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Although the development of anti-interferon (IFN)-α neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) is likely to be a common clinical problem for patients with various diseases treated with IFN, anti-IFN-α NAb has been exceptionally considered to have no clinical significance in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C with pegylated IFN-α (Peg-IFN-α). However, we recently clarified that the presence of NAb was associated with a non-response to the Peg-IFN plus ribavirin (RBV) therapy. In this study, we used the HCV-replicon system with genotype 1b, and investigated the role of anti-IFN-α NAb in the response to telaprevir (TVR)-containing new antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV). Anti-IFN-α NAb-positive sera specifically inhibited the anti-HCV effects of IFN-α, without any effect on the activity of IFN-β in vitro. The NAb-positive sera also inhibited the IFN-α-dependent induction of interferon-stimulated genes, MxA and OAS-1, in a dose-dependent manner. Although TVR monotherapy decreased the HCV-RNA in vitro, the HCV-RNA was increased again with the development of TVR-resistant mutations. When IFN-α was administrated with TVR, the replication of HCV was continuously suppressed for more than a month. However, in the presence of anti-IFN-α NAb-positive sera, even when IFN-α was combined with TVR, the levels of HCV-RNA exhibited a time-course similar to that with TVR monotherapy, and HCV with TVR-resistant mutations emerged. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the presence of IFN-α NAb decreases the antiviral effects of IFN-α and may be related to the development of TVR-resistant mutated viruses.

We investigated whether the polycation poly-L-arginine elicited cutaneous vascular hyperpermeability and scratching behavior and, if so, whether these responses involved mast cells and sensory nerves in rats. Intradermal injections of poly-L-arginine induced vascular hyperpermeability and scratching behavior. Combined treatment with chlorpheniramine and methysergide almost completely suppressed the poly-L-arginine (50 microg/site)-induced plasma leakage. Capsaicin desensitization and the tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonist LY303870, (R)-1-[N-(2-methoxybenzyl)acetylamino]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2-[N-(2-(4-(piperidin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)acetyl)amino]propane, partially inhibited the leakage. In mast cell-deficient rats, poly-L-arginine only minimally induced plasma leakage. On the other hand, capsaicin desensitization and LY303870, but not chlorpheniramine or methysergide, suppressed the poly-L-arginine (200 microg/site)-induced scratching. Moreover, poly-L-arginine elicited the scratching even in mast cell-deficient rats. These results suggest that substance P is at least partly involved in both the cutaneous plasma leakage and the scratching behavior induced by poly-L-arginine. Moreover, mast cell-derived amines are suggested to be involved in the plasma extravasation but scarcely, if any, in the scratching behavior.

To investigate the possible inhibitory effect of olopatadine hydrochloride (olopatadine), an antiallergic drug, on the tachykinin-mediated nasal responses, we examined the effect of olopatadine on the sneezing and the nasal rubbing responses induced by intranasal capsaicin challenge in guinea pigs. Olopatadine (10 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited the sneezing response by 57% without affecting the nasal rubbing one. The antihistamines chlorpheniramine and clemastine did not affect the responses. Morphine caused the inhibition of both responses, which was antagonized by naloxone. These results suggest that olopatadine inhibits the sneezing response by the inhibition of the tachykinin release and not by its antihistaminic action.

To clarify the mechanism for the severe emesis concomitant with intensive chemotherapy, we investigated the effects of 5-HT3- and 5-HT4-receptor antagonists on the emesis induced by the high-dose of cisplatin in Suncus murinus. The emesis induced by 50 mg/kg of cisplatin was reduced by the oral pretreatment with tropisetron, which is known as a 5-HT3- and 5-HT4-receptor dual antagonist in vitro, with the ID50 value of 0.52 mg/kg. On the contrary, granisetron, a selective 5-HT3-receptor antagonist, did not markedly inhibit the emesis at up to 30 mg/kg. Moreover, GR125487, a selective 5-HT4-receptor antagonist, did not inhibit the emesis. However, co-administration of GR125487 and granisetron significantly reduced the number of emetic episodes. The study of the co-administration of GR125487 with tropisetron showed that GR125487 did not further enhance the inhibitory effect of tropisetron alone, suggesting that the anti-emetic effect of tropisetron is mediated via the blockade of both 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors. These results suggest that both the 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors are involved in the emesis induced by the high-dose of cisplatin in Suncus murinus.

