Study of an adenosine A1 receptor agonist on trigeminally evoked dural blood vessel dilation in the anaesthetized rat.

The purpose of this study was to use intravital microscopy to determine the effect of a selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist, GR79236 (1, 3 and 10 microg/kg i.v.), on neurogenic dural blood vessel dilation in anaesthetized rats. Vasodilation was evoked either by electrical stimulation of perivascular trigeminal nerves or by intravenous CGRP. GR79236 (1-10 microg/kg i.v.) caused a dose-dependent inhibition of neurogenic vasodilation, but had no significant effect on dural vasodilation caused by CGRP. GR79236 (1-3 microg/kg i.v.) had no effect on basal dural vessel diameter, but caused transient dose-dependant bradycardia and hypotension. Bradycardia was more prolonged following 10 microg/kg i.v. GR79236. Pre-treatment with the adenosine A1 receptor antagonist DPCPX (1 mg/kg i.v.) prevented the inhibitory effect of GR79236 (10 microg/kg i.v.) on neurogenic vasodilation as well as GR79236-induced bradycardia and hypotension. These data suggest that the inhibition of neurogenic vasodilation by GR79236 is mediated via the activation of prejunctional adenosine A1 receptors. Provided the systemic cardiovascular effects could be limited, such a mechanism may offer a novel approach to migraine therapy.

Receptor specificity and trigemino-vascular inhibitory actions of a novel 5-HT1B/1D receptor partial agonist, 311C90 (zolmitriptan).

1. 311C90 (zolmitriptan zomig: (S)-4[[3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-indol-5-yl]methyl]-2-oxazolidinone) is a novel 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist with proven efficacy in the acute treatment of migraine. Here, we describe the receptor specificity of the drug and its actions on trigeminal-evoked plasma protein extravasation into the dura mater of the anaesthetized guinea-pig. 2. At the "5-HT1B-like' receptor mediating vascular contraction (rabbit saphenous vein), the compound was a potent (p[A50] = 6.79 +/- 0.06) partial agonist achieving 77 +/- 4% of the maximum effect to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). In the same experiments, sumatriptan (p[A50] = 6.48 +/- 0.04) was half as potent as 311C90 and produced 97 +/- 2% of the 5-HT maximum effect. Studies in which receptor inactivation methods were used to estimate the affinity (pKA) and efficacy relative to 5-HT (tau rel) for each agonist confirmed that 311C90 exhibits higher affinity than sumatriptan (pKA = 6.63 +/- 0.04 and 6.16 +/- 0.03, respectively) and that both drugs are partial agonists relative to 5-HT (tau rel = 0.61 +/- 0.03 and 0.63 +/- 0.10, respectively, compared to 5-HT = 1.0). 3. Consistent with its effects in rabbit saphenous vein, 311C90 also produced concentration-dependent contractions of primate basilar artery and human epicardial coronary artery rings. In basilar artery, agonist potency (p[A50] = 6.92 +/- 0.07) was similar to that demonstrated in rabbit saphenous vein, again being 2-3 fold higher than for sumatriptan (p[A50] = 6.46 +/- 0.03). Both agonists produced about 50% of the maximum response obtained with 5-HT in the same preparations. In rings of human coronary artery, the absolute potency of 311C90 and sumatriptan was higher than in primate basilar artery (p[A50] = 7.3 +/- 0.1 and 6.7 +/- 0.1, respectively), but maximum effects relative to 5-HT were lower (37 +/- 8% and 35 +/- 7%, respectively). In both types of vessel, the inability of 5-HT1B/1D agonists to achieve the same maximum as the endogenous agonist 5-HT is explained by the additional presence of 5-HT2A receptors. 4. 311C90 displayed high affinity at human recombinant 5-HT1D (formerly 5-HT1D alpha) and 5-HT1B (formerly 5-HT1D beta) receptors in transfected CHO-K1 cell membranes (pIC50 values = 9.16 +/- 0.12 and 8.32 +/- 0.09, respectively). In intact cells, the drug produced concentration-dependent inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase (p[A50] = 9.9 and 9.5, respectively) achieving the same maximum effect as 5-HT. Excepting human recombinant 5-HT1A and 5-ht1F receptors at which the drug behaved as an agonist with modest affinity (pIC50 = 6.45 +/- 0.11 and 7.22 +/- 0.12, respectively), 311C90 exhibited low, or no detectable affinity (pKi or pKB < or = 5.5) at numerous other monoamine receptors, including other 5-HT receptor subtypes. 5. When administered to anaesthetized guinea-pigs ten minutes before unilateral electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion (1.2 mA, 5 Hz, 5 ms, 5 min), 311C90 (3-30 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) caused a dose-dependent inhibition of [125I]-albumin extravasation within the ipsilateral dura mater. At the same doses, the drug also produced dose-dependent falls in cranial vascular conductance (32.3 +/- 7.5% at 30 micrograms kg-1), as measured in the ear by laser doppler flowmetry. 6. These results show that 311C90, a novel member of the 5-HT1B/1D agonist drug class, exhibits a high degree of pharmacological specificity. Its potent partial agonist action at "5-HT1B-like' receptors in intracranial arteries, coupled with potent agonism at 5-HT1D and 5-HT1B receptors and an ability to inhibit neurogenic plasma protein extravasation in the dura, are consistent with its utility as an effective acute treatment for migraine.

