Pharmacological effects of TAK-828F: an orally available RORγt inverse agonist, in mouse colitis model and human blood cells of inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: To evaluate the potency of RORγt blockade for treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the efficacy of TAK-828F, a novel RORγt inverse agonist, in anti-TNF-α mAb non-responsive mouse colitis model and effect of TAK-828F on IL-17 production in peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs) of anti-TNF-α naive and treatment-failure patients of IBD was investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: The colitis model showed Th17-dependent pathogenicity and response to anti-IL-12/23p40 monoclonal antibody (mAb), but no response to anti-TNF-α mAb. In the model, TAK-828F, at oral dosages of 1 and 3 mg/kg, inhibited progression of colitis and reduced the immune reaction that characterize Th17 cells. Anti-IL-17A mAb showed neither efficacy nor change in the T cell population and colonic gene expression in the model. In the normal mouse, a 4-week treatment of TAK-828F at 30 mg/kg did not severely reduce lymphocyte cell counts in peripheral and intestinal mucosa, which was observed in RORγ-/- mice. TAK-828F strongly inhibited IL-17 gene expression with IC50 values from 21.4 to 34.4 nmol/L in PBMCs from anti-TNF mAb naive and treatment-failure patients of IBD. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that RORγt blockade would provide an effective approach for treating refractory patients with IBD by blocking IL-23/Th17 pathway.

Specific alteration of rhythm in temperature-stressed rats possess features of abdominal pain in IBS patients.

It is known that specific alteration of rhythm in temperature (SART) stress produces somatic pain. However, it remains to be investigated whether SART stress induces visceral pain. In this study, we investigated the visceral hypersensitivity in the SART stress model by pharmacological tools and heterotopical nociception. Four-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to repeated cold stress. Visceral pain was measured by visceromotor response to colorectal distension, and the effects of alosetron and duloxetine on visceral pain were investigated in SART rats. Heterotopical nociception was given by capsaicin injection into the left forepaw to induce diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNIC). SART stress induced visceral hypersensitivity that was sustained at minimum for one week. In pharmacological analysis, alosetron and duloxetine improved SART stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity. Heterotopical nociception induced DNIC in normal conditions, but was disrupted in SART rats. On the other hand, RMCP-II mRNA in distal colon was not affected by SART stress. In conclusion, SART rats exhibit several features of visceral pain in IBS, and may be a useful model for investigating the central modification of pain control in IBS.

Derivation of rat embryonic stem cells and generation of protease-activated receptor-2 knockout rats.

One of the remarkable achievements in knockout (KO) rat production reported during the period 2008-2010 is the derivation of authentic embryonic stem (ES) cells from rat blastocysts using a novel culture medium containing glycogen synthase kinase 3 and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitors (2i medium). Here, we report gene-targeting technology via homologous recombination in rat ES cells, demonstrating its use through production of a protease-activated receptor-2 gene (Par-2) KO rat. We began by generating germline-competent ES cells from Dark Agouti rats using 2i medium. These ES cells, which differentiate into cardiomyocytes in vitro, can produce chimeras with high ES cell contribution when injected into blastocysts. We then introduced a targeting vector with a neomycin-resistant gene driven by the CAG promoter to disrupt Par-2. After a 7-day drug selection, 489 neomycin-resistant colonies were obtained. Following screening by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genotyping and quantitative PCR analysis, we confirmed three homologous recombinant clones, resulting in chimeras that transmitted the Par-2 targeted allele to offspring. Par-2 KO rats showed a loss of Par-2 messenger RNA expression in their stomach cells and a lack of PAR-2 mediated smooth muscle relaxation in the aorta as indicated by pharmacological testing. Compared with mice, rats offer many advantages in biomedical research, including a larger body size; consequently, they are widely used in scientific investigation. Thus, the establishment of a gene-targeting technology using rat ES cells will be a valuable tool in human disease model production and drug discovery.

