Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor assays.

The cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs), LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4, lipid products derived from arachidonic acid metabolism, have been implicated in the pathophysiology of several inflammatory diseases, in particular, asthma. This unit describes techniques and applications for the measurement of contractile responses to the CysLTs in isolated smooth muscle preparations. The contractions are assessed by standard methods for the isometric measurement of responses (contractile or relaxant) of isolated tissues to exogenous agonists, and a detailed description of the methods employed to assess CysLT-induced contractions in guinea-pig trachea is outlined. However, the same general methodology (other than parameters such as dissection for non-airway tissues) are appropriate for measuring CysLT-induced contractions in airway preparations from other animals, and in non-airways tissues (e.g., the gastrointestinal tract) from different species, and also in exploring the relaxant responses to the CysLTs that have been demonstrated in some tissues (e.g., pulmonary vein or artery).

Endothelin receptors and calcium translocation pathways in human airways.

Tension and phosphatidyl inositol (PI) turnover experiments were conducted to investigate the receptors and signal transduction pathways responsible for contractions elicited by endothelin (ET) ligands in human bronchus. Nicardipine (1 microM), the L-type calcium channel inhibitor, or incubation in Ca2+-free medium, produced marked inhibition of contractions to the ET(B) receptor-selective agonist, sarafotoxin S6c, and especially those induced by KCl. In contrast, Ca2+-free medium was without appreciable effect against contraction produced by endothelin-1 (ET-1), the non-selective ET(A) and ET(B) receptor agonist. In Ca2+-free medium, ryanodine (10 microM), which inhibits intracellular calcium mobilization, reduced sarafotoxin S6c- and ET-1-induced responses, but was without effect on responses to KCl. Similarly, nickel chloride (Ni2+; 1 mM) caused marked inhibition of contractions induced by sarafotoxin S6c or ET-1, but had no significant effect on KCI concentration-response curves. The mixed ET(A)/ET(B) receptor antagonist SB 209670 (3 microM) inhibited responses to sarafotoxin S6c and ET-1 such that concentration-response curves were shifted rightward, at the 30% maximum response level, by 10.0- and 3.8-fold, respectively, whereas BQ-123 (3 microM), the ET(A) receptor antagonist, was without effect on responses induced by either agonist. ET-1 (1 nM-0.3 microM) caused a concentration-dependent stimulation of PI turnover, whereas sarafotoxin S6c (0.3 nM-0.1 microM) induced only small and variable increases, except at the highest concentration. The increase in PI turnover evoked by ET-1 was inhibited by SB 209670 (3 microM), and also by BQ-123 (3 microM). This is consistent with linkage of ET(A) receptors to activation of inositol phosphate generation in human bronchial smooth muscle cells. Collectively, the data suggest that differences exist in the relative contributions of intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ mobilization mechanisms elicited by ET(A) and ET(B) receptor activation. Thus, sarafotoxin S6c-induced, ET(B) receptor-mediated contraction in human bronchial smooth muscle appears to be dependent, in part, upon extracellular Ca2+, although a significant component of the response was also mediated by intracellular Ca2+ release, including from ryanodine-sensitive stores. ET(A) receptor-mediated contraction of human airway smooth muscle was activated largely via the release of intracellular Ca2+.

Identification, molecular cloning, expression, and characterization of a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor.

The cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) have been implicated in the pathophysiology of inflammatory disorders, in particular asthma, for which the CysLT receptor antagonists pranlukast, zafirlukast, and montelukast, have been introduced recently as novel therapeutics. Here we report on the molecular cloning, expression, localization, and pharmacological characterization of a CysLT receptor (CysLTR), which was identified by ligand fishing of orphan seven-transmembrane-spanning, G protein-coupled receptors. This receptor, expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells responded selectively to the individual CysLTs, LTC(4), LTD(4), or LTE(4), with a calcium mobilization response; the rank order potency was LTD(4) (EC(50) = 2.5 nM) > LTC(4) (EC(50) = 24 nM) > LTE(4) (EC(50) = 240 nM). Evidence was provided that LTE(4) is a partial agonist at this receptor. [(3)H]LTD(4) binding and LTD(4)-induced calcium mobilization in HEK-293 cells expressing the CysLT receptor were potently inhibited by the structurally distinct CysLTR antagonists pranlukast, montelukast, zafirlukast, and pobilukast; the rank order potency was pranlukast = zafirlukast > montelukast > pobilukast. LTD(4)-induced calcium mobilization in HEK-293 cells expressing the CysLT receptor was not affected by pertussis toxin, and the signal appears to be the result of the release from intracellular stores. Localization studies indicate the expression of this receptor in several tissues, including human lung, human bronchus, and human peripheral blood leukocytes. The discovery of this receptor, which has characteristics of the purported CysLT(1) receptor subtype, should assist in the elucidation of the pathophysiological roles of the CysLTs and in the identification of additional receptor subtypes.

Characterization of endothelin release from guinea-pig tracheal epithelium: influence of proinflammatory mediators including major basic protein.

The characteristics of endothelin (ET) release from guinea-pig tracheal epithelium were investigated, including examination of the effects of several pro-inflammatory mediators. In confluent cultured guinea-pig tracheal epithelial cells (GPTECs) there was a time-dependent basal release of immunoreactive ET (ir-ET) from 4-48 h. Basal ir-ET release from GPTECs was unaffected by the peptidase inhibitors, thiorphan (10 microM), benzamidine (1 mM), pepstatin-A (30 microM), aprotinin (1 microgram/ml), bacitracin (20 micrograms/ml) or leupetin (50 microM), but was inhibited by phosphoramidon, the neutral metalloprotease inhibitor (IC50 = 16.8 microM), or the calcium chelator, EGTA (10 mM). There was little ir-ET release 1 day after placing GPTECs in culture, although appreciable release (> 10-fold higher) was detected on days 5 and 7. No significant release of ir-ET was demonstrated from intact guinea-pig trachea. Human thrombin (0.1-10 U/ml), LPS (0.3-10 ng/ml) and the phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (0.1 nM-1 microM), significantly increased ir-ET release, whereas TNF-alpha (0.1-10 ng/ml), RANTES (0.1-100 nM), IL-1 (0.01-10 ng/ml), bradykinin (1 nM-10 microM), CGRP (0.01 nM-1 microM), PDGF (0.1-3 ng/ml), Sar9, Met(O2)11-Sub P, Nle10-NKA 4-10 and senktide (selective NK-1, NK-2 and NK-3 receptor agonists, respectively; 1 nM-10 microM), LTD4 (1 nM-10 microM) or major basic protein (10 nM-1 microM) were without stimulatory effect. The results indicate that the enzyme responsible for the basal release of ET from cultured GPTECs is a Ca(2+)-dependent, phosphoramidon-sensitive, neutral metalloprotease. Furthermore, normally there is minimal ET release from guinea-pig airway epithelium but this can be increased markedly by culturing the cells to confluence, and by select pro-inflammatory mediators.

Differential antagonism of airway contractile responses to prostaglandin (PG)D2 and 9 alpha, 11 beta-PGF2 by atropine, SK&F 88046 and SQ 29,548 in the guinea pig.

PGD2, the predominant prostanoid released from activated human lung mast cells, is metabolized to 9 alpha, 11 beta-PGF2 by an 11-ketoreductase. Both prostanoids contract mammalian airway smooth muscle. In the present study, aerosol administration of PGD2 or 9 alpha, 11 beta-PGF2 (five puffs of 10-50 micrograms/ml) to anesthetized, spontaneously breathing guinea pigs produced significant increases in airway resistance and decreases in dynamic lung compliance. The changes in airway resistance and dynamic lung compliance induced by 50 micrograms/ml were reduced approximately 60% and 25%, respectively, by pretreatment with atropine (1 mg/kg, i.v., -10 min). Pretreatment with the TxA2 receptor antagonist SK&F 88046 (N,N'-bis[7-(3-chlorobenzene aminosulfonyl)-1,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinolyl]disulfonylimide) (5 mg/kg, i.v., -10 min), nearly abolished the changes in airway resistance and dynamic lung compliance that were elicited by both agonists. Pretreatment with a TxA2 synthase inhibitor, CGS 13080 (10 mg/kg, i.v., -10 min), had no effect on PGD2- or 9 alpha, 11 beta-PGF2-induced bronchoconstriction, suggesting that these prostanoids did not provoke the release of TxA2. In vitro, PGD2, 9 alpha, 11 beta-PGF2 and a TxA2 mimic, U-44069, produced concentration-dependent contractions of the guinea pig isolated trachea with pD2s of 6.4, 6.0 and 7.2, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evidence that epithelium-dependent relaxation of vascular smooth muscle detected by co-axial bioassays is not attributable to hypoxia.