The purposes of the present study were i) to determine whether neuropeptides induce the nasal obstruction in guinea pigs, and ii) to examine the possible involvement of neuropeptides in allergic nasal obstruction. The decrease in nasal cavity volume was determined by acoustic rhinometry as an index of nasal obstruction. In non-sensitized guinea pigs, substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) caused the nasal obstruction 10 to 30 min after their intranasal application. LY303870 (1 mg/kg), a tachykinin NK1-receptor antagonist; SR48968 (1 mg/kg), a tackykinin NK2-receptor antagonist; and CGRP(8-37) (50 nmol/kg), a CGRP1-receptor antagonist, administered intravenously before the intranasal application of the neuropeptides, inhibited the responses induced by SP, NKA and CGRP, respectively. In the guinea pigs sensitized with dinitrophenyl-coupled Ascaris suum allergenic extract, the intranasal antigen challenge caused nasal obstruction. The response was biphasic and consisted of the early phase response (EPR) and the late phase response (LPR), which developed 30 min and 6 h, respectively, after the antigen challenge. Intravenous administration of LY303870 (1 mg/kg) before the antigen challenge inhibited the EPR, while those of SR48968 (1 mg/kg) and CGRP(8-37) (50 nmol/kg) inhibited the LPR. The present results suggest that neuropeptides are involved in the allergic nasal obstruction.

Background Various mediators, such as thromboxane (TX) A 2 , peptide leukotrienes (P-LT) and histamine, are involved in allergic nasal obstruction. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism whereby olopatadine hydrochloride, a novel anti-allergic drug, ameliorated the allergic nasal obstruction. Methods The levels of TXB 2 , P-LT and histamine in nasal lavage fluid (NLF) were measured after intranasal antigen challenge in sensitized guinea pigs. Results Histamine and TXB 2 levels in the NLF increased eight- and threefold, respectively, 10 min after antigen challenge, whereas the P-LT level was under the detection limit. Oral administration of olopatadine at 0.1, 1 and 3 mg/kg significantly inhibited the increases in TXB 2 and histamine levels. At 3 mg/kg, olopatadine also ameliorated the nasal obstruction caused 10 min after antigen challenge, as determined by acoustic rhinometry. Conclusions These results suggest that the amelioration by olopatadine of the allergic nasal obstruction involves the inhibition of the release of TXA 2 and histamine.

Olopatadine hydrochloride (olopatadine; KW-4679), (Z)-11-[(3-dimethylamino)propylidene]-6,11-dihydro-dibenz[b,e]oxepin-2-acetic acid monohydrochloride, is an antiallergic drug with selective and potent histamine H 1 receptor antagonist activity. In the present study, we investigated the effect of olopatadine on the release of peptide leukotrienes (P-LT), potent inflammatory mediators, from human eosinophils. Human eosinophils were purified from venous blood of healthy donors by negative selection using the anti-CD16 antibody. When human eosinophils were stimulated with the calcium ionophore A23187 (1 μmol/L), the amount of P-LT release was approximately 1200 pg/ 10 5 cells, while thromboxane (TX) B 2 release was under the detection limit ( 5 cells). Olopatadine inhibited the A23187-induced P-LT release from human eosinophils with an IC50 of 4.5 μmol/L. Ketotifen also inhibited this reaction with an IC 50 of 39.4 μmol/L. The inhibitory effect of olopatadine on the P-LT release may contribute to the antiallergic efficacy of this drug.

An experimental model for pulmonary toxicity of KW-2149, a new mitomycin C analogue, was established and the inhibitory effects of dexamethasone (DM) were investigated. KW-2149 was given to male rats 3 or 5 times at weekly intervals by intravenous injection of 3.28 or 8.2 mg/kg. As a suitable model for pulmonary toxicity, the dose of 3.28 mg/kg per week for 3 weeks was selected, this causing exudative pleural effusion in all animals but no deaths. For preventing this toxicity, DM was injected subcutaneously 3 times every week at 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg. The 0.5 mg/kg dose was sufficient to completely prevent development of pleural effusions. Combined DM treatment may be an effective chemotherapy for KW-2149 induced pulmonary toxicity.

Evacuated feces after intraperitoneal administration of selective adenosine receptor antagonists were evaluated in rats. The selective adenosine A 1 receptor antagonists, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) (100–300 μg/kg i.p.) and ( R )-7,8-dihydro-8-ethyl-2-(3-noradamantyl)-4-propyl-1 H -imidazo[2,1- i ]purin-5(4 H )-one (KF20274) (30–300 μg/kg i.p.), significantly increased defacation, whereas the selective adenosine A 2 receptor antagonist 4-amino-8-chloro-1-phenyl[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3- a ]quinoxaline (CP-66,713) failed to cause a significant increase at up to 10 mg/kg i.p. The defacation caused by DPCPX (100 μg/kg) was markedly alleviated by (2 S )- N 6 -(2- endo -norbornyl)adenosine (( S )-ENBA) (30–300 μg/kg s.c.), a selective adenosine A 1 receptor agonist, but not influenced by 2-[ p -(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]-5′- N -ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680) (30–1000 μg/kg s.c.), a selective adenosine A 2 receptor agonist. These results suggest that endogenous adenosine plays a physiological role in sustained inhibition of defecation via adenosine A 1 receptors.

