The thrombin mutant W215A/E217A shows safe and potent anticoagulant and antithrombotic effects in vivo

Administration of the thrombin mutant W215A/E217A (WE), rationally designed for selective activation of the anticoagulant protein C, elicits safe and potent anticoagulant and antithrombotic effects in a baboon model of platelet-dependent thrombosis. The lowest dose of WE tested (0.011 mg/kg bolus) reduced platelet thrombus accumulation by 80% and was at least as effective as the direct administration of 40-fold more (0.45 mg/kg bolus) activated protein C. WE-treated animals showed no detectable hemorrhage or organ failure. No procoagulant activity could be detected for up to 1 week in baboon plasma obtained following WE administration. These results show that engineered thrombin derivatives that selectively activate protein C may represent useful therapeutic agents for the treatment of thrombotic disorders.     

Anticoagulant activities of curcumin and its derivative

Curcumin, a polyphenol responsible for the yellow color of the curry spice turmeric, possesses antiinflammatory, antiproliferative and antiangiogenic activities. However, anticoagulant activities of curcumin have not been studied. Here, the anticoagulant properties of curcumin and its derivative (bisdemethoxycurcumin, BDMC) were determined by monitoring activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT) as well as cell-based thrombin and activated factor X (FXa) generation activities. Data showed that curcumin and BDMC prolonged aPTT and PT significantly and inhibited thrombin and FXa activities. They inhibited the generation of thrombin or FXa. In accordance with these anticoagulant activities, curcumin and BDMC showed anticoagulant effect in vivo. Surprisingly, these anticoagulant effects of curcumin were better than those of BDMC indicating that methoxy group in curcumin positively regulated anticoagulant function of curcumin. Therefore, these results suggest that curcumin and BDMC possess antithrombotic activities and daily consumption of the curry spice turmeric might help maintain anticoagulant status.     

Antithrombotic and profibrinolytic activities of eckol and dieckol

In order to develop new anticoagulant agents, two single compounds (eckol and dieckol) were isolated from Eisenia bicyclis and examined their anticoagulant activities by monitoring activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT) as well as cell-based thrombin and activated factor X (FXa) generation activities. And the effects of eckol and dieckol on the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) were tested in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Data showed that eckol and dieckol prolonged aPTT and PT significantly and inhibited thrombin and FXa activities. They also inhibited the generation of thrombin or FXa in HUVECs. In accordance with these anticoagulant activities, eckol or dieckol showed anticoagulant effect in vivo. Furthermore, eckol and dieckol inhibited TNF-α induced PAI-1 production and the ratio between PAI-1 and t-PA was found to be significantly decreased by eckol and dieckol. Surprisingly, these anticoagulant and profibrinolytic effects of dieckol were better than those of eckol indicating that hydroxyl group in eckol positively regulated anticoagulant function of eckol. Therefore, these results suggest that eckol or dieckol possesses antithrombotic activities and provides a possibility to develop as an agent for the anticoagulation.     

Anticoagulant activities of oleanolic acid via inhibition of tissue factor expressions

Oleanolic acid (OA), a triterpenoid known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, is commonly present in several medicinal plants but its anticoagulant activities have not been studied. Here, the anticoagulant properties of OA were determined by monitoring activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), fibrin polymerization as well as cell-based thrombin and activated factor X (FXa) generation activities. Data showed OA prolonged aPTT and PT significantly and inhibited thrombin catalyzed fibrin polymerization. In addition, OA inhibited the activities of thrombin and FXa and inhibited the generation of thrombin or FXa in human endothelial cells. OA also inhibited TNF-α-induced tissue factor expression on human endothelial cells. In accordance with these anticoagulant activities, OA showed an anticoagulant effect in vivo. These results indicate that OA possesses antithrombotic activities and suggest that daily consumption of a herb containing OA may be preventing thrombosis in pathological states.     

