Early expression of chicken gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 in the developing chick.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is essential for reproductive function, is made by neurones that migrate from the nasal region into the brain during early embryonic development. This migration begins in chick when the olfactory pit is formed. This is approximately the time that GnRH neurones can be detected immunocytochemically. The present study investigated (i). how early in development the GnRH gene is expressed and (ii). the sites of its expression. Accordingly, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization were performed on chick embryos before gastrulation up until the stage by which GnRH neurones have begun to migrate into the central nervous system. Primers were made to the 5'- and 3'-UTR region of the message for cGnRH-I, the form of the peptide that is essential for reproductive function in the chicken. PCR product was found in all stages and the sequences of products from all stages were identical. Thus, the GnRH gene is expressed continuously throughout embryonic development. In situ hybridization with a digoxygenin labelled riboprobe revealed staining along the primitive streak immediately before gastrulation. In later stages, cGnRH-I gene expression was seen in association with the anterior neural ridge. The expression was subsequently restricted to a narrow, clearly defined region, which is associated with the presumptive nasal cavity and olfactory placode. Later, GnRH neurones could be seen in their migratory routes by both in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry. Expression of the GnRH gene has been described in preimplantation stages in mammals and there is evidence that the neuropeptide plays a role in formation and maintenance of the placenta. What role (if any) it may play in early avian development remains unknown. The demonstration of sites of GnRH expression during the early period of neurulation suggests that GnRH neurones arise before olfactory placode formation.

The synergistic hypocholesterolemic activity of the potent cholesterol absorption inhibitor, ezetimibe, in combination with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme a reductase inhibitors in dogs.

Ezetimibe (SCH 58235) and SCH 48461 are potent cholesterol absorption inhibitors, which cause significant decreases in plasma cholesterol levels in cholesterol-fed animals and in humans with hypercholesterolemia. These compounds selectively block intestinal uptake and absorption of cholesterol. These cholesterol absorption inhibitors cause modest, inconsistent reductions in plasma cholesterol levels in animals fed cholesterol-free chow diets. Although, these compounds block cholesterol absorption and increase neutral sterol excretion, chow-fed animals compensate for the loss of biliary cholesterol by increasing hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Therefore, we determined the effect of SCH 48461 and ezetimibe in combination with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors in chow-fed dogs. A synergistic reduction in plasma cholesterol was observed in chow-fed dogs given SCH 48461 (0.1 mg/kg/d) and the HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, lovastatin (5 mg/kg/d). Neither SCH 48461 nor lovastatin alone affected plasma cholesterol levels. Their combination for 14 days caused a 36% reduction in plasma cholesterol levels from 129 mg/dL to 83 mg/dL (P <.05). Ezetimibe (0.007 mg/kg/d) also caused synergistic reductions in plasma cholesterol levels in chow-fed dogs when combined with HMG CoA reductase inhibitors for 2 weeks (5 mg/kg lovastatin -50%; 2.5 mg/kg pravastatin -41%; 5 mg/kg fluvastatin -60%, and -30% with low doses of simvastatin and atorvastatin 1 mg/kg). The combination of this class of cholesterol absorption inhibitors with an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor should be very effective clinically at reducing plasma cholesterol levels, even with reduced dietary intake of cholesterol.

Potent tetracyclic guanine inhibitors of PDE1 and PDE5 cyclic guanosine monophosphate phosphodiesterases with oral antihypertensive activity.

Tetracyclic guanines have been shown to be potent and selective inhibitors of the cGMP-hydrolyzing enzymes PDE1 and PDE5. In general, these compounds are inactive or only weakly active as inhibitors of PDE3, which is a major isozyme involved in cAMP hydrolysis. Structure-activity relationships are developed at N-1, C-2, N-3, and N-5 on the core nucleus. Compound 31, with an IC50 of 70 pM, is the most potent inhibitor of PDE1, while 50, with an IC50 of 4 nM, is the most potent inhibitor of PDE5. Compounds 20, 22, 30, and 50 are potent dual inhibitors with IC50 values below 30 nM for both PDE1 and PDE5. Compounds 12, 20, and 28 reduced blood pressure by more than 45 mmHg when administered orally at 10 mg/kg to the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR).

NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester does not affect balloon catheter-induced intimal hyperplasia in rats.

