Comparative study of the affinities of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, YM060, YM114 (KAE-393), granisetron and ondansetron in rat vagus nerve and cerebral cortex.

The 5-HT3 receptor blocking properties of YM060, YM114 (KAE-393), granisetron and ondansetron were examined in the vagus nerve and cerebral cortex of rats. 5-HT and 2-methyl-5-HT induced dose-dependent depolarizations of rat isolated vagus nerve with EC50 values of 2.53 (1.93-3.33) x 10(-6) and 4.03 (2.87-5.66) x 10(-6) M, respectively. YM060, YM114 and granisetron dose-dependently antagonized the depolarization of the rat vagus nerve induced by 5-HT, with decreases in the slope and maximal response at higher concentrations. Apparent pA2 values for these antagonists were 10.27 +/- 0.09, 10.12 +/- 0.16 and 9.44 +/- 0.40, respectively. Ondansetron produced a clear rightward shift of the concentration-response curve to 5-HT. The pA2 value was 8.63 (8.23-9.68). YM060 and YM114 at up to 10(-5) M produced no significant depression of the depolarizing responses to DMPP and GABA. YM060, YM114, granisetron and ondansetron displaced specific binding of [3H]GR65630 to rat cortical membranes with pKi values of 10.48 (10.41-10.57), 10.24 (10.18-10.28), 9.15 (9.02-9.28) and 8.70 (8.64-8.77), respectively. An excellent correlation (r = 0.97) was obtained between pA2 values in the vagus nerve and pKi values in the cerebral cortex. YM060, YM114, granisetron and ondansetron showed low affinities for 5-HT1A, 5-HT2 receptor, adrenergic alpha 1, alpha 2, dopamine D2, muscarinic M2, mu-opioid, benzodiazepine and histamine H1 receptors. These results support the possibility that the same type of 5-HT3 receptor occurs in rat vagus nerve and cerebral cortex.

Effect of a selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist on gastric motility in fasted and fed dogs.

The effect of m-chlorophenylbiguanide, a selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist, on gastric antral motility was investigated in conscious dogs with a force transducer implanted chronically. m-Chlorophenylbiguanide (0.1-1 mg/kg i.v.) dose dependently enhanced antral motility in the fasted state, and the amplitude of m-chlorophenylbiguanide (1 mg/kg i.v.)-induced antral contractions reached the level of natural phase III contractions. In contrast, m-chlorophenylbiguanide reduced the amplitude of antral contractions in the fed state. A selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, ramosetron (0.0003-0.03 mg/kg i.v.), inhibited both effects of m-chlorophenylbiguanide. m-Chlorophenylbiguanide (1 mg/kg i.v.)-induced contractions were inhibited by atropine (0.03 or 0.1 mg/kg i.v.). These results indicate that pharmacological activation of 5-HT3 receptors has opposite effects on canine gastric antral motility in the fasted and in the fed state, being stimulatory and inhibitory, respectively. The stimulatory effect seems to be mediated mainly via the release of acetylcholine.

Compounds possessing 5-HT3 receptor antagonistic activity inhibit intestinal propulsion in mice.

The role of 5-HT3 receptors in the control of intestinal propulsive activity was investigated in mice by a simple method in which the time taken for excretion of the head of an orally administered non-absorbable marker (whole gut transit time) was measured. Selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ramosetron (YM060) at 0.01-0.3 mg/kg s. c. and ondansetron at 0.1-1 mg/kg s.c. dose-dependently prolonged the whole gut transit time. Prokinetic benzamides, such as renzapride (0.3-10 mg/kg s.c.), zacopride (0.01-0.3 mg/kg s.c.) and cisapride (0.1-3 mg/kg s.c.), which have been reported to possess 5-HT3 receptor blocking properties, also dose-dependently prolonged it. These results indicate that activation of 5-HT3 receptors seems to be one factor that underlies the physiological control of intestinal propulsive activity in mice. In contrast to their beneficial therapeutic effects on gastroduodenal dysmotility, prokinetic benzamides, at least those which have 5-HT3 receptor antagonistic activity, may be unsuitable in the treatment of impaired lower intestinal propulsive activity.

