Kinetics of gossypol inhibition of bovine lactate dehydrogenase X

Gossypol, a polyphenolic binaphthalene dialdehyde isolated from cotton meal is a potent inhibitor of lactate dehydrogenase-X purified from bovine testis. For the conversion of pyruvate to lactate the IC50 for gossypol is 200 microM for the reverse reaction the IC50 is 12 microM. Gossypol is a competitive inhibitor of NADH, Ki = 30 microM (Km = 17 microM), and NAD+, Ki = 6 microM (Km = 130 microM), and noncompetitive for pyruvate, Ki = 220 microM (Km = 224 microM), and lactate, Ki = 52 microM (Km = 5.6 mM).     

Properties of membrane bound ferrochelatase purified from baboon liver mitochondria

1. Baboon ferrochelatase was purified to apparent homogeneity. 2. The pH optimum was 7.85 and the pI 5.3. 3. The estimated molecular weight was 205 K made up by two 50 + 60 K heterodimers. 4. The Km values for proto- and mesoporphyrin were 18.5 and 10.8 microM with iron as co-substrate. With cobalt as co-substrate the Km values were 34.5 and 10.4 microM, respectively. The mean Km value for iron was 2.2 microM while cobalt acted as a complete inhibitor. 5. Lead played a dual role that of both pseudo substrate and inhibitor. As shown by inhibitor kinetics, Pb acted as a two-step two-site parabolic competitive inhibitor. The mean Ki value at low Pb levels was 0.65 mM and at high levels 0.17 mM. 6. Substrate inhibition occurred above 36 microM for proto- and 44 microM for mesoporphyrin with iron as co-substrate. For iron, with mesoporphyrin as co-substrate it occurred above 29 microM.     

Mechanism of mifepristone-induced spasmolytic effect on isolated rat uterus

Mifepristone, a synthetic 19-norsteroid, relaxed the KCl-induced tonic contraction in isolated rat uterus in a concentration-dependent way and CaCl2 (0.1 to 10 mM) counteracted it. This effect was similar to other steroids although the mechanisms involved are unclear. Before adding the contracturant, tissue was incubated with actinomycin D (10 microM), cycloheximide (300 microM), TPCK (3 and 10 microM), Rp-cAMPS (30 microM), DDA (100 microM) and H-7 (1 microM). None of these modified the relaxing effect of mifepristone. Incubation with drugs that interfere with cGMP such as a nucleotide analogue DDG (100 microM), a soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ (1 microM) and an inhibitor of protein kinase G 8pCPTcGMPS (1 microM) significantly modified the effect of mifepristone, increasing its IC50.     

The effect of inhibition of both diacylglycerol metabolism and phospholipase A2 activity on superoxide generation by human neutrophils

A 'cocktail' consisting of an inhibitor of diacylglycerol kinase (R59022, 10 microM), an inhibitor of diacylglycerol lipase (RHC80267, 10 microM), and an inhibitor of phospholipase A2 (either 100 microM indomethacin, or 100 microM sodium meclofenamate) markedly enhanced superoxide production by human neutrophils stimulated with post-receptor stimuli, fluoride and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane. On the other hand, the response to the C3b/Fc receptor stimulus, opsonized zymosan, was marginally decreased whilst that to the Fc receptor stimulus, aggregated IgG, was virtually unaffected. Since the inhibitors used are deemed to inhibit the main routes of arachidonate production, these results call into question the role of arachidonate in the transduction of O2- generation by post-receptor stimuli, but support a role for arachidonate in receptor-mediated transduction.     

Insulin stimulates ecdysteroid production through a conserved signaling cascade in the mosquito Aedes aegypti.

