Subjective and objective features of sore throat

This study examines the relationship between the symptom of sore throat and the signs of pharyngitis. Patients seeking medical attention for sore throat were examined by their physician, who documented findings on a Tonsillopharyngitis Score (TPS) and obtained a throat culture. Each patient was then instructed by the physician's assistant to characterize the severity of throat pain on a Sore Throat Pain Intensity Scale (STPIS) and Sore Throat Questionnaire. A high positive correlation was found for the STPIS and TPS but not for these findings and the cause of pharyngitis. A similar association was found between the relative severity of throat pain and the words patients use to describe it. This new method objectively confirms the subjective rating of sore throat pain.

Comparison of the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist profiles of idazoxan (RX 781094), yohimbine, rauwolscine and corynanthine

In the present studies the potency and selectivity of idazoxan (RX 781094) were compared with yohimbine and its diastereoisomers rauwolscine and corynanthine in both functional studies and radioligand binding experiments. Prejunctional alpha 2- and postjunctional alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist potencies were assessed by determining pA2 values against clonidine on the stimulated rat was deferens and noradrenaline on the anococcygeus muscle, respectively. The rank order of prejunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist potency was idazoxan greater than yohimbine greater than rauwolscine much greater than corynanthine. At postjunctional alpha 1-adrenoceptors the rank order of antagonist potency was rauwolscine greater than corynanthine greater than yohimbine greater than idazoxan. The selectivity values (alpha 2/alpha 1) for idazoxan, yohimbine, rauwolscine and corynanthine were 245, 45, 3 and 0.03 respectively. The selectivity and potency profiles established for these antagonists in functional studies were confirmed in radioligand binding studies utilising 3H-idazoxan (alpha 2) and 3H-prazosin (alpha 1) in rat cerebral cortex. In pithed rats intravenously administered idazoxan, yohimbine and rauwolscine fully reversed the inhibitory effects of clonidine on electrically-induced contractions of the vas deferens; idazoxan was approximately ten times more potent than both yohimbine and rauwolscine. Corynanthine was inactive. Idazoxan and yohimbine also fully antagonised the inhibitory effects of guanabenz on electrically-induced contractions of the anococcygeus muscle; idazoxan again was more than ten times more potent than yohimbine in this model. The inhibitory effects of guanabenz were less readily antagonised by rauwolscine indicating that the selectivity of this compound is less than that of yohimbine in this tissue. Corynanthine was again inactive.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evidence for pharmacological similarity between alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the vas deferens and central nervous system of the rat

Seven alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists with diverse chemical structures have been examined for their effects at alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the vas deferens and central nervous system of the rat. Antagonist potency assessed against the presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist action of clonidine in the isolated vas deferens (RX 781094 greater than Wy 26703 greater than yohimbine greater than rauwolscine greater than piperoxan greater than mianserin greater than RS 21361) was highly correlated with the ability of these drugs to displace saturable [3H]-RX 781094 binding from cerebral cortex membranes. Similarly, antagonist potency in the vas deferens was highly correlated with antagonist activity in reversing the centrally-mediated mydriasis induced by the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, guanoxabenz, in pentobarbitone-anaesthetized rats. The results indicate that the presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the vas deferens are pharmacologically similar to characterized these alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the central nervous system of the rat.

Common anionic receptor site hypothesis: its relevance to the antagonist action of naloxone

Appropriate modification of 14 beta-methoxy- and 14 beta-ethoxycodeinone (prepared by alkylation of 14 beta-hydroxycodeinone) has generated four alkoxy analogues (3a-d) of naloxone and naltrexone. These agents were pure narcotic antagonists in contradiction to the predictions of the common anionic receptor site hypothesis, postulated to be of importance in the enhanced antagonism of naloxone. The molecular change from allyl to cyclopropylmethyl on the N atom increased selectivity of these antagonists for the mu receptor to the same extent as found for naloxone. Increase in the length of the C14 O-substituent had no effect on receptor selectivity, and either formation in most cases did not significantly alter oral/parenteral ratios of durations of action.

[Transport and mode of action of sennosides]

Prior to attempting to develop a new laxative, pharmacodynamic studies were conducted on the individual active constituents of senna. Sennoside A, sennoside B and rhein were injected intravenously and were introduced into the isolated stomach, small bowel and large bowel of the anaesthetised pig. Blood, urine and bile, collected over 6 hours, were assayed by a novel fluorometric technique. Recoveries and measured oil water partition coefficients indicate that the sennosides are virtually non-absorbed in the stomach and small bowel. Following administrations outside the large bowel, anthracene derivative concentrations in the lumen and wall of the colon were below the limits of detection. Thus, a transport theory involving absorption and resecretion of sennosides into the large bowel is discounted. The results support a mode of action involving direct transport through the alimentary canal to the large bowel where micro-organism break the sugar-anthracene bonds. Derivatives of the liberated lipophilic aglycones are absorbed into the wall of the colon and stimulate the nerve plexuses thereby leading to defaecation. The "colon-specific" mode of action of the natural anthrone glycosides appears to be an ideal method of stimulating bowel action.

Inhibition of enzymes by alkylsalicylic acids

5-n-Alkylsalicylates inhibited a variety of enzymes that transform acidic substances, viz. glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glyoxalase, xanthine oxidase, carbonic anhydrase and D-amino-acid oxidase. Inhibitory potency rose to a peak at the n-nonyl derivative. None of the tests were of value, either singly or in combination, as screening processes for anti-inflammatory activity. The comparable results with a trinitrobenzaldehyde reagent suggest that the various inhibitions arise by non-specific association of the drugs with arginine and lysine residues in proteins.