A comparative study of the inhibition of hepatic aldehyde dehydrogenases in the rat by methyltetrazolethiol, calcium carbimide, and disulfiram

Methyltetrazolethiol (1-methyl-5-mercapto-1,2,3,4-tetrazole, MTT) is a heterocyclic substituent of the cephalosporin antibiotics, cefamandole, cefoperazone, and moxalactam. Pretreatment of rats with MTT has been reported to increase blood acetaldehyde concentration after ethanol administration. The time course of MTT-induced inhibition of hepatic aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH) was determined in adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats in comparison with the hepatic ALDH inhibition induced by calcium carbimide (calcium cyanamide, CC) and disulfiram (D). The apparent onset of maximal inhibition of hepatic low Km ALDH occurred at 2 h for 50 mg/kg MTT (subcutaneous, s.c.) and 7 mg/kg CC (oral) and at 24 h for 300 mg/kg D (oral). The relative magnitude of maximal inhibition of low Km ALDH was CC greater than D greater than MTT. The relative duration of enzyme inhibition was D greater than MTT greater than CC. High Km ALDH was only inhibited by CC. Hepatic low Km ALDH was selectively inhibited by s.c. and oral administration of 125 mg/kg MTT. For s.c. administration of 125 mg/kg MTT, the magnitude of maximal enzyme inhibition and the duration of inhibition were greater than for the 50 mg/kg dose. Oral administration of 125 mg/kg MTT produced similar inhibition of hepatic low Km ALDH compared with s.c. administration of the same dose. The time course of blood ethanol and acetaldehyde concentrations was determined for the intravenous infusion of two 0.3-g/kg doses of ethanol to rats that were pretreated orally with saline (1 h), MTT (125 mg/kg, 2 h), or CC (7 mg/kg, 1 h). The relative increase in blood acetaldehyde concentration compared with saline pretreatment was CC greater than MTT. The elimination of ethanol from blood was slower in the MTT- and CC-pretreated animals, and this effect was more pronounced for CC pretreatment. Overall, the data demonstrate that the characteristics of hepatic ALDH inhibition for MTT are different from those of the known ALDH inhibitors, CC and D.     

Regulation of Histamine Turnover via Muscarinic and Nicotinic Receptors in the Brain

To clarify the regulation of central histaminergic (HAergic) activity by cholinergic receptors, the effects of drugs that stimulate the cholinergic system on brain histamine (HA) turnover were examined, in vivo, in mice and rats. The HA turnover was estimated from the accumulation of tele-methylhistamine (t-MH) during the 90-min period after administration of pargyline (65 mg/kg, i.p.). In the whole brain of mice, oxotremorine, at doses higher than 0.05 mg/kg, s.c., significantly inhibited the HA turnover, this effect being completely antagonized by atropine but not by methylatropine. A large dose of nicotine (10 mg/kg, s.c.) also significantly inhibited the HA turnover. This inhibitory effect was antagonized by mecamylamine but not by atropine or hexamethonium. A cholinesterase inhibitor, physostigmine, at doses higher than 0.1 mg/kg, s.c., significantly inhibited the HA turnover. This effect was antagonized by atropine but not at all by mecamylamine. None of these cholinergic antagonists used affected the steady-state t-MH level or HA turnover by themselves. In the rat brain, physostigmine (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg, s.c.) also decreased the HA turnover. This inhibitory effect of physostigmine was especially marked in the striatum and cerebral cortex where muscarinic receptors are present in high density. Oxotremorine (0.2 mg/kg, s.c.) and nicotine (1 mg/kg, s.c.) also decreased the HA turnover in the rat brain. However, these effects showed no marked regional differences. These results suggest that the stimulation of central muscarinic receptors potently inhibits the HAergic activity in the brain and that strong stimulation of central nicotinic receptors can also induce a similar effect.     

Experimental studies on the antithrombotic and haemorrhagic effects of heparin and a low molecular weight heparin derivative

Antithrombotic, haemorrhagic and anticoagulant effects of unfractionated heparin (UH) and the low molecular weight heparin fragment KABI 2165 were studied in rats. In stasis-induced venous thrombosis of the jugular vein intravenous injection of both, UH and KABI 2165, either reduced significantly the size of thrombi or completely prevented thrombus formation in a dose-dependent manner. The dose of KABI 2165 required for prevention of thrombus formation showed a marked anticoagulant activity measured by APTT which was in the same range as that of the equieffective dose of UH. After administration of antithrombotically effective doses only UH caused a significant prolongation of bleeding time after standardized incision of the tail. KABI 2165 produced haemorrhagic effects at about 4-fold higher doses only than those required for the antithrombotic action.     