1. The present study was undertaken to examine further the contribution of hypoxia to airway epithelium-dependent relaxation of rat aorta in the co-axial bioassay. 2. Endothelium-denuded rat aorta contracted with phenylephrine (0.05 microM) relaxed in a time-dependent manner (t1/2 = 8.3 +/- 0.4 min, n = 38) when the bathing solution was bubbled with 95% N2 and 5% CO2. In co-axial bioassays, the t1/2 for histamine (100 microM; guinea-pig trachea)- and methacholine (100 microM; rabbit bronchus)- induced relaxation was 1.9 +/- 0.2 min (n = 14) and 1.2 +/- 0.1 min (n = 26), respectively. 3. Hypoxia-induced relaxation was not associated with a rise in intracellular guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP). This contrasts with previous findings of an elevation in cyclic GMP associated with epithelium-dependent relaxation of rat aorta in co-axial bioassays. 4. Hypoxia-induced vascular relaxation was antagonized by the ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker, glibenclamide (100 microM). In contrast, glibenclamide (100 microM) failed to inhibit histamine (100 microM; guinea-pig trachea)- and methacholine (0.1-100 microM; rabbit bronchus)-induced release of epithelium-derived inhibitory factor (EpDIF), in co-axial bioassays. Glibenclamide (100 microM) antagonized BRL 38227 (lemakalin), but not isoprenaline-induced relaxation of phenylephrine-contracted rat aorta. 5. These data strongly suggest that the airway epithelium-dependent relaxant responses observed in co-axial bioassays cannot be attributed to hypoxia.

Correlation between airway epithelium-induced relaxation of rat aorta in the co-axial bioassay and cyclic nucleotide levels.

1. In co-axial bioassays, in the presence of indomethacin, addition of histamine (100 microM) or methacholine (100 microM) to guinea-pig trachea produced an epithelium-dependent relaxation of precontracted rat aorta which was associated with an approximately 2 fold elevation in tissue levels of guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP). Removal of the airway epithelium abolished the histamine-induced relaxation of rat aorta and the associated increase in intracellular cyclic GMP. 2. Epithelium-dependent relaxation was not associated with altered adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) levels in rat aorta. Unstimulated intact or denuded guinea-pig trachea also did not affect the levels of cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP in rat aorta. 3. Methylene blue (10 microM) abolished the methacholine-induced, endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF)-mediated rise in intracellular cyclic GMP in rat endothelium-intact aorta alone. In contrast, methylene blue (10 microM) did not affect the methacholine-induced epithelium-dependent rise in intracellular cyclic GMP in rat endothelium-denuded aorta in the co-axial bioassay. 4. Relaxation of the rat aorta without endothelium was associated with increased levels of cyclic GMP (but not cyclic AMP) in response to sodium nitroprusside (5 nM) and of cyclic AMP (but not cyclic GMP) in response to isoprenaline (1 microM). 5. These results provide evidence that the postulated epithelium-derived inhibitory factor (EpDIF) may produce relaxation of vascular tissue via elevation in cyclic GMP levels. Furthermore, some data suggest that EpDIF may act by stimulation of the particulate, rather than the soluble form of guanylate cyclase.

Pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic profile of SK&F S-106203, a potent, orally active peptidoleukotriene receptor antagonist, in guinea-pig.

