Lack of effect on the low density lipoprotein receptor in hamsters treated with 17 alpha-ethinyl estradiol.

High pharmacological doses of 17 alpha-ethinyl estradiol are known to increase the number of low density lipoproteins (LDL)-receptors in rats and rabbits, leading to a profound decrease in plasma cholesterol levels. Here, using rats as a positive control, we demonstrate that in hamsters ethinyl estradiol does not upregulate liver LDL-receptors, nor change plasma LDL turnover or plasma LDL-cholesterol. The lack of effect in estradiol-treated hamsters suggests that the hormonal control is different from that in rats.

Inhibition of tissue factor limits the growth of venous thrombus in the rabbit.

Antibody mediated inhibition of tissue factor (TF) function reduces thrombus size in ex vivo perfusion of human blood over a TF-free surface at venous shear rates suggesting that TF might be involved in the mechanism of deep vein thrombosis. Moreover, TF-bearing monocytes and polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes were identified in human ex vivo formed thrombi and in circulating blood. To understand the role of TF in thrombus growth, we applied a rabbit venous thrombosis model in which a collagen-coated thread was installed within the jugular vein or within a silicon vein shunt. The effect of an inhibitory monoclonal antirabbit TF antibody (AP-1) or Napsagatran, a specific inhibitor of thrombin, was quantified by continuously monitoring 125I-fibrinogen incorporation into the growing thrombi. The antithrombotic effect obtained with the anti-TF antibody was comparable to the effect observed with the thrombin inhibitor napsagatran suggesting that in this animal model the thrombus propagation is highly TF dependent. Immunostaining revealed that TF was mostly associated with leukocytes within the thrombi formed in the jugular vein or in the silicon vein shunt. Ex vivo perfusion experiments over collagen-coated coverslips demonstrated the presence of TF-bearing PMN leukocytes in circulating blood. The results suggest that in rabbits venous thrombus growth is mediated by clot-bound TF and that blocking the TF activity can inhibit thrombus propagation.

Synthesis and ocular antihypertensive activity of new imidazolidine derivatives containing a beta-blocking side chain.

The syntheses of new phenylimidazolidine derivatives (3-6)1 containing a propanolamine oxime or an oxypropanolamine moiety attached either to the aromatic or to the imidazolidine ring are described. These compounds were evaluated for potential ocular antihypertensive activity in alpha-chymotrypsin-induced ocular hypertension in rabbits. These compounds represent a unique series of effective ocular antihypertensive agents that despite possessing structural characteristics of beta-blockers and of imidazolidine derivatives, exhibit weak alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist and antagonist activities. These findings may be of significant therapeutic importance in the medical management of glaucoma.

Inhibition of arterial thrombosis by a soluble tissue factor mutant and active site-blocked factors IXa and Xa in the guinea pig.

The substrate recognition region of tissue factor contains two residues, Lys165 and Lys166, which are important for macromolecular substrate activation by the tissue factor:factor VIIa complex. Replacement of these two residues with alanine in a soluble version of human tissue factor resulted in a mutant, hTFAA, which can bind factor VIIa but forms an enzymatically inactive complex. We found that hTFAA inhibits the activity of guinea pig factor VIIa, allowing us to evaluate hTFAA's effects on thrombosis and hemostasis in a guinea pig model of recurrent arterial thrombosis. In addition to heparin, the effects of hTFAA were compared to active site inhibited factor IXa (F.IXai) and factor Xa (F.Xai). We found that hTFAA, F.IXai and F.Xai were potent antithrombotics and may possess a decreased risk of hemorrhage when compared to unfractionated heparin. When administered at a dose that inhibited thrombosis by about 90%, hTFAA neither affected cuticle bleeding nor the activated partial thromboplastin time, and had only a modest effect on the prothrombin time. At equi-efficacious doses, F.IXai, F.Xai and heparin prolonged bleeding times by 20% (p >0.5), 50% (p <0.05) and 100% (p <0.01), respectively. In summary, our study demonstrates that, unlike heparin, specific inhibitors of factors VIIa, IXa and Xa can produce antithrombotic effects without or with only minimally disturbing normal hemostasis. The results further suggest that factor VIIa and factor IXa are especially promising targets for antithrombotic drug development.

