Optical dimer excitations and exchange parameters in (Et4N)3Cr2F9: first observation of the 4A2 --> 2A1 transition.

The synthesis, crystal growth, and polarized optical absorption spectra in the visible and near-UV of (Et4N)3Cr2F9 are reported. In the energy range 25800-27700 cm(-1) the 4A2 --> 2A1 (O notation) ligand field transition can be resolved in detail for the first time in any Cr3+ compound. This allows the determination of the antiferromagnetic ground-state exchange splitting with great accuracy: J = 25.9 cm(-1) and j = 0.27 cm(-1) using the Hamiltonian H = J(S(A).S(B)) - j(S(A).S(B))2, where j leads to deviations from the regular Landé pattern. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility is nicely reproduced by these parameters. A comparison with Cs3Cr2Cl9 and Cs3Cr2Br9 reveals an exponential dependence of the ground-state splitting upon the Cr-Cr distance in the [Cr2X9]3- dimers. This is the result of a dominant sigma-type orbital exchange pathway along the Cr-Cr axis.

Loteprednol etabonate: a soft steroid for the treatment of allergic diseases of the airways.

There are several approaches for developing new antiallergic/antiasthmatic agents. One of them is the improvement of an existing class of effective drug classes. Due to some undesired effects of intranasal or inhaled corticosteroids, there is a need for better tolerated corticosteroids. Loteprednol etabonate belongs to the so-called class of soft steroids because it is metabolized by a one-step reaction (hydrolysis) without using the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system. In in vitro investigations using human cells, loteprednol inhibited the release of proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-alpha, GM-CSF, IL-4, IL-5) according to its relative binding potency to the glucocorticoid receptor. In in vivo animal studies, loteprednol effectively inhibited allergically induced vascular leakage in the nasal cavity of actively sensitized Brown Norway rats and rhinorrhea in actively sensitized domestic pigs following nasal challenge. In several models of allergic asthma, it was clearly demonstrated that loteprednol was able to suppress the allergically induced late phase eosinophilia in mice, rats and guinea pigs. After intrapulmonary administration of loteprednol, only a slight, statistically nonsignificant reduction in thymus weight was observed in a dose range far less than the therapeutically relevant doses. Its therapeutic ratio is clearly superior to those of beclomethasone and budesonide. Loteprednol is a safe steroid with an extremely wide range between therapeutic and side effect inducing doses. Its elimination profile, its pronounced binding to plasma protein and erythrocytes and the low oral bioavailability makes this drug highly suitable for nasal or pulmonary use.

1,5-Disubstituted indazol-3-ols with anti-inflammatory activity.

A series of new indazol-3-ol derivatives was synthesized. Some of these compounds exhibit interesting anti-inflammatory activities in various models of inflammation. 5-Methoxy-1-[quinoline-2-yl-methoxy)-benzyl]-1H-indazol-3-ol (27) strongly inhibits the oxidation of arachidonic acid to 5-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid catalyzed by 5-lipoxygenase (IC50 = 44 nM). 27 also inhibits the contraction of sensitized guinea pig tracheal segments (IC50 = 2.9 microM). In guinea pigs treated with 27 (1 mg/kg i.p.) 2 h before antigen provocation, there was a marked inhibition (47%) of the antigen-induced airway eosinophilia. After topical application of 1 microgram/ear 27 inhibits the arachidonic acid induced mouse ear edema (41%).

Characterization of cell volume loss in CEM-C7A cells during dexamethasone-induced apoptosis.

A reduction in cell volume is a fundamental feature of apoptosis. We have characterized changes in cell volume, together with nuclear changes, occurring in dexamethasone-induced apoptosis in CEM-C7A lymphoblastoid cells. Cell volume was measured by electronic cell sizing and flow cytometry, and two distinct phases of volume loss were observed. The first phase began 12 h after addition of dexamethasone (5 microM) and progressed until 36 h when chromatin condensation was detected in intact cells. Removal of dexamethasone before 36 h (the precommitment period) resulted in reversal of the volume decrease and prevented the appearance of nuclear changes. Cell shrinkage in the first 24 h of dexamethasone exposure was associated with a net loss of potassium but no change in cellular buoyant density. There were no significant differences in the rates of volume recovery after either hypertonic or hypotonic stimuli. These observations favor a mechanism of cell shrinkage involving loss of the entire cytoplasmic contents, possibly following proteolysis, rather than loss of only osmolytes and water. The second phase of volume loss was coincident with chromatin condensation and was associated with cellular fragmentation and a reduction in cellular density. We conclude that volume loss in this model of apoptosis is mediated by multiple mechanisms that are both dependent and independent of cellular fragmentation.