Anticoagulant activities of piperlonguminine in vitro and in vivo

Piperlonguminine (PL), an important component of Piper longum fruits, is known to exhibit anti-hyperlipidemic, antiplatelet and anti-melanogenic activities. Here, the anticoagulant activities of PL were examined by monitoring activatedpartial-thromboplastin-time (aPTT), prothrombin-time (PT), and the activities of thrombin and activated factor X (FXa). The effects of PL on the expressions of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) were also tested in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) activated HUVECs. The results showed that PL prolonged aPTT and PT significantly and inhibited the activities of thrombin and FXa. PL inhibited the generation of thrombin and FXa in HUVECs. In accordance with these anticoagulant activities, PL prolonged in vivo bleeding time and inhibited TNF-α induced PAI-1 production. Furthermore, PAI-1/t-PA ratio was significantly decreased by PL. Collectively, our results suggest that PL possesses antithrombotic activities and that the current study could provide bases for the development of new anticoagulant agents. [BMB Reports 2013; 46(10): 484-489]     

Mirex induces ornithine decarboxylase in female rat liver

Ornithine decarboxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine synthesis, was significantly induced in female rat liver following oral administration of the pesticide mirex. After dual oral exposure (120 mg/kg of mirex; 21 and 4 hr prior to sacrifice), ornithine decarboxylase activity in rat liver cytosol was 70-fold higher than control values. A single oral dose of mirex (180 mg/kg) induced hepatic ornithine decarboxylase activity 55-fold over controls. After a single oral dose of mirex the maximal induction of ODC activity occurred at 36 hr. Mirex is an unusually potent and long-lasting inducer of rat hepatic ornithine decarboxylase activity.     

The pharmacological profile of the low molecular weight heparin 21-23 in man: anticoagulant, lipolytic and protamine reversible effects

The anticoagulant, lipolytic and protamine reversible effects of high doses of low molecular weight (LMW) heparin 21-23 and unfractionated heparin were compared in man. 7,500 units of each heparin were applied, which corresponds to 90 mg LMW heparin and 48 mg unfractionated heparin. The anticoagulant properties of the LMW heparin are characterized by a doubled half life of factor Xa activity, smaller influence on aPTT and thrombin after intravenous (i.v.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) injection, and higher bioavailability of factor Xa activity after s.c. administration (90% versus 15%). Protamine chloride completely neutralizes the effect on aPTT and thrombin and reduces the anti factor Xa activity by 60%. The bleeding time is prolonged by both normal and LMW heparin by 20%. This effect is normalized by protamine chloride, too. Thrombelastography with recalcified whole blood demonstrates that protamine chloride shortens but not completely normalizes the coagulation time in presence of either unfractionated or LMW heparin. The half life of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity is 60 min after i.v. administration of unfractionated heparin and 120 min with LMW heparin. Although the release of lipases (LPL and HTGL) is higher after i.v. and s.c. administration of the LMW heparin they do not induce higher releases of free fatty acids. This indicates that the lipolytic activity of this LMW heparin and unfractionated heparin is similar. The results show an improved anticoagulant pharmacological profile of this LMW heparin as compared to unfractionated heparin. Protamine normalizes the anticoagulant effects of LMW heparin with exception of a residual anti factor Xa activity and normalizes the changes of bleeding time and thrombelastography.     

Combined administration of captopril with an antihypertensive Val-Tyr di-peptide to spontaneously hypertensive rats attenuates the blood pressure lowering effect

Some di-peptides have been proven to exert an antihypertensive effect in mild-hypertensive subjects. The aim of this study was to clarify whether combined administration of an ACE inhibitor, captopril, with an antihypertensive di-peptide Val-Tyr (VY) would alter their potent antihypertensive effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Single oral administration of captopril (2.5 mg/kg), VY (25 mg/kg), or captopril (2.5 mg/kg)+VY (25 mg/kg) to 18-week-old male SHRs was performed. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured up to 9 h, and plasma captopril concentrations were determined. A transport study of captopril and/or VY across living rat jejunum from SHRs was also performed to evaluate the kinetics of absorption. Combined administration of captopril with VY failed to lower the BP during the 9-h experiment. A transport study of captopril or VY revealed that VY inhibited captopril transport, and vice versa, in a competitive manner and exhibited an approximately 1/3-fold lower Ki value for captopril compared with that for VY; indicating that both compounds compete for the same membrane transport pathway. A 50% decrease in plasma captopril levels by combined administration with VY supported that the attenuation of the BP lowering effect was due to inhibition of captopril uptake by VY. Consequently, our findings suggest that subjects treated with ACE inhibitors for hypertension should avoid combined-intake with antihypertensive foods that are rich in small peptides due to the competitive inhibition of drug uptake by these peptides.     

