Novel, highly potent aldose reductase inhibitors: (R)-(-)-2-(4-bromo-2-fluorobenzyl)-1,2,3,4- tetrahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine -4-spiro-3'-pyrrolidine-1,2',3,5'-tetrone (AS-3201) and its congeners.

A series of novel tetrahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs) on the basis of their abilities to inhibit porcine lens aldose reductase (AR) in vitro and to inhibit sorbitol accumulation in the sciatic nerve of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats in vivo. Of these compounds, spirosuccinimide-fused tetrahydropyrrolo[1, 2-a]pyrazine-1,3-dione derivatives showed significantly potent AR inhibitory activity. In the in vivo activity of these derivatives, 2-(4-bromo-2-fluorobenzyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrrolo[1, 2-a]pyrazine-4-spiro-3'-pyrrolidine-1,2',3,5'-tetrone (23t) (SX-3030) showed the best oral activity. The enantiomers of 23t were synthesized, and the biological activities were evaluated. It was found that AR inhibitory activity resides in the (-)-enantiomer 43 (AS-3201), which was 10 times more potent in inhibition of the AR (IC50 = 1.5 x 10(-8) M) and 500 times more potent in the in vivo activity (ED50 = 0.18 mg/kg/day for 5 days) than the corresponding (+)-enantiomer 44 (SX-3202). From these results, AS-3201 was selected as the candidate for clinical development. The absolute configuration of AS-3201 was also established to be (R)-form by single-crystal X-ray analysis. In this article we report the preparation and structure-activity relationship (SAR) of tetrahydropyrrolopyrazine derivatives including a novel ARI, AS-3201.

Aggregation of gel-filtered guinea-pig platelets by lipoproteins.

Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) were isolated from serum of hypercholesterolemic guinea-pigs, and the effect of these lipoproteins on guinea-pig platelets was studied. VLDL (greater than 100 microgram/ml) and LDL (greater than 400 microgram/ml) were found to cause aggregation of gel-filtered platelets (GFP), although the extent of GFP aggregation by LDL was smaller than that by VLDL. In platelet-rich plasma, however, lipoproteins could not induce platelet aggregation. VLDL and LDL even at the low concentrations at which lipoproteins alone could not induce aggregation potentiated ADP-induced aggregation of GFP. VLDL-induced aggregation of GFP was inhibited by apyrase (0.2--1.0 mg/ml) in a concentration-related manner. Prostaglandin E1, dipyridamole, potassium cyanide and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid inhibited VLDL- and ADP-induced aggregation of GFP in the almost same degree. Inhibitions of VLDL-induced GFP aggregation by acetylsalicylic acid and albumin were slightly stronger than that of ADP-induced aggregation. These findings suggest that lipoproteins modulate platelets so that endogenous ADP can be released from platelets.

Inhibition of human and animal platelet adhesiveness to glass bead columns by adenosine, dipyridamole, chlorpromazine and acetylsalicylic acid.

The differences among human, rabbit and guinea-pig platelet adhesiveness as for inhibitions by adenosine, dipyridamole, chlorpromazine and acetylsalicylic acid are described, and the influence of measurement conditions on platelet adhesiveness is also reported. Platelet adhesiveness of human and animal species decreased with an increase of heparin concentrations and an increase of flow rate of blood passing through a glass bead column. Human and rabbit platelet adhesiveness was inhibited in vitro by adenosine, dipyridamole and chlorpromazine, but not by acetylsalicylic acid. On the other hand, guinea-pig platelet adhesiveness was inhibited by the four drugs including acetylsalicylic acid. In in vivo study, adenosine, dipyridamole and chlorpromazine inhibited platelet adhesiveness in rabbits and guinea-pigs. Acetylsalicylic acid showed the inhibitory effect in guinea-pigs, but not in rabbits.

Inhibitory effect of monatepil maleate on acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase activity in the liver of cholesterol-fed Japanese monkeys.