The L-arginine derived NO-cGMP pathway's role in the response of the arterial wall to balloon catheter injury was examined. Rats were given the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10 mg/kg po twice daily) or vehicle for 6 days before and 2 weeks after balloon catheter injury. NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester treatment increased blood pressure and inhibited acetylcholine responses in aortic rings but did not alter the lesions produced by balloon injury. Our results suggest that the L-arginine derived NO-cGMP pathway does not play a significant role in the response of the artery wall to balloon injury in the rat.

Role of beta 2-receptor stimulation in the peripheral vascular actions of the antihypertensive dilevalol.

Dilevalol (SCH 19927) is a potent, long-acting, nonselective beta-blocker with marked vasodilator actions. Unlike classical beta-blockers, dilevalol promptly lowers blood pressure and vascular resistance in animal models of hypertension. The present studies address the peripheral vascular effects of dilevalol and explore the role of beta-receptor agonism in the acute vasodilator and antihypertensive effects of the compound. In the denervated dog hindlimb preparation, dilevalol (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 micrograms, i.a.) significantly increased femoral blood flow by 12 +/- 6, 27 +/- 6, 84 +/- 31 and 132 +/- 41 ml/min, respectively. In contrast, celiprolol, a beta-blocker with purported vasodilator activity, caused a significant increase in flow of 31 +/- 9 ml/min at a dose of 30 micrograms i.a. Systematic pretreatment with the selective beta 2-antagonist ICI 118,551 virtually abolished dilevalol's vasodilator effect in the dog hindlimb. In conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats, 3 mg/kg i.v. dilevalol reduced blood pressure by 58 +/- 8 mmHg (P less than 0.05) and vascular resistance by 171 +/- 27 dyne.sec.cm-5/100 g (P less than 0.05) but did not change cardiac output significantly. Pretreatment of spontaneously hypertensive rats with ICI 118,551 significantly reduced both dilevalol's antihypertensive and resistance-lowering effects. Oral doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg dilevalol lowered blood pressure by 19 +/- 3 (P less than 0.05) and 37 +/- 5 mmHg (P less than 0.05) in spontaneously hypertensive rats with chronically implanted Doppler flow probes. The lower dilevalol dose reduced mesenteric vascular resistance 38 +/- 6% (P less than 0.05) while the higher dose significantly lowered vascular resistance in the hindlimb, mesenteric and renal vascular beds of spontaneously hypertensive rats by 18 +/- 8, 33 +/- 2 and 43 +/- 4%, respectively. Propranolol lowered neither blood pressure nor regional vascular resistances at the above doses in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Thus, dilevalol promotes a generalized fall in vascular resistance. Furthermore, the present studies illustrate that beta 2-receptor stimulation plays an obligatory role in both the vasodilatory and antihypertensive actions of dilevalol.

Effects of the antihypertensive dilevalol on aortic compliance in anesthetized dogs.

The present study examined the actions of dilevalol, an antihypertensive beta-adrenoceptor blocker with arterial vasodilator actions, on aortic compliance (AC) in anesthetized dogs. AC was measured by sonomicrometric determination of the ratio of aortic systolic-diastolic diameters (mm) and arterial pulse pressure (mm Hg). One AC unit (ACU) equals 10(-3) mm/mm Hg. Dilevalol (0.032, 0.1, and 3.2 mg/kg intravenously, i.v.) significantly (p less than .05) increased AC by 1.4 +/- 0.3, 3.7 +/- 1.4, and 4.5 +/- 1.2 ACU from basal values of 4.7 +/- 0.4-5.6 +/- 0.4 ACU while reducing blood pressure by 20 +/- 2, 31 +/- 9, and 41 +/- 10 mm Hg, respectively (p less than 0.05). Increases in AC were not the passive result of altered blood pressure. Proximal mechanical aortic occlusion dropped systolic blood pressure as much as 70 mm Hg without altering AC. Hydralazine also (0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg i.v.) lowered blood pressure significantly (p less than 0.05) by 14 +/- 3 and 40 +/- 4 mm Hg but increased AC only at 1.0 mg/kg (+ 1.6 +/- 0.4 ACU, p less than 0.05). Phenylephrine (1-30 micrograms/kg i.v.) significantly raised blood pressure 25 +/- 3-95 +/- 8 mm Hg but decreased AC significantly by 1.2 +/- 0.3-2.4 +/- 0.3 ACU. Isoproterenol (ISO) (0.01-1.0 micrograms/kg) produced effects on AC similar to those of dilevalol. Propranolol pretreatment attenuated dilevalol and ISO-induced increases in AC. Propranolol (0.32 and 1.0 mg/kg) did not significantly change AC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparative effects of verapamil, diltiazem and nifedipine on aortic compliance in anesthetized dogs.

