Showing papers on "Receptor antagonist published in 2001"

IL-1β-converting enzyme (caspase-1) in intestinal inflammation

Abstract: IL-1β-converting enzyme (ICE; caspase-1) is the intracellular protease that cleaves the precursors of IL-1β and IL-18 into active cytokines. In the present study, the effect of ICE deficiency was evaluated during experimental colitis in mice. In acute dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, ICE-deficient (ICE KO) mice exhibited a greater than 50% decrease of the clinical scores weight loss, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and colon length, whereas daily treatment with IL-1 receptor antagonist revealed a modest reduction in colitis severity. To further characterize the function of ICE and its role in intestinal inflammation, chronic colitis was induced over a 30-day time period. During this chronic time course, ICE KO mice exhibited a near complete protection, as reflected by significantly reduced clinical scores and almost absent histological signs of colitis. Consistently, colon shortening occurred only in dextran sulfate sodium-exposed wild-type mice but not in ICE KO mice. Protection was accompanied by reduced spontaneous release of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-18, IL-1β, and IFN-γ from total colon cultures. In addition, flow cytometric analysis of isolated mesenteric lymph node cells revealed evidence of reduced cell activation in ICE KO mice as evaluated by surface expression of CD3 CD69 and CD4 CD25. We conclude that inhibition of ICE represents a novel anti-inflammatory strategy for intestinal inflammation.

Inhibition of caspase 1 reduces human myocardial ischemic dysfunction via inhibition of IL-18 and IL-1β

Abstract: The proinflammatory cytokine IL-18 was investigated for its role in human myocardial function. An ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model of suprafused human atrial myocardium was used to assess myocardial contractile force. Addition of IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), the constitutive inhibitor of IL-18 activity, to the perifusate during and after I/R resulted in improved contractile function after I/R from 35% of control to 76% with IL-18BP. IL-18BP treatment also preserved intracellular tissue creatine kinase levels (by 420%). Steady-state mRNA levels for IL-18 were elevated after I/R, and the concentration of IL-18 in myocardial homogenates was increased (control, 5.8 pg/mg vs. I/R, 26 pg/mg; P < 0.01). Active IL-18 requires cleavage of its precursor form by the IL-1beta-converting enzyme (caspase 1); inhibition of caspase 1 also attenuated the depression in contractile force after I/R (from 35% of control to 75.8% in treated atrial muscle; P < 0.01). Because caspase 1 also cleaves the precursor IL-1beta, IL-1 receptor blockade was accomplished by using the IL-1 receptor antagonist. IL-1 receptor antagonist added to the perifusate also resulted in a reduction of ischemia-induced contractile dysfunction. These studies demonstrate that endogenous IL-18 and IL-1beta play a significant role in I/R-induced human myocardial injury and that inhibition of caspase 1 reduces the processing of endogenous precursors of IL-18 and IL-1beta and thereby prevents ischemia-induced myocardial dysfunction.

SB‐334867‐A: the first selective orexin‐1 receptor antagonist

Abstract: The pharmacology of various peptide and non-peptide ligands was studied in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably expressing human orexin-1 (OX1) or orexin-2 (OX2) receptors by measuring intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) using Fluo-3AM. Orexin-A and orexin-B increased [Ca2+]i in CHO-OX1 (pEC50=8.38±0.04 and 7.26±0.05 respectively, n=12) and CHO-OX2 (pEC50=8.20±0.03 and 8.26±0.04 respectively, n=8) cells. However, neuropeptide Y and secretin (10 pM – 10 μM) displayed neither agonist nor antagonist properties in either cell-line. SB-334867-A (1-(2-Methyylbenzoxanzol-6-yl)-3-[1,5]naphthyridin-4-yl-urea hydrochloride) inhibited the orexin-A (10 nM) and orexin-B (100 nM)-induced calcium responses (pKB=7.27±0.04 and 7.23±0.03 respectively, n=8), but had no effect on the UTP (3 μM)-induced calcium response in CHO-OX1 cells. SB-334867-A (10 μM) also inhibited OX2 mediated calcium responses (32.7±1.9% versus orexin-A). SB-334867-A was devoid of agonist properties in either cell-line. In conclusion, SB-334867-A is a non-peptide OX1 selective receptor antagonist. British Journal of Pharmacology (2001) 132, 1179–1182; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0703953

