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S Manzini

Publications and source records attributed to S Manzini.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Backbone and benzoyl mustard carrying moiety modifies DNA interactions of distamycin analogues.

Alkylating distamycin derivative FCE-24517 (l) is the prototype of a novel class of alkylating agents. In the present study we have investigated the effect of further chemical modifications introduced in the alkylating distamycin-derived molecule with the aim of improving their ability to bind DNA. The new compound, MEN 10710 (II), has a four pyrrolecarboxamide backbone linked at its N-terminus and through a butanamido residue to a 4-[bis(chloroethyl)amino]phenyl moiety. We have demonstrated that the presence of the flexible trimethylene chain confers to the novel distamycin derivative a peculiar mode of interaction with DNA as compared with I or melphalan. In fact, interstrand cross-links are detected in DNA samples treated even with low concentrations of II (being 200-fold more efficient than melphalan) but not with I. Similar results were obtained with a related compound of II containing a three pyrrole ring backbone. Compound II induces a conformational change in the DNA structure as deduced from the inhibition of T4 DNA ligase activity. In alkylation experiments, unlike melphalan, both I and II induce DNA breaks at bases closely located to AT-rich tracts, however II was more potent than I in producing greater amount of covalent adducts. These data suggest that the new compound shows a different and peculiar mechanism of interaction with DNA.

Alkylation↗

Autoradiographic mapping of pulmonary NK1 and NK2 tachykinin receptors and changes after repeated antigen challenge in guinea pigs.

An autoradiographic technique was used to study the distribution of changes in pulmonary NK1 and NK2 receptors in guinea pig lung after repeated antigen challenge. Specific labeling of [3H]CP96345 (NK1 receptors) and [3H]SR48968 (NK2 receptors) was localized over the tracheal and bronchial smooth muscle; the density of binding increased towards smaller airways with a higher density for [3H]CP96345 binding. Bronchial epithelium and pulmonary blood vessels were also labeled densely with [3H]CP96345. No remarkable difference in the pattern of distribution of pulmonary NK1 and NK2 tachykinin receptors was observed between control, vehicle-challenged, and repeatedly antigen-challenged (weekly for three times) guinea pigs. A significant reduction in specific labeling of [3H]CP96345 (p < 0.01) and [3H]SR48968 (p < 0.05) over pulmonary structures was observed in antigen-challenged compared to control or vehicle-challenged animals. This study provides evidence that NK1 and NK2 tachykinin receptors are both localized to smooth muscle of all sizes in guinea pig airways and provides further evidence for a discrete distribution of NK1 and NK2 tachykinin receptors, consistent with their relative functional activities. In an established model of airway inflammation a decrease in the expression of NK1 and NK2 tachykinin receptors was evident on several different cell types within the lung, and this could influence airway and vascular reactivity.

Animals↗

Electrocorticographic desynchronization after application of visceral and somatic noxious stimuli in urethane-anesthetized rats: effect of intrathecal administration of tachykinin (NK 1 or NK 2) receptor antagonists.

We investigated the electrocortical (E.Co.G) correlates of visceral (topical capsaicin application or overdistension of the urinary bladder) and somatic (perineal pinching) painful stimulation in urethane-anesthetized rats and their modulation by intrathecal application of selective tachykinins receptors (NK 1 and NK 2) antagonists. Vesical overdistension or topical capsaicin on the bladder serosal surface produced an immediate and lasting E.Co.G. desynchronization resembling a cortical arousal. A second application of capsaicin was ineffective. Bladder contraction induced by topical acetylcholine did not alter E.Co.G. A desynchronized E.Co.G. was also induced by pinching of the perineal area of the rat. Intrathecal administration of lidocaine at lumbosacral level abolished the E.Co.G. desynchronization induced by both visceral and somatic noxious stimulation. On the other hand capsaicin-induced or over-distension (but not pinching-induced) E.Co.G. desynchronization disappeared in animals systemically pretreated with capsaicin or after intrathecal administration of NK 1 tachykinin receptor antagonists such as the peptide GR 82334 or the nonpeptide RP 67580, whereas the inactive enantiomer RP 68651 or the nonpeptide NK 2 antagonists SR 48968 were ineffective. In conclusion, the experimental model described herein, allowing a quantitative analysis of the E.Co.G. correlates of visceral and somatic noxious stimulation in urethane-anesthetized rats, provides evidence for a specific neural pathway carrying bladder-arising visceral (both mechanical and chemical) nociception that uses pelvic capsaicin-sensitive afferents projecting to NK 1 (but not NK 2) bearing spinal neurons and that ultimately leads to activation of cortical areas.