The effects of topiramate, a novel antiepileptic drug, on tonic and absence-like seizures in spontaneously epileptic rats (SER; zi/zi, tm/tm) and on sound-induced seizures in DBA/2 mice were investigated. Topiramate (20 and 40 mg/kg i.p.) inhibited both tonic and absence-like seizures in a dose-dependent manner, whereas phenytoin (20 mg/kg i.p.) and zonisamide (40 mg/kg i.p.) inhibited only the tonic seizures. The inhibitory effects of topiramate on absence-like seizures were antagonized by pretreatment with haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), but those on the tonic seizures remained unaffected. Topiramate inhibited sound-induced seizures in DBA/2 mice (ED50 = 8.6 mg/kg p.o.). These findings suggest that topiramate may be effective for treatment of both convulsive and absence seizures of human epilepsy. The inhibitory effect of topiramate on absence-like seizures in SER may be mediated through the central dopaminergic system.

The effects of 5-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]amino-5,11-dihydro[1]benzoxepino[3,4- b]pyridine trihydrochloride (KW-5805) on the changes of gastric mucus induced by stress and aspirin were studied in rats. Water immersion-restraint stress time-dependently decreased the gastric adherent mucus content and induced gastric ulcers. Aspirin, administered orally at 200 mg/kg, reduced the gastric adherent mucus level and produced gastric erosions. The diminution of gastric mucus reached a maximum at 3 hr, and a gradual return to the non-treatment value was observed subsequently. Pretreatment with KW-5805, given orally at 3, 10 or 30 mg/kg, dose-dependently prevented stress- and aspirin-induced mucus depletion and gastric ulceration. Gastric mucus glycoprotein levels, indicated by the contents of hexose and hexosamine, were also decreased by aspirin. KW-5805 pretreatment (30 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited the diminution of mucus glycoproteins. KW-5805 also increased the gastric adherent mucus content and the amount of glycoproteins in normal rats. These results suggested that the stimulating effects of KW-5805 on the secretion and storage of gastric mucus may account for some of its antiulcer properties.

1. Involvement of cholinergic mechanisms in the contractile response to Leu13-motilin (LMT, KW-5139) was investigated in rabbit duodenal segments, and longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus (LM-MP) preparations preincubated wtih [3H]-choline. 2. Contractile response to LMT (0.1 nM-1 microM) consisted of an initial rapid (phasic) contraction and a tonic contraction slowly fading to a sustained plateau. LMT caused a concentration-dependent phasic contraction of rabbit isolated duodenal segments. The EC50 value was 2.5 nM and the maximum amplitude of the contraction was 103% of the response induced by acetylcholine (ACh, 100 microM). Neither tetrodotoxin nor atropine changed the EC50 value or the maximum amplitude of the response to LMT. 3. Both atropine and tetrodotoxin decreased the amplitude and accelerated fading of the tonic contraction produced by LMT. 4. LMT (30 nM-3 microM) induced an increase of 3H-outflow, in a concentration-dependent manner. The LMT-induced increase of 3H-outflow was prevented by removal of external Ca2+ or by the presence of tetrodotoxin. 5. Porcine motilin (10 nM-1 microM) also stimulated the release of 3H at a similar concentration-range to that seen with LMT. 6. Pretreatment with LMT (3 microM for 20 min) decreased LMT- and the porcine motilin-evoked release of 3H but did not alter the high K(+)-evoked release. 7. Our results suggest that LMT and porcine motilin stimulate the release of ACh from enteric neurones through the same receptor, and that the release of ACh plays a role in tonic components of contraction in the rabbit duodenum.

Ranitidine (1), the histamine H2-receptor antagonist, has been previously reported to increase gastric emptying and gastric motility by inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and enhancement of acetylcholine (ACh) release. In order to obtain potent gastroprokinetic agents, a new series of ranitidine derivatives (5-32) possessing a nitrogen atom instead of a sulfur atom (B) was synthesized and their AChE inhibitory activity and potentiating action on electrically evoked contractions of guinea pig ileum were evaluated. Modification of substituents R1 and R2 markedly influenced the activities. In particular, compound 19, (1-[2-[[[5-(piperidinomethyl)-2-furanyl]methyl]amino]-ethyl]-2- imidazolidinylidene)propanedinitrile fumarate, showed 20 and 100 times more potent AChE inhibitory activity and potentiating action on the ileal contraction, respectively, than ranitidine. Furthermore, compound 19 (KW-5092) enhanced gastrointestinal motility in anesthetized rabbits along with a negligible histamine H2-receptor blocking activity.