We tested the ability of verapamil (V), diltiazem (DTZ) and nifedipine (NIF) to alter aortic compliance upon i.v. administration in anesthetized dogs. Sonomicrometry was used to measure aortic systolic (SD) and diastolic (DD) diameters. Aortic distention (AD) was calculated from SD-DD. Aortic compliance was computed from the ratio of AD to arterial pulse pressure. One aortic compliance unit (ACU) is defined as 10(-3) mm/mmHg. V (0.1-3.0 mg/kg) reduced blood pressure, SD and DD dose-dependently. DD was more affected than SD and AD rose significantly. Since pulse pressure was not significantly altered, V induced a dose-related increase in aortic compliance. The 3.0 mg/kg dose increased aortic compliance by 10.3 +/- 1.5 ACU from a basal value of 4.7 +/- 0.5 ACU. DTZ (0.1-3.0 mg/kg) produced effects on blood pressure, aortic dimensions and aortic compliance similar to those seen with V. Infusion of NIF (3.2-32 micrograms/kg/min) exhibited a similar profile, i.e., reduced blood pressure, SD, DD and increased AD and aortic compliance. NIF, however was limited in its ability to increase aortic compliance, i.e., increases of 3.2 +/- 1.0 or 3.8 +/- 0.6 from basal values of 4.9 +/- 1.0 ACU were obtained with 10 and 32 micrograms/kg/min NIF, respectively. Although these 3 prototype calcium entry blockers share a common profile of action, V and DTZ appear to have a greater efficacy on aortic compliance than NIF.

Systemic effects resulting from topical ocular administration of SCH 33861, a novel ACE inhibitor ocular hypotensive agent.

SCH 33861 (7- N- 1(S)-(Carboxy)-3-phenylpropyl -(S)-alanyl 1,4-dithia-7-azaspiro 4.4 nonane-8(S)-carboxylic acid) is a novel, non-sulfhydryl angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor with marked topical ocular hypotensive activity. The present study evaluated the degree of systemic ACE inhibition resulting from topical administration of 0.01 and 0.1% concentrations (10 and 100-fold greater than needed to lower IOP) of SCH 33861 in conscious rabbits. For reference purposes, captopril, a prototype ACE inhibitor, was examined at concentrations 5 and 20-fold greater than needed to lower IOP. Neither 0.01 nor 0.1% topical SCH 33861 led to inhibition of pressor responses to 0.3 micrograms/kg iv challenges with angiotensin I (AI) over a 4 hr period. Captopril, in contrast, caused significant attenuation of AI pressor responses. The magnitude and duration of systemic ACE inhibition following captopril administration was concentration related. Intravenous administration of the same dose administered topically did not cause any systemic ACE inhibition with 0.01% SCH 33861. Following iv 0.1% SCH 33861, 0.5 or 2.0% captopril, AI responses were inhibited 60-70% indicating the ability to inhibit ACE if any systemic absorption took place. Topical administration of 0.01% SCH 33861 twice daily for five days also did not produce systemic ACE inhibition. These findings indicate that topical amounts of SCH 33861 greatly in excess of those needed to effect reductions in IOP have an exceptionally low potential for producing systemic effects.

Effects of spiraprilic acid, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, on large artery compliance in anesthetized dogs.