Acetylcholine↗

[3H][beta-Ala8]neurokinin A-(4-10): a novel, selective radioligand for the tachykinin NK2 receptor.

The binding characteristics of the novel radioligand [3H][beta-Ala8]neurokinin A-(4-10) were assessed in hamster urinary bladder membranes. This labelled compound bound in a reversible, highly specific and concentration-dependent manner to a single class of high affinity binding sites with a Kd of 1.8 +/- 0.2 nM and a Bmax of 139 +/- 21 fmol/mg of protein. Specific binding of [3H][beta-Ala8]neurokinin A-(4-10) was displaced only by NK2, but not by NK1 or NK3, tachykinin receptor agonists and antagonists. Neurokinin A, [beta-Ala8]neurokinin A-(4-10), L 659877 [cyclo(Leu-Met-Gln-Trp-Phe-Gly)], MEN 10376 (H-Asp-Tyr-D-Trp-Val-D-Trp-D-Trp-Lys-NH2), MEN 10627 [cyclo(Met-Asp-Trp-Phe-Dap-Leu)cyclo(2 beta-5 beta)] and SR 48968 [(S)-N-methyl-N-[4-(4-acetylamino-4-phenylpiperidino)-2- (3,4-dichlorophenyl)butyl]benzamide] displaced the binding with Ki values of 0.4 +/- 0.1 nM, 1.9 +/- 0.36 nM, 3.05 +/- 0.1 nM, 7.9 +/- 0.4 microM, 0.36 +/- 0.02 nM and 2.5 +/- 0.9 nM, respectively. Functional data, obtained in isolated hamster urinary bladder strips with the newly developed tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonists (MEN 10627 and SR 48968), showed a good agreement with binding data. This novel radioligand could represent a new useful tool for the assessment of tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonists.

Animals↗

Opposite modulation by tachykinin (NK1) and CGRP receptors of sympathetic control of mouse vas deferens motility.

Electrical field stimulation of isolated mouse vas deferens elicited sympathetic twitch whose amplitude was transiently enhanced by the selective tachykinin NK1 receptor agonist, [Sar9,Met(O2)11]substance P (0.3-30 nM), but not by selective NK2 and NK3 receptor agonists. Potentiation by [Sar9,Met(O2)11]substance P was antagonized by (+/-)-CP 96,345 [(2S,3S)-cis-2-(diphenylmethyl)-N- [(2-methoxyphenyl)-methyl]-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-3-amine] (IC50 = 0.1 microM). On the other hand, electrical field stimulation-induced contractions were inhibited by calcitonin gene-related peptide, CGRP (0.1-30 nM), and this action was reduced by its antagonist, human CGRP-(8-37) (3 microM). [Sar9,Met(O2)11]substance P (3 nM) did not affect either high-K+ or noradrenaline-induced contraction, while CGRP (3 nM) significantly reduced the noradrenaline-induced motor response. Capsaicin (1 microM) inhibited sympathetic twitches, and this effect was partially antagonized by human CGRP-(8-37). In the presence of this antagonist, capsaicin induced a short-living and (+/-)-CP 96,345-sensitive twitch enhancement. These data suggest that the sympathetic control of mouse vas deferens motility can be modulated in an opposite manner by tachykinin NK1 (prejunctionally located) and by CGRP (pre- and/or postjunctionally located) receptors.

Animals↗

Antibronchospastic activity of MEN10,627, a novel tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist, in guinea-pig airways.