Characterization of CGS 8515 as a selective 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor using in vitro and in vivo models

CGS 8515 inhibited 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) and leukotriene B4 synthesis in guinea pig leukocytes (IC50 = 0.1 microM). The compound did not appreciably affect cyclooxygenase (sheep seminal vesicles), 12-lipoxygenase (human platelets), 15-lipoxygenase (human leukocytes) and thromboxane synthetase (human platelets) at concentrations up to 100 microM. CGS 8515 inhibited A23187-induced formation of leukotriene products in whole blood (IC50 values of 0.8 and 4 microM, respectively, for human and rat) and in isolated rat lung (IC50 less than 1 microM) in vitro. The selectivity of the compound as a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor was confirmed in rat whole blood by the 20-70-fold separation of inhibitory effects on the formation of leukotriene from prostaglandin products. Ex vivo and in vivo studies with rats showed that CGS 8515, at an oral dose of 2-50 mg/kg, significantly inhibited A23187-induced production of leukotrienes in whole blood and in the lung. The effect persisted for at least 6 h in the ex vivo whole blood model. CGS 8515, at oral doses as low as 5 mg/kg, significantly suppressed exudate volume and leukocyte migration in the carrageenan-induced pleurisy and sponge models in the rat. Inhibitory effects of the compound on inflammatory responses and leukotriene production in leukocytes and target organs are important parameters suggestive of its therapeutic potential in asthma, psoriasis and inflammatory conditions.     

New non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors: focus on R76713

R76713 is a novel triazole derivative which selectively blocks the cytochrome P450-dependent aromatase. In human placental microsomes, in FSH-stimulated rat and human granulosa cells and in human adipose stromal cells, 50% inhibition of estradiol biosynthesis was obtained at drug concentrations of 2-10 nM. In PMSG-injected female rats, R76713 lowered plasma estradiol levels by 50 and 90% 2 h after single oral doses of 0.005 and 0.05 mg/kg respectively. After 1 mg/kg, estradiol levels were suppressed by 90% for 16 h. In male cynomolgus monkeys, R76713 dose-dependently (0.03-10 micrograms/kg) inhibited peripheral aromatization with an ED50 of 0.13 microgram/kg without altering metabolic clearance rates and conversion ratios. In vitro R76713 had no effect on other P450-dependent steroidogenic enzymes up to 1000 nM at least. In rats, LHRH-, ACTH- and sodium-deprived diet stimulated plasma testosterone, corticosterone and aldosterone levels were not modified 2 h after single oral administrations of R76713 (up to 20 mg/kg). Furthermore, R76713 did not show any in vitro or in vivo estrogenic or antiestrogenic property. R76713 also induced regression of DMBA-induced mammary tumors after daily oral administration of 1 mg/kg b.i.d. In male volunteers (n = 4), a single oral dose of 5 and 10 mg lowered median plasma estradiol levels from 70 pM to the detection limit of the assay (40 pM) 4, 8 and 24 h after intake whereas no changes were detected after placebo administration. In premenopausal women (n = 15), receiving a single oral dose of 20 mg, median plasma estradiol levels decreased from 389 pM (before) to 168, 133 and 147 pM, 4, 8 and 24 h after intake whereas they remained above 420 pM after placebo (n = 7).     

