Potent inhibition of NFAT activation and T cell cytokine production by novel low molecular weight pyrazole compounds

NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cell) proteins are expressed in most immune system cells and regulate the transcription of cytokine genes critical for the immune response. The activity of NFAT proteins is tightly regulated by the Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase 2B/calcineurin (CaN). Dephosphorylation of NFAT by CaN is required for NFAT nuclear localization. Current immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporin A and FK506 block CaN activity thus inhibiting nuclear translocation of NFAT and consequent cytokine gene transcription. The inhibition of CaN in cells outside of the immune system may contribute to the toxicities associated with cyclosporin A therapy. In a search for safer immunosuppressive drugs, we identified a series of 3,5-bistrifluoromethyl pyrazole (BTP) derivatives that block Th1 and Th2 cytokine gene transcription. The BTP compounds block the activation-dependent nuclear localization of NFAT as determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Confocal microscopy of cells expressing fluorescent-tagged NFAT confirmed that the BTP compounds block calcium-induced movement of NFAT from the cytosol to the nucleus. Inhibition of NFAT was selective because the BTP compounds did not affect the activation of NF-kappaB and AP-1 transcription factors. Treatment of intact T cells with the BTP compounds prior to calcium ionophore-induced activation of CaN caused NFAT to remain in a highly phosphorylated state. However, the BTP compounds did not directly inhibit the dephosphorylation of NFAT by CaN in vitro, nor did the drugs block the dephosphorylation of other CaN substrates including the type II regulatory subunit of protein kinase A and the transcription factor Elk-1. The data suggest that the BTP compounds cause NFAT to be maintained in the cytosol in a phosphorylated state and block the nuclear import of NFAT and, hence, NFAT-dependent cytokine gene transcription by a mechanism other than direct inhibition of CaN phosphatase activity. The novel inhibitors described herein will be useful in better defining the cellular regulation of NFAT activation and may lead to identification of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of autoimmune disease and transplant rejection.

3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazoles: a novel class of NFAT transcription factor regulator

A series of bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazoles (BTPs) has been found to be a novel inhibitor of cytokine production. Identified initially as inhibitors of IL-2 synthesis, the BTPs have been optimized in this regard and even inhibit IL-2 production with a 10-fold enhancement over cyclosporine in an ex vivo assay. Additionally, the BTPs show inhibition of IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, and eotaxin production. Unlike the IL-2 inhibitors, cyclosporine and FK506, the BTPs do not directly inhibit the dephosphorylation of NFAT by calcineurin.

Development of a p38 Kinase Binding Assay for High Throughput Screening

p38 is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family of serine/threonine kinases, which is activated by cellular stressors and has been shown to be a critical enzyme in the synthesis and action of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). A group of pyridinyl imidazole compounds such as SB202190 have been identified as selective inhibitors of p38 that bind directly to the ATP pocket of the enzyme. These compounds inhibit the p38 kinase activity, block TNF-alpha and IL-1beta secretion both in vivo and in vitro and are found to be effective in animal models of arthritis, bone resorption, and endotoxin shock. We postulated that other classes of compounds capable of competing the binding of pyridinyl imidazole with p38 enzyme could have efficacy in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Therefore, a simple and robust assay was developed to measure the ability of small molecules to inhibit the binding of tritium-labeled pyridinyl imidazole, SB202190, to recombinant p38 kinase. For assay development, the human p38 gene was cloned in baculovirus and then expressed in insect cells. Tritiated SB202190 was synthesized and used as the p38 ligand for a competitive filter binding assay. This assay has been used successfully to screen both synthetic and combinatorial chemical libraries for other classes of p38 kinase inhibitors.

