Ratio of prostate specific antigen minor molecular forms-to-total prostate specific antigen is constant regardless of the pathological condition of the prostate

PURPOSE

We assessed 3 molecular forms of prostate specific antigen (PSA) prospectively to determine the real proportion of the nonfree, nonalpha1-antichymotrypsin complex form of PSA-to-total PSA and evaluated the clinical significance of its various forms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively assessed 1,878 serum samples from 994 subjects for total PSA, free PSA and PSA-alpha1-antichymotrypsin complex (ACT). Nonfree, nonPSA-ACT PSA (minor form PSA) was calculated as the difference between total PSA and the sum of free PSA plus PSA-ACT complex.

RESULTS

The proportion of the minor form PSA was approximately 20% to 25% of total PSA at any range of total PSA, whereas that of free PSA and PSA-ACT decreased and increased, respectively, in correlation with the increment of total PSA. There was no significant difference in the percent of minor form PSA in patients with prostatic carcinoma and those with benign prostatic status. The proportion of minor form PSA was constant, while the percent of free PSA and PSA-ACT increased and decreased, respectively, in accordance with total PSA regression after hormonal therapy for prostatic carcinoma. PSA-ACT was judged to be superior to total PSA for distinguishing prostatic carcinoma in men with PSA 2 to 10 ng./ml. by ROC analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately a fourth of total PSA consists of minor forms of complexed PSA. The average proportion of minor form-to-total PSA was constant at various levels of total PSA and at any prostatic status of patients. PSA-ACT was superior to total PSA for the early detection of prostatic carcinoma.

Ratio of prostate specific antigen minor molecular forms-to-total prostate specific antigen is constant regardless of the pathological condition of the prostate

PURPOSE

We assessed 3 molecular forms of prostate specific antigen (PSA) prospectively to determine the real proportion of the nonfree, nonalpha1-antichymotrypsin complex form of PSA-to-total PSA and evaluated the clinical significance of its various forms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively assessed 1,878 serum samples from 994 subjects for total PSA, free PSA and PSA-alpha1-antichymotrypsin complex (ACT). Nonfree, nonPSA-ACT PSA (minor form PSA) was calculated as the difference between total PSA and the sum of free PSA plus PSA-ACT complex.

RESULTS

The proportion of the minor form PSA was approximately 20% to 25% of total PSA at any range of total PSA, whereas that of free PSA and PSA-ACT decreased and increased, respectively, in correlation with the increment of total PSA. There was no significant difference in the percent of minor form PSA in patients with prostatic carcinoma and those with benign prostatic status. The proportion of minor form PSA was constant, while the percent of free PSA and PSA-ACT increased and decreased, respectively, in accordance with total PSA regression after hormonal therapy for prostatic carcinoma. PSA-ACT was judged to be superior to total PSA for distinguishing prostatic carcinoma in men with PSA 2 to 10 ng./ml. by ROC analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately a fourth of total PSA consists of minor forms of complexed PSA. The average proportion of minor form-to-total PSA was constant at various levels of total PSA and at any prostatic status of patients. PSA-ACT was superior to total PSA for the early detection of prostatic carcinoma.

A novel 5-HT3 receptor agonist, YM-31636, increases gastrointestinal motility without increasing abdominal pain

We examined the effects of YM-31636 (2-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-8H-indeno[1,2-d]thiazole monofumarate), a novel 5-HT3 receptor agonist, on gastrointestinal functions including visceral pain reflex in rats. Injection of YM-31636 increased the number of fecal pellets. This effect was completely inhibited by ramosetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. YM-31636 also increased the intracolonic pressure measured in both conscious and anesthetized rats. In isolated distal colon, YM-31636 increased the short-circuit current response. This effect was abolished by ramosetron. Both the maximal response and the potency of YM-31636 were weaker than those of other 5-HT3 receptor agonists. In two visceral pain reflex models, YM-31636 neither changed the magnitude of pressor response to colonic distension in anesthetized rats nor affected the visceromotor threshold to colorectal distension in conscious rats. In conclusion, YM-31636 facilitated defecation without increasing visceral pain. Consequently, 5-HT3 receptor agonists like YM-31636 would be promising in the treatment of chronic constipation.

Pharmacological profile of YM-31636, a novel 5-HT3 receptor agonist, in vitro

We investigated the in vitro pharmacological profile of YM-31636 (2-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-8H-indeno[1,2-d]thiazole monofumarate). In cloned human 5-HT3A receptors, YM-31636 had a pKi value of 9.67 vs. ramosetron and pKi values for other 5-HT3 receptor agonists were less than 7. YM-31636 showed very low affinities for other receptors. YM-31636 induced contraction of isolated guinea pig distal colon. The intrinsic activity was approximately 0.90 compared with 5-hydroxytryptamine's (5-HT) 1.0, and the potency was 26 times greater than that of 5-HT. YM-31636 increased short-circuit current (Isc) in the isolated guinea pig distal colon. In this case, the relative intrinsic activity was approximately 0.19. In isolated guinea pig right atrium, YM-31636 induced tachycardia with the relative intrinsic activity of approximately 0.23. All these effects of YM-31636 were antagonized by ramosetron, a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. These results suggest that YM-31636 is a potent and selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist, preferentially acting on the contraction of the colon.

Pharmacological properties of a novel gastrointestinal prokinetic benzamide selective for human 5-HT4 receptor versus human 5-HT3 receptor

Binding properties of gastrointestinal prokinetic benzamides for both cloned human 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)3 receptors and cloned human 5-HT4 receptors were examined and pharmacological properties of YM-53389{(+)-(S)-2-chloro-5-methoxy-4-[5-(2-piperidylmethyl)-1,2, 4-oxadiazol-3-yl]aniline monohydrochloride} were characterised in animals. Cisapride, renzapride and zacopride inhibited specific binding of [3H]ramosetron to cloned human 5-HT3 receptors, with Ki values of 684, 7.64 and 0.38 n m, respectively. YM-53389, however, slightly replaced that (Ki>10,000 n m). YM-53389, cisapride, renzapride and zacopride replaced specific binding of [3H]GR 113808 to cloned human 5-HT4 receptors, with Ki values of 54.6, 41.5, 115 and 373 n m, respectively. The potency for inhibitory effect of YM-53389 on 5-HT3 receptor-mediated contraction in the guinea-pig isolated colon was very low with pIC50 of 4.7. YM-53389 exerted 5-HT4 receptor-mediated relaxation in the carbachol-precontracted rat isolated oesophagus with pEC50 of 6.3. In mice, YM-53389 at 10 and 30 mg kg-1, s.c. significantly shortened whole gut transit time, in contrast to cisapride, renzapride and zacopride which were reported to delay that. YM-53389 had no significant effect on upper gastrointestinal propulsion at doses up to 30 mg kg-1, s.c. Based on these results, YM-53389 may surpass existing benzamides in facilitating lower intestinal propulsion and benefit patients with gastrointestinal disorders associated with impair of intestinal propulsion, such as constipation, based on the selective interaction with human 5-HT4 receptors vs human 5-HT3 receptors.