Gastric mucosal protection by YM638, a novel leukotriene D4 receptor antagonist, in rats.

YM638 ([[5-[[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propyl] thio]-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]thio] acetic acid) is a novel leukotriene D4 receptor antagonist. We investigated the involvement of the leukotriene D4 receptor blocking activity of YM638 in the gastric mucosal protection of this drug in rats. YM638 significantly prevented gastric lesion formation induced by water-immersion restraint stress, indomethacin, absolute ethanol, 0.7 N HCl and the combination of 0.2 N HCl and hemorrhagic shock, with ED50 values of 26.4, 4.1, 4.7, 35.4 and 8.0 mg/kg p.o., respectively. Cetraxate and sofalcone showed inhibitory effects on most of these gastric lesions, but the inhibitory effects of these compounds were much weaker than those of YM638. In contrast, YM638 had no effect on gastric acid secretion and gastric lesion formation in pylorus-ligated rats, or on duodenal lesion formation in cysteamine-administered rats. YM638 competitively antagonized leukotriene D4-induced contraction of the isolated stomach, with a pA2 value of 7.63 +/- 0.18. In anesthetized rats, intravenous YM638 inhibited leukotriene D4-induced aggravation of gastric lesions caused by HCl, and leukotriene D4 and HCl-induced reduction of the potential difference. In addition, oral YM638 significantly increased gastric mucosal blood flow and prevented ethanol-induced increase in gastric vascular permeability. Endogenous prostaglandins, sulfhydryls and nitric oxides were not involved in this inhibitory effect on absolute ethanol-induced gastric lesion. YM638 did not react with the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl in vitro, indicating that YM638 does not have potential as free radical scavenger. These results suggest that the preventive effect of YM638 on gastric lesions is attributable not only to its leukotriene D4 receptor blocking activity but also to the activation of gastric mucosal defensive mechanisms such as mucosal blood flow and vascular permeability.

A novel 5-HT3 receptor agonist, YM-31636, increases gastrointestinal motility without increasing abdominal pain.

We examined the effects of YM-31636 (2-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-8H-indeno[1,2-d]thiazole monofumarate), a novel 5-HT3 receptor agonist, on gastrointestinal functions including visceral pain reflex in rats. Injection of YM-31636 increased the number of fecal pellets. This effect was completely inhibited by ramosetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. YM-31636 also increased the intracolonic pressure measured in both conscious and anesthetized rats. In isolated distal colon, YM-31636 increased the short-circuit current response. This effect was abolished by ramosetron. Both the maximal response and the potency of YM-31636 were weaker than those of other 5-HT3 receptor agonists. In two visceral pain reflex models, YM-31636 neither changed the magnitude of pressor response to colonic distension in anesthetized rats nor affected the visceromotor threshold to colorectal distension in conscious rats. In conclusion, YM-31636 facilitated defecation without increasing visceral pain. Consequently, 5-HT3 receptor agonists like YM-31636 would be promising in the treatment of chronic constipation.

Mechanisms of cisplatin- and m-chlorophenylbiguanide-induced emesis in ferrets.

We investigated the involvement of peripheral and central serotonin (5-HT)3 receptors in cisplatin- and 5-HT3 receptor agonist-induced emesis in ferrets. Cisplatin (10 mg/kg i.v.)-induced emesis was inhibited by intravenous YM060 (0.003-0.1 microgram/kg). A highly selective and potent 5-HT3 receptor agonist, m-chlorophenylbiguanide (1-10 mg/kg i.p.), dose dependently elicited emesis an effect which was inhibited by YM060 (0.003-0.3 microgram/kg i.v.). Vagotomy markedly reduced this emesis, and the combination of abdominal vagotomy and greater splanchnicectomy abolished emesis. Lesion of greater splanchnic nerves alone did not markedly inhibit emesis. Intracerebroventricularly (4th ventricle) administered YM060 inhibited cisplatin- and m-chlorophenylbiguanide-induced emesis only at higher doses (0.01-0.1 and 0.01-0.03 microgram, respectively). Intracerebroventricularly (4th ventricle) administered m-chlorophenylbiguanide (30-100 micrograms) produced only a weak retching response. These results indicate that stimulation of abdominal vagal afferent nerves via peripheral 5-HT3 receptors is important for triggering cisplatin- and m-chlorophenylbiguanide-induced emesis in ferrets.

