 out of 6 reperfused dogs and 129.9 +/- 12.3 min in 7 out of 8 dogs, respectively, compared to the saline plus BM 06.022 treatment (47.5 +/- 13.1 min) in 4 out of 6 dogs. The terminal CBF was higher (p < 0.01) after sulotroban plus BM 06.022 (7.0 +/- 1.7 ml/min) and hirudin plus BM 06.022 (6.3 +/- 1.5 ml/min) than after saline plus BM 06.022 (0.8 ml/min). These findings demonstrate that drugs with antithromboxane or antithrombin activity may improve CBF after reperfusion.

Pharmacokinetic and thrombolytic properties of unglycosylated recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (BM 06.021) produced in Escherichia coli

Recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) was produced in Escherichia coli cells in order to obtain an unglycosylated rt-PA (BM 06.021) with increased thrombolytic potency due to altered pharmacokinetic properties. The pharmacokinetics were studied in rabbits upon intravenous infusion of 200 kU/kg over 30 min. The thrombolytic dose-response effects were evaluated in a rabbit model with 125I-labeled venous thrombi upon intravenous infusion over 4 h. The thrombolytic effects after intravenous bolus injection of 200 kU/kg BM 06.021 were investigated in a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis. All studies were performed comparing BM 06.021 with glycosylated rt-PA (alteplase). BM 06.021 demonstrated a longer (p less than 0.05) half-life (5.6 +/- 2.6 vs. 2.1 +/- 0.3 min) and a lower (p less than 0.05) clearance rate (7.5 +/- 0.8 vs. 22.2 +/- 3.1 ml.min-1.kg-1) than alteplase in rabbits upon intravenous infusion. The dose-response curve of BM 06.021 for thrombolysis in a rabbit model of jugular vein thrombosis was located to the left of that for alteplase with a 2.1-fold lower effective dose of 50% thrombolysis (ED50) of BM 06.021 (207 vs. 436 kU/kg). Intravenous bolus injection of 200 kU/kg BM 06.021 induced the same reperfusion rate (4/6) as intravenous infusion of 800 kU/kg alteplase over 90 min in a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis. The residual thrombus wet weight did not significantly differ between BM 06.021 and alteplase (5.7 +/- 1.8 vs. 6.3 +/- 1.1 mg). The results indicate that unglycosylated rt-PA (BM 06.021) has a higher in vivo thrombolytic potency than glycosylated rt-PA (alteplase).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Double bolus administration of the novel recombinant plasminogen activator BM 06.022 improves coronary blood flow after reperfusion in a canine model of coronary thrombosis

Reocclusion of coronary arteries is a major problem after successful thrombolysis in patients with acute myocardial infarction. We evaluated in a canine model of coronary thrombosis which is known to elicit reocclusion, whether an increased single i.v. bolus dose or two boli of the novel t-PA variant BM 06.022 improved coronary blood flow after reperfusion compared to i.v. injection of a standard single dose of BM 06.022. Double bolus administration, but not an increased single bolus dose of BM 06.022 significantly increased the maximum achieved coronary blood flow, prolonged the cumulative patency time, maintained blood flow at the end of the experiments, and reduced residual thrombus wet weight. Thus, double bolus administration improves coronary blood flow after reperfusion in the dog.

Evaluation of thrombolytic and systemic effects of the novel recombinant plasminogen activator BM 06.022 compared with alteplase, anistreplase, streptokinase and urokinase in a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis

The thrombolytic and systemic effects of BM 06.022 were evaluated and compared with those of alteplase, anistreplase, streptokinase and urokinase in a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis. BM 06.022 consists of the kringle-2 and protease domains of human tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and is unglycosylated because of its expression in Escherichia coli cells. Thrombus formation in anesthetized open chest dogs was induced by electrical injury to the intimal surface of the left circumflex coronary artery at a high level site of obstruction. In heparinized dogs, none of six vehicle-treated animals exhibited reperfusion. Reperfusion was achieved in four of six dogs at 18.3 +/- 6 min after intravenous bolus injection of 140 kU/kg (0.24 mg/kg) of BM 06.022, whereas four of six dogs exhibited reperfusion later (p less than 0.05) at 76.5 +/- 16.1 min during infusion of 1.33 mg/kg of alteplase (0.13 mg/kg as initial bolus injection, followed by 0.66 mg/kg over 1 h and 0.53 mg/kg over 2 h). Significantly later (p less than 0.05) reperfusion than that achieved with BM 06.022 was achieved in five of six dogs at 57.8 +/- 12.1 min after intravenous injection of 0.4 U/kg of anistreplase. Streptokinase (21,000 IU/kg over 60 min) and urokinase (20,000 IU/kg as an intravenous bolus injection, followed by 20,000 IU/kg over 89 min) each induced reperfusion in three of six dogs but at 67 +/- 12 and 84.3 +/- 17.1 min (p less than 0.05 vs. BM 06.022), respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pharmacological profile of beta-adrenoceptor blockers with vasodilating properties, especially carvedilol--rationale for clinical use

The rationale for the combined use of beta-adrenoceptor antagonists and vasodilators is to improve the efficacy of the antihypertensive therapy and to reduce the incidence of side effects. If suitable coagents are selected and used at appropriate doses, the disadvantages of each separate component (compromised blood flow to individual organs, increase in total peripheral resistance, unfavorable lipid profile for beta-blockers; stimulation of counter-regulatory mechanisms, retention of water and electrolytes for vasodilators) can be balanced. In addition, the favorable effects of each (reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality for beta-blockers, and favorable hemodynamic profile for vasodilators) may be used to advantage. Such a treatment rationale can be accomplished by a free combination or by using a dual-acting drug. From the practical point of view, the latter may be preferable. The basic requirement for such a drug is that the two effects are evoked in the same dose range. Carvedilol is a dual-acting drug designed to produce beta-blockade and vasodilation in the same dose range. The vasodilation is mediated predominantly by specific alpha 1-adrenoceptor blockade; at markedly higher concentrations additional vasodilating actions can be observed. These effects resemble those of Ca(2+)-antagonistic properties. However, they do not contribute to the acute blood-pressure-lowering activity, but may be responsible for the increased blood flow to some organs. At beta-blocking doses, carvedilol reduces the total peripheral resistance, and blood flow to the kidneys is preserved. Cardioprotection has been demonstrated in a variety of experimental investigations.

Vasodilatory action of carvedilol

Carvedilol is a dual-acting drug designed to produce two complementary effects: beta-blockade and vasodilation. These effects are induced in the same dose range, a prerequisite for utilizing both properties in an appropriate manner. The vasodilation is mediated predominantly by specific alpha 1-adrenoceptor blockade. At markedly higher concentrations, additional vasodilating actions besides alpha 1-blockade can be observed. These effects resemble those of Ca(2+)-antagonistic properties. However, they do not contribute to the acute blood pressure-lowering activity of carvedilol but may be responsible for the increased blood flow to specific organs. At beta-blocking doses, carvedilol reduces the regional and systemic vascular resistance in various experimental models, healthy volunteers, and in patients with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. The profile of carvedilol thus insures beneficial treatment of hemodynamic disorders characterized by increased sympathetic tone and increased vascular resistance.