The antibronchospastic activity against acetylcholine, antigen, histamine plus platelet-activating factor (PAF) or the selective tachykinin neurokinin (NK)1 and NK2 receptor agonists of the novel tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist, MEN10,627 (cyclo(Met-Asp-Trp-Phe-Dap-Leu)cyclo(2 beta-5 beta)), was studied in anesthetized guinea-pigs. MEN10,627 (30-100 nmol/kg i.v.) reduced in a dose-dependent manner the bronchospasm induced by the tachykinin NK2 receptor agonist [beta Ala8]neurokinin A-(4-10) and the effect of the highest dose lasted up to 5 h from its administration. Conversely, airway constriction induced by the NK1 receptor agonist [Sar9]substance P sulfone or acetylcholine was unaffected by MEN10,627 up to a dose of 3 mumol/kg i.v. In animals sensitized with ovalbumin and pretreated with the endopeptidase inhibitor phosphoramidon, the aerosolized antigen produced a bronchospasm which was inhibited by MEN10,627 (30-100 nmol/kg i.v.) but not by the tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, (+/-)-CP96,345 ([2R,3R-cis- and [2S,3S)-cis-2-(diphenylmethyl)-N-[(2-methoxyphenyl)-methyl]-1- azabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-3-amine]) (3 mumol/kg i.v.). Both MEN10,627 (30-100 nmol/kg i.v.) and (+/-)-CP96,345 (30-300 nmol/kg i.v.) reduced the PAF-induced hyperresponsiveness to histamine, without affecting the hypotension induced by PAF or the bronchospasm induced by histamine in guinea-pigs not exposed to PAF, showing the involvement of both tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors in this model. In summary, MEN10,627 behaves as a potent, selective and long-lasting tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist in vivo. Further, tachykinin NK2 receptors could be activated during allergic responses and in the development of airway hyperresponsiveness.

Acetylcholine↗

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel NK-1 tachykinin receptor antagonists: the use of cycloalkyl amino acids as a template.

In the course of a program aimed at synthesizing novel, potent NK-1 tachykinin receptor antagonists, we developed upon a bioactive model by comparing the low energy structures of a series of peptide and nonpeptide Substance P antagonists. The comparison was based on the superimposition of the aromatic rings, assuming that the rest of the molecule behaves predominantly as a template to arrange the key aromatic groups in the right spatial position. A series of 2-aminocyclohexane carboxylic acid analogues were then selected as the best templates for reproducing the postulated bioactive structure, leading to several pseudo-peptides with interesting biological activity. According to the molecular modeling, these compounds exhibit a neat parallel facing of the indolyl and naphthyl groups at about 3 A distance. Ultraviolet absorption and steady state fluorescence measurements support this conclusion, showing a linear correlation between the spectral properties and the binding affinity of these analogues. Stacking of the indole ring with naphthalene gives rise to a complex characterized by a well-defined molar extinction coefficient. Consistently, steady state and lifetime fluorescence measurements suggest that the quenching process is ascribable to ground-state interactions between the chromophores. Implications of the pi stacking propensity of aromatic groups in the biological activity of the compounds examined are briefly discussed.

Amino Acids↗

Hyperresponsiveness to non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic vagal stimulation following multiple antigen challenge in guinea-pigs.

The role of airway inflammation, induced by weekly antigen challenge, in the airway hyperresponsiveness to vagal (whole and NANC components) nerve stimulation and to neurotransmitters (acetylcholine and selective agonists for tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors) has been studied in the guinea-pig. Primarily, the time course (3, 7 and 14 days following the last challenge) of the effects of repeated aerosol antigen challenge on airway inflammation and bronchoalveolar fluid cellular composition was investigated. At 7 days following the last antigen challenge a maximal (as compared to 3 and 14 days) inflammatory response, in terms of a diffuse mild to marked infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes, was evident throughout pulmonary tissues. Only at this time some evidence of eosinophilia and neutropenia was detectable in BAL fluids. In these animals there was a normal bronchial responsiveness to iv administration of acetylcholine, selective synthetic agonists for the tachykinin NK2 receptors and capsaicin. On the other hand a remarkable airways hyperresponsiveness to iv administration of selective agonists for tachykinin NK1 receptors, as well as electrical stimulation of the vagal nerves (in presence and in absence of atropine), was detected. As a whole, these data indicate that at the peak of the inflammatory airway response following multiple antigen challenge there is a selective hyperresponsiveness to stimulation of vagal (mainly the non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic component) nerves associated with an increase in tachykinins (NK-1)-mediated bronchospasm.

Acetylcholine↗

Interleukin-6 production by U373 MG, a human astrocytoma cell line: different pathways involved in substance P and lipopolysaccharide activation.

