Comparing the cardiovascular therapeutic indices of glycopyrronium and tiotropium in an integrated rat pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety model.

Long acting inhaled muscarinic receptor antagonists, such as tiotropium, are widely used as bronchodilator therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although this class of compounds is generally considered to be safe and well tolerated in COPD patients the cardiovascular safety of tiotropium has recently been questioned. We describe a rat in vivo model that allows the concurrent assessment of muscarinic antagonist potency, bronchodilator efficacy and a potential for side effects, and we use this model to compare tiotropium with NVA237 (glycopyrronium bromide), a recently approved inhaled muscarinic antagonist for COPD. Anaesthetized Brown Norway rats were dosed intratracheally at 1 or 6h prior to receiving increasing doses of intravenous methacholine. Changes in airway resistance and cardiovascular function were recorded and therapeutic indices were calculated against the ED50 values for the inhibition of methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction. At both time points studied, greater therapeutic indices for hypotension and bradycardia were observed with glycopyrronium (19.5 and 28.5 fold at 1h; >200 fold at 6h) than with tiotropium (1.5 and 4.2 fold at 1h; 4.6 and 5.5 fold at 6h). Pharmacokinetic, protein plasma binding and rat muscarinic receptor binding properties for both compounds were determined and used to generate an integrated model of systemic M2 muscarinic receptor occupancy, which predicted significantly higher M2 receptor blockade at ED50 doses with tiotropium than with glycopyrronium. In our preclinical model there was an improved safety profile for glycopyrronium when compared with tiotropium.

The identification of 7-[(R)-2-((1S,2S)-2-benzyloxycyclopentylamino)-1-hydroxyethyl]-4-hydroxybenzothiazolone as an inhaled long-acting ß2-adrenoceptor agonist.

The optimisation of two series of 4-hydroxybenzothiazolone derived ß2-adrenoceptor agonists, bearing α-substituted cyclopentyl and ß-phenethyl amino-substituents, as inhaled long-acting bronchodilators is described. Analogues were selected for synthesis using a lipophilicity based hypothesis to achieve the targeted rapid onset of action in combination with a long duration of action. The profiling of the two series led to identification of the α-substituted cyclopentyl analogue 2 as the optimal compound with a comparable profile to the inhaled once-daily long-acting ß2-adrenoceptor agonist indacaterol. On the basis of these data 2 was promoted as the backup development candidate to indacaterol from the Novartis LABA project.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate-induced airway hyper-reactivity in rodents is mediated by the sphingosine-1-phosphate type 3 receptor.

There is a need to better understand the mechanism of airway hyper-reactivity, a key feature of asthma. Evidence suggests that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) could be a major player in this phenomenon. The purpose of this work was to define the S1P receptor responsible for this phenomenon. We have studied, in the rat, the effect of two S1P synthetic receptor ligands, 2-amino-2-[2-(4-octylphenyl)ethyl]propane-1,3-diol (FTY720) (which in its phosphorylated form is a potent agonist at each S1P receptor except S1P(2)) and 3-[[2-[4-phenyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-benzothiophen-5-yl]methylamino]propanoic acid (AUY954) (a selective S1P(1) agonist) on lung function in vivo. This was complemented by in vitro studies using isolated trachea from the rat, the S1P(3) receptor-deficient mouse, and its wild-type counterpart. After oral administration, FTY720 induced a generalized airway hyper-reactivity to a range of contractile stimuli. This was observed as early as 1 h postdosing, lasted for at least 24 h, and was not subject to desensitization. In both rat and wild-type mouse isolated trachea, preincubation with the active phosphorylated metabolite of FTY720 induced hyper-responsiveness to 5-hydroxytryptamine. This effect was not seen in the isolated tracheas from S1P(3) receptor-deficient mice. AUY954, did not mimic the effect of FTY720 either in vivo or in vitro. Our data are consistent with activation of the S1P pathway inducing a generalized airway hyper-reactivity in rats and mice that is mediated by the S1P(3) receptor. S1P(3) receptor antagonists might prove to be useful as new therapeutic strategies aimed at blocking the airway hyper-reactivity observed in asthma.

The Influence of receptor kinetics on the onset and duration of action and the therapeutic index of NVA237 and tiotropium.