In this report the pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic profile of the leukotriene receptor antagonist 3(S)-[(2-carboxyethyl)thio]-3-[2-(8-phenyloctyl)phenyl] propanoic acid (SK&F S-106203) in guinea-pigs is described. In isolated guinea-pig tracheae SK&F S-106203 was a potent, competitive antagonist of leukotriene (LT) D4-induced contractions (pA2 = 7.6). SK&F S-106203 was also a potent antagonist of LTE4-induced contractions (pKB = 7.3), but had little effect on those elicited by LTC4 (pKB = 5.5). SK&F S-106203 (10 microM) had no effect on contractions produced by histamine, carbachol, KCl, U-44069, PGF2 alpha or PGD2. In addition, SK&F S-106203 (10 microM) did not inhibit cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity of several PDE isozymes. In guinea-pig lung membrane preparations, SK&F S-106203 was a potent antagonist of 3H-LTD4 binding with a Ki = 19.4 +/- 2.1 nM (n = 5). The pharmacokinetic profile of SK&F S-106203 was determined in unanesthetized guinea-pigs. Following an i.v. (bolus) dose (25 mg/kg), SK&F S-106203 disappeared from plasma in a biphasic fashion with half-lives of 0.1 h (50% of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve, AUC) and 11 h. The AUC obtained for SK&F S-106203 following i.v. administration was 87.3 +/- 7.5 micrograms-h/ml. Following an oral dose of SK&F S-106203 (100 mg/kg), the maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) and the time Cmax was achieved (Tmax) were 21.62 +/- 2.26 micrograms/ml and 4 +/- 1 h, respectively; the AUC was 279.9 +/- 41.8 micrograms-h/ml. Studies examining the effects of i.v. infusion of SK&F S-106203 revealed that marked inhibition of LTD4-induced bronchospasm was produced with steady-state plasma levels of SK&F S-106203 less than 1 microgram/ml (less than 2 microM). Oral (p.o.) pretreatment with 100 mumol/kg SK&F S-106203 for up to 24 h essentially abolished LTD4-induced bronchospasm; this correlated with sustained plasma concentrations of greater than 2 micrograms/ml. The results indicate that in guinea-pig airways, SK&F S-106203 is a potent and selective LT receptor antagonist that is active via aerosol, oral and i.v. routes of administration. When given orally, SK&F S-106203 is highly bioavailable and has a very long duration of action which correlates with the pharmacokinetic profile of the compound. SK&F S-106203 may be useful therapy in asthma and other disorders in which the LTs are thought to play a prominent pathophysiological role.

Is the epithelium-derived inhibitory factor in guinea-pig trachea a prostanoid?

To examine further the possible prostanoid involvement in the influence of the epithelium on guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle responsiveness, we have analyzed the effects of LTD4, methacholine and histamine on the level of airway smooth muscle tone and on the amounts of PGE2, PGF2 alpha and PGI2 (determined by radioimmunoassay) in the presence and absence of the epithelium. Removal of the epithelium increased the sensitivity of guinea-pig trachea to the contractile effects of LTD4, methacholine and histamine. LTD4 (3-100 nM), methacholine (0.1-10 microM) or histamine (0.3-30 microM) did not increase prostanoid release above control values in either the presence or absence of the epithelium. The unstimulated release of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha, but not PGI2, was decreased in tissues lacking epithelium. Indomethacin (1 microM) reduced the baseline tone to a smaller extent in the absence of epithelium. In the presence but not the absence of the epithelium, indomethacin increased the sensitivity of preparations to the contractile effect of methacholine. The results support the postulate of an epithelium-derived inhibitory factor modulating guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle responsiveness. The identity of this factor is not known but is not PGI2 and is unlikely to be PGF2 alpha or PGE2. However, the possibility remains that the basal release of PGE2 and/or PGF2 alpha derived from the epithelium may markedly affect the responsiveness of guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle. Furthermore, the epithelium is a significant source of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha which may be involved in the maintenance of baseline tone.

Functional antagonism by salbutamol suggests differences in the relative efficacies and dissociation constants of the peptidoleukotrienes in guinea pig trachea.