Dissociation of antithrombotic effect and bleeding time prolongation in rabbits by inhibiting tissue factor function.

Inhibition of the tissue factor/factor VIIa (TF/F.VIIa) complex attenuates thrombosis in different animal models of arterial thrombosis. However, it remains unclear to what extent the antithrombotic effects are associated with changes in hemostatic functions and how this compares with inhibition of thrombin, an enzyme acting at a later stage in the coagulation cascade. The antithrombotic and the antihemostatic effects of a monoclonal anti-TF antibody (AP-1) were compared in a model of arterial thrombosis to those of a direct thrombin inhibitor (napsagatran) and heparin. In anesthetized rabbits transient arterial thrombi were induced by mechanical damage to the subendothelium of a moderately stenosed carotid artery. Recurrent formation and dislodgement of thrombi resulted in cyclic flow variations (CFVs) which were monitored over 2 hours. Rabbits received intravenously either a placebo (control), a monoclonal anti-rabbit TF antibody (AP-1, 0.05 mg/kg as an i.v. bolus repeated every 15 min, a specific low molecular weight thrombin inhibitor (napsagatran, 3 microg/kg/min) or heparin (3 and 13 microg/kg/min). The effect of the inhibitors on the hemostatic system was studied in a separate set of rabbits by measuring template bleeding times (BT) in the ear arterioles, marginal ear vein and the nail cuticle of the foreleg. AP-1 and napsagatran showed a similar antithrombotic activity (78% and 80% abolition of the CFVs, respectively), whereas either low or high dose heparin was poorly effective (43% and 40% inhibition of CFVs, respectively). At these antithrombotic doses and even at 4-fold higher dosage, AP-1 did not significantly alter the BT, whereas napsagatran and heparin prolonged the ear vessels and cuticle BT in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that in contrast to direct thrombin inhibition, the blockade of the TF/F. VIIa function did not result in a concomitant prolongation of the bleeding time. Thus, dissociation of antithrombotic and antihemostatic effects indicates that inhibition of the coagulation system at its initial stage represents a promising approach for the development of new anticoagulants.

A human antibody that binds to the gamma-carboxyglutamic acid domain of factor IX is a potent antithrombotic in vivo.

10C12, a human antibody F(ab')2, which specifically binds to the Gla domain of factor IX, interfered with all known coagulation processes that involve factor IX/IXa. These include the function of the intrinsic Xase complex and the activation of zymogen factor IX by factor XIa and by the tissue factor:factor VIla complex. Furthermore, 10C12 potently inhibited activated partial thromboplastin clotting times (APTT) in plasma of guinea pig and rat, thus enabling in-vivo evaluation. In guinea pigs, a bolus administration of 10C12 (10 microg/kg) prevented cyclic flow variations in damaged carotid arteries without affecting coagulation or bleeding parameters. At a 100-fold higher dose, 10C12 had no effect on normal hemostasis as assessed by the cuticle bleeding time. At this dose, 10C12 was also efficacious in a rat arterial thrombosis model, substantially reducing clot weight and duration of vessel occlusion while prolonging ex-vivo APTT only 1.2-fold. The dose of heparin required to produce comparable antithrombotic effects prolonged the APTT by 12-fold and increased the tail bleeding time (TBT) by 8-fold. In contrast, 10C12 had no effect on TBT. However, rat tails showed a tendency for rebleeding which 10C12 exacerbated. In conclusion, the antithrombotic potency of the 10C12 antibody in two species provides evidence for an important role of F.IX, and its Gla domain in particular, during thrombogenesis under arterial flow conditions. The relative safety at effective doses of this fully human antibody suggests that it may have therapeutic value for treatment of thrombotic disorders.