Perivascular innervation is lost in experimental atherosclerosis.

Nerve fibers, immunohistochemically positive for neuropeptide Y, tyrosine hydroxylase, calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P, form a perivascular network surrounding the carotid arteries of New Zealand White rabbits. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrates that the nerve fibers are primarily located at the adventitial-medial border. Placing a silastic collar around a carotid artery for 14 days, in rabbits fed a diet high in cholesterol, resulted in a focal, intimal thickening in 10 out of 12 rabbits. Contralateral sham-operated arteries showed no intimal thickening. At sites where intimal thickening occurred, there was a disappearance of the perivascular nerve network. The carotid arteries from rabbits that did not respond to the collar and the sham-operated carotid arteries showed an intact and normal perivascular nerve network. In the group of animals which responded to the collar with intimal thickening, there was evidence of a proliferative response proximal to the collar and in this same tissue there was evidence of degeneration of nerve fibers. In conclusion, it has been demonstrated for the first time that, in regions of the carotid artery where intimal thickening occurred, there was an associated degeneration of the perivascular nerve network. The cause of this degeneration and its functional consequences require further investigation.

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.

Magnetic resonance imaging in a model of atherosclerosis: use of a collar around the rabbit carotid artery.

Transverse cardiac-cycle gated high resolution magnetic resonance images have been obtained from the neck of the New Zealand white rabbit both in normal animals and from those in which a collar had been earlier positioned around one carotid artery. The study included animals fed on normal and on high cholesterol diets with the surgical modification having been demonstrated previously to cause a rapid and reproducible lesion resembling early atherosclerosis. The aim of the work was to investigate the attainable spatial resolution and sensitivity at a field strength of 2 T using a large radiofrequency transmitter system and a surface coil receiver with which spin-echo images have been obtained. Visualization was enhanced using a three-dimensional interpolation technique. An image resolution of 200 microns was readily obtained but was shown to be insufficient for delineating pathological features within the artery wall such as intimal layer thickening. The results have been compared with histopathological findings which confirmed that any morphological changes were within the pixel resolution of the image. Extensions to the methodology are proposed which should be able to detect atherosclerotic changes with a resolution of 50 microns within a feasible imaging time. In addition, the MRI study of how the surgical intervention alters the artery shape and curvature was carried out and the MRI demonstrated that collar implantation in general does not occlude the artery and causes only a slight and gradual degree of curvature to the vessel.

Lipid characterization in an animal model of atherosclerosis using NMR spectroscopy and imaging.