Participation of a cholinergic mechanism in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)3 and 5-HT4 receptor-mediated stimulation of gastric emptying in rats

The participation of a cholinergic mechanism in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)3 and 5-HT4 receptor-mediated stimulation of gastric emptying in rats was investigated. The selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ramosetron (YM060, 0.1-10 micrograms/kg i.v.) and ondansetron (1-100 micrograms/kg i.v.) dose-dependently enhanced the gastric emptying of glass beads in rats. The 5-HT4 receptor agonist 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MOT, 1 mg/kg s.c.) and substituted benzamides (5-HT4 receptor agonist/5-HT3 receptor antagonists) cisapride (1-10 mg/kg s.c.) and zacopride (1-1000 micrograms/kg s.c.) produced significant gastroprokinetic responses in rats. The substituted benzamide-induced gastroprokinetic responses were inhibited by a high dose of tropisetron (10 mg/kg s.c.), a 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptor antagonist, and partially inhibited by GR113808 ([1-[2-[(methylsulfonyl)amino]ethyl]-4-piperidyl]methyl 1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylate, 1 mg/kg s.c.), a selective 5-HT4 receptor antagonist. On the other hand, the 5-MOT-induced gastroprokinetic response was almost completely inhibited by GR113808. In contrast, tetrodotoxin (TTX, 0.1-10 micrograms/kg s.c.) and atropine (1-1000 micrograms/kg s.c.) dose-dependently inhibited gastric emptying. The enhancement of gastric emptying induced by selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, substituted benzamides and 5-MOT was inhibited by TTX (10 micrograms/kg s.c.) and by atropine (1 mg/kg s.c.). These results suggest that substituted benzamides stimulated gastric emptying partly due to their 5-HT4 receptor agonistic properties, and that both 5-HT3 receptor antagonism and 5-HT4 receptor agonism stimulated the gastric emptying in rats. It is also suggested that a cholinergic mechanism participates in the 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptor-mediated stimulation of gastric emptying in rats.

Effects of gastroprokinetic agents on gastroparesis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The influence of diabetic hyperglycemia on solid gastric emptying in rats was examined. Diabetes was produced by streptozotocin (STZ, 40 mg/kg i.v.), and diabetic hyperglycemia was observed from 1 day after the STZ injection. The gastric emptying of glass beads in the diabetic rats was significantly delayed compared with that in age-matched control rats at 1, 3 and 7 days after diabetes induction. A slight decrease in gastric emptying was observed in the diabetic rats from 2 to 52 weeks after the diabetes induction. We also investigated the influence of gastroprokinetic agents on STZ-induced diabetic gastroparesis and subdiaphragmatic vagotomy-induced gastroparesis in rats. The selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ramosetron (YM060), YM114 (KAE-393), granisetron and ondansetron, and the substituted benzamides (5-HT4 receptor agonist/5-HT3 receptor antagonists) cisapride mosapride and SC-53116 dose-dependently enhanced gastric emptying in normal rats. These compounds also reversed the impairment of diabetic gastroparesis rats at 7 days after the STZ injection, but higher doses were required. The solid gastric emptying in subdiaphragmatic vagotomized rats was also delayed. Ramosetron and the substituted benzamides cisapride and zacopride partially reversed the gastroparesis in the vagotomized rats. These results suggest that acute hyperglycemia is important mechanism for the delay of solid gastric emptying in diabetic rats. It is also suggested that selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and substituted benzamides enhance gastric emptying not only in normal rats but also in diabetic and vagotomized rats.

Effect of a selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist on gastric motility in fasted and fed dogs

The effect of m-chlorophenylbiguanide, a selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist, on gastric antral motility was investigated in conscious dogs with a force transducer implanted chronically. m-Chlorophenylbiguanide (0.1-1 mg/kg i.v.) dose dependently enhanced antral motility in the fasted state, and the amplitude of m-chlorophenylbiguanide (1 mg/kg i.v.)-induced antral contractions reached the level of natural phase III contractions. In contrast, m-chlorophenylbiguanide reduced the amplitude of antral contractions in the fed state. A selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, ramosetron (0.0003-0.03 mg/kg i.v.), inhibited both effects of m-chlorophenylbiguanide. m-Chlorophenylbiguanide (1 mg/kg i.v.)-induced contractions were inhibited by atropine (0.03 or 0.1 mg/kg i.v.). These results indicate that pharmacological activation of 5-HT3 receptors has opposite effects on canine gastric antral motility in the fasted and in the fed state, being stimulatory and inhibitory, respectively. The stimulatory effect seems to be mediated mainly via the release of acetylcholine.

Compounds possessing 5-HT3 receptor antagonistic activity inhibit intestinal propulsion in mice

The role of 5-HT3 receptors in the control of intestinal propulsive activity was investigated in mice by a simple method in which the time taken for excretion of the head of an orally administered non-absorbable marker (whole gut transit time) was measured. Selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ramosetron (YM060) at 0.01-0.3 mg/kg s. c. and ondansetron at 0.1-1 mg/kg s.c. dose-dependently prolonged the whole gut transit time. Prokinetic benzamides, such as renzapride (0.3-10 mg/kg s.c.), zacopride (0.01-0.3 mg/kg s.c.) and cisapride (0.1-3 mg/kg s.c.), which have been reported to possess 5-HT3 receptor blocking properties, also dose-dependently prolonged it. These results indicate that activation of 5-HT3 receptors seems to be one factor that underlies the physiological control of intestinal propulsive activity in mice. In contrast to their beneficial therapeutic effects on gastroduodenal dysmotility, prokinetic benzamides, at least those which have 5-HT3 receptor antagonistic activity, may be unsuitable in the treatment of impaired lower intestinal propulsive activity.

Characterization of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor subtypes influencing colonic motility in conscious dogs

We examined the effects of exogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and selective 5-HT receptor agonists and antagonists on proximal, middle and distal colonic motility in conscious fasted dogs with extraluminal force transducers implanted chronically. 5-HT (0.003-0.1 mg/kg i.v.) dose-dependently enhanced motility along the entire length of the colon. The 5-HT (0.03 mg/kg i.v.)-induced response was inhibited by 0.1-1.0 mg/kg i.v. methysergide, a 5-HT1/2 antagonist, at all recording sites and by 0.1-1.0 mg/kg i.v. ketanserin, a 5-HT2A antagonist, at the middle and distal sites only. At 1 mg/kg i.v., YM060, a 5-HT3 antagonist, reduced the amplitude of the initial transient high-amplitude contractions induced by 5-HT, but did not affect the tonic contraction induced by 5-HT. At doses up to 3 mg/kg i.v., 2-methoxy-4-amino-5-chlorobenzoic acid 2-(diethylamino) ethyl ester (SDZ205-557), a 5-HT4 antagonist, and hexamethonium (up to 10 mg/kg i.v.) did not affect 5-HT-induced responses at any recording site. Renzapride, a 5-HT4 agonist, also stimulated motility along the entire length of the colon at 0.3 mg/kg i.v.. The renzapride-induced response was inhibited by 1 mg/kg i.v. SDZ205-557 or 3 mg/kg i.v. hexamethonium. m-Chlorophenylbiguanide (m-CPBG), a 5-HT3 agonist, (1 mg/kg i.v.) produced a transient high-amplitude contraction at all recording sites and this contraction was eliminated by pretreatment with 0.03 mg/kg i.v. YM060. The contraction produced by m-CPBG declined rapidly, so the increase in the motility index by m-CPBG was not significant at any recording site. Of the antagonists tested, 0.1-1 mg/kg i.v. methysergide produced a delayed and prolonged contractile response at the middle and distal sites. The onset of the response was delayed about 20 min after application and the response was maintained over the subsequent 60-min observation period. The methysergide (1 mg/kg i.v.)-induced response was inhibited by 3 mg/kg i.v. hexamethonium. The other antagonists, ketanserin, YM060 and SDZ205-557, had no contractile effect at any recording site. These results indicate that exogenous 5-HT stimulates motility along the entire length of the fasted canine colon and that 5-HT-induced responses in the proximal colon are mediated mainly by 5-HT1, whereas those in the middle and distal colon are mediated by both 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptors. Renzapride and methysergide also stimulate colonic motility via additional mechanisms. The activation of 5-HT4 receptors and the blockade of endogenous 5-HT inhibitory regulation via 5-HT1 receptors may be involved in the action of renzapride and methysergide respectively.