The present study examined the actions of spiraprilic acid, a new non-sulfhydryl angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor upon aortic compliance (AC) in anesthetized dogs. Enalaprilic acid was examined for comparative purposes. AC was determined via sonomicrometric determination of the ratio of aortic systolic-diastolic diameter (mm) and arterial pulse pressure (mmHg). One AC unit (ACU) equals 10(-3) mm/mmHg. In non-thiazide pretreated animals, spiraprilic acid (1 mg/kg i.v.), caused a sustained hypotensive response of 21 +/- 3 mmHg (P less than .05). At the same time, aortic systolic and diastolic dimensions were reduced from basal values of 8.17 +/- 0.45 and 7.95 +/- 0.40 mm by 0.19 +/- 0.07 (P less than .05) and 0.29 +/- 0.10 mm (P less than .05), respectively. The aortic systolic-diastolic dimension rose significantly by 0.10 +/- 0.01 mm. Since pulse pressure was unchanged, AC rose from a basal value of 4.6 +/- 0.8 ACU by 1.7 +/- .3 ACU (P less than .05). Similar effects were observed with enalaprilic acid. In dogs pretreated orally with 5 mg/kg hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) twice daily for 3 days, spiraprilic and enalaprilic acids caused slightly greater falls in blood pressure (34 +/- 7 and 30 +/- 4 mmHg, respectively) than in nonpretreated dogs. However, the onset of the hypotension effect was more rapid for both ACE inhibitors in HCTZ-pretreated dogs. Effects of spiraprilic and enalaprilic acid upon aortic dimensions were similar to those observed in non-HCTZ pretreated animals. The data illustrate that the ACE inhibitors spiraprilic and enalaprilic acids not only lower blood pressure but also enhance large artery compliance.

Antihypertensive, hemodynamic and autonomic profile of a new angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, SCH 33844 (spirapril).

SCH 33844 is a new, potent and long-acting inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Antihypertensive, hemodynamic and autonomic actions of SCH 33844 were examined in the present series of experiments. Oral administration of 0.3-30 mg/kg reduced blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats. The magnitude of the response was significantly enhanced by pretreatment of the animals with hydrochlorothiazide. Blood pressure remained significantly depressed 24 hr following doses of 3 and 10 mg/kg. Administration of SCH 33844 (3 mg/kg) twice daily to nonpretreated rats or once daily to diuretic-pretreated animals for 5 days resulted in a progressive decrease in blood pressure. The compound did not reduce blood pressure in nephrectomized rats demonstrating the dependence of its action on renal renin. SCH 33844 (1-10 mg/kg orally) also produced dose-related decreases in pressure in diuretic-pretreated conscious normotensive dogs. However, only a small fall in pressure occurred in non-pretreated dogs. Hemodynamic actions were examined in anesthetized dogs. SCH 33844 (1 mg/kg i.v.) reduced blood pressure, increased cardiac output and caused a large fall in peripheral resistance. Autonomic actions were assessed in pithed rats. The compound (10 mg/kg orally) tended to decrease pressor responses to sympathetic activation and to i.v. norepinephrine. This profile is probably due, at least in part, to vasorelaxation following suppression of angiotensin II generation. In conclusion, SCH 33844 is a potent, long-lasting antihypertensive agent which reduces peripheral vascular resistance and possesses only slight autonomic effects.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory activity of SCH 33844 (spirapril) in rats, dogs and monkeys.

SCH 33844 is a new non-sulfhydryl-containing angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. SCH 33844 diacid inhibited hydrolysis of the synthetic substrate hippuryl-histidyl-leucine by rabbit lung ACE in vitro with an IC50 (concentration inhibiting enzyme by 50%) of 0.81 nM. The ester was 83 times less active. Intravenous administration of SCH 33844 and its diacid inhibited pressor responses to angiotensin I (AI) in anesthetized rats with calculated ID50's of 16 and 8 micrograms/kg, respectively. Oral administration of SCH 33844 (0.03-1 mg/kg) inhibited AI pressor responses in conscious rats with a duration of 24 hr at the highest dose. The diacid was inactive. Intravenous administration of SCH 33844 (100-1000 micrograms/kg) or its diacid (30 micrograms/kg) to anesthetized dogs inhibited AI pressor activity and potentiated the depressor response to bradykinin. SCH 33844 inhibited AI responses in conscious dogs following oral administration of 0.3-3 mg/kg. Oral administration of SCH 33844 (1 mg/kg) to conscious monkeys inhibited AI pressor responses for the 4 hr duration of study. In conclusion, SCH 33844 is a potent, orally effective ACE inhibitor in rats, dogs and monkeys.

Effects of the antihypertensive dilevalol on large artery compliance in anesthetized dogs.