Benidipine is a newly developed slow-onset and long-lasting dihydropyridine calcium antagonist. The kinetics of specific binding of (+/-)[3H]benidipine to the dihydropyridine receptor sites in rat heart membranes were assessed. The dissociation constant (Kd) and the maximal number of binding sites were 0.078 +/- 0.029 nM and 286 +/- 6 fmol/mg of protein, respectively. Association and dissociation rate constants of (+/-)[3H]benidipine binding were 4 and 50 times smaller, respectively, than those of (+/-)[3H]nitrendipine binding. In displacement studies, the decreasing order of potency was benidipine, nisoldipine, nicardipine, nitrendipine, nifedipine, and Bay K 8644. A high stereoselectivity was observed, with Ki values of 0.028 nM in the S-S-(+) isomer and 4.4 nM in the R-R-(-) isomer of this drug. Benidipine had a high affinity for specific binding, with an inhibition constant of 0.084 nM, which was in good agreement with the Kd value stated above. Among the stimulants and blockers of alpha- and beta-adrenergic, cholinergic, histaminergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, or GABAergic receptors, no drug inhibited or enhanced specific (+/-)[3H]benidipine binding. These binding properties of (+/-)[3H]benidipine may explain its unique slow onset and long-lasting antihypertensive activities.

Colonic motility was measured with three catheter pressure transducers that were inserted into the descending colon at the distance of 4 cm, 6 cm and 8 cm from the anal verge in anesthetized rats. Colonic infusion of glycerol (65%, 2 ml/kg) induced large phasic pressure changes with high amplitude and long duration. Some of the pressure changes propagated over all the three recording sites, appearing to be equivalent to giant migrating contractions. These glycerol-induced large propulsions were abolished by lidocaine (5%, 2 ml/kg, intracolon), hexamethonium (10 mg/kg, i.v.) or Clonidine (30 μg/kg, i.V.); and they were almost entirely suppressed by atropine (3 mg/kg, i.v.), suggesting the principal involvement of the cholinergic neural pathway.

We investigated the effects of KF18259 (endo-(8-methyl-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1-isobutyl-2-oxo-1, 2-dihydro-4-quinolinecarboxylate hydrochloride), a novel 5-HT3-receptor antagonist, in a variety of rat models, which are assumed to be mediated via 5-HT3 receptors, in comparison with those of YM060 ((R)-5-[(1-methyl-3-indolyl)carbonyl]-4, 5, 6, 7-tetrahydro-1H-benzimidazole hydrochloride), granisetron and ondansetron. KF18259 inhibited wrap-restraint stress-induced defecation. The doses of KF 18259 to inhibit wrap-restraint stress-induced defecation were lower than those to inhibit the 5-HT-induced von Bezold-Jarisch reflex and the cisplatin-induced slowing of gastric emptying. In contrast, the doses of YM060, granisetron and ondansetron to inhibit these three responses were similar. Moreover, KF18259 inhibited the wrap-restraint stress-induced propulsive motility of the proximal and distal colon. The effect of KF18259 on the distal colon was as potent as that on defecation and was more potent than that on the proximal colon. These results indicate that KF18259 potently inhibits the distal colonic function. KF18259 may be a useful tool for the discrimination of the 5-HT3-receptors located on the distal colon and other tissues.

During further modification of the new antiulcer agent 5 (KW-5805), a 5,11-dihydro[1]benzoxepino[3,4-b]pyridine derivative, we found that some new derivatives had antiarrhythmic activity. So we continued synthesis and evaluation of a series of 5-substituted 5,11-dihydro[1]benzoxepino[3,4-b]pyridines for antiarrhythmic activity in chloroform-induced ventricular arrhythmias in mice and in ouabain-induced ventricular arrhythmias in dogs. In chloroform-induced ventricular arrhythmias, the 7-methoxy group played an important role in activity and the type of terminal side chain at position 5 had not obvious effect on potency. On the other hand, in ouabain-induced ventricular arrhythmias, the structure-activity relationship was highly specific and only four compounds, 9, 30, 34, and 35, were effective. Compound 9,5-[[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]amino]-7-methoxy-5,11-dihydro[1] benzoxepino[3,4-b]pyridine 1.5-fumarate, which exhibited low affinity for muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and a high ED100(mydriasis)/ED50(antiarrhythmic activity) ratio, was selected for further development and clinical evaluation as KW-3407. The synthesis and antiarrhythmic activity of optically active 9 is described. The order of potency of antiarrhythmic activity in ouabain-induced ventricular arrhythmias in dogs was (-)-9, (+/-)-9, and (+)-9.