Studies under nonphysiological conditions suggest that long receptor residency time is responsible for the 24-h duration of action of the long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) tiotropium. Our aim was to determine how clinically relevant dissociation rates under more physiological conditions influence the differences in onset of action between tiotropium and 3-[(cyclopentylhydroxyphenylacetyl oxy]-1,1-dimethyl-pyrrolidinium bromide (NVA237), a once-daily dry-powder formulation of the LAMA glycopyrronium bromide in development for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, we have investigated kinetic selectivity at each of the muscarinic receptor subtypes to determine whether the improved cardiovascular therapeutic index obtained with NVA237 in animal models is attributable to differences in kinetic rate constants. The binding of radioligand [3H]N-methyl-scopolamine was measured in the presence/absence of several concentrations of unlabeled competitors, and data were analyzed using a competition kinetic model to provide on/off rates for the competitor. We found shorter dissociation half-lives for NVA237 and tiotropium under physiological (11.4 and 46.2 min, respectively) versus nonphysiological conditions (173 and 462 min, respectively). NVA237 had a more rapid onset of action (3-4.8 times) versus tiotropium, determined in an vitro calcium and rat tracheal strip assay. Simulations suggested that the more rapid onset of NVA237 action could be explained by differences in kinetic parameters. NVA237 had greater equilibrium binding and kinetic selectivity for muscarinic type 3 (M3) versus muscarinic type 2 (M2) receptors, with a faster off rate from M2 versus M3 receptors than tiotropium, potentially affording it a more favorable therapeutic index. This study suggests that the 24-h duration of action of NVA237 and tiotropium is not solely the result of their slow dissociation from the M3 receptor and highlights the importance of conducting in vitro experiments in conditions reflecting those in vivo.

The ion channel transient receptor potential melastatin-2 does not play a role in inflammatory mouse models of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

BACKGROUND: There is strong evidence that oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The transient receptor potential melastatin-2 (TRPM2) is an oxidative stress sensing channel that is expressed in a number of inflammatory cells and therefore it has been suggested that inhibition of TRPM2 could lead to a beneficial effect in COPD patients. In this study, we have investigated the role of TRPM2 in a variety of mouse models of oxidative stress and COPD using TRPM2-deficent mice. METHODS: Mice were exposed to ozone (3 ppm for 4 h) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.3 mg/kg, intranasaly). In another model, mice were exposed to tobacco smoke (750 µg/l total wet particulate matter) for 30 min twice a day on three consecutive days. For the exacerbation model, the smoke exposure on the morning of day 3 animals was replaced with intranasal administration of LPS (0.3 mg/kg). Animals were killed 3 and 24 h after the challenge (ozone and LPS model) or 18 h after the last tobacco smoke exposure. In vitro neutrophil chemotaxis and monocyte activation were also studied using cells isolated from wild type and TRPM2-deficient animals. Statistical significance for the in vivo data (P < 0.05) was determined using analysis of variance with Kruskal-Wallis and Dunns multiple comparison test. RESULTS: In all models studied, no difference in the bronchoalveolar lavage inflammation could be evidenced when comparing wild type and TRPM2-deficient mice. In addition, no difference could be seen in the lung inflammation as assessed by the measurement of various cytokines/chemokines. Similarly in various in vitro cellular activation assays using isolated neutrophils and monocytes no significant differences could be observed when comparing wild type and TRPM2-deficient mice. DISCUSSION: We have shown, in all the models tested, no difference in the development of airway inflammation or cell activation between TRPM2-deficient mice and their wild type counterparts. These results would suggest that inhibiting TRPM2 activity in COPD would have no anti-inflammatory effect.

An investigation into the structure-activity relationships associated with the systematic modification of the ß(2)-adrenoceptor agonist indacaterol.

The synthesis of a series of indacaterol analogues in which each of the three structural regions of indacaterol are modified in a systematic manner is described. Evaluation of the affinity of these analogues for the ß(2)-adrenoceptor identified the 3,4-dihydroquinolinone and 5-n-butylindanyl analogues to demonstrate the most similar profiles to indacaterol. An α-methyl aminoindane analogue was discovered to be 25-fold more potent than indacaterol, and functional studies revealed an atypical ß(2)-adrenoceptor activation profile for this compound consistent with that of a slowly dissociating 'super agonist'.

Essential role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase gamma in eosinophil chemotaxis within acute pulmonary inflammation.