Analysis of Mecamylamine Stereoisomers on Human Nicotinic Receptor Subtypes

Abstract: Because mecamylamine, a nicotinic receptor antagonist, is used so often in nicotine research and because mecamylamine may have important therapeutic properties clinically, it is important to fully explore and understand its pharmacology. In the present study, the efficacy and potency of mecamylamine and its stereoisomers were evaluated as inhibitors of human α3β4, α3β2, α7, and α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), as well as mouse adult type muscle nAChRs and rat N -methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The selectivity of mecamylamine for neuronal nAChR was manifested primarily in terms of slow recovery rates from mecamylamine-induced inhibition. Neuronal receptors showed a prolonged inhibition after exposure to low micromolar concentrations of mecamylamine. Muscle-type receptors showed a transient inhibition by similar concentrations of mecamylamine, and NMDA receptors were only transiently inhibited by higher micromolar concentrations. Mecamylamine inhibition of neuronal nAChR was noncompetitive and voltage dependent. Although there was little difference between S -(+)-mecamylamine and R -(−)-mecamylamine in terms of 50% inhibition concentration values for a given receptor subtype, there appeared to be significant differences in the off-rates for the mecamylamine isomers from the receptors. Specifically, S -(+)-mecamylamine appeared to dissociate more slowly from α4β2 and α3β4 receptors than did R- (−)-mecamylamine. In addition, it was found that muscle-type receptors appeared to be somewhat more sensitive to R- (−)-mecamylamine than to S- (+)-mecamylamine. Together, these findings suggest that in chronic (i.e., therapeutic) application, S- (+)-mecamylamine might be preferable to R- (−)-mecamylamine in terms of equilibrium inactivation of neuronal receptors with decreased side effects associated with muscle-type receptors.

Two Novel IL-1 Family Members, IL-1δ and IL-1ε, Function as an Antagonist and Agonist of NF-κB Activation Through the Orphan IL-1 Receptor-Related Protein 2

Abstract: IL-1 is of utmost importance in the host response to immunological challenges We identified and functionally characterized two novel IL-1 ligands termed IL-1δ and IL-1e Northern blot analyses show that these IL-1s are highly abundant in embryonic tissue and tissues containing epithelial cells (ie, skin, lung, and stomach) In extension, quantitative real-time PCR revealed that of human skin-derived cells, only keratinocytes but not fibroblasts, endothelial cells, or melanocytes express IL-1δ and e Levels of keratinocyte IL-1δ are ∼10-fold higher than those of IL-1e In vitro stimulation of keratinocytes with IL-1β/TNF-α significantly up-regulates the expression of IL-1e mRNA, and to a lesser extent of IL-1δ mRNA In NF-κB-luciferase reporter assays, we demonstrated that IL-1δ and e proteins do not initiate a functional response via classical IL-1R pairs, which confer responsiveness to IL-1α and β or IL-18 However, IL-1e activates NF-κB through the orphan IL-1R-related protein 2 (IL-1Rrp2), whereas IL-1δ, which shows striking homology to IL-1 receptor antagonist, specifically and potently inhibits this IL-1e response In lesional psoriasis skin, characterized by chronic cutaneous inflammation, the mRNA expression of both IL-1 ligands as well as IL-1Rrp2 are increased relative to normal healthy skin In total, IL-1δ and e and IL-1Rrp2 may constitute an independent signaling system, analogous to IL-1αβ/receptor agonist and IL-1R1, that is present in epithelial barriers of our body and takes part in local inflammatory responses

Orexin-A, an hypothalamic peptide with analgesic properties.