Substance P (SP) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene expression, as well as IL-6 protein secretion in the human astrocytoma cell line U373 MG. Staurosporine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), entirely blocked SP- but not LPS-induced IL-6 release. In addition, the down regulation of PKC inhibited the SP response and only marginally altered LPS activation. Differently from SP, LPS-induced IL-6 release was markedly reduced by W7, a calmodulin antagonist. Moreover, SP interacted in a synergistic manner with LPS. Thus, neural (SP) and bacterial (LPS) mediators stimulate U373 MG IL-6 release via distinct, though not antagonistic, activation pathways.

Alkaloids↗

Resiniferatoxin binding to vanilloid receptors in guinea pig and human airways.

We have used the [3H]resiniferatoxin (RTX) binding assay to characterize for the first time a vanilloid (capsaicin) receptor in tracheobronchial tissues of the guinea pig. Membranes obtained from the trachea and the main bronchi bound RTX with an affinity of 1 nM; the cooperativity index was close to unity, indicating noncooperative binding. Specific [3H]RTX binding was fully inhibited by capsaicin (Ki = 500 nM) and capsazepine (Ki = 100 nM), but it was not inhibited at all by the inactive RTX structural analog resiniferonol 9, 13, 14-orthophenylacetate (10 microM), confirming the specificity of the binding. Neither was RTX binding inhibited by the functional vanilloid antagonist ruthenium red (100 microM). The density of specific RTX binding sites was similar in the trachea (Bmax = 150 fmol/mg protein) and the bronchi (Bmax = 170 fmol/mg protein). In keeping with the marked resistance of hamsters to capsaicin actions, no specific RTX binding could be detected in the airways of this species. By contrast, we have been able to demonstrate specific RTX binding sites in human bronchi: the estimated affinity for RTX, 2 nM, was similar to that (7 nM) determined in guinea pig bronchi. We conclude that (1) the [3H]RTX binding assay affords a novel biochemical marker for vanilloid-sensitive nerves in the airways, and (2) this binding assay may be a useful tool to explore species-related differences in the expression and pharmacologic profile of vanilloid receptors in the airways.

Adult↗

5-Iodo-2'-deoxy-L-uridine and (E)-5-(2-bromovinyl)-2'-deoxy-L-uridine: selective phosphorylation by herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase, antiherpetic activity, and cytotoxicity studies.

5-Iodo-2'-deoxy-L-uridine (L-IdU) and (E)-5-(2-bromovinyl)-2'-deoxy-L-uridine (L-BVdU) have been prepared and found to inhibit herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) thymidine kinase (TK) with activities comparable to those of their analogs with the natural D-sugar configuration. The mechanism of inhibition is purely competitive for L-IdU (Ki = 0.24 microM) and mixed-type for L-BVdU (Ki = 0.13 microM). High performance liquid chromatographic analysis of the reaction products demonstrated that the viral enzyme phosphorylates both L-enantiomers to their corresponding monophosphates with efficiency comparable to that for D-enantiomers. Neither L-enantiomer inhibits the human cytosolic TK. In contrast to their D-enantiomers, L-IdU and L-BVdU have no effect on human thymidylate synthase, either in HeLa cells or in TK-deficient HeLa cells transformed with the HSV-1 TK gene. Both L-enantiomers (i) have no effect on HeLa cell growth, (ii) are 1000-fold less cytotoxic toward TK-deficient HeLa cells transformed with the HSV-1 TK gene than are their D-enantiomers, (iii) in contrast to their D-enantiomers, are fully resistant to hydrolysis by nucleoside phosphorylase, and, (iv) in spite of their much lower cytotoxicity, most probably due to the very low affinity of L-BVdU monophosphate and L-IdU monophosphate for thymidylate synthase, are only 1 or 2 orders of magnitude less potent than their D-enantiomers in inhibiting viral growth, with potency comparable to that of acyclovir.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Different susceptibility to neurokinin 1 receptor antagonists of substance P and septide-induced interleukin-6 release from U373 MG human astrocytoma cell line.

