Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

K Madsen

Publications and source records attributed to K Madsen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Physiology: does gut hormone PYY3-36 decrease food intake in rodents?

Batterham et al. report that the gut peptide hormone PYY3-36 decreases food intake and body-weight gain in rodents, a discovery that has been heralded as potentially offering a new therapy for obesity. However, we have been unable to replicate their results. Although the reasons for this discrepancy remain undetermined, an effective anti-obesity drug ultimately must produce its effects across a range of situations. The fact that the findings of Batterham et al. cannot easily be replicated calls into question the potential value of an anti-obesity approach that is based on administration of PYY3-36.

Animals↗

The renin-angiotensin system in kidney development: role of COX-2 and adrenal steroids.

Recent data from studies in rodents with targeted gene disruption and pharmacological antagonists have shown that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and cyclooxygenase type-2 (COX-2) are necessary for late stages of kidney development. The present review summarizes data on the developmental changes of RAAS and COX-2 and the pathways by which they are activated; their possible interplay and the mechanisms by which they affect kidney development. Intrarenal and circulating renin and angiotensin II (ANG II) are stimulated at birth in most mammals. In rats, renin and ANG II stay significantly elevated in the suckling period while aldosterone stabilizes at an adult level. COX-2 is stimulated in thick ascending limb of Henle's loop in the suckling period at a time when urine concentrating ability is not developed. Data suggest that this induction is mediated by combined low plasma glucocorticoid concentration and by a low NaCl intake. Studies with selective inhibitors of COX-2 and COX-2 null mice show that COX-2 activity stimulates renin secretion from JG-cells during postnatal kidney development and that lack of COX-2 activity leads to pathological change in cortical architecture and eventually to renal failure. In the postnatal period, ANG II initiates and maintains pelvic and ureteric contractions necessary for urine flow. Lack of ANG II in the neonatal period is thought to cause injury by a chronic increase of renal pelvic pressure. Aldosterone is crucial for survival and growth in the neonatal period through its effects on sodium reabsorption and the intrarenal sensitivity to aldosterone is increased in the postnatal period. Final maturation of the kidney occurs through an intimate interplay between a low dietary sodium intake and a non-responsive HPA-axis which stimulates cortical COX-2 activity. COX-2 supports increased activity of the RAAS and may contribute to a low concentrating ability.

Animals↗

Different domains of the glucagon and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors provide the critical determinants of ligand selectivity.

(1) Glucagon and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) are homologous peptide hormones with important functions in glucose metabolism. The receptors for glucagon and GLP-1 are homologous family B G-protein coupled receptors. The GLP-1 receptor amino-terminal extracellular domain is a major determinant of glucagon/GLP-1 selectivity of the GLP-1 receptor. However, the divergent residues in glucagon and GLP-1 that determine specificity for the GLP-1 receptor amino-terminal extracellular domain are not known. Less is known about how the glucagon receptor distinguishes between glucagon and GLP-1. (2) We analysed chimeric glucagon/GLP-1 peptides for their ability to bind and activate the glucagon receptor, the GLP-1 receptor and chimeric glucagon/GLP-1 receptors. The chimeric peptide GLP-1(7-20)/glucagon(15-29) was unable to bind and activate the glucagon receptor. Substituting the glucagon receptor core domain with the GLP-1 receptor core domain (chimera A) completely rescued the affinity and potency of GLP-1(7-20)/glucagon(15-29) without compromising the affinity and potency of glucagon. Substituting transmembrane segment 1 (TM1), TM6, TM7, the third extracellular loop and the intracellular carboxy-terminus of chimera A with the corresponding glucagon receptor segments re-established the ability to distinguish GLP-1(7-20)/glucagon(15-29) from glucagon. Corroborant results were obtained with the opposite chimeric peptide glucagon(1-14)/GLP-1(21-37). (3) The results suggest that the glucagon and GLP-1 receptor amino-terminal extracellular domains determine specificity for the divergent residues in the glucagon and GLP-1 carboxy-terminals respectively. The GLP-1 receptor core domain is not a critical determinant of glucagon/GLP-1 selectivity. Conversely, the glucagon receptor core domain contains two or more sub-segments which strongly determine specificity for divergent residues in the glucagon amino-terminus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Muscle performance following fatigue induced by isotonic and quasi-isometric contractions of rat extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles in vitro.

AIM: To study the effect of contraction mode on fatigue development. METHODS: Muscle fatigue was induced by isotonic and quasi-isometric contractions in rat soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles, using identical stimulation protocol (60 Hz, 400 ms s-1) for 100 s in SOL and 60 s in EDL. Fatigue was quantified as the decline in peak values of shortening, shortening velocity, relaxation and work during the isotonic contractions, and, correspondingly, of force, rate of force development, relaxation and work during the quasi-isometric contractions. Maximal test contractions (60 Hz, 1.5 s) performed before and after fatigue were analysed for decline in force development (Fmax), rate of force development (dF/dtmax) and relaxation (-dF/dtmax). RESULTS: Fmax declined to significantly lower values after isotonic than after quasi-isometric fatiguing contractions (fatigued in percentage of unfatigued): 58.5 +/- 6.4% vs. 64.4 +/- 7.0% in SOL, and 30.4 +/- 4.1% vs. 33.3 +/- 3.6% in EDL, respectively. The same pattern was seen for dF/dtmax which decreased to: 46.3 +/- 9.9% vs. 52.3 +/- 8.5% in SOL, and 19.1 +/- 4.3% vs. 22.3 +/- 3.2% in EDL after isotonic and quasi-isometric contractions, respectively. Similarly, when comparing fatigue development during the two contraction modes, the respective fatigue variables decreased more rapidly and to lower levels during isotonic vs. quasi-isometric contractions. During maximal test contractions, the dynamic fatigue variables (+/-dF/dtmax) declined to significantly lower levels than Fmax. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue development was significantly larger during isotonic vs. quasi-isometric contractions. The use of force as the only experimental fatigue variable may underestimate the functional impairment of fatigued muscle, neglecting the fatigue effect on time and length dimensions.

Animals↗

Histamine and prostaglandin interaction in regulation of oxytocin and vasopressin secretion.

Prostaglandins and histamine in the hypothalamus are involved in the regulation of oxytocin and vasopressin secretion, and appear to be involved in the mediation of pituitary hormone responses to immunochallenges. Therefore, we investigated in conscious male rats: (i) whether blockade of H1 or H2 receptors affected the oxytocin and vasopressin responses to prostaglandins and (ii) whether blockade of prostaglandin synthesis affected the oxytocin and vasopressin responses to histamine or to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in order to determine any interaction between prostaglandins and histamine in the hypothalamus. Oxytocin secretion was dose-dependently stimulated by intracerebroventricular infusion of 1 or 5 microg of PGE1, PGE2 or PGF2alpha, with PGE2 being the most potent of the compounds used. Prior central infusion of the H1 receptor antagonist mepyramine or the H2 receptor antagonist cimetidine significantly inhibited the oxytocin response to all three prostaglandins by approximately 50%. Vasopressin secretion was increased by PGE1 but not by PGE2 or PGF2alpha. The stimulatory effect of PGE1 was almost annihilated by prior administration of mepyramine or cimetidine. Central infusion of histamine or immunochallenge with LPS administered intraperitoneally increased oxytocin and vasopressin secretion four- and two-fold, respectively. Pretreatment with systemic injection of the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor indomethacin dose-dependently reduced the oxytocin response and prevented the vasopressin response to histamine or LPS. We conclude that histamine and PGE1, PGE2 or PGF2alpha interact in the regulation of oxytocin secretion, whereas histamine and only PGE1 interact in the regulation of vasopressin secretion. Furthermore, histamine as well as LPS may affect oxytocin and vasopressin neurones via activation of prostaglandins, probably in the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus.

Animals↗

The importance of impermeant support in small bowel preservation: a morphologic, metabolic and functional study.

BACKGROUND: Ambiguity exists as to which preservation solution is the most effective for small bowel (SB); studies have shown equivalent results with normal saline and University of Wisconsin (UW) solution. This study was designed to investigate the requirement of SB for oncotic and osmotic support, thereby reassessing one of the key principles of static organ storage. METHODS: Rodent SB was vascularly flushed with the following solutions: group 1, 0.9% saline (154 mM NaCl); group 2, 154 mM NaCl +5% dextran; group 3, 104 mM NaCl +100 mM lactobionate + 5% dextran; and group 4, UW solution. Analysis of cellular energetics, permeability and histology (by electron microscopy) was performed over a 10-h time course of cold storage. RESULTS: The addition of dextran and lactobionate to a simple saline solution (group 3) resulted in superior maintenance of several key parameters of energy metabolism throughout prolonged storage. At all times, ATP/ADP and EC ratios in group 3 remained unchanged from those of freshly isolated tissue; storage in normal saline and UW solution resulted in a progressive decline between 1 and 10 h of storage. ATP was also notably greater in group 3 than in group 1 or UW after 10 h of storage. Functional parameters demonstrated significant improvements in maintaining barrier function and membrane ion/electrical activity in group 3. Of particular note, after 10 h of storage, permeability for groups 1, 3 and UW was 215, 76 and 400 nmol/cm2/h, respectively, compared with a fresh tissue value of 22 nmol/cm2/h. Scanning electron micrographs revealed complete epithelial denudation of bowel stored in simple saline and UW solutions at 10 h. The incorporation of 100 mM lactobionate plus 5% dextran in group 3 prevented extensive villus denudation; the presence of intact microvilli indicated normal epithelial cell morphology. CONCLUSION: The order of solution effectiveness was group 3 > group 2 > group 1 > group 4. Vascular supplied impermeants, when supplied in simple solution, provide markedly improved preservation of metabolism, barrier function, and morphology of SB compared with UW.

Adenosine↗

Probiotic bacteria enhance murine and human intestinal epithelial barrier function.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The probiotic compound, VSL#3, is efficacious as maintenance therapy in pouchitis and ulcerative colitis. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of VSL#3 as a primary therapy in the treatment of colitis in the interleukin (IL)-10 gene-deficient mouse. Mechanisms of action of VSL#3 were investigated in T(84) monolayers. METHODS: IL-10 gene-deficient and control mice received 2.8 x 10(8) colony-forming units per day of VSL#3 for 4 weeks. Colons were removed and analyzed for cytokine production, epithelial barrier function, and inflammation. VSL#3 or conditioned media was applied directly to T(84) monolayers. RESULTS: Treatment of IL-10 gene-deficient mice with VSL#3 resulted in normalization of colonic physiologic function and barrier integrity in conjunction with a reduction in mucosal secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma and an improvement in histologic disease. In vitro studies showed that epithelial barrier function and resistance to Salmonella invasion could be enhanced by exposure to a proteinaceous soluble factor secreted by the bacteria found in the VSL#3 compound. CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of VSL#3 was effective as primary therapy in IL-10 gene-deficient mice, and had a direct effect on epithelial barrier function.

Animals↗

Potent derivatives of glucagon-like peptide-1 with pharmacokinetic properties suitable for once daily administration.

A series of very potent derivatives of the 30-amino acid peptide hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is described. The compounds were all derivatized with fatty acids in order to protract their action by facilitating binding to serum albumin. GLP-1 had a potency (EC(50)) of 55 pM for the cloned human GLP-1 receptor. Many of the compounds had similar or even higher potencies, despite quite large substituents. All compounds derivatized with fatty acids equal to or longer than 12 carbon atoms were very protracted compared to GLP-1 and thus seem suitable for once daily administration to type 2 diabetic patients. A structure-activity relationship was obtained. GLP-1 could be derivatized with linear fatty acids up to the length of 16 carbon atoms, sometimes longer, almost anywhere in the C-terminal part without considerable loss of potency. Derivatization with two fatty acid substituents led to a considerable loss of potency. A structure-activity relationship on derivatization of specific amino acids generally was obtained. It was found that the longer the fatty acid, the more potency was lost. Simultaneous modification of the N-terminus (in order to obtain better metabolic stability) interfered with fatty acid derivatization and led to loss of potency.

Acylation↗

[3H]ac-RYYRWK-NH2, a novel specific radioligand for the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor.

The hexapeptide ac-RYYRWK-NH2 has been described as a potent partial agonist at the nociceptin (NC)/orphanin FQ receptor which has no affinity for mu-, kappa- or delta-opioid receptors. However, it is not clear whether ac-RYYRWK-NH2 is truly selective for the NC receptor, and ac-RYYRWK-NH2 has therefore been radiolabelled and characterised in receptor-binding experiments. Saturation experiments with [3H]ac-RYYRWK-NH2 binding to rat cortical membranes revealed a single high affinity site for [3H]ac-RYYRWK-NH2 (Kd=0.071 +/- 0.018 nM; Bmax=22+/-2 fmol/mg protein). Uncoupling of the G-proteins resulted in a significant 45% increase in Kd and no change in Bmax. [3H]ac-RYYRWK-NH2 binding to rat cortical membranes or to membranes from baby hamster kidney cells expressing human orphan opioid receptor-like (ORL1) was displaced by NC and ac-RYYRWK-NH2 to the same extent. The following rank order of potency was observed: ac-RYYRWK-NH2 > [Tyr14]NC-OH = NC-OH = NC-NH2 > NC, H-(1-13)-NH2 > NC(1-12)-NH2 >> NC(1-11)-NH2 and, thus, displayed a typical NC receptor pharmacology. Novel cyclic analogues of ac-RYYRWK-NH2 were prepared but these structures were much less active when compared to ac-RYYRWK-NH2. In vitro receptor autoradiography with [3H]ac-RYYRWK-NH2 to rat brain sections revealed high levels of binding in the cerebral cortex, amygdala, hypothalamus and superior colliculus, but low levels in the cerebellum and striatum. Overall, the regional distribution was very similar to that of [3H]NC. Ac-RYYRWK-NH2 seems indeed to be selective for the NC receptor and [3H]ac-RYYRWK-NH2 is a novel radioligand which may be useful for further exploring the pharmacology and receptor-ligand interaction of the NC receptor.

Amygdala↗

Intraocular pressure development in the rabbit eye after aqueous exchange with ophthalmic viscosurgical devices.

PURPOSE: To evaluate an animal model used to study intraocular pressure (IOP) development after aqueous exchange with several commercially available ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs). SETTING: Department of Preclinical Ophthalmology, Pharmacia & Upjohn, Uppsala, Sweden. METHODS: Albino rabbits (New Zealand White) were used. Aqueous humor (50 microL) was exchanged with 8 OVDs. The IOP was measured every second hour for 12 hours and then 24, 48, and 72 hours after aqueous exchange using a pneumotonometer (Modular One, Bio-Rad Digilab Inc). A minimum of 7 eyes was used for each OVD. Healon was used as control in 1 eye in all experiments. The OVDs were Viscoat (chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate), Provisc (sodium hyaluronate), Biolon (sodium hyaluronate), Healon GV, Healon5, Ophthalin (sodium hyaluronate), Ocucoat (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), and Ivisc (sodium hyaluronate). RESULTS: All OVDs caused a postoperative increase in IOP. At 24 hours, the IOP was at the preoperative levels. However, there was considerable variation in the maximum IOP value and when this value occurred. The maximum value appeared to depend on the concentration of the rheologically active substance in the product and the time of the average molecular mass. There was also an increase in central corneal thickness, with a maximum increase 24 hours after the exchange but a large variation among animals. CONCLUSION: The animal model appears to be useful for comparing various OVDs, and the results may serve as a guide for the design of clinical studies of new products.

Animals↗

Heme oxygenase-1 gene ablation or expression modulates cisplatin-induced renal tubular apoptosis.

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a 32-kDa microsomal enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of heme to biliverdin, releasing iron and carbon monoxide. Induction of HO-1 occurs as a protective response in cells/tissues exposed to a wide variety of oxidant stimuli. The chemotherapeutic effects of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin), a commonly used anticancer drug, are limited by significant nephrotoxicity, which is characterized by varying degrees of renal tubular apoptosis and necrosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional significance of HO-1 expression in cisplatin-induced renal injury. Our studies demonstrate that transgenic mice deficient in HO-1 (-/-), develop more severe renal failure and have significantly greater renal injury compared with wild-type (+/+) mice treated with cisplatin. In vitro studies in human renal proximal tubule cells demonstrate that hemin, an inducer of HO-1, significantly attenuated cisplatin-induced apoptosis and necrosis, whereas inhibition of HO-1 enzyme activity reversed the cytoprotective effect. Overexpression of HO-1 resulted in a significant reduction in cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity. These studies provide a basis for future studies using targeted gene expression of HO-1 as a therapeutic and preventive modality in high-risk settings of acute renal failure.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Impaired sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release rate after fatiguing stimulation in rat skeletal muscle.

The purpose of the study was to characterize the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) function and contractile properties before and during recovery from fatigue in the rat extensor digitorum longus muscle. Fatiguing contractions (60 Hz, 150 ms/s for 4 min) induced a reduction of the SR Ca(2+) release rate to 66% that persisted for 1 h, followed by a gradual recovery to 87% of prefatigue release rate at 3 h recovery. Tetanic force and rate of force development (+dF/dt) and relaxation (-dF/dt) were depressed by approximately 80% after stimulation. Recovery occurred in two phases: an initial phase, in which during the first 0.5-1 h the metabolic state recovered to resting levels, and a slow phase from 1-3 h characterized by a rather slow recovery of the mechanical properties. The recovery of SR Ca(2+) release rate was closely correlated to +dF/dt during the slow phase of recovery (r(2) = 0.51; P < 0.05). Despite a slowing of the relaxation rate, we did not find any significant alterations in the SR Ca(2+) uptake function. These data demonstrate that the Ca(2+) release mechanism of SR is sensitive to repetitive in vitro muscle contraction. Moreover, the results indicate that +dF/dt to some extent depends on the rate of Ca(2+) release during the slow phase of recovery.

Animals↗

Selective and potent inhibition of human CYP2C19 activity by a conformationally targeted antipeptide antibody.

A conformationally targeted anti-peptide antibody was produced by immunizing a rabbit with a cyclized peptide corresponding to a loop region of human CYP2C19 (residues 250-261). In an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the antibody bound strongly to recombinant CYP2C19 and poorly to recombinant CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP2C18. In immunoblotting studies, the antibody bound strongly to recombinant CYP2C19 and weakly to recombinant CYP2C8. No binding to recombinant CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C18, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4 was detected. In immunoinhibition experiments, the anti-peptide antibody targeted against CYP2C19 potently inhibited (S)-mephenytoin 4'-hydroxylase activity of human hepatic microsomal fraction (>90%). It had no appreciable effect on ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (CYP1A2), tolbutamide methyl-hydroxylase (CYP2C9), dextromethorphan O-demethylase (CYP2D6), 4-nitrophenol hydroxylase (CYP2E1), or testosterone 6beta-hydroxylase (CYP3A4) activity of human hepatic microsomal fraction. However, large amounts of purified IgG fractions were able to inhibit up to 35% of paclitaxel 6alpha-hydroxylase (CYP2C8) activity. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that an anti-peptide antibody targeted against residues 250 to 261 of human CYP2C19 selectively and potently inhibited CYP2C19 activity of human hepatic microsomal fraction.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structure-function analysis of human CYP3A4 using a specific proinhibitory antipeptide antibody.

An anti-peptide antibody targeted against residues 253 to 269 of human CYP3A4 was produced that specifically and potently inhibited its activity in human hepatic microsomal fraction (>90%). The function of this region in P450 catalysis was investigated. Antibody binding to CYP3A4 was unable to affect the magnitude of the Type I spectrum on addition of testosterone. It also had no effect on the K(m) of the enzyme for testosterone, but it did cause a marked decrease in V(max) (>90%) of testosterone 6 beta-hydroxylation. There was no change in the ability of the antibody-bound CYP3A4 to form the steady-state level of the enzymatically or chemically reduced P450-CO complex or even the steady-state level of the dioxy-ferrous complex during testosterone metabolism, but the oxidation of NADPH by CYP3A4 in the presence of antibody was 60% that of CYP3A4 in the absence of antibody. The binding of the antibody also resulted in potent inhibition of cumene hydroperoxide-supported testosterone 6 beta-hydroxylase activity of human liver microsomal fraction (>90%). Our conclusion is that the loop region targeted in CYP3A4 is not involved in substrate binding, in reductase binding, in the transfer of the first or second electron from the reductase to CYP3A4, or in the binding of molecular oxygen. We speculate that antibody binding to CYP3A4 inhibits enzyme activity by destabilizing the ternary hydroperoxo complex, by interfering with the second proton transfer, and/or by interfering with the conformational changes that are suggested to be induced by substrate binding.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Activation of central neuropeptide Y Y1 receptors potently stimulates food intake in male rhesus monkeys.

The orexigenic role of central neuropeptide Y (NPY) in nonhuman primates has been questioned. Therefore, we have studied the effect of central NPY on feeding in ad libitum-fed male rhesus macaques. NPY dose-dependently increased food intake, with the maximal effect obtained by 50 microg (960 min food intake +/- SEM, 104 +/- 5 to 188 +/- 11 g; vehicle vs. NPY; n = 6). Blood glucose levels were unaffected by intracerebroventricular administration of NPY, but animals receiving either 20 or 50 microg displayed increased plasma levels of insulin and cortisol at few time points. To assess the pharmacological specificity of this response, a novel Y1 antagonist, [(Ile,Glu,Pro,Daba,Tyr,Arg,Leu,Arg,Tyr-NH2)2 cyclic (2,4'),(2',4)-diamide] (Y1ANT), was synthesized. Receptor binding experiments demonstrated that Y1ANT preferentially binds to Y1 and Y4 receptors (pKi 10.12 +/- 0.06 and 9.11 +/- 0.05 nmol/L, respectively). Functional analysis revealed that Y1ANT is a Y1 antagonist and a partial Y4 agonist. Central administration of Y1ANT blocked NPY-induced feeding. In food-deprived monkeys, Y1ANT attenuated the feeding response. However, Y1ANT had no effect on food intake in satiated monkeys. Thus, endogenous NPY is likely to be involved in the regulation of food intake in the nonhuman primate, and this effect is at least partially mediated via Y1-like receptors.

Animals↗

A new series of highly potent growth hormone-releasing peptides derived from ipamorelin.

A new series of GH secretagogues derived from ipamorelin is described. In an attempt to obtain oral bioavailability, by reducing the size and the number of potential hydrogen-bonding sites of the compounds, a strategy using the peptidomimetic fragment 3-(aminomethyl)benzoic acid and sequential backbone N-methylations was applied. Several compounds from this series release GH with high in vitro potency and efficacy in a rat pituitary cell assay and high in vivo potency and efficacy in anesthetized rats. The tetrapeptide NNC 26-0235 (3-(aminomethyl)benzoyl-D-2Nal-N-Me-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) shows, following iv administration, comparable in vivo potency to ipamorelin, GHRP-2, and GHRP-6 with an ED50 in swine at 2 nmol/kg. NNC 26-0235 demonstrated a 10% oral bioavailability in dogs, and NNC 26-0235 and ipamorelin were able to increase basal GH level by more than 10-fold after oral administration of a dose of 1.8 and 2.7 mg/kg, respectively. The tripeptide NNC 26-0323 (3-(aminomethyl)benzoic acid-N-Me-D-2Nal-N-Me-D-Phe-ol) which showed moderate in vitro potency but lacked in vivo potency demonstrated a 20% oral bioavailability in rats.

Administration, Oral↗

Novel orally active growth hormone secretagogues.

A novel class of growth hormone-releasing compounds with a molecular weight in the range from 500 to 650 has been discovered. The aim of this study was to obtain growth hormone secretagogues with oral bioavailability. By a rational approach we were able to reduce the size of the lead compound ipamorelin (4) and simultaneously to reduce hydrogen-bonding potential by incorporation of backbone isosters while retaining in vivo potency in swine. A rat pituitary assay was used for screening of all compounds and to evaluate which compounds should be tested further for in vivo potency in swine and oral bioavailability, fpo, in dogs. Most of the tested compounds had fpo in the range of 10-55%. In vivo potency in swine after iv dosing is reported, and ED50 was found to be 30 nmol/kg of body weight for the most potent compound.

Administration, Oral↗