Abstract: The hypothalamic peptide orexin-A and the orexin-1 receptor are localized in areas of the brain and spinal cord associated with nociceptive processing. In the present study, localization was confirmed in the spinal cord and demonstrated in the dorsal root ganglion for both orexin-A and the orexin-1 receptor. The link with nociception was extended when orexin-A was shown to be analgesic when given i.v. but not s.c. in mouse and rat models of nociception and hyperalgesia. The efficacy of orexin-A was similar to that of morphine in the 50 degrees C hotplate test and the carrageenan-induced thermal hyperalgesia test. However, involvement of the opiate system in these effects was ruled out as they were blocked by the orexin-1 receptor antagonist SB-334867 but not naloxone. Orexin-1 receptor antagonists had no effect in acute nociceptive tests but under particular inflammatory conditions were pro-hyperalgesic, suggesting a tonic inhibitory orexin drive in these circumstances. These data demonstrate that the orexinergic system has a potential role in the modulation of nociceptive transmission.

Anxiety-like effects induced by acute fluoxetine, sertraline or m-CPP treatment are reversed by pretreatment with the 5-HT2C receptor antagonist SB-242084 but not the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635.

Abstract: The possible role of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptors in the anxiety induced by fear, acute treatment with SSRI antidepressants or the 5-HT receptor agonist m-CPP were tested in the social interaction anxiety test in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Fluoxetine (2.5-10 mg/kg, i.p.), sertraline (15 mg/kg, i.p.) and m-CPP (0.5-2.0 mg/kg, i.p.) all had an anxiogenic-like profile (decrease in time of total social interaction and increase in self-grooming compared to vehicle) under low-light, familiar arena test conditions. All these effects were reversed by pretreatment with the highly subtype-selective 5-HT2C receptor antagonist, SB-242084 at doses of either 0.05 or 0.2 mg/kg, i.p. In contrast, the selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 (0.05 and 0.2 mg/kg, s.c.) failed to reverse SSRI-induced decrease in time of total social interaction, further, it augmented self-grooming response. SB-242084 (0.2 mg/kg) and WAY-100635 (0.05 and 0.2 mg/kg) reversed hypolocomotion caused by the SSRI antidepressants. SB-242084, tested alone against vehicle under high-light, unfamiliar arena test conditions associated with fear, caused significant anxiolysis at 0.2 mg/kg and higher doses. These results suggest that increased anxiety in rodents, and possibly, also in humans (e.g. agitation or jitteriness after SSRIs and panic after m-CPP), caused by acute administration of SSRI antidepressants or m-CPP, are mediated by activation of 5-HT2C receptors. Blockade of 5-HT1A autoreceptors may exacerbate certain acute adverse effects of SSRI antidepressants. Both 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptors are involved in the SSRI-induced decrease in locomotor activity. In addition, our studies confirm data that subtype-selective 5-HT2C receptor antagonists have strong anxiolytic actions.

Iodo-resiniferatoxin, a new potent vanilloid receptor antagonist.

Abstract: The highly potent vanilloid receptor (VR) agonist resiniferatoxin has been radiolabeled with 125I, and the pharmacology to the cloned rodent VR, VR1, and the endogenous VR in rat spinal cord membranes has been characterized. [125I]RTX binding to human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing VR1 was reversible and with high affinity ( K d = 4.3 nM) in an apparent monophasic manner. In rat spinal cord membranes, [125I]RTX bound with a similar high affinity ( K d = 4.2 nM) to a limited number of binding sites ( B max = 51 ± 8 fmol/mg of protein). The pharmacology of recombinant rodent VR1 and the endogenous rat VR1 was indistinguishable when measuring displacement of [125I]RTX binding (i.e., the following rank order of affinity was observed: RTX > I-RTX > olvanil > capsaicin > capsazepine). Capsaicin and RTX induced large nondesensitizing currents in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing VR1 (EC50 values were 1300 nM and 0.2 nM, respectively), whereas I-RTX induced no current per se at concentrations up to 10 μM. However, I-RTX completely blocked capsaicin-induced currents (IC50 = 3.9 nM). In vivo, I-RTX effectively blocked the pain responses elicited by capsaicin (ED50 = 16 ng/mouse, intrathecally). The present study showed that I-RTX is at least 40-fold more potent than the previously known VR antagonist, capsazepine. Thus, I-RTX as well as its radiolabeled form, should be highly useful for further exploring the physiological roles of VRs in the brain and periphery.