Pharmacology of vorozole

Vorozole (R83842) is a potent and selective, non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. It is the dextro-enantiomer of the triazole derivative R 76 713. In FSH-stimulated rat granulosa cells, vorozole inhibited aromatase activity with an IC₅₀-value of 1.4±0.5 nM. In pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG)-primed female rats, plasma estradiol levels measured 2 h after single oral administration of vorozole were significantly reduced by drug doses of 0.001 mg/kg and higher, with an ED₅₀-value of 0.0034 mg/kg. In ovariectomized nude mice, bearing an estrogen-producing JEG-3 choriocarcinoma, 5 days treatment with vorozole, dose-dependently reduced uterus weight and completely inhibited tumor aromatase, measured ex vivo. Vorozole showed IC₅₀-values higher than 10 μM for inhibition of progesterone synthesis in rat granulosa cells, for inhibition of steroid biosynthesis in isolated rat testicular and adrenal cells and for inhibition of steroid binding to estrogen-, progestin-, androgen- and gluco- and mineralocorticoid-receptors. In LHRH/ACTH-injected male rats and in rats fed a sodium-deprived diet, single oral administration of up to 10 mg/kg vorozole did not affect plasma levels of testicular and adrenal steroids. The compound also had no in vivo estrogen or androgen (ant)agonistic properties. In the DMBA-induced rat mammary carcinoma model, vorozole at an oral dose of 2.5 mg/kg b.i.d. inhibited tumor growth similarly to ovariectomy.     

K-134, a Phosphodiesterase 3 Inhibitor,Prevents Brain Damage by Inhibiting Thrombus Formation in a Rat Cerebral Infarction Model

Background

K-134 is a more potent antiplatelet drug with a selective inhibitory effect on phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) compared with its analogue, cilostazol.

Objectives

This study was performed to compare the ameliorating effects of K-134 and cilostazol on brain damage in an experimental photothrombotic cerebral infarction model.

Methods and Results

We investigated the effects of oral preadministration of PDE3 inhibitors in a rat stroke model established by photothrombotic middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. K-134 significantly prolonged MCA occlusion time at doses >10 mg/kg, and reduced cerebral infarct size at 30 mg/kg in the stroke model (n = 12, 87.5±5.6 vs. 126.8±7.5 mm³, P<0.01), indicating its potent antithrombotic effect. On the other hand, the effects of cilostazol on MCA occlusion time and cerebral infarct size are relatively weak even at the high dosage of 300 mg/kg. Furthermore, K-134 blocked rat platelet aggregation more potently than cilostazol in vitro. Also in an arteriovenous shunt thrombosis model, K-134 showed an antithrombotic effect greater than cilostazol.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that K-134, which has strong antithrombotic activity, is a promising drug for prevention of cerebral infarction associated with platelet hyperaggregability.     

Nicotine improves morphine-induced impairment of memory: possible involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in the nucleus accumbens

The possible involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in nicotine's effect on impairment of memory by morphine was investigated. A passive avoidance task was used for memory assessment in male Wistar rats. Subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of morphine (5 and 10 mg/kg) after training impaired memory performance in the animals when tested 24 h later. Pretest administration of the same doses of morphine reversed impairment of memory because of post-training administration of the opioid. Moreover, administration of nicotine (0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg, s.c.) before the test prevented impairment of memory by morphine (5 mg/kg) given after training. Impairment of memory performance in the animals because of post-training administration of morphine (5 mg/kg) was also prevented by pretest administration of a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801 (0.75 and 1 microg/rat). Interestingly, an ineffective dose of MK-801 (0.5 microg/rat) in combination with low doses (0.075 and 0.1 mg/kg) of nicotine, which had no effects alone, synergistically improved memory performance impaired by morphine given after training. On the other hand, pretest administration of NMDA (0.1 and 0.5 microg/rat), which had no effect alone, in combination with an effective dose (0.4 mg/kg, s.c.) of nicotine prevented the improving effect of nicotine on memory impaired by pretreatment morphine. The results suggest a possible role for NMDA receptors of the NAc in the improving effect of nicotine on the morphine-induced amnesia.     

Pharmacokinetics of ibutilide and its enantiomers in dogs

Ibutilide fumarate, a new drug for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, contains a stereogenic center bearing a secondary alcohol group. Several single dose and multiple dose studies of racemic ibutilide or its enantiomers were performed by the oral and intravenous routes in dogs. A chiral assay was used to examine racemization and the individual enantiomer pharmacokinetics. Following low oral or intravenous doses (approximately 0.3 mg/kg), the pharmacokinetics of the enantiomers were nearly identical, with no substantial chiral conversion. Both enantiomers exhibited high clearance rates, large volumes of distribution, and low oral bioavailability. As the dose increased, pharmacokinetic differences between the enantiomers were observed. The greatest differences (3-fold) were seen after oral administration at 4 mg/kg, indicating that first-pass metabolism of ibutilide was highly enantioselective at high doses. The clearances of the enantiomers differed by up to 34% at 5 mg/kg followed intravenous administration of the racemate. At high doses, other non-linear pharmacokinetic behavior was also apparent. The intravenous clearance of ibutilide declined from 5.3 L/h/kg at 0.3 mg/kg to 3.7 L/h/kg at a dose of 5 mg/kg. The absolute oral bioavailability of the racemate increased from 2% at 0.3 mg/kg to as much as 84% at 5 mg/kg. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Analgesic efficacy of orally administered buprenorphine in rats

The analgesic effect of orally administered buprenorphine was compared with that induced by a standard therapeutic injected dose (0.05 mg/kg of body weight, s.c.) in male Long-Evans rats. Analgesia was assessed by measuring pain threshold, using the hot-water tail-flick assay before and after administration of buprenorphine. The results suggest that a commonly used formula for oral buprenorphine in flavored gelatin, at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, does not increase pain threshold in rats. Instead, oral buprenorphine doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg were necessary to induce significant increases in pain threshold. However, these doses had to be administered by orogastric infusion because the rats would not voluntarily eat flavored gelatin containing this much buprenorphine. The depth of analgesia induced by these infused doses was comparable to that induced by the clinically effective s.c. treatment (0.05 mg/kg).     

Effects of oral administration of tamoxifen, toremifene, dehydroepiandrosterone, and vorozole on uterine histomorphology in the rat

Tamoxifen, toremifene, DHEA, and vorozole inhibit tumor growth in rodent mammary carcinoma models and are promising chemotherapeutic agents for use against breast cancer development. In the present study, the effect of these agents on uterine histomorphology following oral administration to mature ovary-intact rats (n = 380) was examined. Animals received diet only (control), tamoxifen (0.4 and 1 mg/kg of diet; 10 mg/kg BW by daily gavage), toremifene (3-30 mg/kg of diet), DHEA (24-2000 mg/kg of diet), or vorozole (0.08-1.25 mg/kg BW by daily gavage) for 28 days and were either sacrificed or returned to a basal diet and then sacrificed 21 days later. Treatment with toremifene (all doses) or tamoxifen (1 and 10 mg/kg) for 28 days produced a decrease (P<0.05) in overall uterine size and myometrial thickness; however, uterine luminal and glandular epithelia cell height increased (P<0.05) compared with control. These compartmentalized uterotrophic and antiestrogenic effects of toremifene and tamoxifen were still apparent after 21 days post-treatment. Administration of DHEA (2000 mg/kg of diet) for 28 days had dramatic uterotrophic effects, increasing (P<0.05) overall uterine size and stimulating all three uterine compartments (epithelia, stroma, and myometrium). The other doses of DHEA, however, were not uterotrophic. Interestingly, after removal of DHEA from the diet, uterine weight and myometrial thickness decreased (P<0.05). Vorozole (1.25 mg/kg) administration for 28 days had differential, compartmentalized uterine effects, producing an increase (P<0.05) in epithelial cell height, a decrease (P<0.05) in stromal size, but no change in myometrial thickness. After 21 days postadministration of vorozole, luminal epithelial cell height was increased (P<0.05) compared with control. The data suggest that oral administration of tamoxifen, toremifene, DHEA, and vorozole results in differential, compartmentalized effects in the uterus that are highly dependent on treatment dose. The data may have implications for risk assessment of these agents prior to administration to healthy, cancer-free women.     

Genotoxicity and cell proliferative activity of omeprazole in rat stomach mucosa.

Induction of unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) as a marker of genotoxicity and induction of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity as a marker of cell proliferative activity by omeprazole were determined in the glandular stomach mucosa of male F344 rats after oral administration. Commercial enteric-coated omeprazole (Losec) at doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg body weight induced a dose-dependent increase in UDS but not replicative DNA synthesis in the pyloric mucosa of rat stomach 4 h after its administration. Dose-dependent significant induction of ODC activity was observed in fundic and pyloric mucosa with a maximum 8 h after administration of omeprazole at doses of 37.5-100 mg/kg body weight. These results show that omeprazole has genotoxicity and cell proliferative activity in the rat glandular stomach mucosa.