Selective activators and inhibitors of insulin signaling cascades in mammalian cells were tested for their effects on insulin stimulated steroidogenesis by ovaries of Aedes aegypti. Bovine insulin in the concentration range of 1.7 microM to 85 microM stimulated ecdysteroidogenesis in vitro. Pervanadate, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase phosphatase, stimulated ecdysteroid production at concentrations of 250 microM to 1 microM. Okidaic acid, a serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor, stimulated steroidogenesis with an ED50 of 77.39 nM. A selective inhibitor of tyrosine kinase activity, HNMPA-(AM3), inhibited ecdysteroid production with an IC50 of 14.2 microM. Two selective inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, wortmannin and LY294002, inhibited ecdysteroid production at low concentrations (IC50 = 1.6 nM and 30 nM, respectively). These concentrations are similar to those inhibiting insulin action in mammalian cells. A selective inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase, PD098059, had no effect on ecdysteroid production even up to 100 microM. Thus, insulin stimulation of ecdysteroid production by ovaries in vitro appears to be controlled by the tyrosine kinase activity of the mosquito insulin receptor and the signaling cascade involving phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase B.     

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Exogenous oleate reduces the inhibitory effect of 5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one on the growth of CHO-K1 cells

5 alpha-Cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one, a hypocholesterolemic agent and a potent inhibitor of sterol biosynthesis, inhibited the growth of CHO-K1 cells incubated in medium containing fetal calf serum. The concentration of the oxysterol required to inhibit growth by 50% was 13 microM. Sodium oleate (82 microM) reduced the inhibitory effects of the sterol, and increased the concentration of the 15-ketosterol required to cause a 50% inhibition of growth to 25 microM. The ACAT inhibitor N'-(2,4-difluoro-phenyl)-N-[4-(2,2-dimethylpropy)-phenyl]-methyl)- N- heptylurea (5 microM) abolished the effect of sodium oleate, and reduced the concentration of the 15-ketosterol required to inhibit growth by 50% to 5 microM.     

Enzymes of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis in Babesia rodhaini

The pathway of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis in the rodent parasitic protozoa Babesia rodhaini has been investigated. Specific activities of five of the six enzymes of the pathway were determined: aspartate transcarbamylase (ATCase: E.C. 2.1.3.2); dihydroorotase (DHOase: E.C. 3.5.2.3); dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHO-DHase: E.C. 1.3.3.1); orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRTase: E.C. 2.4.2.10); and orotidine-5'-phosphate decarboxylase (ODCase: E.C. 4.1.1.23). Michaelis constants for ATCase, DHO-DHase, OPRTase, and ODCase were determined in whole homogenates. Several substrate analogs were also investigated as inhibitors and inhibitor constants determined. N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartate was shown to be an inhibitor of the ATCase with an apparent Ki of 7 microM. Dihydro-5-azaorotate inhibited the DHO-DHase (Ki, 16 microM) and 5-azaorotate (Ki, 21 microM) was an inhibitor of the OPRTase. The UMP analog, 6-aza-UMP (Ki, 0.3 microM) was a potent inhibitor of ODCase, while lower levels of inhibition were found with the product, UMP (Ki, 120 microM) and the purine nucleotide, XMP (Ki, 95 microM). Additionally, menoctone, a ubiquinone analog, was shown to inhibit DHO-DHase.     

Mechanism of action of platelet-activating factor on guinea-pig lung parenchyma strips