A novel pyridobenzazepinone derivative (Z)-11-(5-carboxypentylidene)-6-methyl-5, 11-dihydropyrido +ad4,3-C] [1] benzazepin-5 (6H)-one (CAS 127654-03-9, KF 13218), inhibited human and bovine platelet thromboxane synthase with IC50 values of 27 +/- 5.8 nmol/l (mean +/- S.E.M.) and 36 +/- 6.9 nmol/l, respectively. The compound did not inhibit cyclooxygenase or 5-lipoxygenase up to a dose of 100 mumol/l and did not antagonize thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptors. KF13218 inhibited arachidonic acid-induced thromboxane B2 production by human intact platelets with an IC50 value of 5.3 +/- 1.3 nmol/l. The IC50 value of KF13218 for the intact platelets was about 5 times lower than that for the microsomal enzyme. The inhibition of thromboxane synthase in platelets by KF13218 was sustained after removal of the extracellular compound. After oral dosing in rat from 0.03 mg/kg to 3 mg/kg, KF13218 dose-dependently inhibited the thromboxane B2 production in serum, and the inhibition was retained for 72 h. KF13218, at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg p.o. prevented mortality induced by sodium arachidonate in rabbit. It is concluded that KF13218 is a potent, selective and long lasting thromboxane synthase inhibitor.

Thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TXA2/PGH2) receptors were characterized in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The specific binding of [3H]SQ 29,548 was inhibited by KW-3635, a novel non-prostanoic TXA2 antagonist, SQ 29,548 and BM-13505 (daltroban). SQ 29,548 showed a single class of binding sites with a Ki value of 1.6 nM. The inhibition patterns were better fit to two-component curves for KW-3635 (Ki values of 0.45 nM and 42 nM) and BM-13505 (2.3 nM and 20 nM). U46619, a TXA2 agonist, induced an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), which was inhibited by these antagonists. KW-3635 and SQ 29,548 did not induce any increase in [Ca2+]i, whereas BM-13505 was found to induce a smaller increase in [Ca2+]i. The BM-13505-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was also inhibited by pretreatment with KW-3635, SQ 29,548 and BM-13505. The results demonstrate that BM-13505 has partial agonistic activity on TXA2/PGH2 receptors, and KW-3635 and SQ 29,548 do not. SQ 29,548 and BM-13505 inhibited both U-46619- and BM-13505-induced increases in [Ca2+]i to a similar degree. Alternatively, KW-3635 inhibited a U46619-induced increase in [Ca2+]i more effectively than a BM-13505-induced increase. These results suggest the heterogeneity of functional binding sites or subtypes of TXA2/PGH2 receptors present in VSMC.

We examined the effect of KW-6055 [alpha-(p-butyrylamino-o-nitrobenzyl) pyridine], which has anti-amnesic activity, on the central cholinergic systems of rat frontal cortex using in vivo brain microdialysis. 1) KW-6055 (40, 160 mg/kg, p.o.) increased the extracellular level of ACh in normal rats (257 +/- 23, 202 +/- 24%). The stimulating effect of KW-6055 on ACh release was abolished by tetrodotoxin treatment, supporting that the released ACh was due to neuronal firing. Reserpine pretreatment decreased the effect of KW-6055, indicating that KW-6055 acted on cholinergic neurons through catecholaminergic neurons. 2) In basal forebrain-lesioned rats, KW-6055 (40 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly increased the extracellular level of ACh (251 +/- 22%) for more than 2 hr, which was longer than in normal rats. In conclusion, these results suggest that the stimulating activity on ACh release may be involved in the mechanism of the anti-amnesic effects of KW-6055.

Intradermal injections of poly-L-arginine induce cutaneous vascular hyperpermeability and scratching behavior in rats. Recently, we elucidated that the plasma extravasation involved both histamine and substance P, while the scratching behavior involved substance P, but not histamine. This study examined the effects of olopatadine hydrochloride (olopatadine), an antiallergic drug with histamine H1-antagonistic action, on the poly-L-arginine-induced responses. Olopatadine (1 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited both the plasma extravasation and the scratching behavior, suggesting that its inhibitory effects are mediated by the suppression of neuropeptidergic action as well as histaminic action. Olopatadine seems to be a novel-type drug for the treatment of dermatitis.

To investigate the mechanism for the amelioration by olopatadine hydrochloride (olopatadine) of allergic rhinitis, we determined its effects on the increase of chemical mediator concentrations in nasal lavage fluid following the intranasal antigen challenge in guinea pigs actively sensitized with DNP-Ascaris. The concentrations of histamine and peptide-leukotrienes increased 10 min after the challenge. Olopatadine at 10 mg/kg (p.o.) significantly prevented the increase of histamine and tended to inhibit the increase of peptide-leukotrienes. The inhibition by olopatadine of the nasal symptoms seems to involve the inhibitory effect on the releases of histamine and, possibly, p-LTs into the nasal cavity.