We and others have established an important role for phosphoinositide-3 kinase gamma (PI3Kgamma) in the chemotactic responses of macrophages and neutrophils. The involvement of this lipid kinase in allergic inflammatory responses is, however, yet to be fully determined. Here we compare wild-type (WT) and PI3Kgamma(-/-) (KO) mice within a model of ovalbumin (OVA) -specific pulmonary inflammation. Upon OVA aerosol challenge, cell influx into the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid consisted of neutrophils, macrophages and, more significantly, eosinophils - which are key effector cells in allergic inflammation. Each population was reduced by up to 80% in KO mice, demonstrating a role for PI3Kgamma in cell infiltration into the airways. The mechanism of reduced eosinophilia was analysed within both development and effector stages of the immune response. Comparable levels of OVA-specific T-cell proliferation and immunoglobulin production were established in both strains. Furthermore, no significant differences between WT and KO chemokine production were observed. Having identified the critical point of PI3Kgamma involvement, KO eosinophil chemotactic dysfunction was confirmed in vitro. These data are the first to demonstrate the vital role of PI3Kgamma in acute allergic inflammation. The profound dependency of eosinophils on PI3Kgamma for pulmonary influx identifies this lipid kinase as an attractive target for the pharmacological intervention of asthma.

Allergen-induced lung inflammation in actively sensitized mice assessed with MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the feasibility of using proton magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to noninvasively detect extravascular and luminal fluid in a murine model of allergen-induced airway inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Basel Veterinary Authority approved this experiment. Actively sensitized female Balb/c mice received ovalbumin or saline and underwent MR imaging (a) once 24 hours after the fourth administration of ovalbumin or saline (n = 25) or (b) several times between and after ovalbumin or saline administrations (n = 22) to determine the volume of fluid signal induced by an allergen. Images were acquired in spontaneously breathing animals, without cardiac or respiratory gating. Signal detected with a gradient-echo sequence was compared with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid parameters and with perivascular and peribronchial edema and mucus observed at histologic analysis. RESULTS: Up to 24 hours after the fourth administration of ovalbumin, intense and continuous fluid signals (volume, 40-50 microL) were detected in proximal lung regions. At 72 hours after the fourth administration of ovalbumin, remaining signals (21.1 microL +/- 3.8) had a discontinuous texture. The number of eosinophils in the BAL fluid at 24 and 72 hours and their activation were higher in mice that received ovalbumin than in those that received saline. Histologic analysis revealed edema and secreted mucus in the early phase, whereas only mucus was encountered in the late phase. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the main component of the early response was plasma leakage (edema), while the main component of the late response was secreted mucus. With the technique validated, the basis for pharmacologic studies in this murine model of lung inflammation with use of MR imaging as a noninvasive readout was provided.

Pharmacological characterization of indacaterol, a novel once daily inhaled 2 adrenoceptor agonist, on small airways in human and rat precision-cut lung slices.

Indacaterol is a novel once daily inhaled beta(2) adrenoceptor agonist in clinical development. This study compared the properties of indacaterol with salmeterol, formoterol, and albuterol on small airways in precision-cut lung slices from human and rat contracted with carbachol and serotonin, respectively. In human lung slices, the rank order of potency was formoterol >/= salmeterol > indacaterol > albuterol, respectively. Indacaterol had similar intrinsic efficacy to formoterol, followed by albuterol and salmeterol. The onset of action was fast for albuterol, formoterol, and indacaterol, whereas it was significantly slower for salmeterol. The duration of action ranking was indacaterol > salmeterol > formoterol > albuterol. When compared with human lung slices, in the rat lung slices, similar potency, intrinsic efficacy, and onset of action were observed for indacaterol, formoterol, and salmeterol. Albuterol had an increased potency when compared with human lung slices and a slower onset of action. In conclusion, our results show that the human lung slice system seems to be a good model to study the clinical properties of inhaled long-acting beta(2) adrenoceptor agonists and that caution is needed extrapolating from rat model to humans. Finally, using the human lung slice model, we have characterized indacaterol as a fast acting compound with a longer duration of action than salmeterol and formoterol.