The contribution of thromboxane A2 to platelet-activating factor (PAF)induced contraction of guinea-pig lung parenchyma strips (GPLPS) was investigated using an experimental design that allowed us to record the contractions of the tissues in parallel with the determination of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) levels in the organ baths by enzyme immunoassay. It was found that the first injection of PAF induced the contraction of GPLPS and the release of TXB2. Following subsequent additions of PAF to the same tissue, the contractile response was abolished but TXB2 levels were not significantly reduced. Pretreatment of the tissue with the thromboxane synthetase inhibitor OKY-046 (3.5, 170, and 350 microM) strongly inhibited the release of TXB2 but had no effect on the contraction of the tissues induced by PAF. The mechanism of PAF-induced contraction of GPLPS was further investigated using several drugs that interfere with arachidonic acid metabolism. It was found that pretreatment of the tissues with the cyclooxygenase and thromboxane synthetase inhibitors indomethacin (2.8, 28, and 56 microM) and OKY-046 (170 microM) or with the thromboxane antagonist SKF-88046 (1.25 and 12.5 microM) had no significant effect on the contractile response to PAF. The compound L-655,240 (2.5, 25, and 50 microM), which acts simultaneously as an antagonist of thromboxane and inhibitor of lipoxygenase, significantly reduced GPLPS contractions induced by PAF. Another lipoxygenase inhibitor, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (33 microM), and the inhibitor of both pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism, BW775c (110 microM), both reduced PAF-induced contractions of GPLPS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The role of aspterric acid in auxin-regulated reproductive growth of Arabidopsis thaliana

Application of 100 microM aspterric acid (AA), a pollen growth inhibitor, with different concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) results in the recovery of normal pollen development of Arabidopsis thaliana. Treatment with 100 microM AA plus 5 mM IAA significantly induced the normal seed production. Treatment with 100 microM N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA), a polar auxin transport inhibitor, did not reduce the pollen growth but inhibited seed production. 100 microM NPA plus 5 mM IAA did not induce any seed production. The endogenous level of IAA in stems and leaves of A. thaliana treated with 100 microM AA was similar to that of the untreated control. In contrast to AA treatment, the IAA level by the treatment with 100 microM NPA was about twice as much as that of the untreated control. These results suggest that AA affects the Arabidopsis reproductive growth without inhibiting IAA biosynthesis and transport.     

Inhibitory activity of cyanidin-3-rutinoside on alpha-glucosidase

Cyanidin-3-rutinoside, a natural anthocyanin, inhibited alpha-glucosidase from baker's yeast in dose-responsive manner. The IC50 value was 19.7 microM +/- 0.24 microM, compared with the IC50 value of voglibose (IC50 = 23.4 +/- 0.30 microM). Cyanidin-3-rutinoside was found to be a non-competitive inhibitor for yeast alpha-glucosidase with a Ki value in the range of 1.31-1.56 x 10(-5)M. These results indicated that cyanidin-3-rutinoside could be classed as a new alpha-glucosidase inhibitor.     

The synthesis of arginylfluoroalkanes, their inhibition of trypsin and blood-coagulation serine proteinases and their anticoagulant activity.

Seven arginylfluoroalkanes ('arginine fluoroalkyl ketones') were synthesized by using a modified Dakin-West procedure. The structure of benzoyl-Arg-CF2CF3 was analysed by 19F-n.m.r. spectroscopy and m.s. and the compound was shown to exist primarily as a hydrate or cyclic carbinolamine. Arginylfluoroalkanes are good inhibitors of blood-coagulation serine proteinases and were found to be slow-binding inhibitors for bovine trypsin with Ki values of 0.2-56 microM. Benzoyl-Arg-CF2CF3 was the best inhibitor for bovine thrombin and human Factor XIa, and inhibited thrombin and Factor XIa competitively with Ki values of 13 microM and 62 microM respectively. The best inhibitor for pig pancreatic kallikrein was p-toluoyl-Arg-CF3, with a Ki value of 35 microM. Benzoyl-Arg-CF3 and benzoyl-Arg-CF2CF3 inhibited human plasma kallikrein competitively, with Ki values of 50 microM. None of the seven arginylfluoroalkanes was a good inhibitor of human factor Xa or of Factor XIIa. The arginylfluoroalkanes were tested in the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) coagulant assays. Two fluoroketones, benzoyl-Arg-CF2CF3 and 1-naphthoyl-Arg-CF3, had significant anticoagulant activity. Benzoyl-Arg-CF2CF3 was found to prolong the PT 1.8-fold at 120 microM and to prolong the APTT 2.4-fold at 90 microM, whereas 1-naphthoyl-Arg-CF3 only prolonged the APTT 1.7-fold at 100 microM.     