The present study examined the actions of dilevalol, an antihypertensive beta-adrenoceptor blocker with arterial vasodilator actions, upon aortic compliance (AC) in anesthetized dogs. AC was determined via sonomicrometric determination of the ratio of aortic systolic-diastolic diameters (mm) and arterial pulse pressure (mm Hg). One AC unit (ACU) equals 10(-3) mm/mm Hg. Dilevalol (0.032, 0.1, and 3.2 mg/kg i.v.) significantly (p less than 0.05) increased AC by 1.4 +/- 0.3, 3.7 +/- 1.4, and 4.5 +/- 1.2 ACU, respectively, from basal values of 4.7 +/- 0.4-5.6 +/- 0.4 ACU, while reducing blood pressure by 20 +/- 2, 31 +/- 9, and 41 +/- 10 mm Hg, respectively (p less than 0.05). Increases in AC were not the passive result of altered blood pressure. Proximal mechanical aortic occlusion dropped systolic blood pressure as much as 70 mm Hg without altering AC. Propranolol (0.32 and 1.0 mg/kg) did not significantly change AC, but propranolol pretreatment attentuated dilevalol-induced increases in AC. Pindolol (0.1-1.0 mg/kg i.v.) lowered blood pressure 17 +/- 3 (p less than 0.05) to 34 +/- 7 mm Hg (p less than 0.05), while significantly increasing AC by 1.2 +/- .2 to 2.7 +/- .7 ACU. The data show that dilevalol, unlike propranolol, increases AC substantially at antihypertensive doses. The inhibition of dilevalol-induced AC increases by propranolol illustrates a beta-adrenoceptor agonist activity in large arteries. Since large artery compliance is impaired in hypertension, dilevalol may afford a vasular protective action for known risk factors for evolving systemic arterial disease.

Hemodynamic actions of a synthetic atrial natriuretic factor.

The recently discovered atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), as well as synthetic ANF, has been demonstrated to produce diuresis and vasodilation. However, the vascular actions appear to be selective. In view of this apparent relative specificity, the hemodynamic actions of synthetic ANF (atriopeptin II, 23 amino acid rat sequence) were examined in intact animals and in vascular beds as well as in isolated cardiac preparations. Administration of 1-100 micrograms/kg of ANF i.v. into conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) resulted in a dose-related fall in blood pressure. Heart rate decreased at the lowest dose. Cardiac output was depressed. Infusion of 1 microgram/kg/min also reduced blood pressure and decreased cardiac output slightly (approximately 15%). Intraarterial (i.a.) administration or i.v. injection of ANF into the blood supply of a kidney of anesthetized SHRs augmented renal blood flow and reduced renal vascular resistance. In contrast, i.a. administration into the hindquarters failed to increase blood flow or decrease resistance of this bed significantly. The specific dopamine1 (DA1)-receptor agonist SKF 82526 was examined for comparative purposes and was found to augment both renal and hindquarter blood flow following i.a. administration. The renal vasodilator actions of SKF 82526 but not ANF were antagonized by the specific DA1-receptor blocker SCH 23390 (hindquarter effects were not evaluated). ANF did not affect the force of contraction or rate of beating of isolated guinea pig atria or isolated hearts and therefore does not appear to possess direct inotropic or chronotropic properties. In conclusion, ANF lowered blood pressure in conscious SHRs; the lowering of pressure was accompanied by a slight fall in cardiac output, but there was no reflex tachycardia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cardiac, coronary and peripheral vascular effects of acetyl glyceryl ether phosphoryl choline in the anesthetized dog.

Acetyl glyceryl ether phosphoryl choline (AGEPC) is a potent vasodilator, platelet activator and inflammatory agent. The cardiac and peripheral vascular effects of AGEPC were assessed in anesthetized dogs in order to gain additional insight into the mechanism of action of this lipid. Injection of AGEPC (0.1-3.2 micrograms) directly into the femoral vasculature produced a dose-related vasodilation in the innervated and sympathetically denervated hindlimb. Vasodilator responses in the denervated limb were at least as great as those in the innervated limb, which indicates that the response is not due to inhibition of sympathetic vasoconstrictor tone. Vasodilator responses to AGEPC (1 microgram) were not significantly affected by theophylline (5 mg/kg), indomethacin (5 mg/kg) or BW755C (10 mg/kg), which implies that the effect is independent of purinergic P1 receptors, cyclooxygenase products and lipoxygenase products. Intracoronary injection of AGEPC (0.032-3.2 micrograms) reduced blood pressure, myocardial contractile force and coronary blood flow in a dose-related manner. Coronary vascular resistance was unchanged. In contrast, intracoronary injection of another activator of platelets, ADP (10 micrograms), increased blood flow. Responses of blood pressure, heart rate, contractile force and coronary flow to AGEPC were not affected by bilateral vagotomy or hexamethonium, which indicates that they are independent of reflexive mechanisms. Indomethacin attenuated the hypotension and coronary flow reductions to AGEPC. BW755C reduced the hypotensive response. Mechanical reduction of coronary flow by 30 to 40% did not affect blood pressure, heart rate or contractile force, which suggests that AGEPC-induced changes are not secondary to flow reduction. The data suggest that AGEPC produces direct myocardial depression and distinct effects on the coronary and femoral vasculature. The peripheral vascular effects are independent of the autonomic nervous system, purinergic mechanisms and arachidonic acid metabolites, whereas some coronary effects may be mediated through metabolites of arachidonic acid.