To assimilate information about the relative efficacies and affinities of the peptidoleukotrienes, the ability of the beta adrenoceptor agonist salbutamol to antagonize functionally contractions produced by leukotrienes (LT)C4, LTD4 and LTE4 was examined in the guinea pig trachea. There was a marked gradation in the sensitivity of LT-induced responses to antagonism by pretreatment with salbutamol (0.01-1.0 microM): LTC4 less than LTD4 less than LTE4. These data suggest marked differences in the receptor reserve for the LTs. However, this postulate is not supported by the finding that the magnitude of the ratio for the estimated dissociation constant, KA, and EC50 values, which provides an indirect measure of the relative receptor reserve, were similar: LTC4 = 4.50, LTD4 = 10.54 and LTE4 = 3.18. Substantial differences were apparent in the estimated KA values: LTC4 = 2.88 nM, LTD4 = 11.8 and LTE4 = 46.4 nM. In the presence of a maximally effective concentration of LTE4 (1 or 10 microM), addition of LTD4 (1 or 10 microM) produced further contraction of the tissue whereas the reverse was not the case. Furthermore, in the presence of salbutamol (70 nM), LTE4 (0.1 microM) produced a 3.6-fold rightward shift in LTD4 concentration-response curves with no effect on the maximum contractile response; a pKB of 7.42 was calculated for LTE4. The results suggest that the large differences in the ability of pretreatment with salbutamol to inhibit contractions produced by LTC4, LTD4 or LTE4 are not attributable solely to corresponding differences in receptor reserve for the individual LTs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Is the guinea pig trachea a good in vitro model of human large and central airways? Comparison on leukotriene-, methacholine-, histamine- and antigen-induced contractions.

To analyze comprehensively the relevance of the guinea pig trachea as a model of human large and central airways, the contractile effects of the peptidoleukotrienes (LTs), histamine, methacholine and antigen on guinea pig and human airways were compared in vitro. Although some differences were apparent, LTC4, LTD4, LTE4, histamine and methacholine had comparable EC50 values and elicited similar maximal responses in both guinea pig trachea and human bronchus (second-seventh generation). In the presence of l-serine borate (45 mM), LTC4 concentration-response curves were shifted significantly to the left in guinea pig trachea but not in human bronchus. Furthermore, the LT receptor antagonists (SK&F 102922 and FPL 55712) had similar potencies against LTC4- and LTD4-induced contractions of human bronchus, whereas, in the guinea pig trachea, they were much more effective antagonists of responses produced by LTD4 than those elicited by LTC4. These results provide further evidence that, unlike in human bronchus, LTC4- and LTD4-induced contractions in the guinea pig trachea are mediated via distinct leukotriene receptors. Ovalbumin-induced contractions of actively sensitized guinea pig tracheae exhibited the same profile as anti-immunoglobulin E-induced contractions of the passively sensitized human bronchus. Furthermore, antigen-induced contractions in both the guinea pig trachea and human bronchus possessed a similar sensitivity to inhibition by mepyramine (10 microM) and the LT antagonists (10 microM), added either alone or in combination. These results indicate that the isolated guinea pig trachea is a suitable model of human large and central airways.

Pharmacologic profile of SK&F 104353: a novel, potent and selective peptidoleukotriene receptor antagonist in guinea pig and human airways.