Contribution of the 5-HT1B Receptor to Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension: Converging Evidence Using 5-HT1B-Receptor Knockout Mice and the 5-HT1B/1D-Receptor Antagonist GR127935

Abstract: 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 1B receptors mediate contraction in human pulmonary arteries, and 5-HT 1B receptor-mediated contraction is enhanced in pulmonary arteries from hypoxic rats. Here we further examine the role of this receptor in the development of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) by examining (1) the effects of a 5-HT 1B/1D -receptor antagonist (GR127935) on hypoxia-induced PHT (CHPHT) in rats and (2) CHPHT in 5-HT 1B -receptor knockout mice. In rats, hypoxia increased right ventricular pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy and induced pulmonary vascular remodeling associated with an increase in pulmonary arterial wall thickness. GR127935 (3 mg · kg −1 · d −1 ) reduced all of these indices. 5-HT 1 -mediated contraction was enhanced in pulmonary arteries of the CHPHT rats. The effects of GR127935 on PHT indices were associated with an attenuation of the enhanced contractile responses to 5-HT and the 5-HT 1 -receptor agonist, 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT), in isolated pulmonary arteries. In wild-type mice, hypoxia increased right ventricular hypertrophy, which was absent in 5-HT 1B -receptor knockout mice. Hypoxia increased pulmonary vascular remodeling in wild-type mice, and this was reduced in the 5-HT 1B -receptor knockout mice. Hypoxia increased 5-HT 1 -mediated contraction in pulmonary arteries from the wild-type mice and this was attenuated in the 5-HT 1B -receptor knockout mice. In conclusion, the 5-HT 1B receptor plays a role in the development of CHPHT. One possible mechanism may be via enhanced 5-HT 1 receptor-mediated contraction of the pulmonary arterial circulation.

Inflammatory cytokines regulate function and expression of adenosine A(2A) receptors in human monocytic THP-1 cells.

Abstract: Adenosine, acting at its receptors, particularly A(2A) receptors, is a potent endogenous anti-inflammatory agent that modulates the functions and differentiation of inflammatory and immune cells. Because the inflammatory milieu abounds in proinflammatory cytokines, we investigated the effects of Th1-inflammatory cytokines on function and expression of adenosine A(2A) receptors in the human monocytic cell line THP-1. We found that, consistent with previous reports, adenosine and 2-[p-(2-carnonylethyl)phenylethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS-21680), a selective A(2A) receptor agonist, suppress IL-12 production but increase IL-10 production in LPS-activated THP-1 cells. These effects were blocked by the A(2A) receptor antagonist 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4-triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol (ZM-241385). More importantly, the suppressive effect of adenosine and CGS-21680 on IL-12 production was significantly enhanced in cells pretreated with either IL-1 (10 U/ml) or TNF-alpha (100 U/ml) but markedly attenuated in cells pretreated with IFN-gamma (100 U/ml). Similarly, IL-1 and TNF-alpha treatment potentiated the stimulatory effect of adenosine and CGS-21680 on IL-10 production, whereas IFN-gamma treatment almost completely abolished this effect. CGS-21680 stimulated an increase in intracellular cAMP in a time- and dose-dependent manner in IL-1- and TNF-alpha-treated cells but not in control or IFN-gamma-treated cells. Both IL-1 and TNF-alpha increased A(2A) receptor mRNA and protein. In parallel with its effect on A(2A) receptor function, IFN-gamma down-regulated A(2A) receptor message and protein. Because adenosine mediates many of the antiinflammatory effects of drugs such as methotrexate, these observations suggest that local changes in the cytokine milieu may influence the therapeutic response to those drugs by altering the expression and function of adenosine receptors on inflammatory cells.