We have previously demonstrated that monatepil maleate, AJ-2615, a new calcium antagonist endowed with alpha1-adrenoceptor blocking property, has antiatherosclerotic and plasma lipid-lowering effects in Japanese monkeys fed on a cholesterol-rich diet. To clarify the mechanisms on plasma lipid-lowering action, we investigated the effect of monatepil maleate in these monkeys on hepatic acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity. Both ACAT activity and esterified cholesterol content in the livers of monkeys fed on a cholesterol-rich diet for 6 months significantly increased about 7- and 16-fold, respectively, as compared with those in monkeys fed on a standard diet. Monatepil maleate (30 mg/kg/day for 6 months, orally) inhibited the increases of ACAT activity and esterified cholesterol content by 51% and 71%, respectively. In in vitro experiments, monatepil maleate inhibited ACAT activity in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas it did not affect 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase activity. A kinetic analysis revealed that monatepil maleate was a noncompetitive type inhibitor of ACAT. Hepatic ACAT activity was significantly correlated to hepatic esterified cholesterol content (r = 0.775, P < .0001), to plasma very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) content (r = 0.765, P < .0001) and to plasma total cholesterol content (r = 0.573, P < .005) in the monkeys. These results suggest that ACAT-inhibiting effect of monatepil maleate plays an important role in the reduction of hyperlipidemia.

Anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic effects of OP-41483.alpha-CD, a prostacyclin analogue, in experimental animals.

The effects of OP-41483.alpha-CD, 5(E)-6,9-deoxa-6,9 alpha-methylene-15-cyclopentyl-16,17,18,19,20-pentanor prostacyclin (PGI2).alpha-cyclodextrin clathrate, on platelet function and experimental thrombosis were studied. In human platelets, OP-41483 inhibited aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or collagen, promoted disaggregation, and elevated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in vitro at the same order of concentrations. The equipotent antiaggregatory activity of OP-41483 to human platelets was observed in monkey platelets in vitro. Furthermore, intravenous administration of OP-41483 to monkeys, unlike PGI2, showed the antiaggregatory effect on platelets but with less effect on blood pressure, suggesting that a differential sensitivity to OP-41483 between platelet function and vascular tone exists in monkeys. In rabbits, OP-41483.alpha-CD attenuated platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen and platelet activating factor (PAF), decreased circulating platelet aggregates, and inhibited platelet adhesiveness to de-endothelialized blood vessels. These results suggest that the anti-thrombotic effects of OP-41483 are associated with its potent antiplatelet activities mainly because of the elevation of cAMP levels in the platelets. The potent anti-thrombotic and less hypotensive effects of this compound may be useful for various thrombotic disorders.

Biochemical changes in unilateral brain injury in the rat: A possible role of free fatty acid accumulation.

Cerebral energy metabolism was investigated in rats with the unilateral brain injury produced by the combination of left carotid artery ligation and systemic exposure to hypoxia. ATP and phosphocreatine levels in the left hemisphere were progressively reduced after the hypoxic-ischemic insult. The reduction of high-energy phosphate levels was accompained by an increase in sodium content and a decrease in potassium content. Mitochondria isolated from the damaged hemisphere showed a defect in ATP formation and oxygen uptake with a reduced ATP/O ratio. A large amount of free fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, oleic and arachidonic acids) accumulated in the injured hemisphere. The addition of unsaturated fatty acids (including oleic and arachidonic acids) to mitochondrial preparations caused an impairment of oxidative phosphorylation similar to that observed in mitochodria isolated from the damaged hemisphere.

Prevention by the new Ca2+ channel antagonist, AJ-3941, of loss of endothelium-dependent relaxation after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats.

AJ-3941 ((+/-)-(E)-1-(3-fluoro-6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]-oxepine-11-yl ) -4-(3-phenyl-2-propenyl)-piperazine dimaleate; CAS No. 143110-70-7), a cerebrovascular-selective Ca2+ channel antagonist having anti-lipid peroxidative action, was reported to prevent cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats. The present study was undertaken to determine whether AJ-3941 protects the impairment of cerebroarterial endothelium-dependent relaxation which is concomitantly induced with cerebral vasospasm. Subarachnoid hemorrhage biphasically suppressed the response to acetylcholine in rat basilar artery, at 0.5 h (n = 4; P < 0.06) and 1 day (n = 5; P < 0.05) after subarachnoid hemorrhage. The reduction of the responses was correlated significantly to the degree of vasospasm determined angiographically. This reduction was accompanied by a 49% increase of arterial lipid peroxide contents. Endothelium-independent relaxation in subarachnoid hemorrhage rats was preserved in response to 3-morpholinosydnonimine, sodium nitroprusside and papaverine. AJ-3941 prevented (n = 6-8, P < 0.05) the suppression of the acetylcholine-induced response and the increase in lipid peroxide content in subarachnoid hemorrhage rats. These results suggest that AJ-3941 could exert its vasospasmolytic effect by preserving endothelial function through its anti-lipid peroxidative action, in addition to its inhibition of vasospasmogen-induced vasoconstriction related to intracellular Ca2+ mobilization.

Effects of OP-41483.alpha-CD, a stable prostacyclin analog, on cultured endothelial cell dysfunction caused by 15(S)-hydroperoxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HPETE) in vitro.

We studied the effect of OP-41483.alpha-CD, a stable prostacyclin analog, on, 15-HPETE induced bovine endothelial cell dysfunction, which was assessed by measuring a number of endothelial cells attached to plastic plates. 15-HPETE decreased the number of attached endothelial cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. OP-41483.alpha-CD and PGI2 significantly inhibited 15-HPETE induced dysfunction of the cells at a concentration of more than 10(-9)M. Besides, DDA (10(-6) - 10(-4)M) an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, diminished the inhibitory effect of OP-41483.alpha-CD on 15-HPETE induced cell dysfunction in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, OP-41483.alpha-CD increased cAMP levels in the endothelial cells in the range of 10(-10) to 10(-8)M in a dose-dependent manner. These data suggest that OP-41483.alpha-CD could exert an inhibitory action on 15-HPETE induced endothelial cell dysfunction via partly increasing its effect on the intracellular cAMP level.

Effect of OP-41483.alpha-CD, a prostacyclin analog, on a clamp-induced endothelial injury in rats.

We studied the effect of OP-41483.alpha-CD, a stable prostacyclin analog, on clamp-induced endothelial injury in rats. The injury was assessed by vascular Evans blue leakage and using a scanning electron microscope. OP-41483.alpha-CD significantly reduced the Evans blue leakage at doses of 30 and 100 ng/kg/min. PGE1.CD was also found to show an equipotent inhibitory action on the dye leakage. From scanning electron microscopic observations, a moderate degree of intimal defects, microvillous projections and platelet adhesions at the luminal surface were seen in the specimens from OP-41483.alpha-CD (30 and 100 ng/kg/min) treated rats. Furthermore, OP-41483.alpha-CD, PGE1.CD and Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (DbcAMP) were found to accelerate a proliferation of cultured bovine endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Taken together, these data indicate that the endothelial regenerative effect of OP-41483.alpha-CD could contribute to healing of clamp-induced endothelial injury and it may be an important therapeutic drug to protect vascular intimal injury.

Alacepril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, prevents cerebral vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage model in rats.

The effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors was investigated on the development of cerebral vasospasm and on the endothelium-dependent relaxation in the rat subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) model. Alacepril or enalapril was used as an ACE inhibitor with or without a thiol moiety in the structure. SAH rats or sham-operated rats were produced by the injection of homologous blood or artificial cerebrospinal fluid into the cisternal magna, respectively. In the SAH rat, cerebral vasospasm was observed at 24 h after blood injection. Acetylcholine (Ach)-induced relaxation in basilar arteries from SAH rats significantly decreased compared to that from sham-operated rats, although the relaxation induced by 3-morpholinosydnonimine, sodium nitroprusside or papaverine did not decrease. These results suggest that the endothelium cell function of basilar arteries in SAH rats is damaged. Alacepril prevented both the development of cerebral vasospasm and the suppression in the Ach-induced relaxation of basilar artery in SAH rats. However, enalapril did not prevent the suppression of Ach-induced relaxation in SAH rats, despite the tendency to prevent cerebral vasospasm. Therefore, it is suggested that the preventive effect of alacepril on cerebral vasospasm could be based on its protective effect on endothelium-dependent relaxation system.

Studies on antiplatelet effects of OP-41483, a prostaglandin I2 analog, in experimental animals. II. Mechanism of its antiplatelet effect.

The mechanism for the inhibition of platelet functions by a prostaglandin I2 analog, OP-41483, was studied with guinea pig platelets. OP-41483, and PGI2 as well, inhibited aggregation, ADP release and thromboxane formation of platelets with IC50 values of 4.3-5.8 ng/ml and 0.6-0.9 ng/ml, respectively. The ligand binding study using [3H]-OP-41483 suggested that OP-41483 bound with different affinities to two classes of binding sites on platelets. The dissociation constant of OP-41483 for the higher affinity site corresponded to the IC50 values of its antiplatelet effect. PGI2 as well as OP-41483 displaced [3H]-OP-41483 previously bound to platelets, thus indicating that both agents exerted their antiplatelet effects by binding to the same site on platelets. OP-41483 and PGI2 activated adenylate cyclase and raised cyclic AMP levels in platelets. However, their inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation was not fully antagonized by an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (DDA), at a concentration completely inhibiting the increase of cyclic AMP. Moreover, this DDA-resistant effect of OP-41483 disappeared in the presence of calcium chloride (10(-4)-10(-3) M). OP-41483 and PGI2 inhibited thrombin-induced Ca++ influx into platelets. The inhibition of Ca++ influx was not reversed by DDA. Based on these results, we speculate that the inhibitory effects of OP-41483 and PGI2 on platelet functions are produced through dual mechanisms: one mediated by activation of adenylate cyclase and the other by an inhibition of Ca++ influx; and these two mechanisms seem to be independent of each other.

Studies on antiplatelet effect of OP-41483, a prostaglandin I2 analog, in experimental animals. I. Effect on platelet function and thrombosis.

Antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects of OP-41483, a PGl2 analog, were studied in experimental animals, and the following results were obtained: 1) With 10 min-intravenous infusion to guinea pigs, OP-41483 inhibited platelet adhesiveness and platelet aggregation at 300-1000 ng/kg/min and 1000 ng/kg/min, respectively. In these effects, OP-41483 was 1-3 times more potent than carbacyclin and 3 times less potent than PGl2. 2) With oral administration to guinea pigs, OP-41483 given as its alpha-cyclodextrin clathrate (OP-41483 alpha-CD) inhibited platelet adhesiveness at doses higher than 1.0 mg/kg (expressed in terms of OP-41483), whereas PGl2 and carbacyclin did not at 10 mg/kg. OP-41483 alpha-CD also inhibited platelet aggregation after a single dose of 3 mg/kg and repeated doses of 3 mg/kg/day for 7 days. 3) In the electrically induced thrombosis model of guinea pig mesenteric artery, OP-41483 (300-1000 ng/kg/min, i.v.-infusion) and OP-41483 alpha-CD (1.0-3.0 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited thrombus formation, but heparin (1.0-10 U/kg/min, i.v.-infusion) did not. 4) In the rabbit extracorporeal circulation thrombosis model, OP-41483 (100 and 300 ng/kg/min, i.v.-infusion) inhibited thrombus formation in the extracorporeal shunt and prevented the decrease in platelet count, hematocrit and fibrinogen level in circulating blood. Heparin (1.0-3.0 U/kg/min, i.v.-infusion) also inhibited the thrombus formation and the decrease in fibrinogen level, but did not inhibit the decrease in hematocrit and platelet count.

General pharmacology of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor. 1st communication: effects on cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal and blood functions.

The effects of recombinant human Tumor Necrosis Factor (rHu-TNF, PT-050), an antitumor agent, on the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal and blood functions were examined in experimental animals. 1. PT-050 at 10(5) U/kg i.v. did not affect blood pressure and blood flow in anesthetized dogs. However, these were decreased 2-3 h after i.v. injection of 10(6) U/kg. A sustained decrease in blood pressure was seen in conscious dogs. PT-050 decreased systolic blood pressure and increased heart rate with a peak at 5-7 h after administration of 10 micrograms/kg (2.55 x 10(4) U/kg) i.v. and 10(5) U/kg s.c. PT-050 was without effect on perfusion volume in rabbit ear vessel preparations. 2. PT-050 enhanced gastric emptying in rats and intestinal charcoal meal propulsion in mice at 10(6) and 10(7) U/kg s.c., respectively. It decreased gastric juice volume and acid content with an increase of gastric juice pH in pyrolus ligated rats at 10(6) U/kg s.c. 3. PT-050 caused diarrhea at 10(5) U/kg i.v. in mice, while at 10(7) U/kg s.c., it did not exert the effect. 4. PT-050 increased urine volume and Na+ excretion at 3 x 10(3) U/kg i.v. and 10(5) U/kg s.c. in saline-loaded rats. 5. PT-050 decreased platelet counts at 10(5) U/kg i.v., depressed platelet aggregation responses to collagen and ADP at 10(6) U/kg i.v., and prolonged APTT and PT at 3 x 10(5) U/kg i.v. in rats, although it neither affected platelet aggregation nor blood coagulation in vitro. PT-050 neither affected platelet counts at 10(5) U/kg s.c., nor platelet aggregation at 10(7) U/kg s.c.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Protective effect of zonisamide, an antiepileptic drug, against transient focal cerebral ischemia with middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion in rats.

PURPOSE: The antiepileptic effects of zonisamide (ZNS) have been well documented experimentally and clinically. The purpose of this study was to examine whether ZNS reduces cerebral damage after transient focal ischemia in rats. METHODS: Ischemia was induced by a transient occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) with a 3-0 nylon monofilament for 90 min. Neurological evaluation was performed by measuring the event of neurological deficit of the contralateral forepaw and hindpaw at 10 min and 1 day after MCA occlusion (MCAo). Brain infarct size was determined by measuring triphenyltetrazonium chloride-negative stained area of the serial brain sections 1 day after MCAo. RESULTS: The pre- or postischemic treatment with ZNS [(10-100 mg/kg p.o.), 30 min before and 4 h after or 15 min and 4 h after the occlusion] markedly reduced cerebral damage in the ipsilateral hemisphere and the neurological deficit induced by transient ischemia. The reducing effect on the damage was observed in the cortical and subcortical regions. Preischemic treatment with carbamazepine (CBZ 60 mg/kg p.o. twice 30 min before and 4 h after MCAo) tended to reduce the cerebral damage and neurological deficit, but the lower dose (20 mg/kg p.o. twice) did not. Valproate (VPA 1,000 mg/kg p.o. twice) also had no effect. CONCLUSIONS: ZNS at the anticonvulsant dose, unlike CBZ and VPA, ameliorated the brain infarction and the event of neurological deficit after transient focal cerebral ischemia. These data suggest that ZNS has therapeutic potential in protecting against ischemic cerebral damage, such as stroke.

General pharmacology of the novel angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor alacepril. 1st communication: Effects on cardiovascular, visceral and renal functions and on blood.

The effects of 1-[(S)-3-acetylthio-2-methylpropanoyl]-L-prolyl-L-phenylalanine (alacepril, DU-1219) an antihypertensive compound with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory activity, and its metabolite, desacetyl-alacepril (DU-1227), on the cardiovascular and autonomic nervous systems and on the blood were compared with those of captopril in the experimental animals. Alacepril and DU-1227 at the i.v. dose of 10 mg/kg gradually lowered the diastolic blood pressure in pentobarbital anesthetized dogs. Captopril showed similar effects. However, the former two compounds showed triphasic effects on the carotid blood flow, i.e., transient increase immediately after the injection, second increase 2 min later, and gradual decrease 20-30 min later. The second increase by DU-1227 was more potent than that by alacepril. Alacepril, DU-1227 and captopril did not affect the pressor responses induced by norepinephrine in anesthetized cats. The contractions of the nictitating membrane in cats induced by electrical stimulation of the cervical sympathetic nerve or epinephrine were depressed with high doses of these three compounds. Captopril potentiated the contractions induced by bradykinin in isolated guinea-pig ileum, while alacepril and DU-1227 were without effect. These three compounds neither affected the resting tension of isolated ileum in guinea-pigs and rabbits nor the contractions induced by acetylcholine, histamine, serotonin and nicotine of isolated guinea-pig ileum. Alacepril at the oral dose of 60 mg/kg decreased the total acidity in pylorus ligated rats, and at higher doses depressed the intestinal charcoal meal passage in mice. Alacepril at comparatively low doses decreased the urine volume with slight reduction of Na+ and K+ excretions in saline-loaded rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)