BM 21.0955, a potent new bisphosphonate to inhibit bone resorption

A total of 300 new bisphosphonates were screened for their effect on bone resorption in the rat. Among these, 1-hydroxy-3-(methylpentylamino)propylidenebisphosphonate (BM 21.0955) was selected for detailed investigation. It inhibited arotinoid-stimulated bone resorption as assessed by calcemia in thyroparathyroidectomized rats at a SC dose as low as 0.001 mg P (0.016 mumol) per kg body weight per day. The compound was thus about 2, 10, 50, and 500 times more potent than risedronate, alendronate, pamidronate, and clodronate, respectively. Intravenous administration was as effective as subcutaneous, and oral administration was 100 times less effective. The effect after one administration decreased with time but was still measurable after 2 weeks. Nonstimulated bone resorption assayed by the urinary excretion of radiolabeled tetracycline from lifelong prelabeled animals was also inhibited. This effect started 3 days after a single dose and was still maximal after 7 days. Histomorphometric analysis of the tibial metaphysis in growing intact rats also showed an inhibition of bone resorption along with an increase in bone mass. The number of osteoclasts increased in animals treated with 0.01 and 0.1 mg P per kg (0.16 and 1.6 mumol/kg) body weight SC but decreased in animals given 1 mg P per kg (16.1 mumol/kg), showing that the inhibition of bone resorption was not due to an inhibition of osteoclast recruitment. No inhibition of mineralization occurred. This new bisphosphonate appears to have great potential for use in human bone disease.

Coronary thrombolytic properties of a novel recombinant plasminogen activator (BM 06.022) in a canine model

We studied the thrombolytic dose-response relationship of a recombinant plasminogen activator (rPA) (BM 06.022) compared with alteplase in a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis. BM 06.022 consists of the kringle 2 and protease domains of human tissue PA (tPA) and lacks oligosaccharide side chains because of its expression in Escherichia coli. Thrombus formation in anesthetized, open-chest dogs was induced by electrical injury to the intimal surface of the left circumflex coronary artery in the presence of a critical stenosis. Intravenous bolus injection of BM 06.022 (50, 100, 140, and 200 kU/kg) or of alteplase (200, 800, 1,130, and 1,600 kU/kg) 30 min after coronary occlusion to six heparinized dogs per group achieved a dose-dependent increase in reperfusion rate and decrease in residual thrombus wet weight. Vehicle-treated dogs did not reperfuse. Semilogarithmic regression analysis showed that the effective dose that produced 50% reperfusion of BM 06.022 (83 kU/kg) was 11.6-fold lower than that of alteplase (951 kU/kg). Comparison with infusion experiments showed that intravenous bolus injection of 140 kU/kg of BM 06.022 was equieffective to a 90-min infusion of 800 kU/kg (= 1 mg/kg) of alteplase as a standard treatment regarding reperfusion rate (66%) and time to reperfusion (15 +/- 6 vs. 18 +/- 8 min). Pharmacokinetic analysis for functionally active BM 06.022 or alteplase in plasma revealed a total plasma clearance of 4.1-6.6 ml/min/kg for BM 06.022 and of 12.6-42.3 ml/min/kg for alteplase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Thrombolysis with an Escherichia coli-produced recombinant plasminogen activator (BM 06.022) in the rabbit model of jugular vein thrombosis

The recombinant plasminogen activator BM 06.022 consists of the kringle 2 and the protease domains of human t-PA and is unglycosylated because of the expression in Escherichia coli. The thrombolytic and pharmacokinetic properties as well as the hemostasis effects of BM 06.022 were investigated in the rabbit model of jugular vein thrombosis. The thrombi were 125I-fibrin labeled. Intravenous bolus injection of 50, 100, 200, and 400 kU/kg BM 06.022 or 400, 800, and 1600 kU/kg alteplase over 15 s to six rabbits/dose produced a dose-dependent increase of thrombolysis determined 2 h post injection. The dose-response curve of BM 06.022 was located left compared with that of alteplase. The effective dose of 50% thrombolysis (ED50) obtained by half-logarithmic regression analysis was 163 kU/kg (= 0.28 mg/kg) for BM 06.022 and 871 kU/kg (= 1.09 mg/kg) for alteplase. At equipotent doses (50% thrombolysis), the residual concentration of fibrinogen was 74.2% and 76.5%, that of plasminogen 66.7% and 69.4%, and that of alpha 2-antiplasmin 47.3% and 46% for BM 06.022 and alteplase, respectively. Pharmacokinetic analysis for plasma activity at a dose of 400 kU/kg revealed a half-life of 18.9 +/- 1.5 min for BM 06.022, whereas alteplase was distributed with a half-life of 2.1 +/- 0.1 min, accounting for 86.7 +/- 1.9% of the total AUC, followed by a beta-phase with a half-life of 13.8 +/- 0.9 min. Plasma clearance of BM 06.022 was 4.7 +/- 0.7 ml min-1 kg-1 compared with 20 +/- 1.2 ml min-1 kg-1 for alteplase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pharmacokinetic properties of an Escherichia-coli-produced recombinant plasminogen activator (BM 06.022) in rabbits