Further characterisation of the in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) assay for the flow cytometric analysis of apoptosis in drug resistant and drug sensitive leukaemic cells.

Apoptosis, originally defined by specific morphological changes, is characterised biochemically by non-random cleavage of DNA. Depending on cell type, this DNA cleavage proceeds from 300 and 50kbp fragments prior to, concomitantly with, or in the absence of 180bp integer fragmentation. Incorporation into fragmented DNA of biotin-labelled nucleotides by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) has recently become a standard flow cytometric assay for the identification and quantitation of apoptosis. Nucleotide incorporation is visualized using avidin-tagged fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) (Gorczyca et al.: Cancer Res 53:1945-1951, 1993; Jonker et al.: Cytometry (Suppl 13):Abstr 99A, 1993). Here, we characterise this assay further in three different haemopoietic cell lines. Drug-induced DNA damage is not identified by the TdT assay unless it is coupled to the apoptotic response. This was demonstrated using cells in which activation of the oncogenic Abelson-encoded protein tyrosine kinase suppressed drug-induced apoptosis, but did not inhibit drug-induced DNA damage (by melphalan, hydroxyurea, or etoposide). Furthermore, the TdT assay identifies DNA fragments formed during apoptosis induced by etoposide and N-methylformamide in HL60 and MOLT-4 cells, including those high molecular weight DNA fragments formed in MOLT-4 cells which were not further cleaved to 180-200bp integer fragments. Our results support the use of flow cytometry and the TdT assay to reliably measure apoptotic cells in heterogeneous cell samples.

Differential induction of etoposide-mediated apoptosis in human leukemia HL-60 and K562 cells.

Etoposide (VP-16) is one of several DNA-damaging agents that induce subcellular structural changes associated with apoptosis. VP-16 exerts its DNA-damaging and cytotoxic effects subsequent to interference with DNA topoisomerase II activity. VP-16 also stimulates c-jun and c-fos mRNA expression in some cell lines, including human leukemia K562 and HL-60 cells. To compare the temporal relationship between drug-induced c-jun expression and apoptosis, we examined cell morphology, cell viability, DNA integrity, and c-jun induction during VP-16 treatment of K562 and HL-60 cells. VP-16 (10 microM)-induced internucleosomal DNA damage and nuclear fragmentation were readily apparent within 6 hr in HL-60 cells but were absent in K562 cells treated for up to 24 hr. Some internucleosomal DNA damage was observed in K562 cells but only after treatment with 100 microM VP-16 for 24 hr. In contrast, VP-16-induced DNA single-strand breaks, VP-16-induced topoisomerase II/DNA covalent complex formation, and VP-16-mediated growth inhibition were similar in K562 and HL-60 cells. Also, the time course of VP-16-induced c-jun mRNA expression was comparable for both K562 and HL-60 cell lines. Western blot analysis of whole-cell lysates showed that Bcl-2 protein levels were 13-fold greater in HL-60 cells than in K562 cells. Thus, the resistance of VP-16-treated K562 cells to apoptosis was not attributable to protection by Bcl-2. Furthermore, the relatively high levels of Bcl-2 in HL-60 cells were not sufficient to protect these cells against apoptosis. Together, our results indicate that the temporal coupling of VP-16-induced DNA damage, c-jun expression, and apoptosis is cell type specific and suggest that different signaling pathways for apoptosis are operating in these two human leukemia cell lines.

[Pharmacological research on bonnecor and its metabolites]. / Farmakologicheskoe issledovanie bonnekora i ego metabolitov.