Antihypertensive activity of SCH 31846, a non-sulfhydryl angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor.

The antihypertensive, hemodynamic, and autonomic actions of SCH 31846, a new, potent and long-acting non-sulfhydryl angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, were evaluated in several experimental preparations. Oral administration of 0.3-3 mg/kg caused dose-related decreases in blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Pretreatment with a diuretic augmented the maximum hypotensive response attainable. Single doses (3 mg/kg) of SCH 31846 reduced pressure for over 24 h. Five-day treatment lowered pressure progressively. Single oral doses of 3.2 and 10 mg/kg reduced blood pressure of conscious normotensive dogs. Diuretic pretreatment also enhanced the response. The antihypertensive action of SCH 31846 in SHRs was eliminated by nephrectomy, but not attenuated by indomethacin, indicating its dependency on renal renin but not on prostaglandin synthesis. Other studies using SHRs pointed to an absence of a central effect. SCH 31846 (1 mg/kg i.v.) decreased blood pressure and peripheral resistance of anesthetized dogs but did not alter cardiac output. Autonomic interactions were examined in normal and diuretic-pretreated SHRs and anesthetized dogs. SCH 31846 affected the response to sympathetic nerve stimulation and cardiovascular reflexes only minimally. It is concluded that SCH 31846 is a potent and long-lasting antihypertensive agent, the action of which is mediated, in all probability, by ACE inhibition.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity of SCH 31846, a new non-sulfhydryl inhibitor.

SCH 31846, 1-(N-[1(S)-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenylpropyl]-(S)-alanyl)-cis, syn-octahydro-(H-indole-2-S)-carboxylic acid; CI-907; PD 109, 763-2, is a new non-sulfhydryl-containing, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. The present investigation describes its ACE inhibitory properties and compares them to those of MK 421. The diacid of SCH 31846 inhibited rabbit pulmonary ACE with an IC50 of 2.2 nM (MK 421 diacid 2.5 nM). The drug behaved as a competitive and specific inhibitor in vitro. SCH 31846 and its diacid effectively inhibited pressor actions of intravenous injection of angiotensin I (AI) in anesthetized rats. ID50 values were 27 and 11 micrograms/kg for SCH 31846 and SCH 31846 diacid, respectively (MK 421 and MK 421 diacid 57 and 15 micrograms/kg, respectively). Oral administration of SCH 31846 (0.03-1 mg/kg) inhibited pressor actions of AI in conscious rats with a duration of over 16 h at 0.3 and 1 mg/kg. SCH 31846 was 2.2 times as potent as MK 421 in this regard. The diacid of SCH 31846 was considerably less potent than the ester, implying poor oral absorption of the former. Effective ACE inhibition, as judged by attenuation of pressor actions of AI, was noted in dogs after both intravenous and oral administrations of SCH 31846. Onset of action was more rapid than that of MK 421. Intravenous administration of SCH 31846 inhibited the renal vascular actions of intrarenal injection of AI, indicating effective blockade of the renal enzyme. Intracerebroventricular administration of SCH 31846 diacid blocked pressor responses to intracerebroventricular AI, whereas oral administration of SCH 31846 (10 mg/kg) did not, implying that SCH 31846 inhibits brain ACE but does not gain access to the cerebral enzyme when administered orally. These data indicate that SCH 31846 is a potent and specific non-sulfhydryl ACE inhibitor. As such, it should be useful in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure.