Structure-activity relationship studies on 1-[2-(4-Phenylphenoxy)ethyl]pyrrolidine (SC-22716), a potent inhibitor of leukotriene A(4) (LTA(4)) hydrolase

Leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) is a pro-inflammatory mediator that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psoriasis. Since the action of LTA(4) hydrolase is the rate-limiting step for LTB(4) production, this enzyme represents an attractive pharmacological target for the suppression of LTB(4) production. From an in-house screening program, SC-22716 (1, 1-[2-(4-phenylphenoxy)ethyl]pyrrolidine) was identified as a potent inhibitor of LTA(4) hydrolase. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies around this structural class resulted in the identification of a number of novel, potent inhibitors of LTA(4) hydrolase, several of which demonstrated good oral activity in a mouse ex vivo whole blood assay.

Benzofuran based PDE4 inhibitors

Replacement of the 3,4-dialkoxyphenyl substructure common to a number of PDE4 inhibitors with a 2-alkyl-7-methoxybenzofuran unit is described. This substitution can result in either enhancement or substantial reductions in PDE4 inhibitory activity depending on the system to which it is applied. An in vitro SAR study of a potent series of 4-(2-heteroaryl-ethyl)-benzoiurans 26 is also presented.

Novel cytokine release inhibitors. Part IV: analogs of podocarpic acid

Podocarpic acid derivatives as cytokine (IL-1beta) release inhibitors are discussed.

Orally active indole N-oxide PDE4 inhibitors

This communication describes the synthesis and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a novel potent series of phosphodiesterase type (IV) (PDE4) inhibitors. Several of the compounds presented possess low nanomolar IC50's for PDE4 inhibition and excellent in vivo activity for inhibition of TNF-alpha levels in LPS challenged mice (mouse endotoxemia model). Emesis studies (dog) and efficacy in a SCW arthritis model for the most potent PDE4 inhibitors are presented.

The synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel series of indole PDE4 inhibitors I

This communication describes the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of a novel potent series of phosphodiesterase type (IV) (PDE4) inhibitors. The compounds described contain an indole moiety which replaces the 'rolipram-like' 3-methoxy-4-cyclopentoxy motif. Several of the compounds presented possess low nanomolar IC50's for PDEIV inhibition. In vivo activities determined from measurement of serum TNF-alpha levels in LPS challenged mice (mouse endotoxemia model) are also reported.

Quaternary substituted PDE4 inhibitors I: the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of a novel series of oxindoles

The following letter presents the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of a novel quaternary substituted series of phosphodiesterase type (IV) (PDE4) inhibitors. The compounds represent conformationally constrained analogues of the Celltech PDE IV inhibitor, CDP 840. Examples with sub-micromolar IC50's for PDE4 inhibition are reported.

Antiinflammatory effects of second-generation leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist, SC-53228: impact upon leukotriene B4- and 12(R)-HETE-mediated events

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and 12(R)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [12(R)-HETE] are proinflammatory products of arachidonic acid metabolism that have been implicated as mediators in a number of inflammatory diseases. When injected intradermally into the guinea pig. LTB4 and 12(R)-HETE elicit a dose-dependent migration (chemotaxis) of neutrophils (PMNs) into the injection sites as assessed by the presence of a neutrophil marker enzyme myeloperoxidase. SC-41930 (7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxyl]-3,4-dihy dro-8-propyl-2H - 1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid), a first-generation LTB4 receptor antagonist, inhibited the chemotactic actions of LTB4 when given orally with an ED50 value of 1.7 mg/kg. The second-generation LTB4 receptor antagonist, SC-53228 [(+)-(S)-7-(3-(2-(cyclopropylmethyl)-3-methoxy-4- [(methylamino)carbonyl]phenoxy)propoxy)-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1- benzopyran-2-propanoic acid], inhibited LTB4-induced chemotaxis when given intragastrically with an ED50 value of 0.07 mg/kg. Furthermore, SC-53228 inhibited 12(R)-HETE-induced granulocyte chemotaxis with an oral ED50 value of 5.8 mg/kg. When dosed orally over a range of 0.03-100 mg/kg, SC-53228 gave Cmax plasma concentrations of 0.015-41.1 micrograms/ml. SC-53228 inhibited LTB4-primed membrane depolarization of human neutrophils with an IC50 value of 34 nM. As a potent LTB4 receptor antagonist, SC-53228 may well have application in the medical management of disease states such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis, in which LTB4 and/or 12(R)-HETE are implicated as inflammatory mediators.

