Vortex Dynamics in a Compact Kardar-Parisi-Zhang System.

We study the dynamics of vortices in a two-dimensional, nonequilibrium system, described by the compact Kardar-Parisi-Zhang equation, after a sudden quench across the critical region. Our exact numerical solution of the phase-ordering kinetics shows that the unique interplay between nonequilibrium and the variable degree of spatial anisotropy leads to different critical regimes. We provide an analytical expression for the vortex evolution, based on scaling arguments, which is in agreement with the numerical results, and confirms the form of the interaction potential between vortices in this system.

(E)-2(R)-[1(S)-(Hydroxycarbamoyl)-4-phenyl-3-butenyl]-2'-isobutyl-2'-(methanesulfonyl)-4-methylvalerohydrazide (Ro 32-7315), a selective and orally active inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha convertase.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a cytokine secreted by inflammatory cells, has been implicated in several inflammatory disease states. (E)-2(R)-[1(S)-(Hydroxycarbamoyl)-4-phenyl-3-butenyl]-2'-isobutyl-2'-(methanesulfonyl)-4-methylvalerohydrazide (Ro 32-7315), is a potent, orally active inhibitor of the TNF-alpha convertase (TACE), an enzyme responsible for proteolytic cleavage of the membrane bound precursor, pro-TNF-alpha. Ro 32-7315 inhibited a recombinant form of TACE (IC(50) = 5.2 nM) with selectivity over related matrix metalloproteinases. In a cellular assay system, THP-1 cell line, and in human and rat whole blood, Ro 32-7315 significantly reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TNF-alpha release with IC(50) values of 350 +/- 14 nM (n = 5), 2.4 +/- 0.5 microM (n = 5), and 110 +/- 18 nM (n = 5), respectively. Oral administration of Ro 32-7315 to Wistar rats caused a dose-dependent inhibition of LPS-induced release of systemic TNF-alpha with an ED(50) of 25 mg/kg. Treatment (days 0-14) of Allen and Hamburys hooded rats with Ro 32-7315 (2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, i.p., twice daily) significantly reduced adjuvant-induced secondary paw swelling (42, 71, 83, and 93%, respectively) as compared with the vehicle group. In the Ro 32-7315-treated group, the reduced paw swelling was associated with improved lesion score and joint mobility. Furthermore, in a placebo-controlled, single-dose study, Ro 32-7315 given orally (450 mg) significantly suppressed ex vivo, LPS-induced TNF-alpha release in the whole-blood samples taken from healthy male and female volunteers (mean inhibition of 42% over a 4-h duration, n = 6). These data collectively support the potential use of such a compound for the oral treatment of inflammatory disorders.

8-aminoquinolines as anticoccidials - Part III.

Analogues of the antimalarial pentaquine, 1, in which the nature of the side-chain on the 8-amino position was varied, were prepared and evaluated for anticoccidial activity both in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, both the inter-nitrogen distance and the nature of the terminal amino group were investigated. Novel analogues of equal or improved efficacy in vitro and in vivo to pentaquine were discovered.

8-Aminoquinolines as anticoccidials--II.

During a chemistry program aimed at finding a novel analogue of pentaquine with improved in vivo activity, a number of hypotheses concerning the way this drug acts in the chicken were investigated. Consideration of the products of monoamine oxidase metabolism of pentaquine suggested that pentaquine aldehyde is the likely active metabolite. Although isolation of this unstable compound was not possible, oxime and cyclic acetal and ketal derivatives were obtained and shown to possess in vitro anticoccidial activity.

An atypical case of atypical pneumonia.

A 23-year-old man, previously fit and well, presented with an atypical pneumonia, associated with microangiopathic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, rhabdomyolysis and renal impairment. Despite administration of intravenous fluids and antibiotics, his condition rapidly deteriorated, and the possibility of an aggressive connective tissue disorder was raised. Thus he was treated with high-dose oral steroids and plasma exchange until autoantibodies were shown to be negative. At this stage it transpired that the patient had swallowed water from a stream three weeks earlier, and leptospira antibody titres were subsequently found to be elevated. Antibiotics were continued, and after a protracted course he made a full recovery. Leptospirosis should be remembered as a rare cause of atypical pneumonia, particularly if there is associated hepatic or renal impairment.

Assessment of myeloperoxidase activity in renal tissue after ischemia/reperfusion.