Dopamine, but not glutamate, receptor blockade in the basolateral amygdala attenuates conditioned reward in a rat model of relapse to cocaine-seeking behavior

Abstract: Rationale: Following chronic cocaine self-administration and extinction, lesions of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) will significantly attenuate responding for secondary reward (tone + light previously paired with cocaine), without disrupting lever responding for primary reward. However, the specific neurotransmitters involved in conditioned reinstatement remain to be determined. Objective: In the present study, we examined possible receptor substrates of amygdalar regulation of conditioned reinstatement after chronic cocaine self-administration. Methods: Rats were allowed 2 weeks of 3-h daily sessions of cocaine self-administration along a fixed ratio (FR) 1 schedule. After 1 week of daily 3-h extinction sessions in which no programmed consequences occurred, selective antagonists of glutamate or dopamine (DA) receptors were bilaterally infused at single doses into the BLA prior to testing for a cocaine-conditioned reward (tone + light). Following three more days of extinction trials, receptor antagonist effects on reinstatement of cocaine self-administration in the absence of the conditioned stimulus were determined. Results: Infusion of an NMDA receptor antagonist (AP-5, 1.97 µg/side), a kainate/α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonist (CNQX, 0.83 µg/side), or both drugs together had no significant effects on conditioned reward or reinstatement of cocaine self-administration. In contrast, infusion of a DA D1 receptor antagonist (SCH-23390, 2 µg/side) or a combination of SCH-23390 and a DA D2/D3 receptor antagonist (raclopride, 5 µg/side) significantly reduced responding for conditioned reward, but did not affect cocaine self-administration. Raclopride alone was without effect on either test day. Conclusions: These results suggest that conditioned reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior is dependent on amygdalar D1 receptors.

Angiotensin-(1-7)–Stimulated Nitric Oxide and Superoxide Release From Endothelial Cells

Abstract: -The stimulation of endothelium-dependent NO release by angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] has been indirectly shown in terms of vasodilation, which was diminished by NO synthase inhibition or removal of the endothelium. However, direct measurement of endothelium-derived NO has not been analyzed. With a selective porphyrinic microsensor, NO release was directly assessed from single primary cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells. Ang-(1-7) caused a concentration-dependent release of NO of 1 to 10 µmol/L, which was attenuated by NO synthase inhibition. [D-Ala(7)]Ang-(1-7) (5 µmol/L), described as a selective antagonist of Ang-(1-7) receptors, inhibited Ang-(1-7)-induced NO release only by approximately 50%, whereas preincubation of bovine aortic endothelial cells with the angiotensin II subtype 1 and 2 receptor antagonists EXP 3174 and PD 123,177 (both at 0.1 µmol/L) led to an inhibition of 60% and 90%, respectively. A complete blockade of the Ang-(1-7)-induced NO release was observed on preincubation of the cells with 1 µmol/L concentration of the bradykinin subtype 2 receptor antagonist icatibant (HOE 140), suggesting an important role of local kinins in the action of Ang-(1-7). Simultaneous direct measurement of superoxide (O(2)(-)) detected by an O(2)(-)-sensitive microsensor revealed that the moderately Ang-(1-7)-stimulated NO release was accompanied by a very slow concomitant O(2)(-) production with a relative low peak concentration in comparison to the O(2)(-) production of the strong NO releasers bradykinin and, especially, calcium ionophore. Thus, Ang-(1-7) might preserve the vascular system, among others, due to its low formation of cytotoxic peroxynitrite by the reaction between NO and O(2)(-).