The antiarrhythmic and local anesthetic effects of 4 metabolites (G 491, ABD 19-200, ABD 19-199, ABD 19-205) of a new antiarrhythmic drug bonnecor (GS-015) were studied on the models of arrhythmias induced by aconitine (rats), barium chloride (rabbits), electrical fibrillation (cats), ouabain (dogs) as well as surface anesthesia (rabbit cornea). The side effects on the cardiovascular system were investigated on anesthetized cats. As compared with the original compound (bonnecor) metabolites G 491 and ABD 19-200 on different test models exhibited the action which on the antiarrhythmic terms was 2-14 times less weak than that of bonnecor but the metabolites were less toxic. Metabolites ABD 19-199 and ABD 19-205 reach the degree of effectiveness of bonnecor but their toxicity is higher. It follows from the above that the beneficial effect of bonnecor is not achieved by its metabolites.

[Potential cardiotonic agents. 8. 2-acyloxyalkylamino-, 2-acyloxyalkoxy-, and 2-acylaminoalkylamino-3-cyan-5-(pyrid-4-yl) pyridine]. / Potentielle Kardiotonika. 8. Mitteilung: 2-Acyloxyalkylamino-, 2-Acyloxyalkoxy- und 2-Acylaminoalkylamino-3-cyan-5-(pyrid-4-yl) pyridine.

By acylation of our previously described cardiotonic active 2-hydroxyalkylamino, 2-hydroxyalkoxy, 2-aminoalkyl-amino and 2-piperazino substituted 3-cyano-5-(4-pyridinyl) pyridines with acetic anhydride, propionic anhydride or aroyl and heteroaroyl chlorides, respectively, the corresponding in position 2 O- or N-acylated 3-cyano-5-(4-pyridinyl)pyridines were prepared. Cardiovascular activity of the obtained derivatives is discussed in comparison with that of the parent compounds.

[Potential cardiotonics. 7. Synthesis and cardiovascular effects of 5-(4-pyridinyl)-, 6-methyl-4-(4-pyridinyl) and 6-methyl-5-phenyl-substituted 3-cyano-2-aminoalkylamino-pyridines]. / Potentielle Kardiotonika. 7. Mitteilung5: Darstellung und kardiovaskuläre Eigenschaften von 5-(pyrid-4-yl)-, 6-methyl-5-(pyrid-4-yl)- und 6-methyl-5-phenyl-substituierten 2-Aminoalkylamino-3-cyan-pyridinen.

The title compounds were synthesized by treating of 2-chloro-pyridines 1-3 with the appropriate aminoalkylamines or piperazines. In isolated guinea pig atria some compounds showed greater positive inotropic activity than amrinone. Heart rate was decreased or remained unchanged. In anesthetized dogs some derivatives exerted a dose-dependent increase in myocardial contractility and, additionally, a decrease in blood pressure.

[Potential cardiotonic agents. 6. Synthesis and cardiovascular properties of 5-(4-pyridinyl)-, 6-methyl-5-(4-pyridinyl)- and 6-methyl-5-phenyl-substituted 3-cyano-2-oxaalkyoxy-pyridines]. / Potentielle Kardiotonika. 6. Mitteilung: Darstellung und kardiovaskuläre Eigenschaften von 5-(pyrid-4-yl)-, 6-methyl-5-(pyrid-4-yl)- und 6-methyl-5-phenylsubstituierten 3-Cyan-2-oxaalkoxy-pyridinen.

The headline compounds were prepared by the reaction of 2-chloropyridines 1-3 with the appropriate alcohols in presence of potassium hydroxide and the sodium alkoxides, respectively. Especially some of the 3-cyano-2-hydroxyalkoxy-5-(4-pyridinyl)pyridines showed remarkable positive inotropic potency and, additionally, a vasodilator activity. In spontaneously beating isolated guinea pig atria they had a greater activity than amrinone.

