Richard W. Fuller

Bio: Richard W. Fuller is an academic researcher from National Institutes of Health. The author has contributed to research in topics: Bronchoconstriction & Methacholine. The author has an hindex of 26, co-authored 45 publications receiving 3312 citations.

The calanolides, a novel HIV-inhibitory class of coumarin derivatives from the tropical rainforest tree, Calophyllum lanigerum.

Abstract: Eight new coumarin compounds (1-8) were isolated by anti-HIV bioassay-guided fractionation of an extract of Calophyllum lanigerum. The structures of calanolide A (1), 12-acetoxycalanolide A (2), 12-methoxycalanolide A (3), calanolide B (4), 12-methoxycalanolide B (5), calanolide C (6) and related derivatives 7 and 8 were solved by extensive spectroscopic analyses, particularly HMQC, HMBC, and difference NOE NMR experiments. The absolute stereochemistry of calanolide A (1) and calanolide B (4) was established by a modified Mosher's method. Calanolides A (1) and B (4) were completely protective against HIV-1 replication and cytopathicity (EC50 values of 0.1 microM and 0.4 microM, respectively), but were inactive against HIV-2. Some of the related compounds also showed evidence of anti-HIV-1 activity. Studies with purified bacterial recombinant reverse transcriptases (RT) revealed that the calanolides are HIV-1 specific RT inhibitors. Moreover, calanolide A was active not only against the AZT-resistant G-9106 strain of HIV-1 but also against the pyridinone-resistant A17 strain. This was of particular interest since the A17 virus is highly resistant to previously known HIV-1 specific, non-nucleoside RT inhibitors (e.g., TIBO; BI-RG-587; L693,593) which comprise a structurally diverse but apparently common pharmacologic class. The calanolides represent a substantial departure from the known class and therefore provide a novel new anti-HIV chemotype for drug development.

AIDS-Antiviral Sulfolipids From Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)

Abstract: A recently developed tetrazolium-based microculture assay was used to screen extracts of cultured cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) for inhibition of the cytopathic effects of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), which is implicated as a causative agent of AIDS. A number of extracts were found to be remarkably active against the AIDS virus. A new class of HIV-1-inhibitory compounds, the sulfonic acid-containing glycolipids, was discovered through the use of the microculture assay to guide the fractionation and purification process. The pure compounds were active against HIV-1 in cultured human lymphoblastoid CEM, MT-2, LDV-7, and C3-44 cell lines in the tetrazolium assay as well as in p24 viral protein and syncytium formation assays.

Bradykinin-induced bronchoconstriction in humans. Mode of action.

Abstract: The effect of bradykinin was studied by inhalation in normal and asthmatic human subjects, as well as on human bronchial smooth muscle in vitro. Bradykinin caused cough and retrosternal discomfort in all subjects and bronchoconstriction in asthmatic subjects. Bradykinin was approximately 10 times more potent than histamine and methacholine, and there was a significant correlation between the subjects' sensitivity to histamine and bradykinin. Bradykinin-induced bronchoconstriction was prolonged when compared with that of histamine and the C-fiber stimulant capsaicin. This bronchoconstriction was subject to tachyphylaxis, which was also associated with desensitization of the subjects to inhaled histamine. The provocative dose causing a 35% fall in specific airway conductance (PD35) was unaffected by aspirin (1 g orally). However, ipratropium bromide (0.25 mg by nebulizer) significantly inhibited the effect of bradykinin, the PD35 being 0.8 mumol (range, 0.16 to 3.4) and 0.15 mumol (range, 0.047 to 1.15) after active dose and placebo, respectively (p less than 0.05). Likewise, cromolyn sodium (40 mg dry powder) also significantly reduced response to bradykinin, with a PD35 of 0.04 mumol (range, 0.13 to 0.31) after placebo and 0.39 mumol (range, 0.05 to 4.45) after SCG (p less than 0.05). Bradykinin only weakly constricted human bronchial smooth muscle in vitro. Bradykinin at 10(-4) caused only 21.5 +/- 5.5% of the maximal carbamylcholine contraction in 11 of 18 airways. Captopril did not enhance the effect of bradykinin. Bradykinin is a potent bronchoconstrictor of human airways in vivo, acting in part through cholinergic mechanisms but not because of the formation of prostaglandins.

Bronchoconstrictor response to inhaled capsaicin in humans

Abstract: The effect of inhaled capsaicin, the irritant extract of pepper, on airway tone has been studied in humans. Inhaled capsaicin (2.4 X 10(-10) and 2.4 X 10(-9) mol) caused a dose-dependent fall in specific airways conductance (maximum fall 28 +/- 19 and 38 +/- 19%, respectively; means +/- SD, n = 17). This was maximal within 20 s of exposure and lasted for less than 60 s. There was no difference in the magnitude or duration of bronchoconstriction between normal, smoking, or asthmatic subjects. Capsaicin also caused coughing and retrosternal discomfort. On repeated exposure to capsaicin, there was no evidence for a reduced response (tachyphylaxis). Ipratropium bromide (0.25 mg by inhalation) significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced the bronchoconstriction (maximum falls 34 +/- 14 and 15 +/- 9% after saline and ipratropium bromide, respectively; means +/- SD n = 6), indicating that it was dependent on a cholinergic vagal reflex rather than on local release of substance P from nerves in the airway. Inhaled sodium cromoglycate (10 mg by nebulizer or 40 mg as a dry powder), however, had no significant effect on the bronchoconstrictor response. Capsaicin may be a useful tool for investigating nonmyelinated nerve reflexes in human airways.

Plant Products as Antimicrobial Agents

Abstract: The use of and search for drugs and dietary supplements derived from plants have accelerated in recent years. Ethnopharmacologists, botanists, microbiologists, and natural-products chemists are combing the Earth for phytochemicals and “leads” which could be developed for treatment of infectious diseases. While 25 to 50% of current pharmaceuticals are derived from plants, none are used as antimicrobials. Traditional healers have long used plants to prevent or cure infectious conditions; Western medicine is trying to duplicate their successes. Plants are rich in a wide variety of secondary metabolites, such as tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which have been found in vitro to have antimicrobial properties. This review attempts to summarize the current status of botanical screening efforts, as well as in vivo studies of their effectiveness and toxicity. The structure and antimicrobial properties of phytochemicals are also addressed. Since many of these compounds are currently available as unregulated botanical preparations and their use by the public is increasing rapidly, clinicians need to consider the consequences of patients self-medicating with these preparations.

The NCI60 human tumour cell line anticancer drug screen

Abstract: The US National Cancer Institute (NCI) 60 human tumour cell line anticancer drug screen (NCI60) was developed in the late 1980s as an in vitro drug-discovery tool intended to supplant the use of transplantable animal tumours in anticancer drug screening. This screening model was rapidly recognized as a rich source of information about the mechanisms of growth inhibition and tumour-cell kill. Recently, its role has changed to that of a service screen supporting the cancer research community. Here I review the development, use and productivity of the screen, highlighting several outcomes that have contributed to advances in cancer chemotherapy.

The value of plants used in traditional medicine for drug discovery.

Abstract: In this review we describe and discuss several approaches to selecting higher plants as candidates for drug development with the greatest possibility of success. We emphasize the role of information derived from various systems of traditional medicine (ethnomedicine) and its utility for drug discovery purposes. We have identified 122 compounds of defined structure, obtained from only 94 species of plants, that are used globally as drugs and demonstrate that 80% of these have had an ethnomedical use identical or related to the current use of the active elements of the plant. We identify and discuss advantages and disadvantages of using plants as starting points for drug development, specifically those used in traditional medicine.