Preparation of platelet concentrates after overnight hold at 20 degrees C.

The clinical demand for platelet concentrates has increased dramatically in the last decade, and poses logistical problems for regional transfusion centres. Pietersz et al. (Vox Sang 1989; 56: 145-150) have shown that it is possible to prepare clinically effective platelet concentrates with substantially reduced white cell contamination, whilst maintaining satisfactory levels of factor VIII:C after holding whole blood at 20 degrees C overnight. This approach offers a method of production that will allow platelet concentrates to be prepared from potentially all donations collected, without resorting to extensive out-of-hours working. Following laboratory evaluation of the procedure we were able to reproduce Pietersz's findings, although hypotonic shock response results were less favourable than observed in our routine platelet concentrates.

A novel series of milbemycin antibiotics from Streptomyces strain E225. I. Discovery, fermentation and anthelmintic activity.

A novel series of milbemycin antibiotics were produced by soil isolate, strain E225 which was shown to be a Streptomyces species. The antibiotics displayed anthelmintic activity against Trichostrongylus colubriformis in the gerbil. Two of the compounds, VM 44857 and VM 44866 were shown to be potent anthelmintics against mixed nematode infections in sheep.

Synthesis and anthelmintic activity of a series of pyrazino[2,1-a][2]benzazepine derivatives.

A series of 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,12b-octahydropyrazino[2,1-alpha][2] benzazepine derivatives was prepared and the cestocidal activity of the compounds evaluated in an in vitro Taenia crassiceps screen. Many of these derivatives proved to be highly active, and 2-(cyclohexylcarbonyl)-4-oxo-1,2,3,4,6,7,8,12b- octahydropyrazino[2,1-alpha][2]benzazepine, epsiprantel (BAN) (22), was selected for further development. The structure-activity relationships are discussed.

Epsiprantel, a new tapeworm remedy. Preliminary efficacy studies in dogs and cats.

The anthelmintic potential of epsiprantel, 2-(cyclohexylcarbonyl)-4-oxo-1,2,3,4,6,7,8,12b-octahydropyrazin [2,1-a] [2]benzapine, was revealed using the tapeworms Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis in the cat, and Taenia pisiformis and T. hydatigena in the dog. Subsequent controlled tests in cats demonstrated oral efficacy of 100% against D. caninum with a single dose of 2.5 mg/kg. Although consistently 100% effective against T. taeniaeformis at 5 mg/kg, a single worm was found in one cat treated at 7.5 mg/kg. In experimental infections of Taenia pisiformis in dogs, 100% activity was achieved from a single oral dose of 1 mg/kg. No adverse reaction or drug-associated toxicity were observed at dose levels used.

Isothiourea derivatives of 6-phenyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazole with broad-spectrum anthelmintic activity.

A series of isothiourea derivatives of 6-phenyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazole (tetramisole) is described. The compounds are prepared by the S-alkylation of the thioureas that were obtained either by the reaction of an amine with 6-(3-isothiocyanatophenyl)-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-b] thiazole or by the reaction of an isothiocyanate with 6-(3-aminophenyl)-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazole. These derivatives have an improved spectrum of activity over tetramisole and are active against nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes. The structure-activity relationships are discussed.