Second-generation leukotriene B4 receptor antagonists related to SC-41930: heterocyclic replacement of the methyl ketone pharmacophore

Our previous reports have highlighted the first-generation leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor antagonist SC-41930 (7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]3,4- dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid) which has potent oral, topical, and intracolonic activity in various animal models of inflammation. Extensive structure-activity relationship studies, in which a series of heterocyclic replacements for the methyl ketone functional group of SC-41930 was explored, identified SC-50605 (7-[3-[2-(cyclopropylmethyl)-3-methoxy-4- (4-thiazolyl)phenoxy]propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2- carboxylic acid) as an optimized analog within a series of thiazoles. SC-50605 was found to be significantly more potent than SC-41930 in LTB4 receptor binding, chemotaxis, and degranulation assays. It also displayed very good activity in animal models of colitis and epidermal inflammation by oral, topical, intravenous, and intracolonic routes of administration. The resolved enantiomers of SC-50605 were obtained by chiral chromatography and both demonstrated good in vitro and in vivo activity. The (+)-isomer (SC-52798) is currently being evaluated as a potential clinical candidate for psoriasis and ulcerative colitis therapy.

Phorbol ester-induced dermal inflammation in mice: evaluation of inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase and antagonists of leukotriene B4 receptor

In the present investigation, the effects of selective inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), zileuton and TZI-41127, E-6080, AA-861 and antagonists of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptors, SC-41930, and SC-51146 and a selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, were examined in TPA-induced acute mouse dermal inflammation. Topical application of all these agents, except indomethacin, resulted in marked attenuation of TPA-induced edema and influx of neutrophils reflected in myeloperoxidase measurements. Topically applied SC-41930 attenuated TPA-induced edema and neutrophil influx in a dose-related manner. Oral administration of LTB4 receptor antagonists either as a pre-treatment or post-treatment attenuated TPA-induced edema and influx of neutrophils. The O-demethyl analog of SC-41930, SC-37920, which was nearly 1000-fold less active than SC-41930 in LTB4 receptor binding assays, was inactive in inflammation assays, suggesting a role for LTB4 in this response. Zileuton and TZI-41127 were more effective as anti-inflammatory agents following oral administration than after i.p. administration. Intraperitoneally administered indomethacin attenuated edema response but not influx of neutrophils. Taken together, these results suggest a role for leukotrienes in acute inflammation induced by TPA and possible utility of this model to test in vivo 5-LO inhibitors and LTB4 receptor antagonists.

The in vitro pharmacology of SC-51146: a potent antagonist of leukotriene B4 receptors

Previously, we reported that SC-41930 is a potent leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor antagonist. An analog of SC-41930, SC-51146, was evaluated as an antagonist of LTB4 receptors. SC-51146 was shown to bind to LTB4 high affinity binding sites on human neutrophils (PMN) with a dissociation constant (KD) value of 1.5 +/- 0.1 nM, compared to 19 +/- 1.3 nM for SC-41930. PMN chemotaxis studies and Scatchard analyses of [3H]LTB4 binding in PMN membranes indicated that SC-51146 acted as a competitive antagonist. The IC50 value of SC-51146 for the inhibition of PMN chemotaxis induced by 30 nM LTB4 was 38 +/- 12 nM. SC-51146 inhibited PMN degranulation induced by 50 nM LTB4 with an IC50 value of 29 +/- 7 nM. The antagonism by SC-51146 of LTB4-induced PMN degranulation appeared to be noncompetitive. The specificity of SC-51146 for LTB4 receptors vs. fMLP receptors was improved approximately 29 and 44 times over SC-41930. SC-51146 showed relatively weak inhibitory activity on the production of superoxide, LTB4 and/or prostaglandin E2 by human PMN or HL-60 cells. SC-51146 had little activity on ram seminal vesicle cyclooxygenase, and no activity on porcine pancreatic phospholipase A2. SC-51146 is a racemate comprised of the (+) enantiomer, SC-53228, and the (-) enantiomer, SC-53229. Both stereoisomers exhibited pharmacological profiles similar to SC-51146 in these aforementioned in vitro systems. The highly potent and specific antagonistic action of SC-51146 on LTB4 receptors should be particularly useful in elucidating the role of LTB4 in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases where excessive levels of LTB4 have been reported.