High resolution 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic measurements including 1H/13C 2D correlation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, have been carried out on intact rabbit aortic tissues ex vivo using animals fed both normal and high cholesterol diets. The results show that 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy can distinguish mobile lipids and can differentiate between normal triglyceride content and cholesterol-enriched lipids, in intact tissue, There were considerable differences in the level of deposition of cholesteryl esters in animals all fed on the same diet. Confirmation is presented of temperature-dependent differences in mobility and organization between the triglycerides found in control tissue and the cholesteryl esters found in aortas from high lipid diet animals. Water-suppressed MRI showed evidence of lipid accumulation in the aortas of high cholesterol diet rabbits. It is concluded that the hypercholesterolaemic rabbit model of atherosclerosis, coupled with such NMR methods, may offer a noninvasive method of monitoring disease development, allowing the evaluation of the effect of therapeutic agents on the progress of atherosclerosis.

Rapid development of atherosclerotic lesions in the rabbit carotid artery induced by perivascular manipulation.

A new rabbit model of atherosclerosis is described in which several of the features seen in early human atherosclerosis are generated within a period of 7 days. The positioning of a hollow silastic collar around the carotid artery of a cholesterol-fed rabbit results in macrophage and smooth muscle cell infiltration into the arterial subendothelium, foam cell formation and the deposition of extracellular lipid. A time-dependent accumulation of extracellular cholesteryl ester occurs within the arterial wall. Each of these changes occurs in the presence of a morphologically intact endothelium as assessed using light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A high cholesterol diet did not affect the extent of proliferation but exacerbated cholesteryl ester accumulation. It is proposed that the changes induced by the collar may be mediated by obstruction of the adventitial vasa vasorum with the creation of a localised ischaemic region.

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.

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.

Enhanced in-vivo platelet release reaction, increased thromboxane synthesis, and decreased prostacyclin release after tourniquet ischaemia.

Plasma beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG), a marker of in-vivo platelet release reaction, was measured in 27 meniscectomy patients, 10 patients who underwent total knee replacements (TKR) (both procedures performed under tourniquet ischaemia), and 10 herniorrhaphy patients. In 22 meniscectomy and 7 TKR patients plasma-thromboxane-B2 (TxB2), a stable end-product of thromboxane-synthetase activity, was also determined. The mean plasma beta-TG and TxB2 had risen significantly within 5 min of release of the tourniquet, indicating increased in-vivo platelet release reaction and prostaglandin synthesis in these patients. In the herniorrhaphy patients beta-TG and TxB2 did not alter significantly postoperatively. In 6 pigs (weighing 20-30 kg) who underwent meniscectomy under tourniquet ischaemia plasma TxB2 rose significantly 15-30 min after release of the tourniquet, and prostacyclin release was significantly lower from veins exposed to ischaemia than from control veins. Large de-endothelialised areas were seen on scanning electron-micrographic sections of affected veins, and these areas were covered with a monolayer of platelets and platelet clumps. These changes associated with tourniquet ischaemia may explain the high incidence of venous thrombosis seen in patients undergoing meniscectomy and TKR.

Investigation of the role of extracellular calcium in the control of acid secretion in the isolated whole stomach of the rat.

1 An isolated stomach preparation from immature rats has been used to study the role of extracellular calcium in the control of gastric acid secretion. Calcium was removed from both the serosal and mucosal solutions either in the absence of a chelating agent or in the presence of EGTA.2 Removal of calcium in the absence of EGTA had no significant effect on basal acid secretion or the acid responses to gastrin and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (db cyclic AMP). Under the same conditions there was a marked potentiation of the acid response to histamine, and a reduction of the acid response to acetylcholine which was readily reversed on restoring calcium to the bathing solutions.3 Removal of calcium in the presence of EGTA caused an inhibition of basal acid secretion and of the acid responses to histamine and db cyclic AMP. In each case this reduction in acid output was readily reversed on bathing the stomachs in normal calcium-containing (2.5 mM Ca(2+)) EGTA-free solutions.4 The inhibition of the acid response to histamine produced by Ca(2+)-free solutions which contained EGTA was not reversed on bathing the stomachs in solutions that contained both EGTA (0.1 mM) and an excess of calcium (2.5 mM).5 The removal of extracellular calcium in the absence of EGTA provided evidence that the secretion of H(+) ions is dependent under some conditions on calcium ions. The possibility cannot be excluded that EGTA itself exerts an inhibitory influence on the process of acid secretion.