[Potential cardiotonic agents. 4. Synthesis, cardiovascular activity, molecular and crystal structure of 5-phenyl- and 4-(4-pyridinyl)-substituted 2(1H)-pyridinethiones]. / Potentielle Kardiotonika. 4. Mitteilung5: Darstellung, kardiovaskuläre Wirksamkeit, Molekül- und Kristallstruktur von 5-phenyl- und 5-(pyrid-4-yl)-substituierten 1,2-Dihydro-pyrid-2-thionen.

Cyclisation of the vinylogous amidinium salt 1 or the 4-ethoxy- and 4-morpholino-3-butene-2-ones, respectively, 4 and 6 with cyano-thioacetamide yielded the 5-(4-pyridinyl)-, 6-methyl-5-(4-pyridinyl)- and 6-methyl-5-phenyl-, respectively, substituted 3-cyano-2(1H)-pyridinethiones 3, 5 and 7. The 2(1H)-pyridinethiones 3, 5 and 7a as well as the in 3-position unsubstituted or carbamoyl substituted derivatives 8 and 9 were obtained from the corresponding 2-chloro-pyridines and potassium sulfide, too. Especially compound 5 showed remarkable positive inotropic potency and, additionally, vasodilator activity. The molecular and crystal structure of 5 have been determines by X-ray structure analysis. Based on the molecular structure charge distribution and electrostatic potential were evaluated. The results are discussed in comparison with those of milrinone.

[Synthesis of 3-cyano-6-methyl-4-pyridyl-2(1H)-pyridinethiones as well as 2-substituted 6-methyl-4-pyridyl-pyridine-3-carbonitriles and 3-carbonic acid amides, respectively, and testing their cardiovascular activity]. / Synthese von 3-Cyan-6-methyl-4-pyridyl-2(1H)-pyridinthionen sowie neuer in 2-Stellung substituierter 6-Methyl-4-pyridyl-pyridin-3-carbonitrile bzw. -3-carbonsäureamide und deren Prüfung auf kardiovaskuläre Wirksamkeit.

By the base catalyzed reaction of our previously described 3-cyano-6-methyl-4-pyridyl-2(1H)-pyridinethiones 1 and 2, respectively, with branched and unbranched, respectively, alkyl, aralkyl-, alkinyl-, hydroxyalkyl-, ethoxycarbonyl- and carbamoylalkylhalides the new in 2-position substituted 6-methyl-4-pyridyl-pyridine-3-carbonitriles 15-30 were formed. By means of oxidation of the 2-methylthio-substituted pyridine-3-carbonitriles 3 and 4 with potassium periodate and potassium permanganate in diluted acetic acid, respectively, the sulfinyl compounds 5 and 6, respectively, and the sulfonyl compounds 7 and 8, respectively, were prepared. By heating of 3 and 4, respectively, with concentrated sulphuric acid the 2-methylthio-pyridine-3-carboxamides 9 and 10 were obtained. The oxidation of these compounds with potassium periodate and potassium permanganate, respectively, had yield the pyridines 11 and 12, respectively, as well as 13 and 14, respectively.

[Potential cardiotonic agents. 1. Synthesis and pharmacologic properties of 3-cyano-2-oxaalkylamino-5-(4-pyridinyl)pyridines]. / Potentielle Kardiotonika. 1. Mitteilung: Darstellung und pharmakologische Eigenschaften von 3-Cyan-2-oxaalkylamino-5-(pyrid-4-yl)pyriden.

Synthesis, physicochemical properties and evaluation of positive inotropic and vasodilator activities are described in a series of substituted 2-amino-3-cyano-5-(4-pyridinyl)pyridines. Some of the 2-oxaalkylamino derivatives showed remarkable positive inotropic activities and, additionally, a decrease in blood pressure. The most potent compounds 11 and 13 have a greater activity than amrinone.

[Potential cardiotonic agents. 2. Synthesis and pharmacologic properties of 5-(pyri-4-yl)- and 5-phenyl substituted 3-cyano-6-methyl-2-oxaalkylaminopyridines]. / Potentielle Kardiotonika. 2. Mitteilung: Synthese und pharmakologische Eigenschaften von 5-(pyrid-4-yl)- und 5-phenylsubstituierten 3-Cyan-6-methyl-2-oxaalkylamino-pyridinen.