Effects of PKF242-484 and PKF241-466, novel dual inhibitors of TNF-alpha converting enzyme and matrix metalloproteinases, in a model of intestinal reperfusion injury in mice.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha plays an important role in the mediation of reperfusion-induced tissue injury and lethality. Here, we assessed the effects of PKF242-484 and PKF241-466, two dual inhibitors of TNF-alpha converting enzyme (TACE) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in a model of ischemia and reperfusion injury in mice. Reperfused animals that received PKF242-484 or PKF241-466 treatment had a dose-dependent reduction of TNF-alpha concentrations in serum. Both drugs delayed and partially inhibited the reperfusion-associated lethality. Maximal inhibition occurred at 10 mg/kg. At this dose, both inhibitors reduced reperfusion-associated local and remote tissue injury, as assessed by changes in vascular permeability, neutrophil recruitment and hemorrhage. In addition, the compounds markedly reduced production of TNF-alpha, CXCL1 (keratinocyte-derived chemokine, KC) and CCL2 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, MCP-1) in intestine and lungs of animals which underwent reperfusion. FN-439, an inhibitor of MMPs which possesses no effect on TACE, decreased MMP-2 and MMP-3 activity, but failed to affect tissue injury, TNF-alpha production or lethality. Thus, combined TACE and MMP inhibitors might be effective co-adjuvants in treatments of injuries that follow reperfusion of an ischemic vascular territory. The effects of these drugs on TNF-alpha production appear to be more relevant than their effects on MMP inhibition.

Lung MRI for experimental drug research.

Current techniques to evaluate the efficacy of potential treatments for airways diseases in preclinical models are generally invasive and terminal. In the past few years, the flexibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to obtain anatomical and functional information of the lung has been explored with the scope of developing a non-invasive approach for the routine testing of drugs in models of airways diseases in small rodents. With MRI, the disease progression can be followed in the same animal. Thus, a significant reduction in the number of animals used for experimentation is achieved, as well as minimal interference with their well-being and physiological status. In addition, under certain circumstances the duration of the observation period after disease onset can be shortened since the technique is able to detect changes before these are reflected in parameters of inflammation determined using invasive procedures. The objective of this article is to briefly address MRI techniques that are being used in experimental lung research, with special emphasis on applications. Following an introduction on proton techniques and MRI of hyperpolarized gases, the attention is shifted to the MRI analysis of several aspects of lung disease models, including inflammation, ventilation, emphysema, fibrosis and sensory nerve activation. The next subject concerns the use of MRI in pharmacological studies within the context of experimental lung research. A final discussion points towards advantages and limitations of MRI in this area.

Mast cell involvement in the adenosine mediated airway hyper-reactivity in a murine model of ovalbumin-induced lung inflammation.

Airway hyper-reactivity to inhaled adenosine, mediated via mast cell activation, is a cardinal feature of asthma. Animal models have been developed in several species to mimic this phenomenon, but only in the rat has a mast cell involvement been clearly defined. In this study, a model of ovalbumin-induced adenosine hyper-reactivity was developed in BALB/c mice to determine whether mast cells are involved in this phenomenon. Sensitised mice were challenged one, two or three times, on a daily basis, and airway responses to the stable adenosine analogue NECA (5'-N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine) determined 4 and 24 h after each challenge. Airway hyper-reactivity was observed in ovalbumin-challenged mice 4 h after a single challenge and to a minor extent 24 h after a single challenge and 4 h after two challenges. Cromolyn (20 mg ml(-1)), given by aerosol an hour before the NECA provocation, fully inhibited the airway hyper-reactivity observed 4 h after a single allergen challenge, suggesting a role for mast cells in this response. The airway space cellular inflammation was not affected by cromolyn. As observed in human asthma, an acute treatment with steroid (budesonide 3 mg kg(-1), given an hour before the allergen challenge) inhibited the NECA airway hyper-reactivity and significantly inhibited the airway space cellular inflammation. These data suggest that the ovalbumin-challenged BALB/c mice can be considered as a suitable model to study the adenosine-induced airway hyper-reactivity phenomenon observed in human asthma.

CGH2466, a combined adenosine receptor antagonist, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor with potent in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities.

Theophylline, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and adenosine receptor antagonist, is used in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment. However, the relatively low effectiveness of theophylline have recently led to reduced usage. The goal of the present study was to identify a theophylline-like compound with improved effectiveness. We discovered CGH2466, which not only antagonised the adenosine A1, A2b and A3 receptors with IC50 values of 19 +/- 4, 21 +/- 3 and 80 +/- 14 nM, respectively, but also inhibited the p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases alpha and beta and the phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) isoenzyme with IC50 values of 187 +/- 18, 400 +/- 38 and 22 +/- 5 nM, respectively. Despite similar potencies on individual targets, CGH2466 inhibited the production of cytokines and oxygen radicals by human peripheral blood leucocytes in vitro, more potently (IC50 values between 30 and 50 nM) than the standard p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB203580 (30 nM to >1 microM), the PDE4 inhibitor cilomilast (120-400 nM) and the broad spectrum adenosine receptor antagonist CGS15943 (>10 microM). When given either orally or locally into the lungs, CGH2466 (3 to 10 mg kg(-1)) inhibited the ovalbumin- or lipopolysaccharide-induced airway inflammation in mice more potently than the single receptor antagonists or enzyme inhibitors used alone. In conclusion, CGH2466 through its combined activities at multiple targets exerted a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and therefore may have beneficial therapeutic value in diseases such as asthma and COPD.