Characterization of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors, negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase, in rabbit ciliary processes.

Inhibition of ciliary process adenylate cyclase was studied on rabbit membrane preparations. When considered individually, epinephrine, GTP and NaCl did not inhibit adenylate cyclase activity. On the other hand, when present together, epinephrine, GTP (10(-5) M) and NaCl (200 mM) acted synergistically to cause a 27% inhibition of basal activity. A similar inhibition was observed with 1-norepinephrine. Clonidine and BHT 920, two alpha 2-agents were found to be partial agonists causing 63% and 82% as much inhibition as epinephrine. Phenylephrine, an alpha 1-agonist did not inhibit adenylate cyclase activity at concentrations up to 10(-4) M. Yohimbine and phentolamine prevented the inhibition of adenylate cyclase by epinephrine, while prazosin was ineffective. Alpha 2-receptor selectivity in rabbit ciliary processes and their negative coupling to an adenylate cyclase via a NaCl-dependent GTP binding protein, Ni, is thus well established.

A specific HPLC method for determination of beta-blockers topically used in ophthalmological diseases.

A HPLC method is presented for the identification and quantification in plasma and urine of beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists (betaxolol, carteolol, metipranolol, and timolol) commonly prescribed in ophthalmology. An extraction method is described using pindolol as an internal standard. An RSIL 10 micron column was used. The lower detection limits of the beta-blockers were found to be 4-27 ng/ml. This method is simple, rapid and sensitive; moreover, it allows the determination of 8 other beta-blockers.

Pharmacokinetics of falintolol II. Absorption, distribution and elimination from tissues and organs following ocular administration and intravenous injection of falintolol in albino rabbits.

The absorption, distribution and elimination of falintolol maleate was studied in various ocular and extraocular tissues and organs following ocular instillation, intravenous injection of a 0.5% 14C-falintolol ophthalmic solution and repeated ocular instillations of a 1% non-labeled falintolol ophthalmic solution into albino New Zealand rabbits. Falintolol was distributed in all studied tissues and organs after both routes of administration. After ocular instillation, levels of total radioactivity were distinctly higher in ocular tissues than after intravenous injection. Thus, the level was 475 times more important in cornea, 72 times in aqueous humor and 36 times in iris and ciliary body after ocular instillation. On the other hand, levels of total radioactivity in extraocular tissues and organs were 30-50% higher after intravenous injection compared to ocular instillation of the same dose. Peak levels of total radioactivity were generally achieved between 30 min and 1 h after ocular instillation, while 1.5 h after intravenous injection an increase in the declining part of the curve occurred. This increase, characteristic of an enterohepatic reabsorption, was also observed in blood and plasma 1 h after intravenous injection. Urinary elimination was the major means of excretion since 79.6% of total radioactivity was found in urine 6 h after intravenous injection and 74.5% 12 h after ocular instillation. But after ocular instillation, only 5% was excreted as unchanged falintolol. Whatever the route of administration, after single or repeated application, no drug accumulation was evident.

In vitro potential measurement, anaesthetic and antimicrobial effects as indicators of beta-blocker toxicity of the cornea.

Three tests were utilized to determine and compare the toxicity of timolol, propranolol and two new aliphatic and alicyclic oxime ethers with beta-blocking activity (falintolol and compound POS 7). Effects on the electrical potential difference across the in vitro bovine corneal epithelium. Local anaesthesia on in vivo rabbit cornea. Antimicrobial activity on bacterial and fungal suspensions. In addition, partition coefficients were determined as physicochemical properties of the drugs. Falintolol, as well as timolol produced a minor change in electrophysiology at clinical concentration. They had neither local anaesthetic, nor antimicrobial effects. Conversely, propranolol and compound POS 7 showed acute corneal toxicity in the present models. It was concluded that changes in the potential difference across a perfused cornea in vitro, local anaesthesia and bacterial inhibition, might be a demonstration of the cytotoxicity of certain topical agents in terms of acute eye tissue reaction. They might represent a valuable model for the acute corneal toxicity evaluation of topical beta-blockers.