Characteristics of inhibitory effects of serotonin (5-HT)3-receptor antagonists, YM060 and YM114 (KAE-393), on the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex induced by 2-Methyl-5-HT, veratridine and electrical stimulation of vagus nerves in anesthetized rats

We evaluated the inhibitory effects of YM060 [(R)-5-[(1-methyl-1H-indol- 3-yl)carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazole monohydrochloride] and YM114 (KAE-393) [(R)-5-[(1-indolinyl)carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H- benzimidazole monohydrochloride] on the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR) induced by 2-methyl-5-HT, a selective serotonin (5-HT)3-receptor agonist; veratridine, which stimulates chemoreceptors and baroreceptors; and electrical stimulation of vagal efferent nerves in anesthetized rats. Results were compared with those of ondansetron and granisetron. 2-Methyl- 5-HT (5-160 micrograms/kg, i.v.) and veratridine (100-200 micrograms/kg, i.v.) dose-dependently decreased the heart rate (BJR). YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron dose-dependently inhibited 2-methyl-5-HT (40 micrograms/kg, i.v.)-induced BJR, with ID50 values of 0.012, 0.060, 0.97 and 0.15 microgram/kg, i.v., respectively. Their 5-HT3 receptor blocking potencies against 2-methyl-5-HT-induced BJR were largely consistent with those against 5-HT-induced BJR. In contrast, higher doses (100 micrograms/kg, i.v.) of YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron did not inhibit veratridine (150 micrograms/kg, i.v.)-induced BJR. Atropine (300 micrograms/kg, i.v.) abolished bradycardia induced by electrical stimulation of vagal efferent nerves, whereas YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron had no effect at a dose of 1000 micrograms/kg, i.v. 5-HT (0.625-5.0 micrograms) injected into the left ventricle also caused a dose-dependent decrease in heart rate, an effect that was abolished by YM060 (0.1 microgram/kg, i.v.), atropine (100 micrograms/kg, i.v.) and vagotomy. These results suggest that YM060 and YM114 are highly potent and selective 5-HT3-receptor antagonists that do not affect veratridine- or electrical stimulation-induced bradycardia in anesthetized rats. They also suggest that 5-HT-induced BJR in anesthetized rats originates from 5-HT3 receptors located on the endings of vagal afferent nerves in the heart.

Effect of serotonin (5-HT)3-receptor antagonists YM060, YM114 (KAE-393), ondansetron and granisetron on 5-HT4 receptors and gastric emptying in rodents

We investigated the effects of YM060 [(R)-5-[(1-methyl-3-indolyl)carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazol e hydrochloride] and YM114 (KAE-393) [(R)-5-[(2,3-dihydro-1-indolyl)-carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H- benzimidazole hydrochloride] on 5-HT4 receptors and gastric emptying in normal and cisplatin-treated rats and compared results with those for ondansetron and granisetron. YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron dose-dependently inhibited the specific binding of [3H]-GR113808 ([[1-[(2-methylsulphonyl)amino]ethyl]-4-piperidin-yl]methyl 1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylate) in guinea pig striatum, with pKi values of 5.53, 5.13, 5.21 and 5.63, respectively. According to the pKi values reported in 5-HT3-receptor binding of [3H]GR65630 to rat cortical membranes, the affinity of YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron for 5-HT4 receptors was approximately 5, 5, 3.5 and 3.5 log units lower than that for 5-HT3 receptors, respectively. In the guinea pig longitudinal muscle with myenteric plexus and rat esophageal tunica muscularis mucosae, YM060 and YM114 showed neither 5-HT4-agonistic nor antagonistic properties. Although ondansetron produced concentration-dependent increases in the magnitude of the twitch response in longitudinal muscle, it did not possess 5-HT3- and 5-HT4-agonistic activity. Granisetron antagonized 5-HT-induced relaxation of the rat esophagus with an apparent pA2 value of 5.39. Intravenous YM060, YM114, ondansetron and granisetron significantly enhanced gastric emptying of glass beads and improved cisplatin-induced slowing of gastric emptying in rats. These results indicate that the selectivity of YM060 and YM114 for 5-HT3 receptors is higher than that of ondansetron and granisetron and that these 5-HT3 antagonists have gastroprokinetic activity in normal and cisplatin-treated rats without affecting 5-HT4 receptors.

Gastrin receptor antagonist YM022 prevents hypersecretion after long-term acid suppression

Female rats were treated orally for 13 wk with YM022 (300 mumol.kg-1.day-1) and with omeprazole (400 mumol.kg-1.day-1) or famotidine (900 mumol.kg-1.day-1) with or without YM022. At 2 h after the last dose, YM022 and omeprazole markedly inhibited basal and pentagastrin-induced acid secretion. Famotidine was less potent than YM022 and omeprazole against both secretions. The degree of increase in plasma gastrin level in the three groups was parallel to the antisecretory potencies of the drugs. At 14 days after the cessation of omeprazole treatment, the secretory response to pentagastrin increased above that of the control. This hyperresponse lasted for > or = 56 days. In the famotidine-treated group, a small increase in secretory response to pentagastrin was observed but was not statistically significant. The increase in secretory response to pentagastrin was paralleled by an increase in mucosal cell mass. In contrast, YM022 not only exhibited a long-lasting inhibition of pentagastrin-induced acid secretion but also prevented the hyperresponse to pentagastrin caused by omeprazole. These results indicate that the hypergastrinemia caused by long-term administration of antisecretory drugs increases mucosal secretory response to pentagastrin through a gastrin/cholecystokinin B receptor-mediated pathway in rats.

Species difference in the 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor associated with the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex

Species differences in the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)3 receptor among anesthetized rats, mice, rabbits, ferrets, dogs and guinea-pigs were examined in the transient bradycardia induced by i.v. injection of 5-HT (the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex). We also investigated the mechanism of the 5-HT-induced bradycardia in these species. 5-Hydroxytryptamine and the selective 5-HT3 receptor agonists, 2-methyl-5-HT and m-chlorophenylbiguanide, dosedependently decreased heart rate in all species. In anesthetized rats, mice, ferrets and guinea-pigs, 2-methyl-5-HT and m-chlorophenylbiguanide behaved as full agonists against the 5-HT3 receptor, whereas their agonistic action in rabbits was partial. On the basis of ED50 values, there was no marked species difference in the potency of 5-HT3 receptor agonists. In contrast, the blocking activities of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, YM060, YM114 (KAE-393), granisetron and ondansetron, were markedly weaker in anesthetized guinea-pigs than in the other species. With regard to the mechanism of the 5-HT-induced bradycardia, YM060, atropine or vagotomy completely inhibited the 5-HT-induced bradycardia in anesthetized rats and mice. In guinea-pigs, in contrast, higher doses of YM060 and atropine or vagotomy inhibited this reflex by approximately 80%. Although the YM060-resistant part of the 5-HT-induced bradycardia in guinea-pigs was affected by neither 5-HT2 receptor antagonists nor 5-HT4 receptor antagonists, it was completely abolished by methysergide, a 5-HT1-like and 5-HT2 receptor antagonist. These results suggest that there is a species difference in the 5-HT3 receptor between guinea-pigs and other species in the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex system. They also suggest that the 5-HT-induced bradycardia in anesthetized rats and mice is evoked by acetylcholine released through activation of 5-HT3 receptors on the vagus nerve, while that in guinea-pigs is, at least in part, mediated through 5-HT1-like receptors in addition to 5-HT3 receptors.