We have shown that a photometric assay of myeloperoxidase derived from rat blood polymorphonucleocytes employing 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine as substrate is more sensitive than an established assay employing o-dianisidine. We went on to demonstrate that rat renal tissue is capable of inhibiting peroxidase activity. This activity approached 100% when the rat renal supernate was incubated at 60 degree C for 2 h and the assay was conducted in the presence of a 10-fold higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Rat kidneys undergoing 45 min ischaemia and 1,3 and 6 h reperfusion in vivo, exhibited significant increases in myeloperoxidase activity, indicating tissue polymorphonucleocyte accumulation. Monoclonal antibodies against rat intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and CD18 of beta 2-integrins administered both 5 min before a period of 45 min renal ischaemia (20 micrograms/kg i.v.) and at the commencement of 1 h reperfusion (20 micrograms/kg i.v.) reduced renal tissue polymorphonucleocyte accumulation. However, similar treatment with the parent murine antibody immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and an unrelated murine antibody, IgG2a, also significantly reduced renal tissue polymorphonucleocyte accumulation. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the rat renal suppression of peroxidase activity can be overcome by a combination of heat inactivation and the provision of excess assay H2O2. In addition, the available evidence suggests that murine monoclonal antibodies against rat adhesion molecules may exert non-specific actions in our model of renal ischaemia/reperfusion in vivo.

Neutrophil infiltration into the ischaemic/reperfused rabbit isolated myocardium: effect of PF-5901 and cycloheximide.

The Langendorff-perfused rabbit heart preparation has been used to study the interaction of isolated rabbit neutrophils with regionally ischaemic myocardium. Short durations of regional ischaemia (10-60 min) and subsequent reperfusion (30 min) of the hearts with neutrophils resulted in a significant time-dependent accumulation of neutrophils (as assessed by myeloperoxidase activity) in the area at risk. Pre-activation of neutrophils with zymosan-activated serum prior to their infusion into the myocardium potentiated neutrophil accumulation in the area at risk. Pretreatment of the myocardium with a lipoxygenase inhibitor, PF-5901 (10 microM), or a de novo protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide (10 microM), significantly reduced the accumulation of neutrophils in the ischaemic/reperfused myocardium. In contrast, pretreatment of neutrophils with cycloheximide (10 microM, for 15 min) prior to their infusion had no significant effect on neutrophil accumulation in the area at risk. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (10 microM), had no effect on neutrophil accumulation in the area at risk following ischaemia and reperfusion. These results suggest the involvement of de novo protein synthesis and the lipoxygenase products in the infiltration of neutrophils following ischaemia and reperfusion in vitro.

5-[6-1 -(Cyclohexyl-1 H-tetrazol-5-YL)hexyl]-1,8-naphthyridin-2-(1H)-one, SC-44368, a Potent Anti-aggregatory Agent which Selectively Inhibits Platelet Cyclic AMP Phosphodiesterase.

SC-44368 (5-[6-(1-cyclohexyl-1H-tetrazol-5-y)hexyl]-1,8-naphthyridin-2(1H)-one) is a potent and selective competitive inhibitor of platelet cyclic AMP-dependent phosphodiesterase (cAMP-PDE) (Ki: 1.65 µM). For the phosphodiesterase isoenzyms from human platelets SC-44368 shows a 26-fold selectivity (IC50 ratio) for the inhibition of the cAMP-PDE over the cyclic GMP-dependent phosphodiesterase (cGMP-PDE). By comparison, 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine (IBMX) inhibited the cAMP-PDE and cGMP-PDE from human platelets with approximately equal efficacy. Broad inhibitory activity was evident against human platelet aggregatory responses in vitro. IC50 values of 18.1 ± 5.3 µM (25 nM platelet activating factor, PAF), 17.3 ± 3.0 µM (1.0 µg/ml collagen) and 24.2 ± 10.3 µM (1µM ADP) were obtained against maximum increases in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) light transmission achieved by each agonist. SC-44368 potentiated the prostacyclin-induced increase of intra-platelet cAMP levels but did not potentiate the sodium nitroprusside-induced increase of intraplatelet cGMP levels. In an ex vivo model of platelet aggregation SC-44368 (3 mg/kg, i.v.) produced a potent inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation. SC-44368 produced only weak hypotensive activity in the rat. Thus, SC-44368 is a novel cAMP-PDE inhibitor which possesses potent, broad spectrum anti-aggregatory properties.

A structurally novel inhibitor of cGMP phosphodiesterase with vasodilator activity.

A novel, potent, competitive inhibitor of smooth muscle cGMP phosphodiesterase is described (Compound I, [4-[2-n-butyl-5-chloro-1-(2- chlorobenzyl)imidazolyl]methyl] acetate). The compound is highly selective for inhibiting cGMP phosphodiesterase compared with cAMP phosphodiesterase. Compound I inhibits the contraction of smooth muscle in response to a variety of agonists in the same concentration range to that which inhibits the enzyme. Compound I produced a dose-related reduction in the pressor responses to angiotensin II infusion while not inhibiting the responses to bolus doses of angiotensin II. Two structural analogues of Compound I which did not inhibit cGMP phosphodiesterase failed to inhibit smooth muscle contraction in vitro and did not affect angiotensin II pressor responses in vivo. We propose a mechanism to account for the effects of a cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor on smooth muscle contraction in vitro and in vivo.