The recombinant plasminogen activator BM 06.022 consists of the kringle 2 and the protease domains of human t-PA and is unglycosylated because of its expression in Escherichia coli. The pharmacokinetic properties of BM 06.022 following intravenous injection over 1 min were characterized in anesthetized male New Zealand white rabbits. BM 06.022 was injected at doses of 50, 100, 200, and 400 kU/kg bw (n = 5-6/dose). Activity concentrations in plasma were determined using an indirect spectrophotometric assay. The maximum plasma concentration and the area under the plasma concentration vs. time curve (AUC0-00) of BM 06.022 increased linearly with dose. The systemic clearance ranged from 2.5 to 3.0 ml.min-1.kg-1 and did not show dose-dependency, in contrast to alteplase which was studied at doses of 200, 400, 800, and 1600 kU/kg. A direct comparison of clearance rates of BM 06.022 and alteplase at doses of 200 and 400 kU/kg each revealed a 8.5-fold slower clearance rate of BM 06.022. The majority (18/23) of rabbits with BM 06.022 injection showed a pharmacokinetic profile which was best characterized by a one-compartment model in contrast to alteplase (10/23). The dose-groups of BM 06.022 showed an average dominant half-life ranging from 11.6 to 15.4 min, which was about five-times longer than the dominant half-life values of alteplase (2.3 to 4.5 min). Assuming a two-compartment model in the remaining animals, the initial alpha-phase of BM 06.022 accounted for 40.1 +/- 13.2% (n = 5) of the total AUC, whereas the alpha-phase of alteplase accounted for 82.7 +/- 3% (n = 13) of the total AUC.

Pharmacological characteristics of the stereoisomers of carvedilol

The racemic compound carvedilol possesses two complementary pharmacological effects, vasodilation and beta-blockade. The R- and S-enantiomers of carvedilol and the racemate were investigated with respect to the beta-blocking, vasodilating, and hypotensive actions. In agreement with results obtained with other beta-blockers, only the S-enantiomer of carvedilol exerts beta-blocking effects. In contrast, no substantial difference between the enantiomers could be seen with respect to alpha-blockade. The greater hypotensive activity of S-carvedilol may be attributed to beta-blockade, which inhibits counter-regulatory mechanisms provoked by vasodilation. From these results it is concluded that there is a rationale for using carvedilol as the racemate. Using the S-enantiomer would lead to relatively strong beta-blockade with only a weak vasodilating effect. The R-enantiomer alone would act only as a hypotensive agent without beta-blockade.

Biotransformation of the partial beta-agonist doxaminol in dog

The biotransformation of the positive inotropic compound doxaminol (N-methyl-N-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxy-propyl)-11-(2-amino-ethyl)-6,11- dihydrodibenz[b,e]oxepine, neutral fumarate; BM 10.188) was examined in bastard shepherd dogs. Metabolic products, formed by oxidative cleavage of various side chain carbon atoms of the molecule, as well as conjugated complexes with glucuronic and sulfuric acid, were isolated from urine and plasma. As main metabolites 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxy-propionic acid and phenoxyacetic acid were formed. By means of 1HNMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy and various mass spectroscopic methods, the chemical structures of the metabolites were elucidated.

Pharmacokinetics of the partial beta-agonist doxaminol in dog

The pharmacokinetic behaviour of doxaminol (N-methyl-N-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxy-propyl)-11-(2-amino-ethyl)-6, 11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]oxepine, neutral fumarate; BM 10.188) was examined in dogs using peroral and intravenous application of the 14C-labelled drug. The maximum plasma concentration was reached 1 h after application, indicating a relatively quick absorption of doxaminol. Decrease of total radioactivity after intravenous and peroral application is characterized by two phases, the elimination half-lives being 1.33 and 1.55 h, respectively, and 24.05 and 21.05 h, respectively. The biological availability of doxaminol was ca. 60%. The plasma levels of the unchanged drug showed that doxaminol was very rapidly eliminated and metabolized. Within the examined period of 96 h, the elimination of doxaminol and its metabolites via urine and faeces amounted to 76.5% after intravenous application, and 44.1% of the applied dose after peroral application. The major amount of radioactivity is eliminated via faeces (61.5% and 31.2% of dose, respectively) while the elimination through urine is found to be 15.0 and 12.9% of the dose, respectively.

Beta-adrenergic receptor mediated release of tissue plasminogen activator in anaesthetized dogs

Drugs like epinephrine or isoproterenol can enhance fibrinolytic activity of blood. It is still a matter of debate whether this effect can be totally or only partially blocked by beta-receptor blockers. We have developed a dog model for ex vivo measurement of the fibrinolytic activity using a spectrophotometric assay employing human plasminogen, chromogenic plasmin substrate and human fibrinogen-BrCN digests for the stimulation of t-PA. After i.v. administration of isoproterenol the fibrinolytic activity increased, but this could be seen only in the presence of fibrinogen-BrCN digest in the test system. This suggests that isoproterenol caused higher levels of dog t-PA. Pretreatment with the beta-blocker propranolol completely blocked the increase in t-PA.

Hemodynamic profile of BM 14.478: a new positive inotropic and vasodilating agent

BM 14.478 (7,7-dimethyl-2-(4-pyridyl)-6,7-dihydro-3H,5H pyrrolo [2,3-f]benz-imidazol-6-one) was investigated in anesthetized rats and cats and conscious dogs. Left ventricular dp/dt was increased after intravenous injection of 0.01-0.1 mg/kg in rats (7,200 +/- 300 to 10,700 +/- 500 mm Hg/s), 0.001-0.3 mg/kg in cats (2,800 +/- 200 to 4,500 +/- 100 mm Hg/s) and 0.01 +/- 3.0 mg/kg in dogs (2,400 +/- 100 to 4,400 +/- 500 mm Hg/s). The inotropic potency was about 5- to 18-fold higher than that of milrinone. Effects persisted for more than 6.5 h in dogs after administration of 1 mg/kg p.o., which was definitely longer than that of milrinone. Hypotension and a moderate tachycardia were observed in the same dose range. In conscious dogs the compound increased cardiac output by 39 +/- 10%, and stroke volume by 17 +/- 7% and lowered total peripheral resistance by 45 +/- 5% and right atrial pressure by 3.0 +/- 0.3 mm Hg. BM 14.478 induced no tolerance after repeated administration in dogs when administered in a dose of 1 mg/kg p.o. b.i.d. for 10 days.

Ca2+-sensitizing effect of BM 14.478 on skinned cardiac muscle fibres of guinea-pig papillary muscle

A concentration-dependent increase in force development was obtained with BM 14.478 (10(-9)-5 X 10(-4) M) in skinned fibres of guinea-pig papillary muscles. Guinea-pig papillary muscles are standard preparations for evaluating inotropic effects and they were also used in the present case for evaluating the positive inotropic effect of BM 14.478. We therefore conclude that a marked calcium-sensitizing effect contributes to the positive inotropic effect obtained with BM 14.478 even at very low concentrations.