In a human astrocytoma cell line U373 MG, the activation of the neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor by substance P (SP) increase, in a concentration-related manner (1 nM to 10 microM), the basal release of interleukin-6 (IL-6) as assayed by an ELISA method, in cell supernatants after 18 h of incubation. Septide, a selective NK1 receptor agonist, is equipotent to SP in inducing the IL-6 release showing similar Emax (2644 +/- 285 and 2830 +/- 271 pg/ml) and EC50 (15.6 +/- 3.6 and 13.8 +/- 3.2 nM). However, in binding assays on intact cells, septide was an about 50-fold weaker displacer of the binding of [3H][Sar9,Met(O2)11]SP than SP (Ki's were 0.28 +/- 0.1 nM and 14.2 +/- 5.0 nM for SP and septide, respectively). NK2- and NK3-selective agonists (up to 1 microM) had no binding or functional effect. Highly selective non-peptide (CP96,345) or peptide (GR82,334) NK1 receptor antagonists were more effective in antagonizing septide-(IC50's 0.2 +/- 0.06 nM and 70 +/- 18 nM) than SP-(IC50's 6.7 +/- 1.3 nM and 1.95 +/- 0.4 microM) induced IL-6 secretion. These data support the existence, also in human U373 MG cells, of a septide-sensitive NK1 receptor subtype(s) and/or epitope(s) blocked with high affinity by NK1 antagonist.

Astrocytoma↗

Comparison of tachykinin NK1 receptors in human IM9 and U373 MG cells, using antagonist (FK888, (+/-)-CP-96,345, and RP 67580) binding.

We have used one peptide (FK888) and two non-peptide ((+/-)-CP-96,345 and RP 67580) antagonists, along with the preferred endogenous agonist, substance P, to compare the pharmacological (binding) profile of NK1 receptors expressed by human B lymphoblastoma (IM9) and astrocytoma (U373 MG) cells. Of the ligands tested, substance P was the most potent in both cell lines: binding affinities were 0.1 nM for IM9 cells, and 0.3 nM for U373 MG cells, respectively. The high-affinity dipeptide antagonist, FK888, bound to NK1 receptors in both cell lines with similar potencies: Ki values were 1.2 nM and 3.6 nM for IM9 cells and U373 MG cells, respectively. Of the non-peptide antagonists, as expected, (+/-)-CP-96,345 displayed higher affinity (0.4 nM in IM9 cells, and 1.2 nM in U373 MG cells) than did RP 67580 (33 nM and 223 nM in IM9 cells and U373 MG cells, respectively) in both cell lines. We conclude that the pharmacological profile of NK1 receptors is similar in the human lymphoblastoma and astrocytoma cells, i.e. if NK1 receptor subtypes exist in humans, these cell lines are likely to express a similar subtype. Because IM9 cells grow faster and are easier to maintain, this cell line may be preferable to the astrocytoma cells as a primary screen to identify NK1 receptor antagonists.

Astrocytoma↗

Absolute configuration and biological activity of mequitamium iodide enantiomers.

The enantiomers of 1-methyl-3-(10H-phenothiazine-10-ylmethyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2 ,2,2]octane iodide (1) were prepared by chiral chromatographic resolution of the precursor mequitazine (2). The (+)-(S)-enantiomer 1b is 10-fold more potent than (-)-(R)-enantiomer 1a as a histamine antagonist, while the two enantiomers show the same antimuscarinic activity in vitro. The absolute configuration of the more active dextrorotatory isomer has been determined by X-ray analysis. Conformational analysis and molecular modeling suggest that the (+)-(S)-enantiomer can adopt a conformation similar to that attributed to the receptor binding conformers of classical antihistamines.

Acetylcholine↗

Characterization of the tachykinin NK2 receptor in the human bronchus: influence of amastatin-sensitive metabolic pathways.

1. The aim of this study was to characterize the tachykinin NK2 receptor subtype mediating the spasmogenic response in the human isolated bronchus. The motor response to neurokinin A (NKA) and the selective NK2 agonist [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10), as well as the antagonistic effects of cyclic (L659,877) and linear (MEN 10376) peptide NK2 antagonists were assessed in the presence or absence of amastatin (an inhibitor of aminopeptidases A and M). 2. NKA was more potent than [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10) in eliciting bronchoconstriction (pD2 being 7,43 and 6,87 respectively). In the presence of amastatin (1 microM), the estimated affinity of [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10), but not that of NKA, was significantly increased to yield a pD2 of 7,44. 3. L659,877 and MEN 10376 inhibited [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10)-induced contraction with similar affinities; pA2 values were 5.7 +/- 0.22 and 6.3 +/- 0.32, respectively. Amastatin (1 microM) increased the potency of MEN 10376 to 7.28 +/- 0.46, whereas that of L659,877 was unaffected. 4. In the presence of amastatin the pseudopeptide MDL 28,564 behaved as a partial agonist. 5. We conclude that the NK2 receptor subtype present in the human bronchus has properties similar to those described for the circular muscle of the human colon and thus may be classified as a 'NK2A' subtype. We show that the apparent potency of peptides, bearing N-terminal acidic residues, is influenced by an amastatin-sensitive peptidase, possibly aminopeptidase A.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cationic protein-induced sensory nerve activation: role of substance P in airway hyperresponsiveness and plasma protein extravasation.