The spontaneously epileptic rat (SER), a double mutant, manifests both tonic and absence-like seizures. The effect of topiramate, a novel antiepileptic drug, on the extracellular levels of excitatory amino acids (EAA) in the hippocampus of SER was investigated using in vivo microdialysis. The basal levels of glutamate and aspartate in dialysates of hippocampus in SER were 2- to 3-fold higher than those in normal Wistar rats. Both the dose-response relationship and the time course of the suppression of tonic seizures by topiramate were similar to the attenuation of glutamate level in SER. Topiramate (40 mg/kg i.p.) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced both glutamate and aspartate levels in SER while showing no effect on normal Wistar rats. These findings suggest that topiramate reduces abnormally high extracellular levels of glutamate and aspartate in the hippocampus of SER. This effect may, at least in part, be related to the anticonvulsant activity of topiramate.

KW-5092 ([1-[2-[[[5-(piperidinomethyl)-2- furanyl]methyl]amino]ethyl]-2-imidazolidinylidene] propanedinitrile fumarate) is a novel gastroprokinetic agent with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and acetylcholine release facilitatory activity. The present study used guinea pig ileal homogenates to examine the inhibitory effects of KW-5092 on the activities of AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). KW-5092 inhibited AChE and BuChE with the IC50 values of 6.8 x 10(-8) M and 2.4 x 10(-5) M, respectively. The IC50 values of neostigmine for AChE and BuChE were 3.6 x 10(-8) M and 1.9 x 10(-7) M, respectively. HSR-803 (N-[4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]benzyl]-3,4-dimethoxybenzamide hydrochloride), a gastroprokinetic agent, inhibited AChE and BuChE with the IC50 values of 8.6 x 10(-6) M and 6.0 x 10(-4) M, respectively. The AChE inhibition by KW-5092 was reversible and noncompetitive, whereas that by HSR-803 was reversible and uncompetitive. On the other hand, the AChE inhibition by neostigmine was non-competitive when the enzyme was preincubated with this inhibitor for 2 min prior to the addition of the substrate, and it was nearly competitive when the enzyme, the inhibitor and the substrate were incubated simultaneously. The present results demonstrate that KW-5092 is a selective, reversible and noncompetitive inhibitor of AChE with different characteristics from those of neostigmine and HSR-803. The AChE inhibitory action may contribute to its gastroprokinetic effect.

The effect of 5-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]amino-5,11- dihydro[1]benzoxepino[3,4-b]pyridine trihydrochloride (KW-5805) on the activity of an enzyme regulating gastric mucous aminosugar metabolism was studied in rats. Restraint and water-immersion stress decreased the gastric mucosal glucosamine synthetase activity and induced gastric ulcers. The decrease of the enzyme activity reached a maximum at 1 hr and then returned to the non-stressed value. Pretreatment with KW-5805 at oral doses of 3 and 30 mg/kg inhibited the decrease of the enzyme activity and the gastric adherent mucus content and gastric ulceration induced by the stress. KW-5805 (30 mg/kg, p.o.) increased the enzyme activity in normal rats and also prevented the decrease of gastric mucosal N-acethylglucosamine kinase activity in the stressed rats. KW-5805 stimulated the activities of gastric mucosal. UDP-N-acethylglucosamine 4-epimerase and UDP-galactosyltransferase in in vitro. These results suggested that the antiulcerogenic effect of KW-5805 might be due to the activation of an enzyme regulating the biosynthesis of gastric mucus resulting in the reinforcement of gastric mucosal defensive mechanisms.

The present study examined whether adenosine agonists influence the occurrence of giant migrating contractions (GMCs) induced by glycerol enema (65%, 2 ml/kg) in rats. Catheter pressure transducers were used to measure the colonic luminal manometric alterations. The adenosine A1 agonists (2S)-N6-(2-endo-norbornyl)adenosine ((S)-ENBA) (10 micrograms/kg, i.v.) and N6-cyclohexyladenosine (30 micrograms/kg, i.v.) abolished the GMCs, whereas the adenosine A2 agonist 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosin e (CGS 21680) (30-300 micrograms/kg, i.v.) failed to influence the GMCs. The suppressive action of (S)-ENBA on the GMCs was entirely counteracted by the peripheral adenosine antagonist 8-(p-sulfophenyl)theophylline (10 mg/kg, i.v.). The present observations suggest that the adenosine A1 agonist suppresses the GMCs via peripheral adenosine receptors.