The leukotriene B4 receptor agonist/antagonist activities of SC-45694 in human neutrophils

SC-45694 (7-[4-(1-hydroxy-3Z-nonenyl)phenyl]-5S-hydroxy-6Z-hept enoic acid lithium salt), a representative of a new class of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) analogs that are conformationally restricted, was evaluated for effects on human neutrophil functions. SC-45694 inhibited [3H] LTB4 binding to the high-affinity receptors on human neutrophils with a KD value of 0.76 microM, but it was a very weak inhibitor of [3H]N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine binding (KD > 83 microM). SC-45694 stimulated neutrophil chemotaxis with half-maximal and maximal effects at 1 and 10 microM, respectively, and produced a maximal chemotactic response similar to that produced by LTB4. The chemotactic activity of SC-45694 was blocked by the LTB4 receptor antagonists SC-41930 and LY-255283. At concentrations that showed agonist activity for neutrophil chemotactic response, SC-45694 showed no agonist activity for degranulation, antagonized LTB4-induced degranulation and inhibited [3H] LTB4 binding to low-affinity receptors. SC-45694 inhibited LTB4-induced maximal degranulation with an IC50 value of 0.3 microM, but it did not inhibit N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-induced degranulation. The inhibition by SC-45694 of LTB4-induced degranulation was time-dependent, noncompetitive and reversible. Thus SC-45694 exhibited a specific, full LTB4 agonist activity for chemotaxis and an antagonist activity against LTB4-induced degranulation. These properties suggest that members of the new class of LTB4 analogs, such as SC-45694, may be useful in further characterizing distinct LTB4 receptor subtypes that mediate these two neutrophil functions.

Leukotriene B4-induced granulocyte trafficking in guinea pig dermis. Effect of second-generation leukotriene B4 receptor antagonists, SC-50605 and SC-51146

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a proinflammatory product of arachidonic acid metabolism that has been implicated as a mediator in a number of inflammatory diseases. When injected intradermally into the guinea pig, LTB4 elicits a dose-dependent migration (chemotaxis) of neutrophils (PMNs) into the injection sites as assessed by the presence of a neutrophil marker enzyme myeloperoxidase. SC-41930 (7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8-p ropyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid), a first-generation LTB4 receptor antagonist inhibited the chemotactic actions of LTB4 when coadministered into the dermal site and when given orally with ED50 values of 340 ng and 1.7 mg/kg, respectively. The second-generation LTB4 receptor antagonists SC-50605 (7-[3-[2(cyclopropylmethyl)-3-methoxy-4-(4-thiazolyl)phenoxy]propoxy]- 3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid) and SC-51146 (7-[3-[2(cyclopropylmethyl)-3-methoxy-4-[(methylamino)carbonyl] phenoxy]propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-propanoic acid) inhibited LTB4-induced chemotaxis when coadministered with ED50 values of 70 ng and 32 ng, respectively, and when given intragastrically with ED50 values of 0.10 and 0.09 mg/kg, respectively. SC-41930, SC-50605, and SC-51146 had oral durations of action of 5.5, 15, and 21 h, respectively. These potent, LTB4 receptor antagonists may well have application in the medical management of disease states such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis, where LTB4 is implicated as an inflammatory mediator.