Comparative study of the affinities of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, YM060, YM114 (KAE-393), granisetron and ondansetron in rat vagus nerve and cerebral cortex

The 5-HT3 receptor blocking properties of YM060, YM114 (KAE-393), granisetron and ondansetron were examined in the vagus nerve and cerebral cortex of rats. 5-HT and 2-methyl-5-HT induced dose-dependent depolarizations of rat isolated vagus nerve with EC50 values of 2.53 (1.93-3.33) x 10(-6) and 4.03 (2.87-5.66) x 10(-6) M, respectively. YM060, YM114 and granisetron dose-dependently antagonized the depolarization of the rat vagus nerve induced by 5-HT, with decreases in the slope and maximal response at higher concentrations. Apparent pA2 values for these antagonists were 10.27 +/- 0.09, 10.12 +/- 0.16 and 9.44 +/- 0.40, respectively. Ondansetron produced a clear rightward shift of the concentration-response curve to 5-HT. The pA2 value was 8.63 (8.23-9.68). YM060 and YM114 at up to 10(-5) M produced no significant depression of the depolarizing responses to DMPP and GABA. YM060, YM114, granisetron and ondansetron displaced specific binding of [3H]GR65630 to rat cortical membranes with pKi values of 10.48 (10.41-10.57), 10.24 (10.18-10.28), 9.15 (9.02-9.28) and 8.70 (8.64-8.77), respectively. An excellent correlation (r = 0.97) was obtained between pA2 values in the vagus nerve and pKi values in the cerebral cortex. YM060, YM114, granisetron and ondansetron showed low affinities for 5-HT1A, 5-HT2 receptor, adrenergic alpha 1, alpha 2, dopamine D2, muscarinic M2, mu-opioid, benzodiazepine and histamine H1 receptors. These results support the possibility that the same type of 5-HT3 receptor occurs in rat vagus nerve and cerebral cortex.

Gastric mucosal protection by YM638, a novel leukotriene D4 receptor antagonist, in rats

YM638 ([[5-[[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propyl] thio]-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]thio] acetic acid) is a novel leukotriene D4 receptor antagonist. We investigated the involvement of the leukotriene D4 receptor blocking activity of YM638 in the gastric mucosal protection of this drug in rats. YM638 significantly prevented gastric lesion formation induced by water-immersion restraint stress, indomethacin, absolute ethanol, 0.7 N HCl and the combination of 0.2 N HCl and hemorrhagic shock, with ED50 values of 26.4, 4.1, 4.7, 35.4 and 8.0 mg/kg p.o., respectively. Cetraxate and sofalcone showed inhibitory effects on most of these gastric lesions, but the inhibitory effects of these compounds were much weaker than those of YM638. In contrast, YM638 had no effect on gastric acid secretion and gastric lesion formation in pylorus-ligated rats, or on duodenal lesion formation in cysteamine-administered rats. YM638 competitively antagonized leukotriene D4-induced contraction of the isolated stomach, with a pA2 value of 7.63 +/- 0.18. In anesthetized rats, intravenous YM638 inhibited leukotriene D4-induced aggravation of gastric lesions caused by HCl, and leukotriene D4 and HCl-induced reduction of the potential difference. In addition, oral YM638 significantly increased gastric mucosal blood flow and prevented ethanol-induced increase in gastric vascular permeability. Endogenous prostaglandins, sulfhydryls and nitric oxides were not involved in this inhibitory effect on absolute ethanol-induced gastric lesion. YM638 did not react with the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl in vitro, indicating that YM638 does not have potential as free radical scavenger. These results suggest that the preventive effect of YM638 on gastric lesions is attributable not only to its leukotriene D4 receptor blocking activity but also to the activation of gastric mucosal defensive mechanisms such as mucosal blood flow and vascular permeability.

Studies on serotonin (5-HT)3-receptor antagonist effects of enantiomers of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazole derivatives

We assessed the 5-HT3-receptor antagonist effects of 4,5,6,7-1H-benzimidazole compounds which are derivatives of YM060, a potent and selective 5-HT3-receptor antagonist, in isolated guinea pig colon. YM114 (KAE-393), YM-26103-2, YM-26308-2 (3 x 10(-9) to 3 x 10(-8) M) produced concentration-dependent shifts to the right of the dose-response curves for both 5-HT and 2-methyl-5-HT (2-Me-5-HT). YM114 (pA2 = 9.08 against 5-HT, pA2 = 8.88 against 2-Me-5-HT), YM-26103-2 (pA2 = 8.27 against 5-HT, pA2 = 8.19 against 2-Me-5-HT), and YM-26308-2 (pA2 = 8.58 against 5-HT, pA2 = 8.4 against 2-Me-5-HT) showed similar pA2 values irrespective of the agonist used, suggesting that they have 5-HT3-receptor blocking activity irrespective of the N-position at the aromatic ring. Since these compounds have an asymmetric center, their enantiomers exist. The S-isomers were one to three orders of magnitude less potent than the respective R-isomer compounds, indicating that the stereochemical configuration of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazoles is an important determinant of their affinity for 5-HT3 receptors. These results suggest that the highly potent 5-HT3 receptor antagonism and high selectivity for 5-HT3 receptors of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazole derivatives are conserved irrespective of the position of the nitrogen atom in the aromatic ring and that 5-HT3 receptors favor the R-isometric conformation of these compounds.

Antisecretory and antiulcer effects of YM020, a new H+,K(+)-ATPase inhibitor, in rats and dogs

We examined the effects of YM020 (3-cyanomethyl-2-methyl-8-[(3-methyl-2-butenyl)oxy]-imidazo[1,2- a]pyridine), a novel H+,K(+)-ATPase inhibitor, on gastric acid secretion and experimental gastroduodenal lesions in rats and dogs. Intraduodenal, subcutaneous and oral YM020 inhibited basal gastric acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats with ED50 values of 9.1, 9.1 and 9.5 mg/kg, respectively. Oral pretreatment with YM020 5 hr before ligation still suppressed acid secretion, with a potency a little less than that of omeprazole. In anesthetized dogs, intravenous YM020 inhibited histamine-, methacholine- and pentagastrin-induced gastric acid secretion with ED50 values of 0.05, 0.01 and 0.08 mg/kg, respectively. In Heidenhain pouch dogs, although oral YM020 (3 mg/kg) inhibited histamine-induced acid secretion, acid output returned to control levels faster than in dogs treated with omeprazole. Oral YM020 inhibited the formation of water-immersion restraint stress-, indomethacin-, absolute ethanol-, 0.7 N hydrochloric acid- and cysteamine-induced gastric or duodenal lesions with ED50 values of 2.9, 4.3, 2.0, 11.7 and 8.4 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, subcutaneous YM020 also suppressed the formation of ethanol- and HCl-induced gastric lesions. These results suggest that YM020 has an antisecretory effect almost the same as or 2 to 3 times weaker than those of omeprazole and that its duration is not as long as that of omeprazole in rats and dogs. Furthermore, YM020 possesses a cytoprotective effect and the mechanism of YM020 may be different to that of omeprazole.