Discovery and Optimization of 4-(8-(3-Fluorophenyl)-1,7-naphthyridin-6-yl)transcyclohexanecarboxylic Acid, an Improved PDE4 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Herein we describe the optimization of a series of PDE4 inhibitors, with special focus on solubility and pharamcokinetics, to clinical compound 2, 4-(8-(3-fluorophenyl)-1,7-naphthyridin-6-yl)transcyclohexanecarboxylic acid. Although compound 2 produces emesis in humans when given as a single dose, its exemplary pharmacokinetic properties enabled a novel dosing regime comprising multiple escalating doses and the resultant achievement of high plasma drug levels without associated nausea or emesis.

Pharmacological profile of PKF242-484 and PKF241-466, novel dual inhibitors of TNF-alpha converting enzyme and matrix metalloproteinases, in models of airway inflammation.

1. TNF-alpha converting enzyme (TACE) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are believed to play a role in various airway inflammatory disorders. Therefore we have tested the effect of two new inhibitors of TACE/MMPs (PKF242-484, PKF241-466) in models of airway inflammation. 2. PKF242-484 and PKF241-466 inhibited purified MMP-1, -2, -3, -9, -13 and rat collagenase at low nanomolar range. Both compounds inhibited the TNF-alpha release from activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with IC(50) values of 56+/-28 and 141+/-100 nM, respectively and had no significant effect on the activation of other human leukocytes, as neither neutrophils and eosinophils oxidative burst nor proliferation or cytokines production by T cells were inhibited in vitro. 3. PKF242-484 and PKF241-466 had beneficial effects in two different murine models of acute lung inflammation in vivo. The influx of neutrophils and lymphocytes into the airways was reduced 3 and 24 h after intranasal LPS challenge. This was accompanied by reduced levels of myeloperoxidase and elastase activities in the bronchoalveolar lavage. Furthermore, a complete inhibition of TNF-alpha release into the airways was observed. In addition, PKF242-484 effectively reduced the influx of neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes in a model of acute allergic lung inflammation. 4. PKF242-484 and PKF241-466 are two novel and potent dual inhibitors of TACE and MMPs, which show activity in in vivo models of lung inflammation. Such compounds could have beneficial effects in airway inflammatory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PPAR-alpha and -gamma but not -delta agonists inhibit airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma: in vitro evidence for an NF-kappaB-independent effect.

1. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that have been proposed to regulate inflammation by antagonising the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) signalling pathway. We investigated the role of PPARs using synthetic agonists in murine models of airway inflammation, and addressed the possible effect on NF-kappaB signalling in vitro using a human epithelial cell line, A549. 2. Sensitised BALB/c mice exposed to an aerosol solution of ovalbumin had an increased number of airway eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes. When given intranasally an hour before the aerosol challenge, a PPAR-alpha (GW 9578) and PPAR-gamma (GI 262570) selective agonist as well as a dual PPAR-alpha/gamma (GW 2331) agonist selectively inhibited allergen-induced bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophil and lymphocyte but not neutrophil influx. In contrast, a PPAR-delta agonist (GW 501516) was inactive. 3. When given intranasally an hour before challenge, PPAR-alpha and PPAR-gamma selective agonists as well as a dual PPAR-alpha/gamma agonist did not inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced bronchoalveolar lavage neutrophil influx or tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and KC production. 4. In A549 cells, selective agonists for PPAR-alpha, -gamma and -delta did not inhibit intracellular adhesion molecule-1 expression following stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, IL-8 release and the activation of an NF-kappaB-responsive reporter gene construct were inhibited only at micromolar concentrations, suggesting that these effects were not PPAR-mediated. 5. Our in vivo data show that agonists of PPAR-alpha and -gamma, but not -delta, inhibit allergen-induced bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophil and lymphocyte influx. In vitro data suggest that this effect might not be mediated by antagonism of the NF-kappaB pathway.

ONO-6818 Cortech/Ono.