The design and synthesis of second generation leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor antagonists related to SC-41930

SC-41930, 7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]-3,4- dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid, is a selective, orally active, LTB4 receptor antagonist currently in clinical trials for psoriasis and ulcerative colitis. Exhaustive SAR studies found a potential backup compound, SC-50605, which was 7-16 times more potent than SC-41930 in LTB4 receptor binding, chemotaxis and degranulation assays. SC-50605 also inhibited LTB4-induced intradermal chemotaxis in cavine skin at an oral dose of 0.10 mg/kg and displayed good activity in animal models of colitis and epidermal inflammation both orally and topically.

Optical isomers of a leukotriene B4 antagonist have differential effects on granulocyte diapedesis in the guinea pig dermis

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a proinflammatory product of arachidonic acid metabolism that has been implicated in a number of inflammatory diseases. When injected intradermally into the guinea pig, LTB4 has been shown to elicit a dose-dependent infiltration of granulocytes as assessed by the level of the neutrophil marker enzyme myeloperoxidase. SC-41930 [7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8- propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid] is a potent LTB4 receptor antagonist. When compounds were coadministered along with LTB4 (35 ng) into the dermal site, racemic SC-41930, (+)-SC-41930, and (-)-SC-41930 each inhibited granulocyte accumulation with ED50 values of 340 +/- 30, 98 +/- 5.7, and 1000 +/- 142 ng, respectively; when given intravenously inhibited with ED50 values of 0.5 +/- 0.06, 0.3 +/- 0.04, and 1.4 +/- 0.19 mg/kg, respectively; and when given intragastrically inhibited with ED50 values of 1.7 +/- 0.20, 1.4 +/- 0.23, and 3.0 +/- 0.41 mg/kg, respectively.

Inflammation of guinea pig dermis. Effects of leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist, SC-41930

Neutrophil (PMNL) infiltration is a prominent feature of human psoriasis. Psoriatic skin lesions contain abnormally high amounts of leukotriene B4 (LTB4), itself a potent PMNL chemoattractant both in vivo and in vitro. SC-41930 (7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)-propoxy]-3,4-dihydro-8- propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid), an orally active LTB4 receptor antagonist, was tested topically in models of skin inflammation induced by 200 nmol of the calcium ionophore A23187 or 200 micrograms phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) applied topically to the guinea pig ear as assessed by ear weight, levels of the PMNL marker enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO), and histological examination (PMA model) at 4 and 18 h respectively. When coapplied topically with A23187 or PMA, SC-41930 significantly inhibited epidermal inflammation with ED50 values of 0.6 and 4 mg, respectively. SC-41930 treatment also was associated with lowered dermal LTB4 levels in both models. The PMA-induced skin inflammation model also was assessed histologically and revealed acanthosis, edema, PMNL infiltration, and rete ridge prominence as long as 96 h after a single application that was completely inhibited by SC-41930 topical coapplication. Furthermore, oral treatment (40 mg/kg) significantly reduced edema and inflammatory cell infiltration in both models. These models possess many of the characteristics of human psoriasis, and agents such as SC-41930 that demonstrate activity in these models may well have therapeutic utility in the treatment of human psoriasis.

Effect of the leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist SC-41930 on colonic inflammation in rat, guinea pig and rabbit

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Leukotriene B4 is thought to be a prominent proinflammatory mediator in these diseases, in that leukotriene B4 levels are increased in the colonic mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease patients and there is increased polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration of these tissues. We evaluated the efficacy of 7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl -2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid (SC-41930), a potent, orally active leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist, in a model of inflammatory bowel disease. Colonic mucosal inflammation was induced in rats, guinea pig and rabbits by rectal instillation of a dilute solution of acetic acid. Twenty-four hours later, mucosal levels of myeloperoxidase (a marker enzyme for neutrophil infiltration) and extravasation of i.v. administered Evans blue dye (a marker of vascular disruption and increased permeability) were measured. Tissues were also evaluated histologically. The animals received either SC-41930 or vehicle, intrarectally, 30 min after or 1 hr before and 1 hr after the acetic acid. When given 30 min after acetic acid instillation SC-41930 prevented the rise in myeloperoxidase and dye extravasation observed in the acetic acid inflammed tissue. The SC-41930-treated tissues were less edematous and had fewer neutrophils within the subepithelial space. Median effective dose (ED50) values for vascular protection were approximately 20 mg/kg for both rat and guinea pig. ED50 values for inhibition of granulocyte accumulation were 20 mg/kg for rat, 24 mg/kg for guinea pig and 30 mg/kg for rabbit. These data indicate that SC-41930 is effective locally to prevent acute colonic inflammation.

SC-41930 inhibits neutrophil infiltration of the cavine dermis induced by 12(R)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid

Psoriasis is a disease state characterized by epidermal proliferation, neutrophil infiltration, along with release of the proinflammatory mediators leukotriene-B4 (LTB4) and 12(R)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [12(R)-HETE]. LTB4 and 12(R)-HETE are chemoattractant to the neutrophil, the latter approximately 1000X less potent. LTB4 and 12(R)-HETE are present in psoriatic scale, the latter in quantities so much greater than LTB4 that it is proposed as a primary mediator of neutrophil infiltration in psoriasis. 12(R)-HETE, synthesized in optically pure form by a new, shorter route, was injected into the cavine dermis. At a dose of 25 micrograms m per intradermal site, 12(R)-HETE was a significant chemoattractant to the neutrophil (as assessed by dermal myeloperoxidase levels). SC-41930, 7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-methoxy-2-propylphenoxy)-propoxy]- 3,4-dihydro-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid, given intragastrically inhibited 12(R)-HETE-induced neutrophil infiltration of the cavine dermis with an ED50 value of 13.5 mg/kg. Compounds such as SC-41930 may well have utility for treating human psoriasis.

SC-41930: an inhibitor of leukotriene B4-stimulated human neutrophil functions

SC-41930 was evaluated for effects on human neutrophil chemotaxis and degranulation. At concentrations up to 100 microM, SC-41930 alone exhibited no effect on neutrophil migration, but dose-dependently inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis induced by leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in a modified Boyden chamber. Concentrations of SC-41930 from 0.3 microM to 3 microM competitively inhibited LTB4-induced chemotaxis with a pA2 value of 6.35. While inactive at 10 microM against C5a-induced chemotaxis, SC-41930 inhibited N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-induced chemotaxis, with 10 times less potency than against LTB4-induced chemotaxis. SC-41930 inhibited [3H]LTB4 and [3H]fMLP binding to their receptor sites on human neutrophils with KD values of 0.2 microM and 2 microM, respectively. SC-41930 also inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis induced by 20-OH LTB or 12(R)-HETE. At concentrations up to 10 microM, SC-41930 alone did not cause neutrophil degranulation, but inhibited LTB4-induced degranulation in a noncompetitive manner. SC-41930 also inhibited fMLP- or C5a-induced degranulation, but was about 8 and 10 times less effective for fMLP and C5a, respectively. The results indicate that SC-41930 is a human neutrophil LTB4 receptor antagonist with greater specificity for LTB4 than for fMLP or C5a receptors.

12(R)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid is a neutrophil chemoattractant in the cavine, lapine, murine and canine dermis

Psoriasis is a disease state characterized by epidermal proliferation, neutrophil infiltration, along with release of the proinflammatory mediators leukotriene-B4(LTB4) and 12(R)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [12(R)-HETE]. LTB4 and 12(R)-HETE are chemoattractant to the neutrophil, the latter approximately 1000x less potent. LTB4 and 12(R)-HETE are present in psoriatic scale, the latter in quantities so much greater than LTB4 that it is proposed as a primary mediator of neutrophil infiltration in psoriasis. 12(R)-HETE, synthesized in optically pure form by a new, shorter route, was injected into the dermis of the cavine, lapine, canine, mouse and rat. At doses up to 50 mu gm per intradermal site, 12(R)-HETE was chemoattractant to the neutrophil (as assessed by dermal myeloperoxidase levels) with response in the cavine greater than canine greater than lapine greater than mouse greater than rat.