YM022 [(R)-1-[2,3-dihydro-1-(2'-methylphenacyl)-2-oxo-5-phenyl- 1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-yl]-3-(3-methylphenyl)urea], a potent and selective gastrin/cholecystokinin-B receptor antagonist, prevents gastric and duodenal lesions in rats

We evaluated the effect of YM022 [(R)-1-[2,3-dihydro-1-(2'- methylphenacyl)-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-yl]-3- (3-methylphenyl)urea], a potent and selective gastrin/cholecystokinin-B receptor antagonist, on gastric acid secretion and gastric and duodenal lesions in rats. Oral YM022 (0.1-10 mumol/kg), famotidine (0.3-30 mumol/kg) and omeprazole (3-100 mumol/kg) dose-dependently suppressed acid secretion in pylorusligated rats with ED50 values of 0.83, 1.63 and 10.9 mumol/kg, respectively. YM022 (1-10 mumol/kg p.o.), famotidine (1-10 mumol/kg p.o.) and omeprazole (10-100 mumol/kg p.o.) prevented indomethacin-induced gastric lesions in a dose-related manner. The potency of YM022 was comparable to that of famotidine and was 8 times greater than that of omeprazole. YM022 and famotidine partially inhibited gastric damage induced by water-immersion and restraint stress, whereas omeprazole abolished these lesions. In an acidified ethanol-induced gastric injury model, all three drugs inhibited the formation of erosions. The YM022 dosage required in this model was much greater than that required in the inhibition of gastric acid. The inhibitory effect of YM022 was partially reversed by indomethacin, indicating the involvement of a prostaglandin-mediated pathway. YM022 (3-100 mumol/kg p.o.), famotidine (1-30 mumol/kg p.o.) and omeprazole (3-100 mumol/kg p.o.) inhibited mepirizole-induced duodenal ulcers. On the basis of ED50 values, YM022 was 5 times less potent than famotidine and as potent as omeprazole against mepirizole-induced duodenal ulcers. These results suggest that YM022 possesses antisecretory and antiulcer activities that are as potent as those of famotidine in rats and that YM022 represents a useful therapeutic agent in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease.

Serotonin (5-HT)3-receptor antagonism of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzimidazole derivatives against 5-HT-induced bradycardia in anesthetized rats

We investigated the mode of the 5-HT3-receptor antagonism of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzimidazole derivatives, YM060, YM114 (KAE-393), YM-26103-2 and YM-26308-2, against 5-HT-induced transient bradycardia in anesthetized rats. Results were compared with those of ondansetron and granisetron. YM060 (0.03-0.1 microgram/kg, i.v.), YM114 (0.03-0.3 microgram/kg, i.v.), YM-26103-2 (0.01-0.03 microgram/kg, i.v.), YM-26308-2 (0.01-0.03 microgram/kg, i.v.) and granisetron (0.3-3 micrograms/kg, i.v.) displaced the 5-HT dose-response curve to the right, with apparent DR2 values of 0.068, 0.068, 0.019, 0.011 and 0.69 microgram/kg, i.v., respectively. Higher doses of these compounds inhibited 5-HT-induced bradycardia with a reduced maximal response. In contrast, ondansetron displaced the 5-HT dose-response curve to the right without affecting the maximal response. Judged by the apparent DR2 values, YM060, YM114, YM-26103-2 and YM-26308-2 were approximately 13, 13, 50 and 79 times more potent than ondansetron, respectively, whereas granisetron was equipotent to ondansetron. Single i.v. doses of YM060 and granisetron inhibited 5-HT-induced bradycardia significantly longer than ondansetron. Moreover, inhibitory effects of p.o. doses of YM060 (3 micrograms/kg), YM114 (80 micrograms/kg), YM-26103-2 (12 micrograms/kg), YM-26308-2 (5 micrograms/kg) and granisetron (250 micrograms/kg) on the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex lasted for 3-6 hr, whereas ondansetron (700 micrograms/kg, p.o.) antagonized 5-HT3 receptors for only 1 hr. In isolated guinea pig colon, the inhibitory effect of YM-compounds on 5-HT-induced contraction persisted significantly longer than those of ondansetron and granisetron after washout of the bath containing compounds.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pharmacological profile of (R)-1-[2,3-dihydro-1-(2'-methylphenacyl)-2-oxo- 5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-yl]-3-(3-methylphenyl)urea (YM022), a new potent and selective gastrin/cholecystokinin-B receptor antagonist, in vitro and in vivo

(R)-1-[2,3-dihydro-1-(2'-methylphenacyl)-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1H-1,4- benzodiazepin-3-yl]-3-(3-methylphenyl)urea (YM022) is an extremely potent and highly selective gastrin/cholecystokinin (CCK)-B receptor antagonist. We compared the gastrin/CCK-B receptor-blocking properties of this compound with those of the racemate (mixture of YM022 and its S-form), its enantiomer (S-form), L-365, 260 and Cl-988 in vitro and in vivo. YM022 replaced specific binding of [125I]CCK-8 to rat brain gastrin/CCK-B receptors in a stereoselective and competitive manner. The Ki value of YM022 for gastrin/CCK-B receptors in brain were estimated to be 0.068 nM. The racemate, the S-form of YM022, L-365,260 and Cl-988 also replaced gastrin/CCK-B receptor binding, with Ki values of 0.11, 140, 19 and 6.3 nM, respectively. The affinity of YM022 for gastrin/CCK-B receptor was more than 2 orders of magnitude higher than that for rat pancreatic CCK-A receptor and various other receptors, such as benzodiazepine. In vivo, intravenous (i.v.) administration of YM022 inhibited pentagastrin-induced gastric acid secretion in anesthetized rats, with an ED50 value of 0.0078 mumol/kg. Inhibition by the S-form of YM022 was only 33.8% even at the relatively high dose of 1 mumol/kg i.v. L-365,260 (1-10 mumol/kg i.v.) and Cl-988 (0.3-3 mumol/kg i.v.) also antagonized acid secretion induced by pentagastrin, with ED50 values of 4.23 and 1.01 mumol/kg, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of the effects of trimebutine and YM114 (KAE-393), a novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, on stress-induced defecation

YM114 (KAE-393), (R)-5-[(2,3-dihydro-1-indolyl)carbonyl]-4,5,6,7- tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazole hydrochloride, is a derivative of YM060, a potent 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. We investigated the effects of YM114 on 5-HT3 receptors, both in vitro and in vivo, and on bowel dysfunction induced by restraint stress, 5-HT and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and compared them with the effect of trimebutine. YM114 dose dependently inhibited the reduction in heart rate induced by 5-HT (30 micrograms/kg i.v.) in rats (ED50 = 0.31 micrograms/kg i.v.), and the potency of YM114 was almost the same as that of the racemate. The S-form of YM114 also inhibited 5-HT-induced bradycardia, but 1350 times less potent than the R-form. YM114 and its S-form inhibited [3H]GR65630 binding to N1E-115 cell membranes in a concentration-dependent manner with Ki values of 0.341 and 616 nM, respectively, showing the isomeric activity ratio (R-/S-form) of YM114 to be much greater (1800). YM114 antagonized 5-HT-induced depolarization of the nodose ganglion (EC50 = 1.39 nM). Trimebutine (1 mg/kg i.v.) failed to inhibit 5-HT-induced bradycardia, implying that it does not possess 5-HT3 receptor antagonistic activity. YM114 significantly and dose dependently prevented restraint stress-, 5-HT- and TRH-induced increases in fecal pellet output, and restraint stress- and 5-HT-induced diarrhea in rats and mice (ED50 = 6.9, 72.5, 154.6, 9.7 and 52.4 micrograms/kg p.o., respectively). Trimebutine significantly prevented stress- and 5-HT-induced diarrhea (ED50 = 29.4 and 87.3 mg/kg p.o., respectively), but only partially affected stress-, 5-HT- and TRH-induced increases in fecal pellet output. Thus, YM114 is a potent and stereoselective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist with much greater protective effects against stress-induced defecation than trimebutine.