The authors describe the preparation, the physicochemical properties and the results of evaluation of positive inotropic and vasodilator activities in a series of 5-(4-pyridinyl)- and 5-phenyl-substituted 3-cyano-6-methyl-2-oxaalkylamino-pyridines. Some of the compounds are comparable in their positive inotropic potency to that of amrinone and cause, additionally, a decrease in blood pressure.

[Synthesis of 3-substituted 6-methyl-4-pyridyl-2 (1H) pyridones and testing of their cardiovascular action]. / Synthese von 3-substituierten 6-Methyl-4-pyridyl-2(1H)-pyridonen und deren Prüfung auf kardiovaskuläre Wirksamkeit.

Reaction of our previously described and in 4- and 6-, respectively, position with 3- and 4-, respectively, substituted 3-cyan-2(1H)-pyridones 4 and 5 with concentrated sulphuric acid had yielded the 3-carbamoyl-pyridones 8 and 9. Hofmann reaction was followed and the 3-amino substituted pyridones 10 and 11 were formed. As by-products the 5-bromo substituted 3-amino-pyridones 12 and 13 were obtained. 4 and 5 were refluxed in the presence of diluted sulphuric acid to yield the decarboxylated pyridones 14 and 15. Cardiotonic Activity of the compounds 4-9 compared to amrinone (Cordemcura) was investigated.

[Animal experimental studies on the therapeutic action of 5-(4-pyridino)-3-amino-1,2-dihydro-pyridinone (Cordemcura, AWD 08-250) in acute cardiocirculatory failure caused by poisoning by beta receptor blockers]. / Tierexperimentelle Untersuchungen zur therapeutischen Wirkung von 5-(4-Pyridino)-3-amino-1,2-dihydro-pyridinon (Cordemcura, AWD 08-250) beim akuten Herz-Kreislauf-Versagen durch Intoxikation mit beta-Rezeptorenblocker.

The therapeutical procedure in case of acute cardio-circulatory failure due to intoxication by beta-blockers has gained great importance owing to suicidal and accidental poisonings with lethal outcome. The use of beta-adrenergic agonists is difficult because a not predeterminable overdosage has to be applied in consequence of the competitive inhibition of the beta-receptor. Cardiotonics with a non-adrenergic mechanism of action thus make expect a surer handling. A severe cardio-circulatory failure is provoked by talinolol in the anaesthetized dog. The therapeutical effect of 4 mg/kg Cordemcura, given i.v. is represented by comparing the parameters cardiac rate, dp/dtmax, filling pressure in the left ventricle, arterial pressure, cardiac output, total peripheral resistance, and PQ time with a control group. The results prove a sure therapeutical effect, which is compared with other cardiotonics. A clinical use is recommended. The aptitude of the intoxication by beta-receptor blokkers as a model for the cardiac insufficiency is discussed.

[Antiarrhythmic action of 3-carbethoxyamino-5-dimethylaminoacetyl-iminodibenzyl hydrochloride (Bonnecor, AWD 19-166, GS -15) on experimental arrhythmia induced by aconitin, ouabain, calcium chloride and barium chloride]. / Zur antiarrhythmischen Wirkung von 3-carbethoxyamino-5-dimethylaminoacetyl-iminodibenzyl-hydrochlorid (Bonnecor, AWD 19-166, GS 015) an der experimentellen Arrhythmie durch Aconitin, Ouabain, Calciumchlorid und Bariumchlorid.

In comparison with detajmium, prajmalium, ajmaline, quinidine, lidocaine, disopyramide, propranolol, and Ethmozin the substance GS 015 is tested on the aconitin-induced arrhythmia of the rat, the auricular fibrillation by aconitin of the dog, the ventricular arrhythmia induced by ouabaine of the dog, the arrhythmia caused by calcium chloride of the rat, and the arrhythmia induced by barium chloride of the rabbit. The particular qualities of effect in the special forms of arrhythmia are discussed in connection with the study of the antiarrhythmic action in case of coronary occlusion, with the increase of the electric fibrillatory threshold, and with the electrophysiologic tests.