Effects of KW-5805, a new antiulcer agent, on various experimental ulcers, necrotizing agent-induced gastric lesions and gastric acid secretion in rats were compared with those of pirenzepine and cimetidine. KW-5805 showed antiulcer activities against experimental gastric and duodenal ulcers (ED50 = 1.2-10.0 mg/kg, p.o.). KW-5805 effectively inhibited gastric lesions induced by various necrotizing agents (ED50=4.5-39.8 mg/kg, p.o.). In addition, the cytoprotecive effect of KW-5805 was not affected by indomethacin, but reserved by N-ethylmaleimide. These antiulcer and cytoprotective effects of KW-5805 were more potent than those of pirenzepine and cimetidine. In pylorus-ligated rats, intraduodenal KW-5805 administration at 30 mg/kg showed a weak antisecretory effect, which was 3-10 times less potent than those of pirenzepine and cimetidine. In rats with acute gastric fistula, intravenous injection of KW-5805 reduced methacholine-stimulated gastric acid secretion at doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg and inhibited tetragastrin-induced acid secretion at 30 mg/kg. These results indicate that KW-5805 has potent and broad antiulcer properties, which are probably exerted by its potent cytoprotective effect in addition to its antisecretory effect.

KW-5092 ([1-[2-[[[5-(piperidinomethyl)-2- furanyl]methyl]amino]ethyl]-2-imidazolidinylidene) propanedinitrile fumarate) is a novel gastroprokinetic agent with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and acetylcholine (ACh) release facilitatory activity. The present study examined the effects of KW-5092 on gastrointestinal (GI) motor activity in dogs. In anesthetized dogs, KW-5092 at 0.03 to 1 mg/kg, i.v. dose-dependently enhanced the gastric antral and the colonic motor activity. Neostigmine, an AChE inhibitor, enhanced the motor activity at 0.03 and 0.1 mg/kg, i.v. Ranitidine, a histamine H2-receptor antagonist with AChE inhibitory activity and ACh release facilitatory activity, enhanced the motor activity but decreased blood pressure at 1 to 10 mg/kg, i.v. In conscious dogs, KW-5092 at 0.03 to 1 mg/kg, i.v. or 1 to 10 mg/kg, p.o. dose-dependently enhanced the gastric antral, duodenal, ileal and the colonic motor activities. Neostigmine at 0.1 mg/kg, i.v. or 3 mg/kg, p.o. enhanced the duodenal, ileal and colonic motor activities, but induced excitement, slavering, vomiting and diarrhea. Ranitidine at 3 mg/kg, i.v. enhanced the gastric antral and colonic motor activities, but induced collapse or akinesia. The present results suggest that KW-5092 enhances the GI motor activity in a wide range from the gastric antrum to the colon and does not induce behavioral and cardiovascular side effects. KW-5092 may be a useful drug for the treatment of GI motility dysfunctions.

We investigated the effect of cisapride, a gastroprokinetic agent, on the obstructed gastric mucosal hemodynamics induced by indomethacin using an organ reflectance spectrophotometry system in rats. Indomethacin (10 mg/kg, i.v.) reduced both the gastric mucosal blood volume and the gastric mucosal blood oxygenation. Pretreatment with cisapride (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) prevented these deteriorations. The presently-clarified gastric mucosal protective effect of cisapride may contribute to its therapeutic efficacy.

The effects of KW-5092, [1-[2-[[[5-(piperidinomethyl)-2- furanyl]methyl]amino]ethyl]-2-imidazolidinylidene]propanedinitr ile fumarate, on the loperamide- or clonidine-induced delayed propulsion were determined in rats and compared with those of other gastroprokinetic agents. Administration of loperamide (0.3 mg/kg, s.c.) or clonidine (0.01 mg/kg, s.c.) induced delay of the evacuation time of the teflon ball, which had been inserted into the distal colon. The delayed evacuation was improved dose-dependently by KW-5092 at 3 to 10 mg/kg (p.o.) or higher. Neostigmine at 0.3 to 3 mg/kg (p.o.) and T-1815 at 1 to 100 mg/kg (p.o.) also improved the delayed ball evacuation. These results suggest that KW-5092 stimulates the delayed colonic propulsion.

KW-5092 ((1-[2-[[[5-(piperidinomethyl)-2-furanyl]methyl]amino]ethyl]-2- imidazolidinylidene) propanedinitrile fumarate) is a novel gastroprokinetic agent with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity. The present study examined the effects of KW-5092 on intestinal contraction and on acetylcholine (ACh) release in the isolated longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparation of guinea pig ileum. In the electrically stimulated preparation, KW-5092 enhanced the contraction at 10(-9) M to 3 x 10(-6) M and potentiated the ACh release at 10(-8) M to 3 x 10(-6) M. In the unstimulated preparation, KW-5092 at 10(-8) M to 10(-4) M evoked the contraction and ACh release. Both the contraction and the ACh release by KW-5092 were abolished by tetrodotoxin (10(-7) M) or removal of external Ca2+, and the evoked contraction was abolished by atropine (10(-7) M). The ACh release by KW-5092 was not affected by hexamethonium (3 x 10(-5) M), suggesting that the nicotinic receptor is not involved in the ACh release. Neostigmine, whose AChE inhibitory activity is equipotent to that of KW-5092, did not evoke ACh release even at 3 x 10(-6) M, indicating that the ACh release by KW-5092 is not due to its AChE inhibitory activity. The present results suggest that KW-5092 evokes ACh release by stimulating a cholinergic pathway and that the ACh release by KW-5092 may contribute to its gastroprokinetic effects.