Pharmacological profile of carvedilol as a beta-blocking agent with vasodilating and hypotensive properties

Carvedilol is a new beta-receptor blocking and vasodilating drug that is presently undergoing clinical trials in hypertension and coronary heart disease. In this article, the pharmacodynamic properties of carvedilol are compared with those of standard drugs. The beta-blocking activity was characterized in isolated organs and in conscious rats, rabbits, and dogs. For the beta 1-blockade in guinea pig atria, the pA10 values were 7.44 +/- 0.16 for carvedilol and 6.77 +/- 0.08 for propranolol. Carvedilol is a noncardioselective beta-blocker. The i.v. doses that inhibited the tachycardia by 50% induced by 1 microgram/kg isoprenaline were 62 micrograms/kg in dogs, 138 micrograms/kg in rabbits and 841 micrograms/kg in rats. In rabbits carvedilol was slightly more active and in rats less active than propranolol. In all models, carvedilol was much more active than labetalol or prizidilol. In contrast to propranolol, carvedilol relaxed rat aortic strips. A dose-dependent decrease in arterial blood pressure was seen in different in vivo models. The total peripheral and coronary resistance were decreased in conscious dogs. The doses required for both beta-blockade and decrease in blood pressure were in the same range. The drug was also active after oral administration. There is no hint for development of tolerance.

Dose-dependent effects of isosorbide-5-mononitrate on the venous, arterial and coronary arterial system of conscious dogs

Isosorbide-5-mononitrate (IS-5-MN), the main metabolite of isosorbide dinitrate shows antianginal efficacy and is being used increasingly as a drug for practical therapy. In conscious dogs we therefore measured the effects of increasing doses of IS-5-MN on hemodynamic parameters and the diameter of the circumflex artery. We found a dose dependent reduction of the mean right atrial pressure, the systolic blood pressure and a dilatation of the circumflex artery. For all three parameters threshold dosages were between 0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg. On the contrary peripheral and coronary resistance did not change at doses less than or equal to 0.3 mg/kg. The heart rate was significantly increased only at doses above 1 mg/kg and the diastolic blood pressure also showed a tendency to fall only at doses above 1 mg/kg. Cardiac output and coronary flow were not significantly altered over the entire dose range investigated, with the exception of a transient rise in coronary blood flow after the injection of 2.5 mg/kg IS-5-MN. From our results we can deduce that in the low dose range reduction of preload and dilatation of large arteries are the main effects of IS-5-MN. In contrast, no reduction of the coronary or peripheral resistance is to be expected.

The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of the thromboxane A-2 receptor blocker BM 13.177

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of BM 13.177 were investigated in eight healthy men who received a single oral dose of 800 mg on the first day and seven equal doses in 8-hour intervals on the second to fourth days. Pharmacodynamic effects were measured ex vivo by the testing of platelet functions such as shape change, aggregation, and [3H]serotonin release. The maximum serum concentration of 6.6 or 6.7 mg/L was achieved within 1.6 hours after the first dose and within 1.5 hours after multiple doses, respectively. Afterwards, BM 13.177 was eliminated in urine with a terminal elimination t1/2 of 0.84 or 1.0 hours after single and multiple dosing, respectively. The inhibition of platelet function showed the same close correlation with the serum concentrations of BM 13.177 after single and after multiple doses. Apparently, BM 13.177 induces neither refractoriness to BM 13.177 nor desensitization of the platelet thromboxane receptor. Because BM 13.177 was also well tolerated without subjective or objective side effects, this drug appears to be useful in evaluating the clinical benefit of thromboxane receptor blockade.

Single dose pharmacokinetics and effects on platelet function of the thromboxane receptor blocker BM 13.177

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effect on platelet activation of a single 800 mg oral dose of BM 13.177 have been investigated in 8 male volunteers. BM 13.177 disappeared from plasma with a terminal elimination half-life of 0.85 h. 52% of the dose was excreted unchanged in urine. Assuming complete absorption, total clearance was calculated to be 741.3 ml/min and renal clearance to range from 310.4 to 396.9 ml/min. The pharmacodynamic studies were performed ex vivo/in vitro in studies were performed ex vivo/in vitro in platelets stimulated either with methyl mercury chloride or with U 46619. Methyl mercury chloride is a platelet activator that requires TXA2 formation from endogenous arachidonic acid, whereas U 46619 is a stable PGH2 analogue and thromboxane mimetic at the platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptor. A close correlation between the plasma concentration-time profile of BM 13.177 and inhibition of platelet shape change or aggregation was demonstrated.