Antisecretory effects of a novel and long-lasting histamine H2-receptor antagonist, YM-14471, in rats and dogs

We investigated some properties of YM-14471 (2-2(-[2-(diaminomethyleneamino)thiazol-4-yl]methylthio)ethy l-5-[3- (diethylamino)propyl]-6-methyl-pyrimidine-4-one trihydrochloride), a new H2-receptor antagonist, in comparison with those of famotidine, cimetidine and omeprazole. In guinea pig atria, famotidine and cimetidine produced a competitive dose-dependent displacement of histamine-induced tachycardia. In contrast, low concentrations of YM-14471 showed competitive inhibition of tachycardia, whereas high concentrations were irreversible or slowly dissociable. In pylorus-ligated rats, intravenous YM-14471, famotidine and cimetidine dose-dependently inhibited basal gastric secretion with ED50 values of 0.04, 0.43 and 31.2 mg/kg, respectively. ED50 values for oral YM-14471, famotidine, cimetidine and omeprazole were 0.81, 0.42, 28.9 and 7.7 mg/kg when given at 1 hr before ligation, and 5.7, 26.7, 1639.5 and 18.6 mg/kg at 5 hr before ligation. In anesthetized dogs, intravenous YM-14471, famotidine, cimetidine and omeprazole also dose-dependently inhibited histamine (160 micrograms/kg.hr)-induced acid secretion with ED50 values of 13.7, 8.7, 333.3 and 65.3 micrograms/kg, respectively. In Heidenhain pouch dogs, YM-14471 inhibited histamine (40 micrograms/kg.hr)-induced acid secretion by both intravenous (0.02 mg/kg) and oral administration (0.3 mg/kg). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of YM-14471 was more prolonged than those of famotidine and cimetidine by either route, and it was as long as that of omeprazole dosed orally. These results suggest that YM-14471 is an irreversible or slowly dissociable H2-receptor antagonist, and has long antisecretory effect.

Histamine H2-receptor plays only a minor role in histamine-induced wheal response in the squirrel monkey and guinea pig

We examined the contribution of the histamine H2-receptor to the histamine-induced wheal response in squirrel monkeys and guinea pigs. Intradermal injection of histamine, 2-pyridylethylamine (a selective H1-agonist), and dimaprit (a selective H2-agonist) dose-dependently induced the wheal response in squirrel monkeys and guinea pigs, although the reaction to dimaprit was much weaker than that to the other agonists. Chlorpheniramine dose-dependently depressed the wheal response in squirrel monkeys and guinea pigs at doses of 0.03-1 mg/kg and 0.03-3 mg/kg, p.o., respectively. However, famotidine, ranitidine and cimetidine had no effect at doses up to 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg, p.o. in guinea pigs and up to 1, 10 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. in squirrel monkeys, respectively. Cimetidine (3-300 mg/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently potentiated the inhibitory effects of chlorpheniramine (0.1 mg/kg, p.o.) in guinea pigs, but had no effects in squirrel monkeys. Famotidine and ranitidine did not alter the response to chlorpheniramine in either animal. These results suggest that the histamine H2-receptor plays only a minor role in the histamine-induced wheal response in squirrel monkeys and guinea pigs.

Mechanisms of cisplatin- and m-chlorophenylbiguanide-induced emesis in ferrets

We investigated the involvement of peripheral and central serotonin (5-HT)3 receptors in cisplatin- and 5-HT3 receptor agonist-induced emesis in ferrets. Cisplatin (10 mg/kg i.v.)-induced emesis was inhibited by intravenous YM060 (0.003-0.1 microgram/kg). A highly selective and potent 5-HT3 receptor agonist, m-chlorophenylbiguanide (1-10 mg/kg i.p.), dose dependently elicited emesis an effect which was inhibited by YM060 (0.003-0.3 microgram/kg i.v.). Vagotomy markedly reduced this emesis, and the combination of abdominal vagotomy and greater splanchnicectomy abolished emesis. Lesion of greater splanchnic nerves alone did not markedly inhibit emesis. Intracerebroventricularly (4th ventricle) administered YM060 inhibited cisplatin- and m-chlorophenylbiguanide-induced emesis only at higher doses (0.01-0.1 and 0.01-0.03 microgram, respectively). Intracerebroventricularly (4th ventricle) administered m-chlorophenylbiguanide (30-100 micrograms) produced only a weak retching response. These results indicate that stimulation of abdominal vagal afferent nerves via peripheral 5-HT3 receptors is important for triggering cisplatin- and m-chlorophenylbiguanide-induced emesis in ferrets.

Characterization of YM060, a potent and selective 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor antagonist, in rabbit nodose ganglion and N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells

The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)3 receptor blocking properties of YM060, [(R)-5-[(1-methyl-3-indolyl)carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H- benzimidazole hydrochloride], were examined by electrophysiological and radioligand binding studies. Results were compared with those for ondansetron, granisetron and the enantiomer (S-form) of YM060. 5-HT and 2-methyl-5-HT, a selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist, induced dose-dependent depolarizations of rabbit nodose ganglion with ED50 values of 24.0 (19.9-29.1) and 40.1 (30.9-52.1) nmol, respectively (geometric mean, 95% CL). YM060, ondansetron, granisetron and the S-form dose-dependently inhibited 5-HT-induced depolarizations with IC50 values of 3.85 (2.47-5.98), 1.55 (1.26-1.91), 1.45 (1.18-1.79) and 13.5 (11.2-16.2) nM, respectively. Methysergide, a 5-HT1-like and 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, at a concentration of 10(-5) M had no effect on responses to 5-HT. YM060 up to 10(-5) M produced no significant depression of depolarizing responses to 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium iodide and gamma-aminobutyric acid. YM060, ondansetron, granisetron and the S-form displaced specific binding of [3H]GR65630 to N1E-115 neuroblastoma cell membranes with Ki values of 0.091 (0.086-0.097), 7.03 (5.96-8.01), 2.02 (1.74-2.30) and 10.3 (9.96-10.6) nM, respectively. These results show that YM060, compared with ondansetron and granisetron, has considerably higher affinity for 5-HT3 receptors in N1E-115 cells and slightly less potent 5-HT3 receptor antagonistic activity in rabbit nodose ganglion. Moreover, the isomeric activity ratio (R-form/S-form) was approximately 112 in N1E-115 cells and no greater than 4 in the ganglion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

L-365,260, a potent CCK-B/gastrin receptor antagonist, suppresses gastric acid secretion induced by histamine and bethanechol as well as pentagastrin in rats