Inhibitory effect of a selective thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, EP 092, on platelet aggregation in whole blood ex vivo and in vivo.

1. The inhibitory effect of a selective prostaglandin H2 (PGH2)/thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, EP 092, on platelet aggregatory responses in whole blood ex vivo (guinea-pig: Rhesus monkey) and intravascular aggregation in vivo (rabbit) has been investigated. 2. Collagen (0.1-10.0 micrograms ml-1) caused a concentration-dependent decrease in single platelet count in samples of both guinea-pig and Rhesus monkey citrated whole blood incubated ex vivo. EP 092 administered to guinea-pigs by intravenous (0.1-3.0 mg kg-1) or oral (1.0-10.0 mg kg-1) routes significantly inhibited the platelet responses to collagen (ED50 values 1.3 +/- 0.2 and 1.4 +/- 0.2 mg kg-1 respectively). Similar potency against collagen-induced whole blood aggregation was observed in Rhesus monkey blood samples following EP 092 given orally (ED50 0.9 +/- 0.3 mg kg-1). 3. The duration of action of EP 092 against collagen aggregatory responses ex vivo in both guinea-pigs and Rhesus monkeys was between 3 and 6 h following oral administration at 3.0 mg kg-1. 4. The inhibitory activity demonstrated by EP 092 against collagen-induced aggregation of Rhesus monkey whole blood ex vivo was not accompanied by any significant reduction in thromboxane A2 formation except at the highest dose tested (10 mg kg-1). 5. The intravascular aggregatory response induced by collagen or thrombin in the anaesthetized rabbit was significantly inhibited by an intravenous infusion of EP 092 (10 mg kg-1). EP 092 appeared less potent and its effect was of shorter duration in this preparation compared with its inhibitory effect on ex vivo aggregation, being evident immediately after infusion of drug but not after a further 30 min. 6. It is concluded that collagen-induced platelet aggregatory response in guinea-pig and Rhesus monkey whole blood ex vivo and rabbit in vivo exhibit a thromboxane-dependent component which can be inhibited in a dose-related fashion by pretreatment with the thromboxane antagonist EP 092. In the rabbit, moreover, the data support the possibility of a role for thromboxane in the intravascular aggregatory response to thrombin.

Effect of SC 38249, a novel substituted imidazole, on platelet aggregation in vitro and in vivo.

SC 38249 [RS)-1-(2,3-bis-[(4-methoxyphenyl)methoxy]propyl)-1H-imidazole) caused dose-related inhibition of collagen-induced thromboxane A2 formation in human platelet rich plasma (IC50: 9.9 +/- 1.0 microM) accompanied by a dose-dependent increase in plasma PGE2. Broad inhibitory activity was evident against human platelet aggregatory and secretory responses in vitro. IC50 values of 11.9 +/- 1.9 microM (0.64 mM arachidonic acid), 18.3 +/- 3.8 microM (0.5 microgram ml-1 collagen) and 37.6 +/- 6.1 microM (25 nM Paf-acether) were obtained against maximum increase in PRP light transmission achieved by each agonist. Although less potent, SC 38249 retained significant inhibitory activity against PRP responses induced by a higher (3.0 micrograms ml-1) concentration of collagen (IC50: 272.5 +/- 24.6 microM), and against Paf-acether-induced responses in PRP pre-treated with 10 microM indomethacin (I.C.50: 192.0 +/- 16.1 microM). Experimental animal studies confirmed the in vitro anti-aggregatory efficacy of SC 38249, since significant inhibitory activity was observed against Paf-acether and ADP-induced responses in dog PRP ex vivo, anti-Forssman antibody-induced thrombocytopenia in anaesthetized guinea pigs, and collagen-induced intravascular aggregation in anaesthetized rabbits. Thus, SC 38249 is a novel thromboxane synthase inhibitor which possesses interesting anti-aggregatory properties which cannot wholly be attributed to prevention of platelet thromboxane A2 formation.

Thromboxane synthase inhibitors. Synthesis and pharmacological activity of (R)-, (S)-, and (+/-)-2,2-dimethyl-6-[2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1-[[(4-methoxyphenyl)- methoxy]methyl]ethoxy]hexanoic acids.

A series of substituted omega-[2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethoxy]alkanoic acid derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit thromboxane synthase both in vitro and in vivo. Compound 13 was identified as a potent and selective competitive inhibitor of human platelet thromboxane synthase having a Ki value of 9.6 X 10(-8) M. In collagen-treated human whole blood, 13 potentiated levels of 6-keto PGF1 alpha. Enantiospecific syntheses afforded the R and S enantiomers of 13, of which the S enantiomer 13b was the more potent. Compounds 13 and 13b were potent in vivo inhibitors of thromboxane synthase with good oral activity and duration of action.