Beta-adrenoceptor binding potencies of new aliphatic and alicyclic oxime ethers and their relevance to intraocular pressure control.

The selectivity and binding potency of a series of alkyliminoxypropanolamines characterized by the lack of an aromatic nucleus are studied using a new non-selective radioligand, (-)-(125I)-Iodocyanopindolol. The relationship between the effectiveness in lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP) in experimental hypertensive rabbit eyes and their capacity to bind to ciliary processes beta 2-adrenoceptors is discussed. The inhibition constant (Ki) and beta 2/beta 1 ratios indicate a beta 2-selectivity for the tested drugs. Cyclopropyl, dicyclopropyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl derivatives displayed a potent binding to ciliary processes beta 2-adrenoceptors and lowered the IOP about -18%. These compounds induced a lowering in IOP equal to that produced by timolol and appear to be effective and safe beta-adrenergic antagonists in open-angle glaucoma therapy. Decreasing the size of the alkyl group of the oxime, removing the oxime function or modifying the beta-hydroxyl group from the side chain led to a significant decrease in beta 2-adrenoceptor binding and induced weak hypotensive ocular activity. Since the tested alkyliminoxypropanolamine series has very similar physicochemical characteristics and therefore, ruled out the differences in their ability to reach, through the cornea, the targeted ciliary processes, it was demonstrated that contrary to generally held views, the action of the new beta-antagonist series on IOP is related to their ability to antagonize ocular beta 2-adrenoceptors.

Low density lipoprotein for oxidation and metabolic studies. Isolation from small volumes of plasma using a tabletop ultracentrifuge.

A rapid method is described for the isolation of small volumes of plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) free of plasma protein contaminants using the TL-100 Tabletop Ultracentrifuge (Beckman). The isolation of LDL was achieved by a 25 min discontinuous gradient density centrifugation between the density range of 1.006 and 1.21 g/ml, recovery of LDL by tube slicing followed by a 90 min flotation step (d = 1.12 g/ml). The purity of LDL and apolipoprotein B100 (apo B100) were monitored by agarose electrophoresis, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), radial immunodiffusion and micropreparative fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). The ability of LDL oxidation was assessed by following absorbance at 234 nm after addition of copper ions. The functional integrity of the isolated LDL was checked by clearance kinetics after injection of [125I]-labelled LDL in estrogen-treated rats. The additional purification step led to LDL fractions free of protein contamination and left apo B100, alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene intact. The LDL prepared in this way was free of albumin, as evident from analytic tests and from its enhanced oxidative modification by copper ions. Used for analytical purposes, this method allows LDL preparations from plasma volumes up to 570 microliters. This method is also convenient for metabolic studies in small animals, especially those relating to the determination of kinetic parameters of LDL in which LDL-apo B100 has to be specifically radiolabelled.

Determination of falintolol, a new aliphatic beta-adrenergic antagonist, in whole blood by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection: geometric isomers resolution.

Falintolol oxalate, a new beta-adrenergic antagonist, is characterized by the presence of an oxime function and exists in a racemic form as a mixture of syn- and anti- isomers in a ratio of about 8:2. This article describes a selective gas chromatographic method for the resolution of the geometric isomers and the quantitation of the drug. The unchanged falintolol and internal standard, a related compound, are separated from blood by a solvent extraction under alkaline conditions, and then the drug is derivatized. The heptafluorobutyric derivatives are chromatographed on an SE-30 capillary quartz column and detected with a nickel-63 electron-capture detector. Because the syn- and anti- isomers of falintolol display comparable chromatographic responses, the sum of the two geometrical isomers is used for the quantitation of falintolol in blood. This method allows small serial blood samples in conscious rats, and 0.05 microgram of falintolol/0.1 mL of blood can be routinely determined. A calibration curve is prepared for the blood extracts. Linearity is observed in the study range (0.05 to 1 microgram/0.1 mL of blood). No interference by endogenous substances is observed. The procedure is applied successfully to drug absorption in rats when repeated oral doses are administered.