Comparison of the haemodynamic profiles of the hypotensive action of verapamil and carvedilol

Comparative haemodynamic investigations with carvedilol and verapamil were carried out on conscious, instrumented dogs. Arterial blood pressure, right atrial pressure (RAP), cardiac output (CO), heart rate, stroke volume and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were determined after intravenous (i.v.) injection of incremental doses (0.01-3 mg/kg) of the drugs. Carvedilol reduced the blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner, concomitant with a reduction in TPR. The RAP and the CO were not affected, indicating that arterial vasodilatation was induced by carvedilol. Verapamil showed a decrease in the blood pressure with a reduction of CO and SV. Moreover, at high doses the RAP was increased, indicating a reduction of the cardiac performance. Thus, in our experimental model remarkable differences between the haemodynamic effects of i.v. injections of carvedilol and verapamil have been observed, whereas after oral administration blood pressure also decreases after verapamil due to a reduction of TPR.

Electrocardiographic analysis of the effects of isosorbide-5-mononitrate on regional myocardial ischemia in conscious dogs

Whereas the clinical efficacy of isosorbide-5-mononitrate (IS-5-MN) in angina pectoris has been demonstrated unequivocally, the action of the substance on acute myocardial ischemia in animal models has not been investigated yet. Therefore, IS-5-MN and, for comparison in some experiments, isosorbide dinitrate and isosorbide-2-mononitrate were studied on a model of a brief intermittent myocardial ischemia in dogs. Ischemia was produced by occlusion of a coronary artery. Simultaneously, the dogs were loaded by treadmill exercise (model I) or injection of isoprenaline (model II). Local S-T segment changes were derived with epicardial electrodes. The action of orally administered IS-5-MN, isosorbide-2-mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate of S-T segment elevations was studied with model I. A dose of 20 mg/dog produced a significant lowering of the S-T elevations (17, 13 and 15%). With 40 mg of IS-5-MN and isosorbide dinitrate per dog, similar effects were obtained (18 and 21%, with no statistical significant differences in comparison with 20 mg/dog). The time course of the action of IS-5-MN and the dose-response curve after i.v. injection were evaluated with model II. Even 5 hr after 20 mg of IS-5-MN per dog, a significant reduction of S-T elevations could be demonstrated. Significant effects on the epicardially derived S-T elevations have already been observed at doses of IS-5-MN that do not yet lead to a lowering of the systolic blood pressure in conscious dogs. Higher doses that lower the systolic blood pressure do not lead to any further lowering of the observed S-T elevations.

Pharmacokinetic aspects of isosorbide-5-mononitrate in dogs

The aim of this study was to determine pharmacokinetic data of isosorbide-5-mononitrate (IS-5-MN) in dogs and to correlate them with the hemodynamic effects of this drug. Beagle dogs (n = 7) were given 3 mg/kg of IS-5-MN, the main metabolite of isosorbide-dinitrate, by i.v. injection and oral administration. At defined times blood samples were withdrawn from the vena cava caudalis for assaying IS-5-MN. In the experiments with oral administration the decrease in systolic blood pressure was monitored as a measure of hemodynamic response. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the plasma concentrations on the basis of an open two-compartment model. The half-life for the distribution phase was about 6 min, for the elimination phase about 1.5 hr. The latter is about one-third of that obtained in man. From the comparison of the areas under the curve, a bioavailability of 71.5% was estimated. In a second series of investigation dogs were given five different doses of IS-5-MN orally (3.125-50 mg/dog). These experiments showed a rise in the peak plasma concentration and the area under the curve proportional to the dose, whereas the terminal half-life did not differ markedly. A close correlation has been found in both series of investigations between the log concentration and the decrease in blood pressure. The minimum plasma concentration for a hemodynamic effect was estimated to be 100 ng/ml.