We have previously reported that human eosinophil granule major basic protein and synthetic cationic proteins such as poly-L-arginine and poly-L-lysine, can increase airway responsiveness in vivo. In the present study, we have investigated whether activation of sensory C-fibers is important in this phenomenon. Dose-response curves to methacholine were constructed before and 1 h after intratracheal instillation of poly-L-lysine in anaesthetized spontaneously breathing rats, and the concentration of methacholine required to induce a doubling in total lung resistance was calculated. Poly-L-lysine induced a fivefold increase in airway responsiveness, which was inhibited by neonatal capsaicin treatment and potentiated by phosphoramidon (100 micrograms/ml). Furthermore, pretreatment with either CP, 96-345, or RP-67580 two selective NK-1 receptor antagonists inhibited poly-L-lysine-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and plasma protein extravasation. In vitro, cationic proteins stimulated the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity from perfused slices of the main bronchi. Our results demonstrate that cationic proteins can activate sensory C-fibers in the airways, an effect which is important in the subsequent development of airway hyperresponsiveness and plasma protein extravasation. Cationic proteins may therefore function as a link between inflammatory cell accumulation and sensory nerve activation.

Animals↗

MEN 10,627, a novel polycyclic peptide antagonist of tachykinin NK2 receptors.

We describe the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties of MEN 10,627 or cyclo(Met-Asp-Trp-Phe-Dap-Leu)cyclo(2 beta-5 beta), the first example of a polycyclic peptide tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist. MEN 10,627 is endowed with high affinity for NK2 receptor expressed in various species with pKB values ranging between 10.1 (hamster trachea) and 8.1 (rabbit pulmonary artery). The antagonism is of competitive type in both functional and radioligand binding assays. A 100- to 10,000-fold selectivity was found vs. NK1 or NK3 receptors expressed in various species. As an NK2 receptor antagonist, MEN 10,627 is 10- to 100-fold more potent than the monocyclic peptide antagonist L 659,877 or cyclo(Met-Gln-Trp-Phe-Gly-Leu). At the hamster NK2 receptor, MEN 10,627 is about 30-fold more potent than the nonpeptide NK2 receptor antagonist SR 48,968 [(S)-N-methyl-N[4-acetylamino-4-phenylpiperidino)-2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl) butyl]benzamide], whereas the converse is true for the rabbit NK2 receptor. Furthermore, MEN 10,627 is, up to micromolar concentrations, devoid of antagonist properties toward a wide range of transmitters of both peptide and nonpeptide nature. In urethane-anesthetized rats in vivo, MEN 10,627 (10-100 nmol/kg i.v.) produced long-lasting inhibition of contraction of the urinary bladder and duodenum produced by i.v. administration of the NK2 receptor agonist [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10), without affecting the responses produced by i.v. administration of the NK1 receptor agonist [Sar9]SP sulfone or acetylcholine. In anesthetized rats, both MEN 10,627 and SR 48,968 blocked urinary bladder contraction induced by the NK2 receptor agonist after intravenous, intranasal or intraduodenal administration. Equieffective doses of MEN 10,627 producing about 50% inhibition of the response to [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10) in the rat urinary bladder in vivo, were 0.01, 0.03 and 3 mumol/kg after intravenous, intranasal and intraduodenal administration, respectively. The corresponding doses of SR 48,968 were 0.03, 0.1 and 1 mumol/kg, after intravenous, intranasal and intraduodenal administration, respectively. In conclusion, MEN 10,627 is a potent and selective NK2 receptor antagonist, endowed with high potency and long duration of action in vivo, which is not restricted to parenteral administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