Horizontal semi-dry electroblotting for the detection of the low density lipoprotein receptor in solubilized liver membranes.

A high efficiency transfer of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor proteins from polyacrylamide slab gel onto immobilizing nitrocellulose membranes using the horizontal semi-dry electrophoretic system is described. The transfer of the LDL receptors from solubilized rat liver microsomes was performed between two graphite plate electrodes in a continuous buffer system containing methanol and sodium dodecyl sulfate. The protein transfer was achieved in only 150 min at a constant current of 0.8 mA/cm2 at room temperature with very low Joule heat development. The homogeneous electric field yield between the two electrode plates produced a satisfactory transfer of the LDL-receptor protein band in spite of its high molecular weight, and only few protein traces remained in the polyacrylamide gel after blotting. This improved method allows a rapid and quantitative transfer of the LDL receptors without protein denaturation, since the specific binding activity of the blotted receptor is retained as demonstrated by ligand-blotting and immunoblotting.

Sex therapy with dissociative disorders: a protocol.

Female victims of childhood sexual abuse who develop dissociative disorders often suffer from sexual dysfunction but do not receive sex therapy as often as might be expected due to the problems created by dissociative defenses. A modification of standard sex therapy techniques is proposed as a step toward restoring sexual function to this population. Key elements of the protocol are Eriksonian utilization of dissociative defenses, reduced expectations, and careful preparation of the male partner.

Effects of adrenergic agents on alpha-chymotrypsin-induced ocular hypertension in albino and pigmented rabbits: a comparative study.

Alpha-chymotrypsin-induced ocular hypertension in albino rabbits is widely used as an experimental model to screen potential antiglaucoma drugs. The present study compares the intraocular pressure (IOP) response following the ocular application of single or repeated adrenergic agents in conscious albino and pigmented rabbits. A single instillation of clonidine was not as effective in lowering the IOP in pigmented hypertensive rabbit eyes as in albino hypertensive eyes. Similarly, betaxolol moderately lowered the IOP in albino rabbits but induced a slight response when pigmented rabbits were used as an experimental model. Twice-a-day applications of betaxolol in pigmented hypertensive eyes permitted an identical level of IOP decrease to be reached, as observed in a one-day study in albino rabbits, after at least 6 days of treatment. It has been suggested that the pigmented layers of the iris-ciliary body may act as sites for topically applied antiglaucoma drugs. Non-specific binding could explain in part the frequent discrepancy observed between the preclinical results obtained in albino hypertensive rabbit eyes and clinical results obtained in glaucomatous human eyes.

Effects of topically applied falintolol: a new beta-adrenergic antagonist for treatment of glaucoma.

Changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) following topical administration of falintolol (0.5%-0.25%), a new beta-blocking agent, were studied in conscious albino rabbits with alpha-chymotrypsin-induced ocular hypertension. The drug produced a reduction in IOP equal to that of timolol. A longer duration of activity was noted with falintolol. The rate of transport of topically applied falintolol through the isolated bovine cornea under conditions simulating normal physiology was linear up to three hours and twice as fast as timolol from 3 to 6 hours. Since topical ocular application of beta-adrenergic antagonists useful in glaucoma therapy can also cause a number of troublesome systemic side effects, several conclusive preclinical investigations were carried out with falintolol. Of major concern was the effect falintolol might have on the pupil, cornea, and heart rate when administered topically. The results show that falintolol does not produce any noteworthy side effects and is capable of being an effective beta-blocking agent in open-angle glaucoma therapy.

Effects of stigmastanyl-phosphocholine (Ro 16-6532) and lovastatin on lipid and lipoprotein levels and lipoprotein metabolism in the hamster on different diets.

Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that oral administration of stigmastanyl-phosphocholine (Ro 16-6532) reduces plasma cholesterol levels in experimental animals on diets free of added cholesterol. In the present study, effects of Ro 16-6532 and lovastatin on lipoprotein levels and metabolism were investigated in male golden Syrian hamsters. In hamsters fed a standard diet, Ro 16-6532 (1 mmol/kg/day) lowered cholesterol in all lipoprotein fractions, as well as apoB-100 and apoA-I. In contrast, lovastatin (25 mumol/kg/day) lowered high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol but had no effect on low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol or on apoB-100 or apoA-I while triglycerides and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol increased. In hamsters fed a coconut fat-supplemented diet, Ro 16-6532 reduced all lipoproteins, with a stronger effect on VLDL- and LDL- than on HDL-cholesterol. Also apoB-100 was reduced. Lovastatin (50 mumol/kg/day) reduced LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and apoA-I while triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol increased. The drop in LDL-cholesterol seen with both drugs in hamsters fed the diet supplemented with coconut fat occurred without any effect on the plasma removal rate of homologous LDL, or on the content of hepatic LDL-receptors. In contrast, the first phase of removal of homologous radioiodinated VLDL from plasma was markedly increased by both compounds, paralleled with an increased uptake of label in the liver and a decreased appearance of labeled apoB-100 in the LDL-fraction. Furthermore, retinyl ester-labeled chylomicrons were also cleared more rapidly in hamsters treated with Ro 16-6532. Hepatic uptake of label from VLDL and chylomicrons was strongly decreased by pre-injection of lactoferrin. In addition, Ro 16-6532 slightly decreased the secretion rate of VLDL in hamsters fed the coconut fat-supplemented diet. Taken together, these results indicate that the reduction of LDL-cholesterol after treatment with Ro 16-6532 and lovastatin observed in the hamster is mainly due to decreased conversion of VLDL into LDL, consequent to an increased hepatic removal of VLDL remnants. Ro 16-6532 also increased the liver uptake of chylomicron remnants. The hepatic uptake system implicated in this remnant removal can be completely blocked by lactoferrin. The nature of this uptake system is still unknown.

Ro 48-8.071, a new 2,3-oxidosqualene:lanosterol cyclase inhibitor lowering plasma cholesterol in hamsters, squirrel monkeys, and minipigs: comparison to simvastatin.

2,3-Oxidosqualene:lanosterol cyclase (OSC, E.C. 5.4.99.7) represents a unique target for a cholesterol lowering drug. Partial inhibition of OSC should reduce synthesis of lanosterol and subsequent sterols, and also stimulate the production of epoxysterols that repress HMG-CoA reductase expression, generating a synergistic, self-limited negative regulatory loop. Hence, the pharmacological properties of Ro 48-8.071, a new OSC inhibitor, were compared to that of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, simvastatin. Ro 48-8.071 blocked human liver OSC and cholesterol synthesis in HepG2 cells in the nanomolar range; in cells it triggered the production of monooxidosqualene, dioxidosqualene, and epoxycholesterol. It was safe in hamsters, squirrel monkeys and Göttingen minipigs at pharmacologically active doses, lowering LDL approximately 60% in hamsters, and at least 30% in the two other species, being at least as efficacious as safe doses of simvastatin. The latter was hepatotoxic in hamsters at doses > 30 mumol/kg/day limiting its window of efficacy. Hepatic monooxidosqualene increased dose-dependently after treatment with Ro 48-8.071, up to approximately 20 micrograms/g wet liver or less than 1% of hepatic cholesterol, and it was inversely correlated with LDL levels. Ro 48-8.071 did not reduce coenzyme Q10 levels in liver and heart of hamsters, and importantly did not trigger an overexpression of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase, squalene synthase, and OSC itself. In strong contrast, simvastatin stimulated these enzymes dramatically, and reduced coenzyme Q10 levels in liver and heart. Altogether these findings clearly differentiate the OSC inhibitor Ro 48-8.071 from simvastatin, and support the view that OSC is a distinct key component in the regulation of the cholesterol synthesis pathway.