Studies on the mechanism of the acute antihypertensive and vasodilator actions of several beta-adrenoceptor antagonists.

Several new beta-adrenoceptor antagonists (sulfinalol, MK 761, and prizidilol) have been reported to possess direct vasodilator activity in addition to blocking beta-receptors. The mechanism of the hypotensive and vasodilator actions of these agents was examined and compared to that of pindolol and hydralazine. Intraarterial injection of each agent increased blood flow in the sympathetically denervated hindlimb of anesthetized dogs. Doses increasing flow by 50 ml/min (ED50) were 0.48, 0.24, 331, 0.3, and 51 micrograms for sulfinalol, MK 761, prizidilol, pindolol, and hydralazine, respectively, Intravenous injection of each agent reduced blood pressure of anesthetized, ganglion-blocked dogs. Vasodilation and hypotension to sulfinalol, MK 761, and pindolol, but not prizidilol or hydralazine were attenuated by propranolol pretreatment. Oral administration of sulfinalol (2.5 mg/kg), MK 761 (2.5 mg/kg), prizidilol (10 mg/kg), pindolol (0.1 mg/kg), and hydralazine (2.5 mg/kg) reduced pressure of conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats. Antihypertensive actions of sulfinalol and pindolol, but not MK 761, prizidilol, and hydralazine were inhibited by propranolol pretreatment (25 mg/kg, p.o.). With the exception of hydralazine, each agent demonstrated effective beta-adrenergic blockade at the antihypertensive dose tested as judged by inhibition of the chronotropic responses to sympathetic stimulation and isoproterenol in pithed rats. These data suggest that the acute vasodilator and blood pressure lowering effects of sulfinalol, MK 761, and pindolol, but not prizidilol and hydralazine, are mediated, at least in part, through activation of vascular beta-receptors.

Alpha and beta adrenoceptor blocking properties of labetalol and its R,R-isomer, SCH 19927.

Labetalol is a mixture of four isomers. Its alpha and beta adrenergic blocking properties were compared to those of the R,R-isomer, SCH 19927. In anesthetized dogs, i.v. administration of both compounds produced competitive beta and alpha blockade as judged by inhibition of the tachycardia and vasopressor responses to i.v. injections of isoproterenol and phenylpherine, respectively. SCH 19927 was 3 to 4 times as potent as beta blocker, but only one-third as potent an alpha blocker as labetalol. Therefore, the separation of beta and alpha blocking activity of SCH 19927 clearly exceeded that of labetalol. SCH 19927 also demonstrated greater beta blocking potency than labetalol after oral administration to conscious dogs or rats that were subsequently pithed. SCH 19927 did not affect, whereas labetalol slightly reduced, pressor responses to sympathetic stimulation in the pithed rat. Both drugs were relatively devoid of intrinsic beta-1 sympathomimetic activity in the ganglion-blocked dog. It is concluded that SCH 19927 is a more potent beta adrenoceptor blocker and less potent alpha blocker than labetalol. The separation of adrenergic blocker activities indicates that steric requirements for alpha and beta blockade differ in the labetalol molecule.

Antihypertensive and hemodynamic actions of SCH 19927, the R,R-isomer and labetalol.

SCH 19927, one of the four chiral forms of labetalol, is approximately 4 times as potent as a beta adrenergic receptor blocker as the parent racemate, but is only one-third as potent in blocking alpha receptors. The present report describes its antihypertensive and hemodynamic actions. SCH 19927 and labetalol lowered blood pressure in hypertensive rats and dogs. SCH 19927 was somewhat more effective at lower doses, but the two agents produced comparable responses at higher doses. Both reduced blood pressure and peripheral resistance and increased cardiac output in anesthetized dogs. Intraarterial injection in to the femoral vascular bed, either in the presence or absence of neurogenic vasoconstrictor tone, resulted in dose-related vasodilatation. In contrast, alpha blockers, e.g., phentolamine and prazosin, are essentially devoid of vasodilator activity in denervated beds. It is concluded that vasodilatation is largely responsible for the antihypertensive response to labetalol and particularly to SCH 19927. SCH 19927 is a potentially useful agent which would be expected to reduce pressure in humans by two complementary mechanisms, beta blockade and vasodilatation. It should possess less orthostatic potential than labetalol.