Palmitoylethanolamide inhibits the expression of fatty acid amide hydrolase and enhances the anti-proliferative effect of anandamide in human breast cancer cells.

Abstract: Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has been shown to act in synergy with anandamide (arachidonoylethanolamide; AEA), an endogenous agonist of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB(1)). This synergistic effect was reduced by the CB(2) cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR144528, although PEA does not activate either CB(1) or CB(2) receptors. Here we show that PEA potently enhances the anti-proliferative effects of AEA on human breast cancer cells (HBCCs), in part by inhibiting the expression of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the major enzyme catalysing AEA degradation. PEA (1-10 microM) enhanced in a dose-related manner the inhibitory effect of AEA on both basal and nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced HBCC proliferation, without inducing any cytostatic effect by itself. PEA (5 microM) decreased the IC(50) values for AEA inhibitory effects by 3-6-fold. This effect was not blocked by the CB(2) receptor antagonist SR144528, and was not mimicked by a selective agonist of CB(2) receptors. PEA enhanced AEA-evoked inhibition of the expression of NGF Trk receptors, which underlies the anti-proliferative effect of the endocannabinoid on NGF-stimulated MCF-7 cells. The effect of PEA was due in part to inhibition of AEA degradation, since treatment of MCF-7 cells with 5 microM PEA caused a approximately 30-40% down-regulation of FAAH expression and activity. However, PEA also enhanced the cytostatic effect of the cannabinoid receptor agonist HU-210, although less potently than with AEA. PEA did not modify the affinity of ligands for CB(1) or CB(2) receptors, and neither did it alter the CB(1)/CB(2)-mediated inhibitory effect of AEA on adenylate cyclase type V, nor the expression of CB(1) and CB(2) receptors in MCF-7 cells. We suggest that long-term PEA treatment of cells may positively affect the pharmacological activity of AEA, in part by inhibiting FAAH expression.

IL-1 Receptor Antagonist Prevents Apoptosis and Caspase-3 Activation after Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract: One of the consequences of cytokine-orchestrated inflammation after CNS trauma is apoptosis. Our hypothesis is that cell death in the spinal cord after injury results in part from increased synthesis and release of IL-1beta. Using a ribonuclease protection assay, we demonstrated that there is increased transient expression of IL-1beta mRNA and, by using IL-1beta protein ELISA assay, that there are increased IL-1beta protein levels in the contused rat spinal cord, initially localized to the impact region of the spinal cord (segment T8). Using an ELISA cell death assay, we showed that there is apoptosis in the spinal cord 72 h after injury, a finding that was confirmed by measuring caspase-3 activity, which also significantly increased at the site of injury 72 h after trauma. Treatment of the contused spinal cord at the site of injury with the IL-1 receptor antagonist (rmIL-lra, 750 ng/mL) for 72 h using an osmotic minipump completely abolished the increases in contusion-induced apoptosis and caspase-3 activity.

Inhibition of Angiogenesis and Tumor Growth by SCH221153, a Dual αvβ3 and αvβ5 Integrin Receptor Antagonist

Abstract: New blood vessel formation is essential for tumor growth and metastatic spread. Integrins alpha(v)beta3 and alpha(v)beta5 are arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-dependent adhesion receptors that play a critical role in angiogenesis. Hence, selective dual alpha(v)beta3 and alpha(v)beta5 antagonists may represent a novel class of angiogenesis and tumor-growth inhibitors. Here, an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-based peptidomimetic library was screened to identify alpha(v)beta3 antagonists. Selected compounds were then modified to generate potent and selective dual inhibitors of alpha(v)beta3 and alpha(v)beta5 receptors. One of these compounds, SCH 221153, inhibited the binding of echistatin to alpha(v)beta3 (IC50 = 3.2 nM) and alpha(v)beta5 (IC50 = 1.7 nM) with similar potency. Its IC50 values for related alpha(IIb)beta3 and alpha5beta1 receptors were 1294 nM and 421 nM, respectively, indicating that SCH 221153 is highly selective for alpha(v)beta3 and alpha(v)beta5 receptors. In cell-based assays, SCH 221153 inhibited the binding of echistatin to alpha(v)beta3- and alpha(v)beta5-expressing 293 cells and blocked the adhesion of endothelial cells to immobilized vitronectin and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2). SCH 221153, but not the inactive analogue SCH 216687, was effective in inhibiting FGF2 and vascular endothelial growth factor-induced endothelial cell proliferation in vitro with an IC50 equal to 3-10 microM. Angiogenesis induced by FGF2 in the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay was also inhibited by SCH 221153. Finally, SCH 221153 exerted a significant inhibition on tumor growth induced by intradermal or s.c. injection of human melanoma LOX cells in severe combined immunodeficient mice.