We evaluated the effects of a potent cholecystokinin (CCK)-B/gastrin receptor antagonist, L-365,260 (3R(+)-N-(2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin - 3-yl)-N'-( 3-methylphenyl) urea); a selective CCK-A receptor antagonist, devazepide (L-364,718); and cimetidine on gastric acid secretion induced by pentagastrin, histamine and bethanechol in anesthetized rats. We also evaluated the effects of L-365,260 and cimetidine on acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats. Intravenous administration of L-365,260, L-364,718 and cimetidine dose-dependently reduced acid secretion induced by pentagastrin (20 nmol/kg/hr), with ED50 values of 0.63, 19.1 and 2.5 mumol/kg, respectively. Of interest was the finding that L-365,260, like cimetidine, dose-dependently inhibited acid secretion induced by histamine (100 mumol/kg/hr) and bethanechol (5 mumol/kg/hr) with ED50 values of 5.9 and 4.3 mumol/kg, respectively. L-364,718, even at 30 mumol/kg, i.v., had only a slight effect on histamine- or bethanechol-induced acid secretion. Gastric acid secretion was suppressed by treatment with L-365,260 (3-100 mumol/kg, i.v.) and cimetidine (11.9-396.4 mumol/kg, i.v.) in pylorus-ligated rats, with ED50 values of 13.3 and 96.9 mumol/kg, respectively. These results indicate that L-365,260 suppresses acid secretion induced by histamine and bethanechol in rats and that the gastrin receptor plays an important role in acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats.

Role of the serotonin3 receptor in stress-induced defecation

The possibility that 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin; 5-HT) mediates bowel dysfunction caused by stress was evaluated in rats and mice treated with 5-HT or thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) injection and in rats subjected to stress. Restraint stress at room temperature (23 degrees C) significantly increased fecal pellet output without the formation of gastrointestinal mucosal lesions in free-feeding rats, and caused diarrhea in 90 to 100% of animals within 3 hr in food-deprived rats. Oral YM060, ondansetron, granisetron, atropine and diazepam and s.c. tetrodotoxin inhibited these stress-induced changes in bowel function in fed and fasted rats. ED50 values were 1.1 (0.2-6.6) and 2.5 (1.1-5.7) micrograms/kg for YM060, 483 (338-691) and 354 (262-477) micrograms/kg for ondansetron, 208 (111-393) and 142 (48.9-414) micrograms/kg for granisetron, 811 (639-1,030) and 847 (641-1,118) micrograms/kg for atropine, 3,099 (1,499-6,405) and 5,396 (4,768-6,106) micrograms/kg for diazepam and 1.9 (1.7-2.1) and 3.3 (1.6-6.5) micrograms/kg for tetrodotoxin, respectively. Methysergide inhibited stress-induced diarrhea with an ED50 value of 724 (384-1,366) micrograms/kg s.c., whereas it had partial effect on stress-induced increases in fecal pellet output. Exogenous 5-HT increased fecal pellet output in rats and caused diarrhea in mice.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Serotonin (5-HT)3 receptor blocking activities of YM060, a novel 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzimidazole derivative, and its enantiomer in anesthetized rats

YM060 [(R)-5-[(1-methyl-3-indolyl)carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimida zol e hydrochloride], is structurally independent of other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. We investigated in vivo 5-HT3 receptor blocking activity of YM060 and compared results with those of its enantiomer (S-form), ondansetron (GR38032F), granisetron (BRL43694), ICS205-930 [(3 alpha-tropanyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid ester], LY277359 [endo-5-chloro-2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1] oct-3-yl)-7-benzofuran-carboxamide-(Z)-2-butenedioate (1:1)], Y25130 [(+-)-N-(1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-6-chloro-4-methyl-3-oxo-3,4- dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine-8-carboxamide hydrochloride] and zacopride [(R,S)4-amino-N-[1-azabicyclo (2.2.2)oct-3-yl]-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzamide(E)-2-butenedioat e]. YM060 injected i.v. dose-dependently inhibited the reduction in heart rate induced by 5-HT (30 micrograms/kg i.v.) in rats (von Bezold-Jarisch reflex) with an ED50 value of 0.036 (0.031-0.041) micrograms/kg (n = 3-5). Based on these values, YM060 was 53, 18, 23, 16, 11 and 4 times as potent as ondansetron, granisetron, ICS205-930, LY277359, Y25130 and zacopride, respectively. The S-form of YM060 also inhibited 5-HT-induced bradycardia, but with a potency approximately 250 times less than that of YM060 (R-form). YM060 dosed p.o. also inhibited 5-HT-induced bradycardia with an ED50 value of 0.59 (0.44-0.80) micrograms/kg (n = 3-5), indicating the drug to be 387, 66, 97, 6 and 16 times more potent than ondansetron, granisetron, ICS205-930, LY277359 and Y25130, respectively, but 2 times less potent than zacopride. Bioavailability of YM060 based on the p.o.-to-i.v. ED50 ratio (p.o./i.v. = 16) was lower than those of zacopride (2) and LY277359 (6), similar to that of Y25130 (22) and better than those of ondansetron (109), granisetron (60) and ICS205-930 (71).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antiemetic effects of YM060, a potent and selective serotonin (5HT)3-receptor antagonist, in ferrets and dogs

YM060, (R)-5-[(1-methyl-3-indolyl)carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazole hydrochloride, is a new serotonin (5HT)3-receptor antagonist. We examined the effects of YM060 on chemotherapeutic agent-, apomorphine- and copper sulfate-induced emesis. Intravenous YM060 potently prevented cisplatin (10 mg/kg, i.v.)-induced emesis with ED50 values of 0.06 (0.05-0.07) micrograms/kg, i.v. in ferrets. Based on the ED50 values, YM060 was 300, 20 and 100 times more potent than ondansetron, granisetron and the S-isomer of YM060, respectively. The relative potencies of these drugs described above were similar to those in the previously reported 5HT3-receptor antagonism. YM060 given orally also potently inhibited cisplatin (10 mg/kg, i.p.)- and cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced emesis in ferrets with ED50 values of 0.1 (0.09-0.11) and 0.02 (0.16-0.27) micrograms/kg, p.o., respectively. All tested 5HT3-receptor antagonists including YM060 failed to prevent apomorphine (0.1 mg/kg, s.c.)-induced emesis in dogs and copper sulfate (1%, 10 ml, p.o.)-induced emesis in ferrets. Our data indicate that YM060 is a highly potent inhibitor of chemotherapeutic agent-induced emesis and that the antiemetic effect of YM060 may be depend on 5HT3-receptor antagonism.