Comparison of the effects of trimebutine and YM114 (KAE-393), a novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, on stress-induced defecation.

YM114 (KAE-393), (R)-5-[(2,3-dihydro-1-indolyl)carbonyl]-4,5,6,7- tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazole hydrochloride, is a derivative of YM060, a potent 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. We investigated the effects of YM114 on 5-HT3 receptors, both in vitro and in vivo, and on bowel dysfunction induced by restraint stress, 5-HT and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and compared them with the effect of trimebutine. YM114 dose dependently inhibited the reduction in heart rate induced by 5-HT (30 micrograms/kg i.v.) in rats (ED50 = 0.31 micrograms/kg i.v.), and the potency of YM114 was almost the same as that of the racemate. The S-form of YM114 also inhibited 5-HT-induced bradycardia, but 1350 times less potent than the R-form. YM114 and its S-form inhibited [3H]GR65630 binding to N1E-115 cell membranes in a concentration-dependent manner with Ki values of 0.341 and 616 nM, respectively, showing the isomeric activity ratio (R-/S-form) of YM114 to be much greater (1800). YM114 antagonized 5-HT-induced depolarization of the nodose ganglion (EC50 = 1.39 nM). Trimebutine (1 mg/kg i.v.) failed to inhibit 5-HT-induced bradycardia, implying that it does not possess 5-HT3 receptor antagonistic activity. YM114 significantly and dose dependently prevented restraint stress-, 5-HT- and TRH-induced increases in fecal pellet output, and restraint stress- and 5-HT-induced diarrhea in rats and mice (ED50 = 6.9, 72.5, 154.6, 9.7 and 52.4 micrograms/kg p.o., respectively). Trimebutine significantly prevented stress- and 5-HT-induced diarrhea (ED50 = 29.4 and 87.3 mg/kg p.o., respectively), but only partially affected stress-, 5-HT- and TRH-induced increases in fecal pellet output. Thus, YM114 is a potent and stereoselective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist with much greater protective effects against stress-induced defecation than trimebutine.

Pharmacological profile of YM-31636, a novel 5-HT3 receptor agonist, in vitro.

We investigated the in vitro pharmacological profile of YM-31636 (2-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-8H-indeno[1,2-d]thiazole monofumarate). In cloned human 5-HT3A receptors, YM-31636 had a pKi value of 9.67 vs. ramosetron and pKi values for other 5-HT3 receptor agonists were less than 7. YM-31636 showed very low affinities for other receptors. YM-31636 induced contraction of isolated guinea pig distal colon. The intrinsic activity was approximately 0.90 compared with 5-hydroxytryptamine's (5-HT) 1.0, and the potency was 26 times greater than that of 5-HT. YM-31636 increased short-circuit current (Isc) in the isolated guinea pig distal colon. In this case, the relative intrinsic activity was approximately 0.19. In isolated guinea pig right atrium, YM-31636 induced tachycardia with the relative intrinsic activity of approximately 0.23. All these effects of YM-31636 were antagonized by ramosetron, a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. These results suggest that YM-31636 is a potent and selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist, preferentially acting on the contraction of the colon.

Effects of gastroprokinetic agents on gastroparesis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The influence of diabetic hyperglycemia on solid gastric emptying in rats was examined. Diabetes was produced by streptozotocin (STZ, 40 mg/kg i.v.), and diabetic hyperglycemia was observed from 1 day after the STZ injection. The gastric emptying of glass beads in the diabetic rats was significantly delayed compared with that in age-matched control rats at 1, 3 and 7 days after diabetes induction. A slight decrease in gastric emptying was observed in the diabetic rats from 2 to 52 weeks after the diabetes induction. We also investigated the influence of gastroprokinetic agents on STZ-induced diabetic gastroparesis and subdiaphragmatic vagotomy-induced gastroparesis in rats. The selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ramosetron (YM060), YM114 (KAE-393), granisetron and ondansetron, and the substituted benzamides (5-HT4 receptor agonist/5-HT3 receptor antagonists) cisapride mosapride and SC-53116 dose-dependently enhanced gastric emptying in normal rats. These compounds also reversed the impairment of diabetic gastroparesis rats at 7 days after the STZ injection, but higher doses were required. The solid gastric emptying in subdiaphragmatic vagotomized rats was also delayed. Ramosetron and the substituted benzamides cisapride and zacopride partially reversed the gastroparesis in the vagotomized rats. These results suggest that acute hyperglycemia is important mechanism for the delay of solid gastric emptying in diabetic rats. It is also suggested that selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and substituted benzamides enhance gastric emptying not only in normal rats but also in diabetic and vagotomized rats.

Characterization of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor subtypes influencing colonic motility in conscious dogs.

We examined the effects of exogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and selective 5-HT receptor agonists and antagonists on proximal, middle and distal colonic motility in conscious fasted dogs with extraluminal force transducers implanted chronically. 5-HT (0.003-0.1 mg/kg i.v.) dose-dependently enhanced motility along the entire length of the colon. The 5-HT (0.03 mg/kg i.v.)-induced response was inhibited by 0.1-1.0 mg/kg i.v. methysergide, a 5-HT1/2 antagonist, at all recording sites and by 0.1-1.0 mg/kg i.v. ketanserin, a 5-HT2A antagonist, at the middle and distal sites only. At 1 mg/kg i.v., YM060, a 5-HT3 antagonist, reduced the amplitude of the initial transient high-amplitude contractions induced by 5-HT, but did not affect the tonic contraction induced by 5-HT. At doses up to 3 mg/kg i.v., 2-methoxy-4-amino-5-chlorobenzoic acid 2-(diethylamino) ethyl ester (SDZ205-557), a 5-HT4 antagonist, and hexamethonium (up to 10 mg/kg i.v.) did not affect 5-HT-induced responses at any recording site. Renzapride, a 5-HT4 agonist, also stimulated motility along the entire length of the colon at 0.3 mg/kg i.v.. The renzapride-induced response was inhibited by 1 mg/kg i.v. SDZ205-557 or 3 mg/kg i.v. hexamethonium. m-Chlorophenylbiguanide (m-CPBG), a 5-HT3 agonist, (1 mg/kg i.v.) produced a transient high-amplitude contraction at all recording sites and this contraction was eliminated by pretreatment with 0.03 mg/kg i.v. YM060. The contraction produced by m-CPBG declined rapidly, so the increase in the motility index by m-CPBG was not significant at any recording site. Of the antagonists tested, 0.1-1 mg/kg i.v. methysergide produced a delayed and prolonged contractile response at the middle and distal sites. The onset of the response was delayed about 20 min after application and the response was maintained over the subsequent 60-min observation period. The methysergide (1 mg/kg i.v.)-induced response was inhibited by 3 mg/kg i.v. hexamethonium. The other antagonists, ketanserin, YM060 and SDZ205-557, had no contractile effect at any recording site. These results indicate that exogenous 5-HT stimulates motility along the entire length of the fasted canine colon and that 5-HT-induced responses in the proximal colon are mediated mainly by 5-HT1, whereas those in the middle and distal colon are mediated by both 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptors. Renzapride and methysergide also stimulate colonic motility via additional mechanisms. The activation of 5-HT4 receptors and the blockade of endogenous 5-HT inhibitory regulation via 5-HT1 receptors may be involved in the action of renzapride and methysergide respectively.

Participation of a cholinergic mechanism in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)3 and 5-HT4 receptor-mediated stimulation of gastric emptying in rats.

The participation of a cholinergic mechanism in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)3 and 5-HT4 receptor-mediated stimulation of gastric emptying in rats was investigated. The selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ramosetron (YM060, 0.1-10 micrograms/kg i.v.) and ondansetron (1-100 micrograms/kg i.v.) dose-dependently enhanced the gastric emptying of glass beads in rats. The 5-HT4 receptor agonist 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MOT, 1 mg/kg s.c.) and substituted benzamides (5-HT4 receptor agonist/5-HT3 receptor antagonists) cisapride (1-10 mg/kg s.c.) and zacopride (1-1000 micrograms/kg s.c.) produced significant gastroprokinetic responses in rats. The substituted benzamide-induced gastroprokinetic responses were inhibited by a high dose of tropisetron (10 mg/kg s.c.), a 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptor antagonist, and partially inhibited by GR113808 ([1-[2-[(methylsulfonyl)amino]ethyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl 1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylate, 1 mg/kg s.c.), a selective 5-HT4 receptor antagonist. On the other hand, the 5-MOT-induced gastroprokinetic response was almost completely inhibited by GR113808. In contrast, tetrodotoxin (TTX, 0.1-10 micrograms/kg s.c.) and atropine (1-1000 micrograms/kg s.c.) dose-dependently inhibited gastric emptying. The enhancement of gastric emptying induced by selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, substituted benzamides and 5-MOT was inhibited by TTX (10 micrograms/kg s.c.) and by atropine (1 mg/kg s.c.). These results suggest that substituted benzamides stimulated gastric emptying partly due to their 5-HT4 receptor agonistic properties, and that both 5-HT3 receptor antagonism and 5-HT4 receptor agonism stimulated the gastric emptying in rats. It is also suggested that a cholinergic mechanism participates in the 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptor-mediated stimulation of gastric emptying in rats.

Characterization of functional properties of C4-binding protein by monoclonal antibodies.

We prepared mouse monoclonal antibodies to human C4-binding protein (C4-bp) by fusing spleen cells from mice immunized with purified C4-bp to the mouse myeloma line P3U1. Of four monoclonal antibodies that reacted with intact C4-bp, two were specific for a 48K fragment, one of the chymotryptic cleavage products of C4-bp, and one was specific for another fragment (160K). The fourth monoclonal antibody did not react with either fragment. One of the monoclonals that reacted with the 48K fragment blocked the binding of C4-bp to cell-bound C4b. This monoclonal antibody (TK3) also inhibited two other functions of C4-bp, serving as an essential cofactor for C3b/C4b inactivator (I) in the cleavage of fluid-phase C4b and accelerating the decay of C2a from the C4b,2a complex. The other monoclonals had little or no effect on these activities of C4-bp. In addition, we found that the 48K fragment lost the binding affinity for C4b. However, it can function as a cofactor for I and as a decay-accelerator, although its activities were about 200 times weaker than intact C4-bp on a molar basis. The monoclonal antibody TK3 completely inhibited these activities of the 48K fragment. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that the functionally active site of C4-bp is located on the 48K fragment. Probably, the cofactor and decay-accelerating activities of C4-bp result from the binding of C4-bp to C4b.

Studies on the mechanism for the gastric mucosal protection by famotidine in rats.

The effect of famotidine on gastric lesions induced by the decrease in mucosal defensive resistance was investigated in rats and compared with those of cimetidine, pirenzepine and cetraxate. Famotidine (0.03, 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited dose-dependently the development of gastric lesions produced by taurocholate-histamine in doses that suppressed histamine-induced acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats. The H2-antagonist also prevented gastric mucosal lesions induced by taurocholate-serotonin, iodoacetamide, acidified aspirin and acidified ethanol. Cimetidine, pirenzepine and cetraxate showed the inhibitory effects on almost all types of the gastric lesions, but their inhibitory effects were much less potent than those of famotidine. On the other hand, famotidine inhibited the decreases of gastric mucosal blood flow induced by acidified ethanol and the mucosal contents of glycoprotein induced by water immersion restraint stress. In addition, famotidine increased the transgastric potential difference (PD) and promoted the recovery of decreased transgastric PD induced by acidified ethanol in rats. These results suggest that the preventive effect of famotidine on gastric lesions is attributable not only to suppression of acid secretion but to activation of the gastric mucosal defensive mechanisms.

Characteristics of inhibitory effects of serotonin (5-HT)3-receptor antagonists, YM060 and YM114 (KAE-393), on the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex induced by 2-Methyl-5-HT, veratridine and electrical stimulation of vagus nerves in anesthetized rats.

We evaluated the inhibitory effects of YM060 [(R)-5-[(1-methyl-1H-indol- 3-yl)carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazole monohydrochloride] and YM114 (KAE-393) [(R)-5-[(1-indolinyl)carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H- benzimidazole monohydrochloride] on the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR) induced by 2-methyl-5-HT, a selective serotonin (5-HT)3-receptor agonist; veratridine, which stimulates chemoreceptors and baroreceptors; and electrical stimulation of vagal efferent nerves in anesthetized rats. Results were compared with those of ondansetron and granisetron. 2-Methyl- 5-HT (5-160 micrograms/kg, i.v.) and veratridine (100-200 micrograms/kg, i.v.) dose-dependently decreased the heart rate (BJR). YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron dose-dependently inhibited 2-methyl-5-HT (40 micrograms/kg, i.v.)-induced BJR, with ID50 values of 0.012, 0.060, 0.97 and 0.15 microgram/kg, i.v., respectively. Their 5-HT3 receptor blocking potencies against 2-methyl-5-HT-induced BJR were largely consistent with those against 5-HT-induced BJR. In contrast, higher doses (100 micrograms/kg, i.v.) of YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron did not inhibit veratridine (150 micrograms/kg, i.v.)-induced BJR. Atropine (300 micrograms/kg, i.v.) abolished bradycardia induced by electrical stimulation of vagal efferent nerves, whereas YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron had no effect at a dose of 1000 micrograms/kg, i.v. 5-HT (0.625-5.0 micrograms) injected into the left ventricle also caused a dose-dependent decrease in heart rate, an effect that was abolished by YM060 (0.1 microgram/kg, i.v.), atropine (100 micrograms/kg, i.v.) and vagotomy. These results suggest that YM060 and YM114 are highly potent and selective 5-HT3-receptor antagonists that do not affect veratridine- or electrical stimulation-induced bradycardia in anesthetized rats. They also suggest that 5-HT-induced BJR in anesthetized rats originates from 5-HT3 receptors located on the endings of vagal afferent nerves in the heart.

Species difference in the 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor associated with the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex.

Species differences in the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)3 receptor among anesthetized rats, mice, rabbits, ferrets, dogs and guinea-pigs were examined in the transient bradycardia induced by i.v. injection of 5-HT (the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex). We also investigated the mechanism of the 5-HT-induced bradycardia in these species. 5-Hydroxytryptamine and the selective 5-HT3 receptor agonists, 2-methyl-5-HT and m-chlorophenylbiguanide, dosedependently decreased heart rate in all species. In anesthetized rats, mice, ferrets and guinea-pigs, 2-methyl-5-HT and m-chlorophenylbiguanide behaved as full agonists against the 5-HT3 receptor, whereas their agonistic action in rabbits was partial. On the basis of ED50 values, there was no marked species difference in the potency of 5-HT3 receptor agonists. In contrast, the blocking activities of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, YM060, YM114 (KAE-393), granisetron and ondansetron, were markedly weaker in anesthetized guinea-pigs than in the other species. With regard to the mechanism of the 5-HT-induced bradycardia, YM060, atropine or vagotomy completely inhibited the 5-HT-induced bradycardia in anesthetized rats and mice. In guinea-pigs, in contrast, higher doses of YM060 and atropine or vagotomy inhibited this reflex by approximately 80%. Although the YM060-resistant part of the 5-HT-induced bradycardia in guinea-pigs was affected by neither 5-HT2 receptor antagonists nor 5-HT4 receptor antagonists, it was completely abolished by methysergide, a 5-HT1-like and 5-HT2 receptor antagonist. These results suggest that there is a species difference in the 5-HT3 receptor between guinea-pigs and other species in the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex system. They also suggest that the 5-HT-induced bradycardia in anesthetized rats and mice is evoked by acetylcholine released through activation of 5-HT3 receptors on the vagus nerve, while that in guinea-pigs is, at least in part, mediated through 5-HT1-like receptors in addition to 5-HT3 receptors.

Effect of serotonin (5-HT)3-receptor antagonists YM060, YM114 (KAE-393), ondansetron and granisetron on 5-HT4 receptors and gastric emptying in rodents.

We investigated the effects of YM060 [(R)-5-[(1-methyl-3-indolyl)carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazol e hydrochloride] and YM114 (KAE-393) [(R)-5-[(2,3-dihydro-1-indolyl)-carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H- benzimidazole hydrochloride] on 5-HT4 receptors and gastric emptying in normal and cisplatin-treated rats and compared results with those for ondansetron and granisetron. YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron dose-dependently inhibited the specific binding of [3H]-GR113808 ([[1-[(2-methylsulphonyl)amino]ethyl]-4-piperidin-yl]methyl 1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylate) in guinea pig striatum, with pKi values of 5.53, 5.13, 5.21 and 5.63, respectively. According to the pKi values reported in 5-HT3-receptor binding of [3H]GR65630 to rat cortical membranes, the affinity of YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron for 5-HT4 receptors was approximately 5, 5, 3.5 and 3.5 log units lower than that for 5-HT3 receptors, respectively. In the guinea pig longitudinal muscle with myenteric plexus and rat esophageal tunica muscularis mucosae, YM060 and YM114 showed neither 5-HT4-agonistic nor antagonistic properties. Although ondansetron produced concentration-dependent increases in the magnitude of the twitch response in longitudinal muscle, it did not possess 5-HT3- and 5-HT4-agonistic activity. Granisetron antagonized 5-HT-induced relaxation of the rat esophagus with an apparent pA2 value of 5.39. Intravenous YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron significantly enhanced gastric emptying of glass beads and improved cisplatin-induced slowing of gastric emptying in rats. These results indicate that the selectivity of YM060 and YM114 for 5-HT3 receptors is higher than that of ondansetron and granisetron and that these 5-HT3 antagonists have gastroprokinetic activity in normal and cisplatin-treated rats without affecting 5-HT4 receptors.

Selective and competitive histamine H2-receptor blocking effect of famotidine on the blood pressure response in dogs and the acid secretory response in rats.

Famotidine has been already demonstrated to be a competitive H2-receptor antagonist in the stomachs of dogs and cats. The present experiments were carried out to examine the effects of famotidine on changes in blood pressure induced by dimaprit and several other agonists in vagotomized, anesthetized dogs and on changes in gastric acid secretion induced by histamine in stomach-perfused, anesthetized rats. Famotidine caused a parallel displacement of the dimaprit dose-response curve to the right with a DR10 value of 0.059 mumols/kg, indicating that famotidine is 166 times more potent than cimetidine in vascular H2-blocking activity. On the contrary, famotidine did not affect the depressor responses to 2-pyridylethylamine and histamine that were antagonized by mepyramine. The histamine dose-response curve was displaced to the right more markedly after simultaneous administration of mepyramine and famotidine than after mepyramine alone. The effects of methacholine, phenylephrine and isoproterenol on blood pressure were not influenced by famotidine in doses up to 720 nmol/kg. In rats, famotidine also caused a parallel displacement of the acid dose-response curve to histamine to the right with a DR3 value of 24 mumols/kg/hr in stomach-perfused rats anesthetized with pentobarbital, exhibiting a potency 108 times greater than that of cimetidine. Analysis of the acid dose-response curve with the Edie-Hofstee transformation showed that famotidine, like cimetidine, was a competitive H2-receptor antagonist.

Cardiovascular and bronchial actions of famotidine in anesthetized dogs.

The effects of famotidine (Gaster; CAS 76824-35-6) and cimetidine on cardiovascular and bronchial functions were investigated in anesthetized dogs. Famotidine did not affect heart rate, blood pressure, left ventricular pressure (LVP), max. dLVP/dt, cardiac output or coronary blood flow at i.v. doses of 1 to 30 mg/kg in open-chest dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital or a combination of nitrous oxide, oxygen and halothane (GOF). No hemodynamic changes were either observed after famotidine in pentobarbital anesthetized dogs whose cardiac function was depressed by propranolol (1 mg/kg i.v.). On the contrary, cimetidine dose-dependently decreased heart rate and blood pressure at doses greater than 3 mg/kg, and left ventricular pressure, cardiac output and coronary blood flow at the dose of 30 mg/kg. Regarding the electrocardiogram (ECG), famotidine did not produce any remarkable change at doses up to 30 mg/kg with the exception of a transient increase or decrease in the T-wave amplitude at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Cimetidine prolonged Q-T intervals of ECG in addition to changing the T-wave at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Neither famotidine nor cimetidine showed any effect on resting and histamine-increased bronchoresistance at doses up to 30 mg/kg. It is concluded that famotidine is superior to cimetidine with regard to safety because famotidine has no significant effects on cardiovascular functions in anesthetized dogs.

Antisecretory and antiulcer effects of YM020, a new H+,K(+)-ATPase inhibitor, in rats and dogs.

We examined the effects of YM020 (3-cyanomethyl-2-methyl-8-[(3-methyl-2-butenyl)oxy]-imidazo[1,2- a]pyridine), a novel H+,K(+)-ATPase inhibitor, on gastric acid secretion and experimental gastroduodenal lesions in rats and dogs. Intraduodenal, subcutaneous and oral YM020 inhibited basal gastric acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats with ED50 values of 9.1, 9.1 and 9.5 mg/kg, respectively. Oral pretreatment with YM020 5 hr before ligation still suppressed acid secretion, with a potency a little less than that of omeprazole. In anesthetized dogs, intravenous YM020 inhibited histamine-, methacholine- and pentagastrin-induced gastric acid secretion with ED50 values of 0.05, 0.01 and 0.08 mg/kg, respectively. In Heidenhain pouch dogs, although oral YM020 (3 mg/kg) inhibited histamine-induced acid secretion, acid output returned to control levels faster than in dogs treated with omeprazole. Oral YM020 inhibited the formation of water-immersion restraint stress-, indomethacin-, absolute ethanol-, 0.7 N hydrochloric acid- and cysteamine-induced gastric or duodenal lesions with ED50 values of 2.9, 4.3, 2.0, 11.7 and 8.4 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, subcutaneous YM020 also suppressed the formation of ethanol- and HCl-induced gastric lesions. These results suggest that YM020 has an antisecretory effect almost the same as or 2 to 3 times weaker than those of omeprazole and that its duration is not as long as that of omeprazole in rats and dogs. Furthermore, YM020 possesses a cytoprotective effect and the mechanism of YM020 may be different to that of omeprazole.

Antisecretory effects of a novel and long-lasting histamine H2-receptor antagonist, YM-14471, in rats and dogs.

We investigated some properties of YM-14471 (2-2(-[2-(diaminomethyleneamino)thiazol-4-yl]methylthio)ethy l-5-[3- (diethylamino)propyl]-6-methyl-pyrimidine-4-one trihydrochloride), a new H2-receptor antagonist, in comparison with those of famotidine, cimetidine and omeprazole. In guinea pig atria, famotidine and cimetidine produced a competitive dose-dependent displacement of histamine-induced tachycardia. In contrast, low concentrations of YM-14471 showed competitive inhibition of tachycardia, whereas high concentrations were irreversible or slowly dissociable. In pylorus-ligated rats, intravenous YM-14471, famotidine and cimetidine dose-dependently inhibited basal gastric secretion with ED50 values of 0.04, 0.43 and 31.2 mg/kg, respectively. ED50 values for oral YM-14471, famotidine, cimetidine and omeprazole were 0.81, 0.42, 28.9 and 7.7 mg/kg when given at 1 hr before ligation, and 5.7, 26.7, 1639.5 and 18.6 mg/kg at 5 hr before ligation. In anesthetized dogs, intravenous YM-14471, famotidine, cimetidine and omeprazole also dose-dependently inhibited histamine (160 micrograms/kg.hr)-induced acid secretion with ED50 values of 13.7, 8.7, 333.3 and 65.3 micrograms/kg, respectively. In Heidenhain pouch dogs, YM-14471 inhibited histamine (40 micrograms/kg.hr)-induced acid secretion by both intravenous (0.02 mg/kg) and oral administration (0.3 mg/kg). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of YM-14471 was more prolonged than those of famotidine and cimetidine by either route, and it was as long as that of omeprazole dosed orally. These results suggest that YM-14471 is an irreversible or slowly dissociable H2-receptor antagonist, and has long antisecretory effect.