ONO-6818 (CP-955) is the lead compound in a series of orally bioavailable neutrophil elastase inhibitors licensed from Cortech and under investigation by Ono for the potential treatment of inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [174095]. ONO-6818 was in phase I studies for COPD in Japan as of December 1999 [366431]. Phase I trials for this indication in Japan and the US were ongoing in September 2001 [368565], [422782], [446138]. As of June 2002, however, a number of unconfirmed reports stated that the compound had moved into phase II trials in Japan and was in preparation for phase II trials in the US [456596], [456597].

Differential DNA synthesis in response to activation of protease-activated receptors on cultured guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle cells.

Both thrombin and tryptase have been shown to induce smooth muscle cell proliferation in vitro. We have used cultured primary guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle in order to define pharmacologically the receptors involved in this effect. Tryptase, a protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2 agonist, induced DNA synthesis up to the second passage of the cells, thereafter the response waned. In contrast, thrombin, a PAR-1 agonist, and the PAR-1 activating peptide (SFLLRN) induced DNA synthesis starting from the third passage only. Thrombin and tryptase responses were dose-dependently inhibited by leupeptin. The selective PAR-2 activating peptide (SLIGRL-NH(2)) was unable to induce DNA synthesis in cells from passages 1 to 6. In agreement with the functional data, mRNA expression for PAR-1 was increased in cells in later passages. In contradiction with the functional data, however, equal mRNA expression for PAR-2 was found in all passages. These results suggest that thrombin induces guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle DNA synthesis through activation of PAR-1. However, the differential effect of tryptase and SLIGRL-NH(2) suggests that tryptase might exert some of its effect via a non-PAR-2 receptor.

Gender comparison in a murine model of allergen-driven airway inflammation and the response to budesonide treatment.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that gender differences exist in the severity of many immunological diseases and their response to glucocorticosteroid treatment. In this report, we have used a murine model of ovalbumin-induced lung inflammation to address whether gender could affect the systemic response, airway inflammation and hyperreactivity and their responses to budesonide. RESULTS: Following an acute ovalbumin challenge, actively sensitised BALB/c mice developed a time-dependent increase in interleukin-4 and interleukin-5 production and inflammatory cell influx into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Apart from an increased number of lymphocytes in female mice at day 3 post-challenge, none of the above parameters were affected by gender. Blood leukocyte numbers were also unaffected, whereas a two-fold increase in total serum immunoglobulin E was observed in female mice. Budesonide, given intranasally, did not affect the blood parameters, but dose-dependently inhibited the pulmonary inflammation and airway hyperreactivity in both male and female mice. Female mice were slightly less sensitive to budesonide's inhibitory action on interleukin-5 production and the development of airway hyperreactivity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that, apart from a 2-fold increase in serum immunoglobulin E levels observed in female mice, gender is not a major factor in the present murine model of ovalbumin-induced lung inflammation. In contrast, gender might slightly influence the potency of test compounds such as steroids.

In vivo models of lung neutrophil activation. Comparison of mice and hamsters.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that both the migration and activation of neutrophils into the airway is of importance in pathological conditions such as pulmonary emphysema. In the present study, we describe in vivo models of lung neutrophil infiltration and activation in mice and hamsters. RESULTS: BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were intranasally treated with lipopolysaccharide (0.3 mg/kg). Twenty-four hours after, animals were treated intranasally with N-Formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (0 to 5 mg/kg). Golden Syrian hamsters were treated intratracheally with 0.5 mg/kg of lipopolysaccharide. Twenty-four hours after, animals were treated intratracheally with 0.25 mg/kg of N-Formyl-Met-Leu-Phe. Both mice and hamster were sacrificed two hours after the N-Formyl-Met-Leu-Phe application. In both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, a neutrophil infiltration was observed after the sequential application of lipopolysaccharide and N-Formyl-Met-Leu-Phe. However, 5 times less neutrophil was found in C57BL/6 mice when compared to BALB/c mice. This was reflected in the neutrophil activation parameters measured (myeloperoxidase and elastase activities). Despite the presence of neutrophil and their activation status, no lung haemorrhage could be detected in both strains of mice. When compared with mice, the lung inflammation induced by the sequential application of lipopolysaccharide and N-Formyl-Met-Leu-Phe was much greater in the hamster. In parallel with this lung inflammation, a significant lung haemorrhage was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Both mouse and hamster can be used for pharmacological studies of new drugs or other therapeutics agents that aimed to interfere with neutrophil activation. However, only the hamster model seems to be suitable for studying the haemorrhagic lung injury process.