In this report, we describe the in vitro and in vivo pharmacologic profile of 2(S)-hydroxy-3(R)-[(2-carboxyethyl)thio]-3-[2-(8-phenyloctyl)pheny l]- propanoic acid (SK&F 104353) in guinea pig and human airways. In the isolated guinea pig trachea, SK&F 104353 was a potent, competitive antagonist of leukotriene (LT) D4-induced contractions (pA2 = 8.6). In contrast, SK&F 104353 produced little effect on LTC4 concentration-response curves under conditions where the bioconversion of LTC4 to LTD4 was inhibited. LTE4-induced contractions in guinea pig trachea were sensitive to inhibition by SK&F 104353 (pKB greater than 8.9). SK&F 104353 (10 microM) had no intrinsic contractile activity and was without effect on contractions produced by KCl, histamine, prostaglandin D2, platelet-activating factor or U-44069 in guinea pig trachea. Furthermore, unlike other purported LT antagonists, LT 171883 and FPL 55712, SK&F 104353 (30 microM) did not inhibit cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity measured in homogenates from canine tracheal smooth muscle. In the isolated human bronchus, SK&F 104353 produced concentration-dependent rightward shifts in LTD4 concentration-response curves and, unlike in guinea pig trachea, was an effective antagonist of LTC4-induced contractions with a pKB of 8.0 to 8.4. This provides further evidence that, in contrast to guinea pig airways, responses produced by LTC4 and LTD4 in human bronchus appear to be mediated via the same LT receptor population. SK&F 104353 was also an effective antagonist of LTE4-induced responses in human bronchus (pKB greater than 8.2).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Differential effects of epithelium removal on the responsiveness of guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle to bronchoconstrictors.

1 The influence of the epithelium on contractions produced by the peptidoleukotrienes, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and the thromboxane mimetic, U-44069, was examined in trachea from control and ovalbumin-sensitized guinea-pigs. 2 In control tissues removal of the epithelium produced an approximately 2 to 4 fold leftward shift in leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and LTD4 concentration-response curves, but no effect on LTE4-induced contractions. Similar results were obtained in preparations from ovalbumin-sensitized animals. 3 Responses produced by 5-HT or U-44069 were similar in the presence and absence of the epithelium in control guinea-pigs. 4 Indomethacin produced contrasting effects on leukotriene-induced contractions in control guinea-pigs: an increase in sensitivity to LTC4 in the presence but not absence of the epithelium, no effect on LTD4-induced contractions and a decrease in sensitivity to LTE4 in both epithelium-containing and epithelium-free preparations. 5 These results indicate that there is selectivity in the effects of epithelium removal on agonist-induced contractions of the guinea-pig trachea. This provides further evidence for the modulatory influence of the epithelium on the reactivity of mammalian airway smooth muscle and supports the postulated existence of an epithelium-derived inhibitory factor. The observation that in intact trachea indomethacin mimics the effects of epithelium removal on LTC4-induced responses, suggests the involvement of a prostanoid(s) in this phenomenon.

The development of tone in the smooth muscle of guinea-pig isolated tracheal preparations may be influenced by prostanoids released from the adjacent airway cartilage.

Guinea-pig tracheal strip preparations containing cartilage, placed under an applied load in vitro, develop tone spontaneously. The finding that spontaneous tone is reduced by indomethacin suggests that one or more prostanoids are involved in the development of spontaneous tone in this species. In this study we examined the effects of removing the cartilage component of the preparations on changes in tone induced by indomethacin and isoproterenol. In contrast to preparations containing cartilage, tissues devoid of cartilage, did not develop tone after the application of an initial 1 g resting load. Indomethacin (1 microM) reduced resting tone by 0.62 +/- 0.14 g in cartilage-containing tissues but, in contrast, reduced tone by only 0.03 +/- 0.01 g in tissues devoid of cartilage. Furthermore, relaxation responses (0.38 +/- 0.05 g) to isoproterenol (1 microM) could be produced in cartilage-containing preparations but not in cartilage-free preparations. Radioimmunoassays indicated that the release of PGE2, PGF2 alpha and 6-keto PGF1 alpha, the end-product of PGI2 breakdown, was diminished in preparations lacking cartilage. Thus, in guinea-pig airway preparations cartilage is apparently a source of sufficient prostanoids to induce spontaneous tone.

Demonstration of the release of an epithelium-derived inhibitory factor from a novel preparation of guinea-pig trachea.

Using a novel preparation of guinea-pig trachea, direct evidence was obtained for the release of an epithelium-derived inhibitory factor modulating contractions elicited by antigen. Thus, epithelium removal produced a 6.1-fold leftward shift in ovalbumin concentration-response curves in tracheal strips from ovalbumin-sensitized guinea-pigs. This increase in sensitivity to ovalbumin was not evident when a tracheal portion containing epithelium was positioned in close proximity to the tissue from which tension was recorded.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies of a series of 5-aryl-4,6-dithianonanedioic acids and related compounds: a novel class of leukotriene antagonists.