Structure-activity relationships in an imidazole-based series of thromboxane synthase inhibitors.

Analogues of 4-[[2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1-[[(4-methoxyphenyl)methoxy]methyl] ethoxy]methyl]benzoic acid (5m) were prepared and evaluated as thromboxane synthase inhibitors. A series of esters of 5m showed a parabolic relationship between lipophilicity and inhibition of TxB2 generation in intact platelets, with activities up to 50 times greater than that of dazoxiben. However, on administration to rabbits the ethyl ester 5d had a short duration of action, due to rapid metabolism and excretion via deesterification and beta-glucuronidation. Attempts at replacing the carboxylate group with other potential pharmacophores were unsuccessful.

The effect of thromboxane A2 synthesis inhibitors on platelet aggregation in whole blood.

Aggregatory responses to arachidonic acid and collagen in vitro were compared in blood (single platelet counting) and PRP (light aggregometry) from four species. Sensitivity of mouse, rat and rabbit PRP to these agonists was not predictive of respective potency in whole blood, whereas for human platelets, responses in blood did not differ significantly from PRP. Indomethacin (3-300 microM) inhibited arachidonic acid-induced aggregation in each species, and collagen responses in all except mouse. In contrast, the thromboxane synthase inhibitors dazoxiben (3.7-372 microM) and SC 38249 (2.6-260 microM) demonstrated activity only in rabbit and human blood. However, since in many experiments drug efficacy decreased significantly in blood compared to corresponding PRP, the concentrations of each agent necessary to inhibit responses were above those at which selectivity has previously been demonstrated against isolated enzyme preparations or in PRP. A fundamental reappraisal of both the potency and selectivity of these inhibitors in whole blood appears essential before their mechanism of action can be firmly established.

Effect of indomethacin and dazoxiben on intravascular platelet aggregation in the anaesthetized rabbit.

Collagen (10-40 micrograms kg-1), thrombin (1-10 units kg-1), adenosine diphosphate (ADP; 3-300 micrograms kg-1), 1-0-hexadecyl Paf-acether and 1-0-octadecyl Paf-acether (1-300 ng kg-1) administered by bolus intravenous injection each caused dose-dependent thrombocytopoenia accompanied by marked hypotension in anaesthetized rabbits. Responses to ADP and the Paf-acether derivatives were transient in nature (3-8 min) whereas those induced by collagen and thrombin were always of longer duration (5-20 min) and frequently fatal at high doses. Responses to collagen, thrombin, and the Paf-acether derivatives were invariably accompanied by substantial, dose-related increases in plasma levels of thromboxane B2 in samples obtained 30 s after agonist administration, whereas following ADP, no change in plasma thromboxane B2 was detected at any dose level. Indomethacin (3.0 mg kg-1 by infusion) had no effect on responses to thrombin or Paf-acether, partially inhibited collagen-induced thrombocytopenia, and potentiated responses to ADP. In contrast, dazoxiben (10 mg kg-1 by infusion) partially but significantly inhibited responses to thrombin, whereas those induced by collagen, Paf-acether or ADP were unchanged. These results indicate that in this model of intravascular aggregation, whilst platelet responses to collagen and thrombin appear partially dependent on intact cyclic endoperoxide and thromboxane A2 synthetic capacity respectively, responses to ADP and Paf-acether are independent of arachidonate metabolism via cyclo-oxygenase despite measurably increased TXB2 formation in the latter case.

Effect of calcium and calcium antagonists on [3H]-Paf-acether binding to washed human platelets.

[3H]-Platelet activating factor (Paf-acether, 1-O-octadecyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) binds to washed human platelets in a specific, dose-dependent, and saturable manner. Scatchard analysis reveals a high affinity site with a KD value of 0.25 +/- 0.033 nM (245 +/- 30 sites per platelet), and a second low affinity site with a KD value of 9.22 +/- 1.17 nM (1616 +/- 165 sites per platelet). Binding to the high affinity site is independent of buffer calcium concentration, inhibited on an equimolar basis by unlabelled 1-O-octadecyl-Paf-acether, but remains unchanged in the presence of 1-O-octadecyl-lyso-Paf-acether. The relative inhibitory effect of four calcium antagonists on [3H]-Paf-acether high affinity binding correlates closely with their respective anti-aggregatory activity against Paf-acether induced responses in human PRP; order of potency being (+)-cis diltiazem greater than (+/-)-verapamil greater than (-)-cis diltiazem greater than nifedipine. In the case of (+)-cis diltiazem, the effect is competitive, stereo-specific and progressively reversed by addition of calcium (1.0 mM and 5.0 mM). A close spatial relationship may thus exist between the Paf-acether receptor and membrane calcium channels in the human platelet.