1. The gastrointestinal motor stimulating action of the motilin analogue, KW-5139 (Leu13-motilin), was investigated both in the anaesthetized rabbit and in rabbit isolated smooth muscle tissues. 2. KW-5139 (0.3-10 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) produced motor stimulating actions in the gastric antrum, ileum and descending colon, the excitatory responses of which were initiated at the same time but declined with different time courses. The rank order of the excitatory response was: descending colon > or = gastric antrum >> ileum. 3. Atropine (1-3 mg kg-1, i.v.) or naloxone (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) completely suppressed the excitatory response to KW-5139 in the gastric antrum, but only partially attenuated that in the descending colon. This suggests that the mechanism of the excitatory response is different in the gastric antrum and the descending colon, and that cholinergic neural pathway is involved in the response of the gastric antrum. 4. KW-5139 (0.1 nM-1 microM) caused concentration-dependent contractions of the gastric antrum, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and the descending colon in vitro. In the rabbit intestine, the contractile response to KW-5139 was strongest in the duodenum and weakest in the ileum. 5. The contractile response to KW-5139 in the intestinal segments were not affected by tetrodotoxin, but were decreased by verapamil, or pretreatment with a high concentration of porcine motilin, confirming the involvement of motilin receptors in the response to KW-5139. 6. The present results suggest that the rabbit is a suitable species for the investigation of motilin on gut motility, because of the high responsiveness of the descending colon as well as the upper gastrointestinal tract.

The effects of a variety of adenosine A 1 and A 2 antagonists on N 6 -((R)-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (R-PIA)- and scopolamine-induced amnesias were investigated in rodents in order to clarify the role of adenosine receptors in learning and memory. Some of the selective adenosine Ar antagonists exibited antiamnesic activities at several doses where they did not induce an increase of spontaneous locomotion. These results suggest that the blockade of A 1 receptors is more important than that of A 2 receptors in learning and memory. Detailed studies of structure-activity relationships of adenosine A 1 antagonists in two amnesia models demonstrated that there were three types of adenosine A 1 antagonists: (A) Compounds 3-5 (8-substituted 1,3-dipropylxanthines) ameliorated the shortened latency in both models. (B) Compounds 7-11 (8-substituted 1,3-dialkylxanthines) and 19-21 (imidazo[2,1-i]purin-5(4H)-one derivatives) ameliorated the shortened latency in the (R) -PIA-induced amnesia model but not in the scopolamine-induced amnesia model. (C) Compounds 14-16 ameliorated the shortened latency in the scopolamine model but not in the (R)-PIA model. Aminophenethyl-substituted compounds C did not exhibit adenosine A 1 antagonism in vivo presumably due to rapid metabolism. The dramatic change in the activities of A and B could not be explained by their simple pharmacokinetic differences because both types of compounds showed clear blockade of central adenosine A 1 receptors in the (R)-PIA model. 8-(3-Dicyclopropylmethyl)-1,3-dipropylxanthine (5) (KF15372) was chosen for further studies and is currently under preclinical development as a cognition enhancer

We examined the binding of [3H]U-46619, a thromboxane A2 agonist, to human and guinea pig platelets and the binding of [3H]SQ 29,548, a thromboxane A2 antagonist, to human, rat and guinea pig platelets. KW-3635 (sodium (E)-11-[2-(5,6-dimethyl-1- benzimidazolyl)ethylidene]-6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]oxepin-2-c arboxylate monohydrate) concentration-dependently inhibited the [3H]U-46619 binding to human and guinea pig platelets with inhibition constants of 1.2 nM and 2.7 nM, respectively. KW-3635 also potently inhibited the [3H]SQ 29,548 binding to human and guinea pig platelets with inhibition constants of 1.9 nM and 3.2 nM, respectively. In contrast, KW-3635 was less active against thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptors in rat platelets with an inhibition constant of 97 nM. KW-3635 at 10(-5) M did not antagonize various receptors including prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin I2 and neurotransmitters. In addition, 10(-5) M KW-3635 did not alter the prostaglandin D2-induced cAMP accumulation in EBTr cells. KW-3635 was inactive towards thromboxane synthase, cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin I2 synthase up to 10(-5) M. KW-3635 slightly inhibited 5-lipoxygenase with an IC50 value of 71 microM. These data indicate that KW-3635 is a potent and selective non-prostanoic thromboxane A2 antagonist, and it can recognize the species differences in thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptors.