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Cyclic AMP antagonist Rp-cAMPS inhibits amylase exocytosis from saponin-permeabilized parotid acini.

Rp-cAMPS, the Rp-diastereomer of adenosine 3',5'-phosphorothioate, is often referred to as a cAMP antagonist, since it binds to the regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase without dissociation of free catalytic subunits. To evaluate the role of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in amylase exocytosis, we examined the effect of Rp-cAMPS on amylase release from rat parotid acini. Rp-cAMPS did not stimulate amylase release from saponin-permeabilized parotid acini, whereas its Sp-isomer strongly evoked amylase release. Rp-cAMPS dose-dependently inhibited amylase release stimulated by Sp-cAMPS. In the presence of Rp-cAMPS, the dose-response curve of Sp-cAMPS was shifted to the right. The inhibitory effect of Rp-cAMPS on isoproterenol-induced amylase release was not detected in intact acini, but was clearly observed in the permeabilized ones. Rp-cAMPS markedly inhibited protein phosphorylation evoked by Sp-cAMPS, indicating that Rp-cAMPS prevents the dissociation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. These results, taken together with synergistic increase in amylase release by the combination of site-selective cAMP analogues [T. Takuma (1990) J. Biochem. 108, 99-102], suggest that cAMP-dependent protein kinase is involved in the exocytosis of amylase from parotid acini.

Amylases↗

Effect of RP 67580, a non-peptide neurokinin1 receptor antagonist, on facilitation of a nociceptive spinal flexion reflex in the rat.

1. In order to examine the contribution of neurokinin1 (NK1) receptors to facilitation of a spinal nociceptive reflex in the rat, we have investigated the effects of RP 67580 (3aR, 7aR)-7,7-diphenyl-2(1-imino-2-(2-methoxyphenyl/ethyl)perhydrois oindole)), a non-peptide neurokinin1 (NK1) receptor antagonist, selective for the rodent receptor sub-type, on the activity of individual motorunits. These results were compared with the effects of RP 68651, the inactive 3aS, 7aS enantiomer of RP 67580, as a control for non-specific activity. 2. Experiments were performed on 15 rats anaesthetized with a continuous i.v. infusion of alphaxalone/alphadalone and spinalized at T9-10. Single unit recordings of motorunit activity from biceps femoris/semitendinosus were made with a concentric needle electrode. In each experiment, a vehicle dose followed by 4 sequential rising doses of either RP 67580 or RP 68651 were given at 15 min intervals. High intensity electrical stimuli were applied to the hindlimb receptive field of the motorunit at a rate of 1 per 60 s throughout the experiment to establish a baseline. A conditioning stimulus (20 of these stimuli at 1 Hz) was delivered 5 min after each dose and the effect of the size of the baseline response examined. 3. The conditioning stimulus evoked a facilitation of the baseline at the start of all experiments (mean increase +/- s.e. mean = 151 +/- 20%). RP 67580 attenuated this facilitation, with an ID50 (+/- s.e. mean) of 2.5 +/- 4.2 micrograms kg-1, i.v., whereas RP 68651 at doses of up to 3 mg kg-1, i.v. did not. There was no statistically significant effect of drug on the baseline reflex, nor on the response to the conditioning stimulus. Doses of 300 and 3000 microg kg-1 of both RP 67580 and RP 68651 evoked small depressor effects on systemic arterial blood pressure.4. We conclude that the facilitation of a spinal flexor reflex by noxious conditioning stimuli in the rat is mediated by NK1 receptors whereas the baseline reflex is not. The results suggest that brain penetrantNK1 receptor antagonists may have central anti-nociceptive effects.

Animals↗

Inhibition of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase-mediated effects by (Rp)-8-bromo-PET-cyclic GMPS.

1. The modulation of the guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP)- and adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP)-dependent protein kinase activities by the diastereomers of 8-bromo-beta phenyl-1, N2-ethenoguanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, ((Rp)- and (Sp)-8-bromo-PET-cyclic GMPS) was investigated by use of purified protein kinases. In addition, the effects of (Rp)-8-bromo-PET-cyclic GMPS on protein phosphorylation in intact human platelets and on [3H]-noradrenaline release and neurogenic vasoconstriction in electrical field stimulated rat tail arteries were also studied. 2. Kinetic analysis with purified cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) type I alpha and I beta, which are expressed in the rat tail artery, revealed that (Rp)-8-bromo-PET-cyclic GMPS is a competitive inhibitor with an apparent Ki of 0.03 microM. The activation of purified cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) type II was antagonized with an apparent Ki of 10 microM. 3. In human platelets, (Rp)-8-bromo-PET-cyclic GMPS (0.1 mM) antagonized the activation of the PKG by the selective activator 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-pCPT-cyclic GMP; 0.2 mM) without affecting the activation of PKA by (Sp)-5, 6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofurano-sylbenzimidazole- 3':5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate ((Sp)-5,6-DCl-cyclic BiMPS; 0.1 mM). 4. (Rp)-8-bromo-PET-cyclic GMPS was not hydrolysed by the cyclic GMP specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) type V from bovine aorta but potently inhibited this PDE. 5. The corresponding sulphur free cyclic nucleotide of the two studied phosphorothioate derivatives, 8-bromo-beta-phenyl-1, N2-ethenoguanosine-3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-bromo-PET-cyclic GMP), had no effect on electrically-induced [3H]-noradrenaline release but concentration-dependently decreased the stimulation-induced vasoconstriction. (Rp)-8-bromo-PET-cyclic GMPS (3 microM) shifted the vasoconstriction response to the right without affecting stimulation evoked tritium overflow. 6. The NO donor, 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) relaxed rat tail arteries precontracted with phenylephrine (1 microM). The SIN-1 concentration-relaxation curve was shifted in a parallel manner to the right by (Rp)-8-bromo-PET-cyclic GMPS, suggesting that the relaxation was mediated by a cyclic GMP/PKG-dependent mechanism. 7. The [3H]-noradrenaline release-enhancing effect and stimulation-induced decrease in vasoconstriction of forskolin were unaffected by (Rp)-8-bromo-PET-cyclic GMPS. Moreover, the forskolin concentration-relaxation curve was not changed in the presence of the PKG inhibitor, suggesting a high selectivity in intact cells for PKG- over PKA-mediated effects. 8. The results obtained indicate that (Rp)-8-bromo-PET-cyclic GMPS presently is the most potent and selective inhibitor of PKG and is helpful in distinguishing between cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP messenger pathways activation. Therefore, this phosphorothioate stereomer may be a useful tool for studying the role of cyclic GMP in vitro.

Animals↗

Effects of RP 73401, a novel, potent and selective phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor, on contractility of human, isolated bronchial muscle.

1. The aim of this study was to investigate the smooth muscle relaxant effects of the novel, selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 4 inhibitor, RP 73401 in comparison with the classical PDE 4 inhibitor, rolipram, the non-selective PDE inhibitor, theophylline and the beta-adrenoceptor agonist, isoprenaline on the human, isolated bronchus. 2. At resting tone, the rank order of potency (pD2) for the relaxants was RP 73401 > or = rolipram > or = isoprenaline >> theophylline. In terms of maximum relaxation produced (Emax) the PDE 4-selective inhibitors were similar, but the maximal effects (70-75% of theophylline, 3 mM) were lower than that observed with isoprenaline (98% of theophylline, 3 mM) or theophylline itself (100%). 3. On the human isolated bronchus pre-contracted with acetylcholine (ACh, 0.1 or 1.0 mM), the rank order of potency remained the same. The maximal responses to RP 73401 and rolipram were however markedly reduced (Emax 39.9-46.6%) compared with isoprenaline (Emax 79-85%). 4. In tissues pre-contracted with ACh (0.1 mM), RP 73401 and rolipram (10(-9)-10(-7) M) significantly and concentration-dependently increased tissue sensitivity to isoprenaline. RP 73401 and rolipram were similar in potency. Both selective PDE 4 inhibitors also significantly increased the maximal relaxant effects of isoprenaline. These effects were not observed with the PDE 3 inhibitor, siguazodan. 5. In terms of retention by tissues (an index of duration of action), the onset of action of RP 73401 (2.11 +/- 0.53 min) and rolipram (1.70 +/- 0.45 min) was significantly slower than that of isoprenaline (0.33 +/- 0.06 min) or theophylline (1.17 +/- 0.25 min). The retention of RP 73401 (89.0 +/- 21.9 min) on the human isolated bronchial tissues after washing was however dramatically longer than that of rolipram (18.3 +/- 4.5 min), theophylline (3.43 +/- 0.58 min) or isoprenaline (2.81 +/- 0.31 min). 6. These data indicate that RP 73401 is a potent and long acting relaxant of human bronchial muscle in vitro. RP 73401 is more potent than the classical PDE 4-selective inhibitor rolipram and the non-selective PDE inhibitor theophylline and is retained in bronchial tissue for a much longer period of time.

Benzamides↗

Rp diastereomeric analogs of cAMP inhibit both cAMP- and cGMP-induced dilation of hamster mesenteric small arteries.

Cross talk between the adenosine (3',5'-cyclic monophosphate) (cAMP) and the guanosine (3',5'-cyclic monophosphate) (cGMP) signalling pathways in vascular smooth muscle may occur such that cAMP may act through cGMP-dependent protein kinase rather than cAMP-dependent protein kinase to induce relaxation of this tissue. Therefore, it was hypothesized that due to this crosstalk, competitive antagonists of cAMP may not show much selectivity in inhibition of cAMP- or cGMP-induced vasodilation. To test this hypothesis, the effects of Rp-diastereomeric phosphorothioate derivatives of cAMP, putative competitive antagonists of cAMP at cAMP-dependent protein kinase, were assessed on vasodilation induced by Sp-phosphorothioate derivatives of cAMP, dibutyryl cAMP, 8-Br cGMP and sodium nitroprusside. Hamster mesenteric arteries (200-400 microns i.d.) were cannulated and pressurized to 75 mm Hg and constricted to approximately 50% of maximum with 1 mumol/l phenylephrine. Vasodilators were then added in cumulative fashion and diameter responses recorded in the absence and presence of (Rp)-adenosine (3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate) (Rp cAMPs) or (Rp)-8-(parachlorophenylthio) adenosine (3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate) (Rp 8CPT cAMPs). Rp cAMPs (0.1-0.5 mmol/l) inhibited dilations induced by the cAMP agonists, (Sp)-adenosine (3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate) (Sp cAMPs) and dibutyryl cAMP, but also inhibited dilations induced by 8-Br cGMP and sodium nitroprusside (p < 0.05 and n > 4 for all). In a more detailed study we found that Rp 8CPT cAMPs against Sp 8CPT cAMPs (3.6 +/- 1.2) was similar to the pA2 for Rp 8CPT cAMPs against 8-Br cGMP (4.1 +/- 1.2) (p > 0.05, d.f. = 37). These data support the hypothesis that both cAMP and cGMP act through a common protein kinase to cause vasodilation and urge caution in the use of Rp-diastereomeric analogs of cyclic nucleotides to dissect out specific signal transduction pathways in blood vessels.

Animals↗

RP 59500, a streptogramin derivative, is effective in murine listeriosis.

RP 59500 (Synercid) a streptogramin derivative, is a mixture of two water-soluble substances, RP 57669 (quinupristin), and RP 54476 (dalfopristin). It was tested in vitro and in vivo against Listeria strains. All strains were sensitive in vitro. The MICs of 60 strains of Listeria monocytogenes, L. seeligeri, L. ivanovii, and L. innocua were between 0.156 and 0.625 mg/l. Strains of L. grayi were inhibited by 1.25 mg/l of RP 59500. In contrast to its bactericidal effect against other gram-positive bacteria, RP 59500 was bacteriostatic against L. monocytogenes in all concentrations tested (up to 16 x MIC). However, it exerted a pronounced postantibiotic effect. RP 59500 was ineffective against intracellular L. monocytogenes multiplying in L929 mouse fibroblast cells. When it was included in the supernatant of the cells in nontoxic concentrations of below 12.5mg/l alone or in combination with gentamicin (50mg/l) it was not able to inhibit the growth of the listeriae in the cells. However, when tested in peritoneal exudate cells, it was bacteriostatic against L. monocytogenes. In spite of its relatively poor effects on listeriae in vitro, RP 59500 was as active as erythromycin in a mouse model of listeriosis. When mice iv infected with L. monocytogenes were treated ip with 2mg/animal every 12 hours with either erythromycin or RP 59500, both substances prevented growth of the bacteria in the organs, but were unable to eradicate the listeriae. We conclude that RP 59500 is a candidate substance for the treatment of human listeriosis which might be used when therapy with ampicillin is not feasible.

Animals↗

DNA double-strand breaks induce formation of RP-A/Ku foci on in vitro reconstituted Xenopus sperm nuclei.

Replication protein A (RP-A) is involved in DNA replication, repair and recombination. It has been demonstrated that RP-A clusters in foci prior to DNA replication and redistributes over chromatin during S-phase. Here, we show that RP-A foci also form in response to DNA double-strand (ds) breaks produced on Xenopus laevis sperm nuclei by restriction enzymes and then reconstituted with Xenopus egg high-speed extracts. Ku86 co-localizes with RP-A in the same foci. An unscheduled RP-A-dependent DNA synthesis takes place overlapping with RP-A and Ku86 foci. Immunoelectron-microscopy analysis reveals that these foci correspond to spherical bodies up to 300 nm in diameter, which contain RP-A, Ku86 and DNA. In an independent in vitro assay, we incubated linear dsDNA bound to magnetic beads with Xenopus egg extracts. Here, also RP-A and Ku cluster in foci as seen through immunofluorescence. Both proteins appear to enrich themselves in sequences near the ends of the DNA molecules and influence ligation efficiency of ds linear DNA to these ends. Thus, the Xenopus in vitro system allows for the generation of specific DNA ds breaks, RP-A and Ku can be used as markers for these lesions and the repair of this type of DNA damage can be studied under conditions of a normal nuclear environment.

Animals↗

Effect of food and gender on the pharmacokinetics of RP 73401, a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor.

OBJECTIVE: Early exploratory clinical pharmacokinetic studies can provide valuable information for the design and control of subsequent phase 2 studies. This philosophy was instituted for the compound RP 73401, a specific phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor, that was being developed simultaneously for delivery by both oral and pulmonary routes of administration. The objective of these studies was to separately evaluate the effect of food and gender on the pharmacokinetics of RP 73401 using small-scale focused pilot studies. METHODS: In the first study, 400 mcg of inhaled RP 73401 were administered to male and female healthy volunteers (n = 8 f, 8 m. In the second study, 400 mcg oral RP 73401 were administered to healthy male volunteers (n = 8) in the fed and fasted state in a crossover fashion. Serial plasma samples were collected for 24 hours and analyzed for RP 73401 using an HPLC method with post-column photochemical reaction and fluorescence detection that had a minimum quantifiable limit of 10 pg/ml. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using non-compartmental techniques. RESULTS: Comparison of male and female pharmacokinetics following inhalation administration showed no statistically significant differences in the absorption and disposition of RP 73401 with respect to AUC, Cmax, tmax, and t1,2 values. Conversely, RP 73401 administered subsequently to a high fat meal showed a 51% reduction in Cmax and a 5-fold prolongation in tmax as compared to the fasted state. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the systemic availability of RP 73401 as assessed through AUC0-infinity comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: These results successfully allowed the uncomplicated inclusion of females in oral and inhalation studies with RP 73401 and indicated the need to address oral drug dosing conditions in order to minimize sources of pharmacokinetic variability in subsequent phase 2 studies.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

RP 64477: a potent inhibitor of acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol O-acyltransferase with low systemic bioavailability.

RP 64477 (N-butyl-3-(p-decyloxybenzamido)-4-(methylthio)benzamide) has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of the cholesterol esterifying enzyme Acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol O-acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.26; ACAT) in intestinal, hepatic, adrenal, and arterial tissue preparations obtained from a range of animal species. Drug concentrations producing 50% inhibition of enzyme activity (IC50 values) ranged from 14-283 nM. Inhibition by RP 64477 in a rabbit intestinal enzyme preparation was shown to be non-competitive with respect to the substrate oleoyl-CoA. In whole cell assays using human intestinal (CaCo-2), hepatic HepG2) and monocytic (THP-1) cell lines, RP 64477 inhibited ACAT activity with IC50s of 113, 503, and 180 nM, respectively. RP 64477 (0.03% w/w by diet) reduced significantly cholesterol absorption in cholesterol/cholic acid-fed rats from 94+/- 8% to 65 +/- 4%. In cholesterol-fed rabbits, cholesterol absorption was reduced from 72 +/- 5% to 50 +/-5% and 44 +/- 5% at dose levels of 10 and 30 mg kg-1 b.i.d., respectively. Plasma cholesterol levels were reduced dose-dependently in both cholesterol/cholic-acid-fed rats and cholesterol-fed rabbits. Neither cholesterol absorption nor plasma cholesterol levels were reduced significantly in animals maintained on standard laboratory diets. Pharmacokinetic studies indicated that RP 64477 were very poorly absorbed following oral administration to rats. Plasma levels of drug were < 2 ng mL-1 following a dose of 2000 mg kg-1 p.o.. When radiolabelled RP 64477 was administered orally, limited absorption was indicated by the overwhelming elimination of radioactivity in the faces (96.4% of administered material) coupled with low renal clearance (0.6% of dose) and biliary excretion (0.05% of dose). In conclusion, this work shows that RP 64477 is a potent inhibitor of ACAT obtained from a range of animal species and man. Inhibition of cholesterol absorption and hypocholesterolaemic activity has been demonstrated in rats and rabbits maintained on diets supplemented with cholesterol. Pharmacokinetic studies indicate low systemic exposure to RP 64477 as a result of limited absorption of this drug.

Acyl Coenzyme A↗

Inhibition of cGMP-dependent protein kinase by (Rp)-guanosine 3',5'-monophosphorothioates.

The activation of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase and cAMP-dependent protein kinase by the diastereomers of guanosine 3',5'-monophosphorothioate, (Sp)-cGMPS and (Rp)-cGMPS, and 8-chloroguanosine 3',5'-monophosphorothioate, (Sp)-8-Cl-cGMPS and (Rp)-8-Cl-cGMPS, was investigated using the peptide Kemptide as substrate. The (Sp)-diastereomers, which have an axial exocyclic sulfur atom, bound to the cGMP-dependent protein kinase and stimulated its phosphotransferase activity. In contrast, the (Rp)-isomers, which have an equatorial exocyclic sulfur atom, bound to the enzyme without stimulation of its activity. (Rp)-cGMPS and (Rp)-8-Cl-cGMPS antagonized the activation of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase with a Ki of 20 microM and 1.5 microM, respectively. (Rp)-cGMPS also antagonized the activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase with a Ki of 20 microM. In contrast, (Rp)-8-cGMPS ws a weak inhibitor of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase with a Ki of 100 microM. (Rp)-8-Cl-cGMPS appears to be a rather selective inhibitor of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase and may be a useful tool for studying the role of cGMP in broken and intact cell systems.

Animals↗

Selection of Enterococcus faecium strains with stable and unstable resistance to the streptogramin RP 59500 using stepwise in vitro exposure.

Therapy of vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infections is an increasing problem for many large medical centers. One promising agent for use against Enterococcus faecium is RP 59500 (Quinupristin/Dalfopristin). To assess the potential for emergence of resistant strains during clinical trials with this new compound, we collected and tested 11 vancomycin-resistant and three vancomycin-susceptible E. faecium strains. The strains were exposed to doubling dilutions of RP 59500, beginning at drug concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 16 micrograms/ml agar. A saturated swab with approximately 3 x 10(7) organisms/ml was spread as a lawn on agar containing RP 59500 and incubated at 35 degrees C for 48 h. Growth on the highest drug-containing plate was used to prepare the inoculum for the next series of resistance-selection experiments. After the final passage, the range of the highest RP 59500 plate concentration with growth was 32-512 micrograms/ml (initial resistance frequency ranging from 1 x 10(-6) to > 1 x 10(-4). After the selection of resistant strains, the organisms were passed twice weekly on antimicrobial agent-free media to determine resistance stability in the absence of drug. Resistance in strains with an RP 59500 MIC of > or = 16 micrograms/ml was stable after repeated passage for 4 weeks. These results indicate that stable resistance to RP 59500 can be selected in E. faecium when the organism is exposed to increasing drug concentrations only slightly above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). This stable resistance is seen in strains exhibiting an MIC > or = 16 micrograms/ml, and unstable in those with resistance where the RP 59500 MIC is less than eight times the original drug MIC. Our observation suggests more than one mechanism of resistance is likely present when stable resistance to RP 59500 develops.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Identifying the molecular switches that determine whether (Rp)-cAMPS functions as an antagonist or an agonist in the activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase I.

Previous investigations revealed that under physiological conditions in the presence of MgATP the phosphorothioate analogue of cAMP, (Rp)-cAMPS, is a competitive inhibitor and antagonist for cAMP for cAMP-dependent protein kinases I and II [DeWit et al., (1984) Eur. J. Biochem. 142, 255-260]. For the type I holoenzyme, the antagonist properties of (Rp)-cAMPS are shown here to be absolutely dependent on MgATP. In the absence of MgATP, (Rp)-cAMPS serves as a weak agonist with a Ka of 7.9 microM. The high-affinity binding of MgATP imposes a barrier on cAMP-induced activation of the homoenzyme--a barrier that both cAMP and (Sp)-cAMPS, but not (Rp)-cAMPS, can overcome. In the absence of MgATP, this barrier no longer exists, and (Rp)-cAMPS functions as an agonist. The holoenzyme also was formed with mutant regulatory subunits. Replacing the essential arginine, predicted to bind the exocyclic oxygens of cAMP, in site A with lysine abolishes high-affinity binding of cAMP to site A. The holoenzyme formed with this mutant R-subunit is activated by (Rp)-cAMPS in both the presence and absence of MgATP. These results suggest that the stereospecific requirements for holoenzyme activation involve this guanidinium side chain. Mutations that eliminate the high-affinity binding of MgATP, such as the introduction of an autophosphorylation site in the autoinhibitory domain, also generate a holoenzyme that can be activated by (Rp)-cAMPS. In the case of the type II holoenzyme, (Rp)-cAMPS is an antagonist in both the presence and absence of MgATP, emphasizing distinct roles for MgATP in these two forms of cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

TIN-ag-RP, a novel catalytically inactive cathepsin B-related protein with EGF domains, is predominantly expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells.

A human cDNA of 2166 bp encoding a novel cathepsin B-related protein was isolated and characterized. The amino acid sequence of the predicted protein of 467 aa was 46% identical with that of human tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen (TIN-ag), and therefore, the protein was tentatively designated as the TIN-ag-related protein (TIN-ag-RP). The amino acid sequence of TIN-ag-RP is composed of a 21 aa long signal sequence, a 181 aa long N-terminal domain containing two epidermal growth factor-like domains, a follistatin motif, and a 265 aa long cathepsin B-like domain. Interestingly, a serine residue has replaced the active site cysteine residue in the cathepsin B-like domain, resulting in a proteolytically inactive protein. Evolutionary analysis revealed that a distinct family of "TIN-ag-like" proteins had evolved in vertebrates. Northern blot analysis revealed a single TIN-ag-RP transcript of 2.4 kb in various tissues with the highest transcript levels detected in aorta, heart, placenta, skeletal muscle, kidney, and a colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line. Using a polyclonal anti-TIN-ag-RP antibody, TIN-ag-RP expression was predominantly seen in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells, but also in cardiac and skeletal muscle cells as well as in kidney. Interestingly, uterine smooth muscle cells completely lacked TIN-ag-RP expression, implying a regulated gene expression. Localization studies in HeLa cells stably transfected with TIN-ag-RP cDNA showed that TIN-ag-RP is glycosylated and actively secreted, a finding in line with its proposed function as a structural or regulatory protein similar to TIN-ag.

Adult↗

A parathyroid-hormone-related-protein (PTH-rP)-specific cytotoxic T cell response induced by in vitro stimulation of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes derived from prostate cancer metastases, with epitope peptide-loaded autologous dendritic cells and low-dose IL-2.

Bone metastases are one of the most common events in patients with prostate carcinoma. PTH-rP, a protein produced by prostate carcinoma and other epithelial cancers, is a key agent for the development of bone metastases. A PTH-rP-derived peptide, designated PTR-4 was identified, which is capable to bind HLA-A2.1 molecules and to generate PTH-rP-specific cytotoxic T cell (CTL) lines from healthy HLA-A2.1(+) individual peripheral-blood-mononuclear-cells (PBMC). In this model, we investigated the in vitro possibility of generating an efficient PTH-rP specific CTL response by cyclical stimulations with IL-2 and PTR-4 peptide-pulsed autologous dendritic cells (DC), of HLA-A2.1(+) tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) derived from a patient with metastatic prostate carcinoma. A T cell line generated in this way (called TM-PTR-4) had a CD3(+), CD5(+), CD4(-), CD8(+), CD45(Ro+), CD56(-) immunophenotype and a HLA-A2.1 restricted cytotoxic activity to PTR-4-peptide pulsed CIR-A2 (HLA-A2.1(+)) target cells, PTH-rP(+)/HLA-A2.1(+) CIR-A2 transfected with PTH-rP gene, prostate carcinoma LNCaP cells, and autologous metastatic prostate cancer cells (M-CaP). These lymphocytes were not cytotoxic to HLA-A2.1(+) targets not producing PTH-rP, such as peptide-unpulsed CIR-A2 and colon carcinoma SW-1463, cell lines. Our results provide evidence that PTR-4 peptide-pulsed autologous DC may break the tolerance of human TIL against the autologous tumour by inducing a PTH-rP-specific CTL immune reaction. In conclusion PTR-4 peptide-pulsed autologous DC may be a promising approach for vaccine-therapy and antigen-specific CTL adoptive immunotherapy of hormone-resistant prostrate cancer.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Studies of RP 59500 in vitro and in a rabbit model of aortic valve endocarditis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

The activity of RP 59500 against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was studied in vitro and in a rabbit model of aortic valve endocarditis. Three strains, 67-O, 529, and Du, ranging from relatively resistant to susceptible to RP 59500 in vitro (mean agar dilution MICs of 0.65, 0.21, and 0.12 mg/L respectively) were used to establish endocarditis, which was treated either with RP 59500, 20 mg/kg im four times a day for four days or with vancomycin, 25 mg/kg iv twice a day for four days. RP 59500 was ineffective for the most resistant strain, 67-O. RP 59500 was effective for the intermediately susceptible strain 529, but vancomycin was more effective. RP 59500 was slightly more effective than vancomycin against the most susceptible strain, Du, but the difference was not statistically significant. These results suggest that strains inhibited by RP 59500 at a concentration of greater than or equal to 0.5 mg/L should probably be considered resistant in this model of infection. RP 59500 was effective in vivo against the two susceptible strains, but overall, vancomycin was the more active drug.

Animals↗

Effects of pinacidil, RP 49356 and nicorandil on ATP-sensitive potassium channels in insulin-secreting cells.

1. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique has been used to investigate the effects of pinacidil, RP 49356 and nicorandil on membrane potential and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K+ channel currents in the insulin-secreting cell line RINm5F. Interactions between pinacidil, RP 49356, nicorandil, diazoxide and ATP have been studied in excised outside-out membrane patches and open-cells. 2. In RINm5F whole-cells (current-clamp mode) continually exposed to glucose, pinacidil, RP 49356 and nicorandil, at concentrations greater than 100 microM, consistently reversed the effects of the sugar by repolarizing the membrane and terminating voltage-gated Ca2+ spike-potentials. 3. The actions of pinacidil, RP 49356 and nicorandil on membrane potential may be explained by their effects on the opening of ATP-sensitive K+ channels, since all three compounds activated channels in whole-cells (voltage-clamp mode), excised outside-out membrane patches and open-cells, at concentrations greater than 100 microM. Below 100 microM the actions of pinacidil, RP 49356 and nicorandil were weak and inconsistent. 4. The mechanism of channel activation appears to depend on the presence of cytosolic ATP, since in its absence, pinacidil, RP 49356 and nicorandil (greater than 100 microM) had either no effects or inhibited K+ channels. 5. Pinacidil, nicorandil and RP 49356 (200-500 microM) also appeared to open K+ channels inhibited by quasi-physiological concentrations of ATP (4 mM) and ADP (1 mM). However, in comparison to diazoxide their effects were weak. 6. Since pinacidil, RP 49356 and nicorandil have been shown to have effects on smooth muscle preparations at concentrations of 30 microM and below, the data presented in this study may have important implications for any prospective therapeutic application of the drugs, since at the concentrations required to relax smooth muscle cells, hyperglycaemia will be avoided.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗

Effects of the tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, RP 67580, on central cardiovascular and behavioural effects of substance P, neurokinin A and neurokinin B.

1. We have investigated the effects of the non-peptide NK1 tachykinin receptor antagonist, RP 67580, and its inactive enantiomer, RP 68651, on the cardiovascular and behavioural responses to substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and neurokinin B (NKB) injected intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) in conscious rats. 2. The SP and NKA (25 pmol)-induced increases in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were of the same magnitude. The cardiovascular responses to both peptides were associated with excessive grooming behaviour and wet dog shakes (WDS). Relative to SP, NKA was weaker in inducing hindquarter grooming (HG), but more effective in eliciting WDS. The cardiovascular response to NKB (50 pmol) comprised an increase in BP and HR, while the behavioural response was weak. 3. RP 67580 (100 pmol), injected 10 or 30 min prior to SP, effectively inhibited the cardiovascular and behavioural responses to the peptide whereas lower doses were ineffective. Pretreatment with 500 pmol of RP 67580, 10 or 30 min prior to SP, reduced the BP response. Of the behavioural manifestations, only face washing was attenuated when the antagonist was injected 10 min before SP. At 2500 pmol, the antagonist exaggerated the BP response to the peptide without affecting the behavioural response. RP 68651 (100 or 2500 pmol) did not modify the central responses to SP. 4. Neither RP 67580 nor RP 68651 (100 pmol), affected the cardiovascular and behavioural responses to NKA or NKB. 5. Our results indicate that RP 67580 is a selective and high affinity antagonist at central NK1 tachykinin receptors in the rat.

Animals↗

RP 59500 prophylaxis of experimental endocarditis due to erythromycin-susceptible and -resistant isogenic pairs of viridans group streptococci.

RP 59500 is a new injectable streptogramin composed of two synergistic components (quinupristin and dalfopristin) which are active against a number of erythromycin-susceptible and -resistant gram-positive bacteria. The following experiments investigate the ability of RP 59500 to prevent experimental endocarditis due to either of two erythromycin-susceptible streptococcal isolates or their constitutively erythromycin-resistant Tn916 delta E transconjugants. RP 59500 had low MICs (0.125 to 0.5 mg/liter) for all four test organisms and was substantially bactericidal in vitro. Rats with catheter-induced aortic vegetations were given single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis 30 to 60 min before bacterial inoculation through a computerized pump system which permitted the simulation of drug kinetics for humans produced by either 7 mg of RP 59500 per kg of body weight or 1 g of vancomycin. Single-dose RP 59500 prophylaxis successfully prevented endocarditis due to both the erythromycin-susceptible parent strains and their erythromycin-resistant derivatives in rats challenged with the minimal inoculum infecting 90% of controls. In addition, RP 59500 also prevented infection in animals challenged with fivefold-larger inocula of the erythromycin-susceptible parent strains. Vancomycin successfully prevented endocarditis due to any of the four test organisms. These results underline the in vivo efficacy of RP 59500 against both erythromycin-susceptible and -resistant streptococci. Such good results against the resistant strains would not be expected with erythromycin or clindamycin, which are the standard macrolidelincosamide-streptogramin antibiotics used for endocarditis prophylaxis in humans. An oral form of RP 59500 which might advantageously replace some of the older prophylactic regimens is currently being developed.

Animals↗