A series of 5-alkynyl- and 5-aryl-4,6-dithianonanedioic acids and related compounds has been prepared for evaluation of leukotriene antagonist activity. The alkynyl compounds were prepared by thioacetal exchange from the corresponding acetylenic acetals. The aryl derivatives were synthesized from the appropriate benzaldehydes, most of which were prepared by one of three general routes: Meyers' oxazolin method, a palladium coupling procedure, and a hydroxybenzaldehyde alkylation. The analogues were examined in vitro for their ability to antagonize an LTD4-induced contraction of isolated guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle and to compete with [3H]LTD4 for receptor sites on guinea pig lung membrane. A number of structure-activity relationships have emerged from this study. There is an optimal chain length of 10-12 atoms (or its equivalent) in the lipid tail and two methylenes in the polar region. In the aromatic series, the ortho- and meta-substituted compounds have comparable activity, whereas the para derivatives are inactive. Substitution in the aromatic ring and lipid tail is generally well tolerated, with the terminal phenyl (6) and acetylene (33) analogues having especially good activity. Conformational restriction of either the polar region or lipid tail produced compounds devoid of activity. A number of selected analogues were also evaluated in vivo as antagonists of LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig. The data established these compounds as a novel class of leukotriene antagonists with potential utility for the treatment of asthma and other immediate hypersensitivity diseases.

Differences in the ability of salbutamol to prevent and reverse LTC4-induced contractions of the guinea-pig isolated trachea: influence of l-serine borate.

In the presence of l-serine borate, salbutamol was much more effective in reversing rather than preventing LTC4-induced contractions of guinea-pig trachea. This suggests that different mechanisms are involved in initiating versus maintaining LTC4-induced contractions. In addition, the ability of salbutamol pretreatment to prevent LTC4-induced contractions was reduced substantially in the presence of l-serine borate, suggesting that the metabolites of LTC4 (LTD4 and LTE4) are more sensitive to inhibition by beta-adrenoceptor agonists than is LTC4 itself.

Effect of calcium antagonists on the biosynthesis and contractile effects of peptidoleukotrienes in rhesus monkey lung.

Anti-human Ig (immunoglobulin) E induced the release of 2.84 +/- 0.33 ng/ml of immunoreactive leukotrienes (iLTs) from passively sensitized, fragmented rhesus monkey lung, whereas tissue not challenged with anti-IgE released 0.21 +/- 0.08 ng/ml of iLTs spontaneously. Whereas the preferential lipoxygenase inhibitor, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (100 microM), inhibited completely anti-IgE-induced release of iLTs, the calcium channel entry blockers, nifedipine and verapamil (1 and 10 microM), and the purported intracellular calcium antagonist, TMB-8 (100 microM), were without affect on iLT release. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (5 microM), potentiated iLT release by an average 27.7%. Anti-IgE also induced a contraction of the sensitized monkey lung parenchyma, which was partially suppressed by the antihistamine, mepyramine (10 microM). Against the residual contraction elicited by anti-IgE in the presence of mepyramine, neither FPL 55712 (10 microM) nor verapamil (10 microM) significantly suppressed the contractile activity of anti-IgE. On the monkey lung parenchyma, LTD4 elicited a concentration-dependent contraction, which was antagonized by FPL 55712 (KB = 1 microM) and suppressed by 40 to 50% by verapamil (10 microM). On monkey tracheal rings, the contraction elicited by LTD4 (30 nM) was suppressed by an average 83% by FPL 55712 (10 microM), 47% by verapamil (1 microM) and 45% by TMB-8 (100 microM). In contrast, the KCI-induced contraction was suppressed completely by verapamil and suppressed 79% by TMB-8, suggesting that LTD4 does not elicit contraction of the monkey trachea simply via voltage sensitive calcium entry.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)