The calcium channel antagonist S 11568 causes endothelium-dependent relaxation in canine arteries

The new dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist S 11568 and its optical isomers, S 12967 and S 12968 (3 x 10-6 to 10-4 M), caused, unlike nifedipine (10-4 M), equipotent and rapid endothelium-dependent relaxations and increased the content of cyclic GMP in rings of canine femoral arteries. These effects were observed in the presence of indomethacin and were prevented by methylene blue, hemoglobin and N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine. Thus these effects must involve endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) and be distinct from the calcium channel antagonistic effect, which is stereoselective and of slow onset. The compounds did not potentiate relaxations of rings without endothelium to nitric oxide. In bioassay experiments, the compounds produced endothelium-dependent relaxation only when applied to endothelial donors. These results are compatible with an increased release of EDRF induced by the dihydropyridine compounds.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

S32504, a novel naphtoxazine agonist at dopamine D3/D2 receptors: III. Actions in models of potential antidepressive and anxiolytic activity in comparison with ropinirole.

In forced-swim tests in mice and rats, the novel D(3)/D(2) receptor agonist S32504 [(+)-trans-3,4,4a,5,6,10b-hexahydro-9-carbamoyl-4-propyl-2H-naphth[1,2-b]-1,4-oxazine] dose-dependently (0.04-2.5 mg/kg) and stereospecifically suppressed immobility compared with its enantiomer S32601 [(-)-trans-3,4,4a,5,6,10b-hexahydro-9-carbamoyl-4-propyl-2H-naphth-[1,2-b]-1,4-oxazine]. Ropinirole was less potent than S32504 in this procedure, and it was likewise less potent than S32504 (0.04-2.5 mg/kg) in attenuating motor-suppressant properties of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist S18616 [(S)-spiro[(1-oxa-2-amino-3-azacyclopent-2-ene)-4,2'-(1',2',3',4'-tetrahydronaphthalene)]]. In a learned helplessness paradigm, S32504 (0.08-2.5 mg/kg) suppressed escape failures. Furthermore, in a chronic mild stress model of anhedonia, S32504 (0.16-2.5 mg/kg) rapidly restored the suppression of sucrose consumption. S32504 inhibited marble-burying behavior in mice (0.04-0.16 mg/kg) and aggressive behavior in isolated mice (0.04-2.5 mg/kg): only higher doses of ropinirole mimicked these actions of S32504. In tests of anxiolytic activity, S32504 was more potent (0.0025-0.16 mg/kg) than ropinirole in suppressing fear-induced ultrasonic vocalizations, and S32601 was inactive. Furthermore, in contrast to ropinirole, S32504 modestly enhanced punished responses in a Vogel conflict procedure and increased open-arm entries in a plus-maze. At doses active in the above-described procedures, S32504 did not elicit hyperlocomotion. In the forced-swim, marble-burying, and ultrasonic vocalization models, actions of S32504 were blocked by the D(2)/D(3) antagonists haloperidol and raclopride and by the D(2) antagonist L741,626 [4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(1H-indol-3-ylmethyl)piperidin-4-ol], but not by the D(3) receptor antagonist S33084 [(3aR,9bS)-N-[4-(8-cyano-1,3a,4,9b-tetrahydro-3H-benzopyrano[3,4-c]pyrrole-2-yl)-butyl]-(4-phenyl)benzamide. Finally, chronic administration of S32504 did not, in contrast to venlafaxine, modify corticolimbic levels of serotonin(2A) receptors or brain-derived neurotrophic factor. In conclusion, S32504 displays a broad and distinctive profile of activity in models of potential antidepressive and anxiolytic properties. Its actions are more pronounced than those of ropinirole and principally involve engagement of D(2) receptors