Selectivity of Recombinant Human Leukotriene D4, Leukotriene B4, and Lipoxin A4 Receptors with Aspirin-Triggered 15-epi-LXA4 and Regulation of Vascular and Inflammatory Responses

Abstract: Aspirin-triggered lipoxin A 4 (ATL, 15-epi-LXA 4 ) and leukotriene D 4 (LTD 4 ) possess opposing vascular actions mediated via receptors distinct from the LXA 4 receptor (ALX) that is involved in leukocyte trafficking. Here, we identified these receptors by nucleotide sequencing and demonstrate that LTD 4 receptor (CysLT 1 ) is induced in human vascular endothelia by interleukin-1β. Recombinant CysLT 1 receptor gave stereospecific binding with both [ 3 H]-LTD 4 and a novel labeled mimetic of ATL ([ 3 H]-ATLa) that was displaced with LTD 4 and ATLa (∼IC 50 0.2 to 0.9 nmol/L), but not with a bioinactive ATL isomer. The clinically used CysLT 1 receptor antagonist, Singulair, showed a lower rank order for competition with [ 3 H]-ATLa (IC 50 ≈ 8.3 nmol/L). In contrast, LTD 4 was an ineffective competitive ligand for recombinant ALX receptor with [ 3 H]-ATLa, and ATLa did not compete for [ 3 H]-LTB 4 binding with recombinant LTB 4 receptor. Endogenous murine CysLT 1 receptors also gave specific [ 3 H]-ATLa binding that was displaced with essentially equal affinity by LTD 4 or ATLa. Systemic ATLa proved to be a potent inhibitor (>50%) of CysLT 1 -mediated vascular leakage in murine skin (200 μg/kg) in addition to its ability to block polymorphonuclear leukocyte recruitment to dorsal air pouch (4 μg/kg). These results indicate that ATL and LTD 4 bind and compete with equal affinity at CysLT 1 , providing a molecular basis for aspirin-triggered LXs serving as a local damper of both vascular CysLT 1 signals as well as ALX receptor-regulated polymorphonuclear leukocyte traffic.

The anxiolytic effect of the CRH1 receptor antagonist R121919 depends on innate emotionality in rats.

Abstract: Hyperactivity of central corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) circuits appears to contribute to the symptomatology of affective and anxiety disorders and therefore CRH receptor antagonists have attracted attention as potential therapeutic agents. R121919, a novel high-affinity nonpeptide CRH(1) receptor antagonist, displaced (125)I-oCRH in rat pituitary, cortex and amygdala, but not in choroid plexus or cerebral blood vessels in vitro and in vivo, which is consistent with CRH(1) receptor antagonism. In vivo, R121919 significantly inhibited stress-induced corticotropin release in rats selectively bred for high- and low-anxiety-related behaviour but displayed anxiolytic effects in high-anxiety rats only. These data, corroborated by ex vivo receptor occupancy studies, suggest that this animal model is appropriate for the evaluation of CRH(1) receptor antagonists and that compounds such as R121919 will be beneficial whenever the central stress hormone system is hyperactive.