Effects of TAK-480, a novel tachykinin NK(2)-receptor antagonist, on visceral hypersensitivity in rabbits and ricinoleic acid-induced defecation in guinea pigs.

TAK-480, 4-(difluoromethoxy)-N-((1R,2S)-2-(((3aR,4R,9bR)-4-(methoxymethyl)-2, 3,3a,4,5,9b-hexahydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]quinolin-1-yl)carbonyl)cyclohexyl)benzamide, is a novel tachykinin NK(2)-receptor antagonist. In this study, we investigated its antagonistic activity and efficacy in animal models of visceral hypersensitivity and stimulated bowel function which have been implicated to underlie the symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). TAK-480 showed potent binding affinity for human NK(2) receptors with a marked species difference and a 10,000-fold selectivity versus NK(1) and NK(3) receptors. TAK-480 dose-dependently antagonized colonic contractions induced by administration of the NK(2) receptor-selective agonist beta-Ala(8)-NKA(4-10) (ßA-NKA) in anesthetized rabbits. In a rabbit model of intracolonic zymosan-induced visceral hypersensitivity, TAK-480 markedly inhibited the visceromotor response to colorectal distension, in contrast to the moderate inhibition by the serotonin 5-HT(3)-receptor antagonist alosetron. In addition, TAK-480 suppressed ricinoleic acid-induced defecation without affecting spontaneous defecation in guinea pigs, whereas alosetron suppressed both. Furthermore, TAK-480 inhibited smooth muscle contractions produced by natural tachykinins (substance P, neurokinin A, and neurokinin B) as well as ßA-NKA in an isolated human colon. In conclusion, the novel NK(2)-receptor antagonist TAK-480 improved visceral hypersensitivity and accelerated defecation without causing constipation in experimental animals. Furthermore, the potent functional blockade of NK(2) receptors in human colon might suggest the potential effectiveness of TAK-480 in IBS patients.

Establishment and validation of a rabbit model for in vivo pharmacodynamic screening of tachykinin NK2 antagonists.

We attempted to establish and validate an in vivo pharmacodynamic (PD) rabbit model to screen tachykinin NK(2) receptor (NK(2)-R) antagonists using pharmacological and pharmacokinetic (PK)/PD analyses. Under urethane anesthesia, changes in intracolonic pressure associated with intravenous (i.v.) administration of a selective NK(2)-R agonist, ßAla(8)-neurokinin A(4-10) (ßA-NKA), was monitored as a PD marker. The analgesic effects of NK(2)-R antagonists were evaluated by monitoring visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distension in a rabbit model of visceral hypersensitivity induced by intracolonic treatment of acetic acid. Intravenous administration of ßA-NKA induced transient colonic contractions dose-dependently, which were inhibited by the selective NK(2)-R antagonists in dose- and/or plasma concentration-dependent manners. The correlation between PD inhibition and plasma concentration normalized with the corresponding in vitro binding affinity was relatively high (r(2) = 0.61). Furthermore, the minimum effective doses on the VMR and ID(50) values calculated in the PD model were highly correlated (r(2) = 0.74). In conclusion, we newly established and validated a rabbit model of agonist-induced colonic contractions as a screening tool for NK(2)-R antagonists. In a drug discovery process, this PD model could enhance the therapeutic candidate selection for irritable bowel syndrome, pharmacologically connecting in vitro affinity for NK(2)-R with in vivo therapeutic efficacy.

Bidirectional regulation of human colonic smooth muscle contractility by tachykinin NK(2) receptors.

In this study, we attempted to clarify the mechanism of tachykinin-induced motor response in isolated smooth muscle preparations of the human colon. Fresh specimens of normal colon were obtained from patients suffering from colonic cancer. Using mucosa-free smooth muscle strips, smooth muscle tension with circular direction was monitored isometrically. Substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA), and neurokinin B (NKB) produced marked contraction. All of these contractions were inhibited by saredutant, a selective NK(2)-R antagonist, but not by CP122721, a selective NK(1)-R antagonist or talnetant, a selective NK(3)-R antagonist. ßAla(8)-NKA(4-10) induced concentration-dependent contraction similar to NKA, but Sar(9)-Met(11)-SP and Met-Phe(7)-NKB did not cause marked contraction. Colonic contraction induced by ßAla(8)-NKA(4-10) was completely blocked by saredutant, but not by atropine. Tetrodotoxin or N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester pretreatment significantly enhanced ßAla(8)-NKA(4-10)-induced contraction. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the NK(2)-R was expressed on the smooth muscle layers and myenteric plexus where it was also co-expressed with neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the myenteric plexus. These results suggest that the NK(2)-R is a major contributor to tachykinin-induced smooth muscle contraction in human colon and that the NK(2)-R-mediated response consists of an excitatory component via direct action on the smooth muscle and an inhibitory component possibly via nitric oxide neurons.

1-[5-(2-Fluorophenyl)-1-(pyridin-3-ylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl]-N-methylmethanamine monofumarate (TAK-438), a novel and potent potassium-competitive acid blocker for the treatment of acid-related diseases.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used in the treatment of acid-related diseases. However, several unmet medical needs, such as suppression of night-time acid secretion and rapid symptom relief, remain. In this study, we investigated the pharmacological effects of 1-[5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-(pyridin-3-ylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl]-N-methylmethanamine monofumarate (TAK-438), a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB), on gastric acid secretion in comparison with lansoprazole, a typical PPI, and SCH28080 [3-(cyanomethyl)-2-methyl,8-(phenylmethoxy)imidazo(1,2-a)pyridine], a prototype of P-CAB. TAK-438, SCH28080, and lansoprazole inhibited H(+),K(+)-ATPase activity in porcine gastric microsomes with IC(50) values of 0.019, 0.14, and 7.6 µM, respectively, at pH 6.5. The inhibitory activity of TAK-438 was unaffected by ambient pH, whereas the inhibitory activities of SCH28080 and lansoprazole were weaker at pH 7.5. The inhibition by TAK-438 and SCH28080 was reversible and achieved in a K(+)-competitive manner, quite different from that by lansoprazole. TAK-438, at a dose of 4 mg/kg (as the free base) orally, completely inhibited basal and 2-deoxy-d-glucose-stimulated gastric acid secretion in rats, and its effect on both was stronger than that of lansoprazole. TAK-438 increased the pH of gastric perfusate to a higher value than did lansoprazole or SCH28080, and the effect of TAK-438 was sustained longer than that of lansoprazole or SCH28080. These results indicate that TAK-438 exerts a more potent and longer-lasting inhibitory action on gastric acid secretion than either lansoprazole or SCH28080. TAK-438 is a novel antisecretory drug that may provide a new option for the patients with acid-related disease that is refractory to, or inadequately controlled by, treatment with PPIs.

Pharmacological evaluation of a novel corticotropin-releasing factor 1 receptor antagonist T-3047928 in stress-induced animal models in a comparison with alosetron.

BACKGROUND: The major symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are changes in bowel habits and abdominal pain. Psychological stress is the major pathophysiological components of IBS. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a well-known integrator in response to psychological stress. In this study, a novel CRF1 receptor antagonist T-3047928 was evaluated in stress-induced IBS models of rats to explore its potency for IBS. METHODS: Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels after intravenous oCRH challenge were measured as a pharmacodynamic marker. Efficacies of oral T-3047928 were compared with oral alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, on conditioning fear stress (CFS)-induced defecation, restraint stress (RS)-induced acute visceral pain, specific alteration of rhythm in temperature (SART) stress-induced chronic visceral pain, and normal defecation. RESULTS: T-3047928 (1-10 mg/kg, p.o.) demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition on oCRH-induced ACTH secretion. In disease models, T-3047928 suppressed fecal pellet output induced by CFS and improved both acute and chronic visceral hypersensitivity induced by RS and SART stress, respectively. Alosetron was also efficacious in stress-induced defecation and visceral pain models at 1 and 10 mg/kg, respectively. Alosetron, however, also suppressed normal defecation at lower those. On the other hand, T-3047928 did not change normal defecation even at higher dose than those in disease models. CONCLUSION: T-3047928 is an orally active CRF1 antagonist that demonstrated potent inhibitory effects in stress-associated IBS models with no effect on normal defecation. Therefore, it is suggested that T-3047928 may have a potency as a novel option for IBS-D therapy with minimal constipation risk.

Effects and sites of action of a M1 receptor positive allosteric modulator on colonic motility in rats and dogs compared with 5-HT4 agonism and cholinesterase inhibition.

BACKGROUND: Muscarinic receptor 1 positive allosteric modulators (M1PAMs) enhance colonic propulsive contractions and defecation through the facilitation of M1 receptor (M1R)-mediated signaling. We examined M1R expression in the colons of 5 species and compared colonic propulsion and defecation caused by the M1PAM, T440, the 5-HT4 agonist, prucalopride, and the cholinesterase inhibitor, neostigmine, in rats and dogs. METHODS: M1R expression was profiled by immunostaining and in situ hybridization. In vivo studies utilized male SD rats and beagle dogs. Colonic propulsive contractions were recorded by manometry in anesthetized rats. Gut contractions in dogs were assessed using implanted force transducers in the ileum, proximal, mid, and distal colons. KEY RESULTS: M1R was localized to neurons of myenteric and submucosal plexuses and the epithelium of the human colon. A similar receptor localization was observed in rat, dog, mouse, and pig. T440 enhanced normal defecation in rats in a dose-dependent manner. Prucalopride also enhanced defecation in rats, but the maximum effect was half that of T440. Neostigmine and T440 were similarly effective in enhancing defecation, but the effective dose of neostigmine was close to its lethal dose. In rats, all 3 compounds induced colonic contractions, but the associated propulsion was strongest with T440. In dogs, intestinal contractions elicited by T440 propagated from ileum to distal colon. Prucalopride and neostigmine also induced intestinal contractions, but these were less well coordinated. No loss of effectiveness of T440 on defecation occurred after 5 days of repeated dosing. CONCLUSION AND INFERENCES: These results suggest that M1PAMs produce highly coordinated propagating contraction by actions on the enteric nervous system of the colon. The localization of M1R to enteric neurons in both animals and humans suggests that the M1PAM effects would be translatable to human. M1PAMs provide a potential novel therapeutic option for constipation disorders.

Pharmacological Evaluation of TAK-828F, a Novel Orally Available RORγt Inverse Agonist, on Murine Colitis Model.

IL-17-producing Th17 cells and IFN-γ and IL-17 double-producing Th1/17 cells have been identified as the pathogenic cells in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) is a master regulator for the differentiation and activation of Th17 and Th1/17 cells. We discovered a novel orally available TAK-828F, a strong and selective RORγt inverse agonist. To assess the potential of RORγt blockade in the therapy for IBD, the efficacy of TAK-828F in activated T cell transfer mouse colitis model was investigated. This model was highly sensitive to the prophylactic treatment of anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody but partially susceptible to sulfasalazine, tacrolimus, and prednisolone. Oral administration of TAK-828F, at doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg, b.i.d, strongly protected the progression of colitis. TAK-828F decreased the population of Th17 and Th1/17 cells in a dose-dependent manner in the mesenteric lymph node. Moreover, expression of mRNA that are characteristic of the Th17 signature, such as IL-17A and IL-17F in the colon, were inhibited by TAK-828F, while the expression of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, was increased. In the therapeutic treatment, TAK-828F lessened disease severity compared to the vehicle control mice. Interestingly, gene expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and mucin 2 (Muc2), which play an important role in barrier function of the intestinal mucosa, was recovered by TAK-828F. These results indicate that blocking RORγt has promising pharmacological profile in the colitis model. RORγt blockade may provide a novel therapeutic paradigm for treatment of IBD with unique mechanism by which improves imbalance of the immune system.

Muscarinic receptor 1 allosteric modulators stimulate colorectal emptying in dog, mouse and rat and resolve constipation.

BACKGROUND: Because M1 muscarinic receptors are expressed by enteric neurons, we investigated whether positive allosteric modulators of these receptors (M1PAMs) would enhance colorectal propulsion and defecation in dogs, mice, and rats. METHODS: The potencies of the M1PAMs, T662 or T523, were investigated using M1 receptor-expressing CHO cells. Effectiveness of M1PAMs on defecation was investigated by oral administration in mice and rats, by recording propulsive contractions in anaesthetized rats and by recording high amplitude propagating contractions in dogs. KEY RESULTS: PAM EC50 values in M1 receptor-expressing CHO cells were 0.7-1.8 nmol/L for T662 and 8-10 nmol/L for T523. The compounds had 1000-fold lower potencies as agonists. In anesthetized rats, both compounds elicited propulsive colorectal contractions, and in dogs, mice, and rats, oral administration increased fecal output. No adverse effects were observed in conscious animals. M1PAMs triggered propagated high amplitude contractions and caused defecation in dogs. Nerve-mediated contractions were enhanced in the isolated mouse colon. M1PAMs were equi-effective in rats with or without the pelvic nerves being severed. In two models of constipation in mice, opiate-induced constipation and constipation of aging, defecation was induced and constipation was reversed. CONCLUSION AND INFERENCES: M1PAMs act at targets sites in the colorectum to enhance colorectal propulsion. They are effective across species, and they reverse experimentally induced constipation. Previous studies have shown that they are safe in human. Because they provide an enhancement of physiological control rather than being direct agonists, they are predicted to provide effective treatment for constipation.

[Pharmacological characteristics and clinical efficacies of a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, vonoprazan fumarate].

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) inhibit H+, K+-ATPase, an enzyme which is the final step of gastric acid secretion and is selectively located in the gastric parietal cells. PPIs block the enzyme in a covalent and irreversible binding manner, thus providing better efficacy than previous pharmacological agents such as antacids and histamine H2 receptor antagonists. Although PPIs have been the first-line therapeutic option for acid related diseases (ARDs), there are several limitations to their efficacy, i.e. short half-life in blood, insufficient acid suppression especially at night, necessity of repeated dosages for full action, and large variation in efficacy among patients due to CYP2C19 polymorphism. To overcome these shortcomings, we performed a high-throughput random screening using in-house chemical libraries and further lead optimization to look for the most relevant clinical candidate compounds. As the results of these researches, we discovered vonoprazan fumarate, a novel gastric acid antisecretory agent which inhibits H+, K+-ATPase in a reversible and K+-competitive manner. Vonoprazan exerted a more potent and longer lasting inhibitory effect than lansoprazole on gastric acid secretion in preclinical studies, presumably by its high accumulation profile in the gastric parietal cells. It also exhibited a rapid onset of action and prolonged inhibition of intragastric acidity in humans and showed remarkable effects on multiple ARDs including erosive esophagitis and Helicobacter pylori eradication. Vonoprazan fumarate was approved in 2014 for clinical use in Japan. Vonoprazan is a new therapeutic option which can potentially improve outcomes compared with conventional PPI-based treatments for ARDs.

Pharmacological Inhibition of Toll-Like Receptor-4 Signaling by TAK242 Prevents and Induces Regression of Experimental Organ Fibrosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a poorly understood heterogeneous condition with progressive multi-organ fibrosis. Recent genetic and genomic evidence suggest a pathogenic role for dysregulated innate immunity and toll-like receptor (TLR) activity in SSc. Levels of both TLR4, as well as certain endogenous TLR ligands, are elevated in skin and lung tissues from patients with SSc and correlate with clinical disease parameters. Conversely, genetic targeting of TLR4 or its endogenous "damage-associated" ligands ameliorates progressive tissue fibrosis. Targeting TLR4 signaling therefore represents a pharmacological strategy to prevent intractable fibrosis. We examined the effect of TAK242, a small molecule TLR4 inhibitor, in preclinical fibrosis models and in SSc fibroblasts. TAK242 treatment prevented, promoted regression of, bleomycin-induced dermal and pulmonary fibrosis, and reduced the expression of several pro-fibrotic mediators. Furthermore, TAK242 ameliorated peritoneal fibrosis and reduced spontaneous hypodermal thickness in TSK/+ mice. Importantly, TAK242 abrogated collagen synthesis and myofibroblasts differentiation in explanted constitutively active SSc fibroblast. Altogether, these findings identify TAK242 as an anti-fibrotic agent in preclinical models of organ fibrosis. TAK242 might potentially represent a novel strategy for the treatment of SSc and other fibrotic diseases.

Impaired diffuse noxious inhibitory controls in specific alternation of rhythm in temperature-stressed rats.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain. A hypofunction in descending pain inhibitory systems is considered to be involved in the chronic pain of fibromyalgia. We examined functional changes in descending pain inhibitory systems in rats with specific alternation of rhythm in temperature (SART) stress, by measuring the strength of diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNIC). Hindpaw withdrawal thresholds to mechanical von Frey filament or fiber-specific electrical stimuli by the Neurometer system were used to measure the pain response. To induce DNIC, capsaicin was injected into the intraplantar of the forepaw. SART-stressed rats were established by exposure to repeated cold stress for 4 days. In the control rats, heterotopic intraplantar capsaicin injection increased withdrawal threshold, indicative of analgesia by DNIC. The strength of DNIC was reduced by naloxone (µ-opioid receptor antagonist, intraperitoneally and intracerebroventricularly), yohimbine (α2-adrenoceptor antagonist, intrathecally), and WAY-100635 (5-HT1A receptor antagonist, intrathecally) in the von Frey test. In SART-stressed rats, capsaicin injection did not increase withdrawal threshold in the von Frey test, indicating deficits in DNIC. In the Neurometer test, deficient DNIC in SART-stressed rats were observed only for Aδ- and C-fibers, but not Aß-fibers stimulation. Analgesic effect of intracerebroventricular morphine was markedly reduced in SART-stressed rats compared with the control rats. Taken together, in SART-stressed rats, capsaicin-induced DNIC were deficient, and a hypofunction of opioid-mediated central pain modulation system may cause the DNIC deficit.

Cold response of the bladder in guinea pig: involvement of transient receptor potential channel, TRPM8.

OBJECTIVES: To address the physiologic role of TRPM8, one of the transient receptor potential channels, we investigated the bladder cooling reflex and the effect of menthol on it in the guinea pig. METHODS: Single cystometry in female Hartley guinea pigs was performed with high-speed infusion (60 mL/hr) under urethane anesthesia (1 g/kg intraperitoneally). The volume threshold for micturition (VT) and micturition pressure were determined. The distribution of TRPM8 in the S1 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was also examined by immunostaining. RESULTS: Intravesical infusion of saline containing menthol (0.6 mM) at 38 degrees C markedly decreased the VT and increased micturition pressure. Although cold saline itself (4 degrees C) had little effect on VT or micturition pressure, the VT was significantly decreased in a temperature-dependent manner when the bladder was pretreated with menthol. This decrease in the VT was not observed in animals that received hexamethonium pretreatment (10 mg/kg intravenously), which blocks the spinal reflex, or capsaicin (1 mM intravesically), which causes deafferentation of capsaicin-sensitive C-fiber afferent. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that TRPM8 is expressed in small-diameter neurons in guinea pig S1 dorsal root ganglions. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study showed that the bladder cooling reflex is observed in guinea pigs if the animals were pretreated with menthol. This reflex was sensitive to ganglion blockade or capsaicin-sensitive C-fiber deafferentation and might be mediated by C-fiber activation through TRPM8.

Effects of NSAIDs on bladder function in normal and cystitis rats: a comparison study of aspirin, indomethacin, and ketoprofen.

To clarify the potential usefulness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, for patients with overactive bladder, we examined the effect of NSAIDs on urodynamic parameters in normal and cystitis rats and compared their ulcerogenic activity in the gastrointestinal mucosa. Cystometry was performed after administration of the conventional NSAIDs, aspirin, indomethacin, or ketoprofen. Prostaglandin levels were measured in the bladder of cystitis rats pretreated with NSAIDs. Furthermore, the ulcerogenic responses were examined. NSAIDs increased bladder capacity without any effect on micturition pressure in normal rats in the following rank order of potency: ketoprofen > or = indomethacin > or = aspirin. In cystitis rats, bladder capacity was increased and micturition frequency was decreased. The levels of prostaglandin were significantly increased in cystitis rats. All NSAIDs inhibited the increment of prostaglandin levels at doses equal to that effective in the improvement of bladder functions. When administered intraduodenally, both ketoprofen and indomethacin induced lesions in the gastrointestinal mucosa. However, aspirin had no significant effect. We demonstrate that NSAIDs are effective in animal models of disease, most likely by suppressing by prostaglandin synthesis. Since aspirin, in contrast to ketoprofen or indomethacin, did not cause any gastrointestinal lesions, aspirin might be the NSAIDs treatment of choice for overactive bladder.

Effect of rebamipide on cell death induced by combined treatment of mild heat shock and quercetin in RGM-1 cells: a role for HSP70 induction.

The mechanism by which rebamipide inhibits cell death induced by combined treatment of mild heat shock and quercetin in RGM-1 cells was examined. Cells were incubated at 42 degrees C for 1 h with or without quercetin. Expression of HSP70 was detected by immunoblot analysis and cell viability was determined by the MTT method. Upon treatment of cells with heat shock in the presence of quercetin, cell viability was significantly decreased 24 h after heat shock, with strong inhibition of HSP70 expression. Rebamipide suppressed both cell death and a reduction in HSP70 induced by the combined treatment of heat shock and quercetin. The combination of heat shock and quercetin resulted in DNA fragmentation, but rebamipide managed to inhibit such fragmentation. The protective effect of rebamipide was eliminated by cycloheximide or actinomycin D. Based upon these findings, it was concluded that rebamipide inhibited cell death resulting from combined treatment of mild heat shock and quercetin. The protective action of rebamipide appears to be at least partially due to maintenance of the HSP70 level.

Mechanism of action by which aspirin alleviates detrusor hyperactivity in rats.

We examined the effect of aspirin on urodynamic parameters in normal and cyclophosphamide-induced cystitic rats and compared them in rats with or without sensory denervation. Cystometry was performed under urethane anesthesia; and volume threshold for micturition (VT), micturition frequency (MF), micturition pressure (MP), and micturition volume (MV) were determined. Cystitis was induced by pretreatment with cyclophosphamide and sensory denervation was performed by pretreating animals with a large dose of capsaicin. PGE(2) and 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) contents in the bladder were determined by ELISA. Sensory intact, cystitic rats showed decrement of VT and increment of MF. Aspirin increased VT and decreased MF in the cystitic condition. Both PGE(2) and 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) contents in the bladder were significantly increased in cystitic rats, but such increases were completely inhibited by aspirin. In sensory denervated rats, aspirin showed a marginal tendency of increment of VT. Cystitic rats showed overflow micturition in the sensory denervated condition, but VT was the same as that of normal rats. Furthermore, following capsaicin pretreatment, aspirin had no effect on the cystometrogram in cystitic rats. From these findings, it is concluded that suppression of sensory C-fiber via inhibition of PGs synthesis in the bladder is involved in the pharmacological action of aspirin in the detrusor hyperactivity.