Inhibition of cyclooxygenases by dipyrone.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dipyrone is a potent analgesic drug that has been demonstrated to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX). In contrast to classical COX-inhibitors, such as aspirin-like drugs, dipyrone has no anti-inflammatory effect and a low gastrointestinal toxicity, indicating a different mode of action. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of dipyrone on COX. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The four major metabolites of dipyrone, including the two pharmacologically active metabolites, 4-methyl-amino-antipyrine (MAA) and amino-antipyrine (AA), were used to characterise their binding to COX and haem as well as their effects on the biochemical properties of COX. Mass spectrometry, UV and visible photometry were used to study binding and prostaglandin production. Levels of anti-oxidant enzymes were assessed by Western blotting. KEY RESULTS: The pharmacologically active metabolites of dipyrone, MAA and AA, did not inhibit COX activity in vitro like classical COX inhibitors, but instead redirected the prostaglandin synthesis, ruling out inhibition of COX through binding to its active site. We found that MAA and AA formed stable complexes with haem and reacted with hydrogen peroxide in presence of haem, ferrous ions (Fe(2+)) or COX. Moreover, MAA reduced Fe(3+) to Fe(2+) and accordingly increased lipid peroxidation and the expression of anti-oxidant enzymes in cultured cells and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Our data suggest that the pharmacologically active metabolites of dipyrone inhibit COX activity by sequestering radicals which initiate the catalytic activity of this enzyme or through the reduction of the oxidative states of the COX protein.

Facilitation of signal onset and termination by adenylyl cyclase.

The alpha subunit (Gsalpha) of the stimulatory heterotrimeric guanosine triphosphate binding protein (G protein) Gs activates all isoforms of mammalian adenylyl cyclase. Adenylyl cyclase (Type V) and its subdomains, which interact with Gsalpha, promoted inactivation of the G protein by increasing its guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activity. Adenylyl cyclase and its subdomains also augmented the receptor-mediated activation of heterotrimeric Gs and thereby facilitated the rapid onset of signaling. These findings demonstrate that adenylyl cyclase functions as a GTPase activating protein (GAP) for the monomeric Gsalpha and enhances the GTP/GDP exchange factor (GEF) activity of receptors.