Pharmacologic profile of (R)-5-[(1-methyl-3-indolyl)carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H- benzimidazole hydrochloride (YM060), a potent and selective 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor antagonist, and its enantiomer in the isolated tissue

(R)-5-[(1-Methyl-3-indolyl)carbonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazole hydrochloride (YM060) is a structurally novel, extremely potent, and highly selective serotonin (5HT)3 receptor antagonist. Its 5HT3 receptor blocking properties were compared with those of its enantiomer (S-form), granisetron and ondansetron, in the isolated distal colon of the guinea pig. YM060 competitively antagonized 5HT- and 2-methyl-5HT-induced contraction of the colon, with pA2 values of 8.71 +/- 0.09 (n = 12) and 8.69 +/- 0.06 (n = 9), respectively. Its antagonistic activity was approximately 200, 5 and 50 times more potent than those of the S-form (pA2 = 6.33 +/- 0.06, n = 9 against 5HT; 6.47 +/- 0.1, n = 9 against 2-methyl-5HT), granisetron (pA2 = 8.03 +/- 0.07, n = 9; 8.02 +/- 0.04, n = 9), and ondansetron (pA2 = 7.02 +/- 0.08, n = 9; 6.98 +/- 0.02, n = 9), respectively. Each pA2 value was constant and the isomeric activity ratio (R-form/S-form) was constant irrespective of the agonist used, suggesting that each drug acted on the same 5HT3 receptor. YM060 failed to antagonize contractions induced by 5HT in the saphenous vein of the dog (5HT1-like receptor) or in the aorta of the rabbit (5HT2 receptor. YM060 has a low affinity for alpha-1 (rabbit aorta; pA2 = 5.08 +/- 0.07, n = 8) and alpha-2 (guinea pig ileum; pA2 = 5.61 +/- 0.09, n = 11) adrenergic receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Studies on the mechanism for the gastric mucosal protection by famotidine in rats

The effect of famotidine on gastric lesions induced by the decrease in mucosal defensive resistance was investigated in rats and compared with those of cimetidine, pirenzepine and cetraxate. Famotidine (0.03, 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited dose-dependently the development of gastric lesions produced by taurocholate-histamine in doses that suppressed histamine-induced acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats. The H2-antagonist also prevented gastric mucosal lesions induced by taurocholate-serotonin, iodoacetamide, acidified aspirin and acidified ethanol. Cimetidine, pirenzepine and cetraxate showed the inhibitory effects on almost all types of the gastric lesions, but their inhibitory effects were much less potent than those of famotidine. On the other hand, famotidine inhibited the decreases of gastric mucosal blood flow induced by acidified ethanol and the mucosal contents of glycoprotein induced by water immersion restraint stress. In addition, famotidine increased the transgastric potential difference (PD) and promoted the recovery of decreased transgastric PD induced by acidified ethanol in rats. These results suggest that the preventive effect of famotidine on gastric lesions is attributable not only to suppression of acid secretion but to activation of the gastric mucosal defensive mechanisms.

Cardiovascular and bronchial actions of famotidine in anesthetized dogs

The effects of famotidine (Gaster; CAS 76824-35-6) and cimetidine on cardiovascular and bronchial functions were investigated in anesthetized dogs. Famotidine did not affect heart rate, blood pressure, left ventricular pressure (LVP), max. dLVP/dt, cardiac output or coronary blood flow at i.v. doses of 1 to 30 mg/kg in open-chest dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital or a combination of nitrous oxide, oxygen and halothane (GOF). No hemodynamic changes were either observed after famotidine in pentobarbital anesthetized dogs whose cardiac function was depressed by propranolol (1 mg/kg i.v.). On the contrary, cimetidine dose-dependently decreased heart rate and blood pressure at doses greater than 3 mg/kg, and left ventricular pressure, cardiac output and coronary blood flow at the dose of 30 mg/kg. Regarding the electrocardiogram (ECG), famotidine did not produce any remarkable change at doses up to 30 mg/kg with the exception of a transient increase or decrease in the T-wave amplitude at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Cimetidine prolonged Q-T intervals of ECG in addition to changing the T-wave at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Neither famotidine nor cimetidine showed any effect on resting and histamine-increased bronchoresistance at doses up to 30 mg/kg. It is concluded that famotidine is superior to cimetidine with regard to safety because famotidine has no significant effects on cardiovascular functions in anesthetized dogs.

Selective and competitive histamine H2-receptor blocking effect of famotidine on the blood pressure response in dogs and the acid secretory response in rats

Famotidine has been already demonstrated to be a competitive H2-receptor antagonist in the stomachs of dogs and cats. The present experiments were carried out to examine the effects of famotidine on changes in blood pressure induced by dimaprit and several other agonists in vagotomized, anesthetized dogs and on changes in gastric acid secretion induced by histamine in stomach-perfused, anesthetized rats. Famotidine caused a parallel displacement of the dimaprit dose-response curve to the right with a DR10 value of 0.059 mumols/kg, indicating that famotidine is 166 times more potent than cimetidine in vascular H2-blocking activity. On the contrary, famotidine did not affect the depressor responses to 2-pyridylethylamine and histamine that were antagonized by mepyramine. The histamine dose-response curve was displaced to the right more markedly after simultaneous administration of mepyramine and famotidine than after mepyramine alone. The effects of methacholine, phenylephrine and isoproterenol on blood pressure were not influenced by famotidine in doses up to 720 nmol/kg. In rats, famotidine also caused a parallel displacement of the acid dose-response curve to histamine to the right with a DR3 value of 24 mumols/kg/hr in stomach-perfused rats anesthetized with pentobarbital, exhibiting a potency 108 times greater than that of cimetidine. Analysis of the acid dose-response curve with the Edie-Hofstee transformation showed that famotidine, like cimetidine, was a competitive H2-receptor antagonist.

Characterization of functional properties of C4-binding protein by monoclonal antibodies

We prepared mouse monoclonal antibodies to human C4-binding protein (C4-bp) by fusing spleen cells from mice immunized with purified C4-bp to the mouse myeloma line P3U1. Of four monoclonal antibodies that reacted with intact C4-bp, two were specific for a 48K fragment, one of the chymotryptic cleavage products of C4-bp, and one was specific for another fragment (160K). The fourth monoclonal antibody did not react with either fragment. One of the monoclonals that reacted with the 48K fragment blocked the binding of C4-bp to cell-bound C4b. This monoclonal antibody (TK3) also inhibited two other functions of C4-bp, serving as an essential cofactor for C3b/C4b inactivator (I) in the cleavage of fluid-phase C4b and accelerating the decay of C2a from the C4b,2a complex. The other monoclonals had little or no effect on these activities of C4-bp. In addition, we found that the 48K fragment lost the binding affinity for C4b. However, it can function as a cofactor for I and as a decay-accelerator, although its activities were about 200 times weaker than intact C4-bp on a molar basis. The monoclonal antibody TK3 completely inhibited these activities of the 48K fragment. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that the functionally active site of C4-bp is located on the 48K fragment. Probably, the cofactor and decay-accelerating activities of C4-bp result from the binding of C4-bp to C4b.

Characterization of functional properties of C4-binding protein by monoclonal antibodies

We prepared mouse monoclonal antibodies to human C4-binding protein (C4-bp) by fusing spleen cells from mice immunized with purified C4-bp to the mouse myeloma line P3U1. Of four monoclonal antibodies that reacted with intact C4-bp, two were specific for a 48K fragment, one of the chymotryptic cleavage products of C4-bp, and one was specific for another fragment (160K). The fourth monoclonal antibody did not react with either fragment. One of the monoclonals that reacted with the 48K fragment blocked the binding of C4-bp to cell-bound C4b. This monoclonal antibody (TK3) also inhibited two other functions of C4-bp, serving as an essential cofactor for C3b/C4b inactivator (I) in the cleavage of fluid-phase C4b and accelerating the decay of C2a from the C4b,2a complex. The other monoclonals had little or no effect on these activities of C4-bp. In addition, we found that the 48K fragment lost the binding affinity for C4b. However, it can function as a cofactor for I and as a decay-accelerator, although its activities were about 200 times weaker than intact C4-bp on a molar basis. The monoclonal antibody TK3 completely inhibited these activities of the 48K fragment. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that the functionally active site of C4-bp is located on the 48K fragment. Probably, the cofactor and decay-accelerating activities of C4-bp result from the binding of C4-bp to C4b.