Vasorelaxant effect of the flavonoid galangin on isolated rat thoracic aorta

Here we investigated the effect of the flavonoid galangin in isolated rat thoracic aortic rings. Galangin (0.1-100 microM) induced relaxation in rings pre-contracted with phenylephrine (PE 1 microM) or with KCl (100 mM) or pre-treated with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 microM), the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (10 microM) and the adenylate cyclase inhibitor, SQ 22,536 (100 microM). In another set of experiments, rat aortic rings were incubated with galangin (1-100 microM) and the contractile responses to PE (0.001-3 microM) or to KCl (60 mM) were evaluated. We also evaluated the effect of galangin (100 microM) on PE (10 microM)-induced contraction in a Ca2+-free medium. Galangin relaxed aortic rings with or without endothelium. Galangin effect was significantly inhibited by L-NAME. Galangin inhibited the contractile response to PE, either in presence or in absence of external calcium, and to KCl. In the end, we also found that galangin caused nitric oxide (NO) release from aortic rings and abolished the increase in [Ca2+]i triggered by PE or KCl in aortic smooth muscle cells, either in presence and in absence of external Ca2+. Our results suggest that galangin reduces the contractility of rat aortic rings through an endothelium-dependent mechanism, involving NO, and also through an endothelium-independent mechanism, inhibiting calcium movements through cell membranes.     

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulates prostaglandin F2alpha secretion by bovine luteal cells via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and phospholipase A2 pathways

It has been well demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) stimulates prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha secretion by bovine corpus luteum (CL) in vitro. The objective of the present study was to clarify the intracellular signaling pathway of TNFalpha to stimulate PGF2alpha production in cultured bovine luteal cells. Bovine luteal cells that were obtained from mid- (days 8-12 after ovulation) CL were incubated with TNFalpha (0.6 nM) and/or various compounds as follows: U-73122 (an inhibitor of phospholipase [PL] C), ACA (an inhibitor of PL-A2), H-89 (an inhibitor of protein kinase [PK] A), calphostin C (an inhibitor of PK-C), L-NAME/L-NORG (inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase), and PD98059 (an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase [MAPK] kinase). Although U-73122 (0. 1-10 microM), H-89 (0.1-10 microM), calphostin C (0.01-1 microM) and L-NAME/L-NORG (1-100 microM) did not affect TNFalpha-induced PGF2alpha secretion by the cultured cells, ACA (1-100 microM) and PD98059 (0.1-100 microM) inhibited TNFalpha-stimulated PGF2alpha secretion by the cells in a dose-dependent fashion (P < 0.05 or lower). These findings suggest that TNFalpha activates the MAPK and PL-A2 pathways in bovine luteal cells to stimulate PGF2alpha secretion.     

Effects of 1-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,5,6-Tetrahydropyridine and Related Compounds on the Uptake of [3H]3,4-Dihydroxyphenylethylamine and [3H]5-Hydroxytryptamine in Neostriatal Synaptosomal Preparations

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is known to cause a destruction of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway in certain animal species including mice. MPTP and some structurally related analogs were tested in vitro for their capacity to inhibit the uptake of [3H]3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine-([3H]DA), [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine ([3H]5-HT), and [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid [( 3H]GABA) in mouse neostriatal synaptosomal preparations. MPTP was a very potent inhibitor of [3H]5-HT uptake (IC50 value 0.14 microM), a moderate inhibitor of [3H]DA uptake (IC50 value 2.6 microM), and a very weak inhibitor of [3H]GABA uptake (no significant inhibition observed at 10 microM MPTP). In other experiments, MPTP caused some release of previously accumulated [3H]DA and [3H]5-HT, but in each case MPTP was considerably better as an uptake inhibitor than as a releasing agent. The 4-electron oxidation product of MPTP, i.e., 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium iodide (MPP+), was a very potent inhibitor of [3H]DA uptake (IC50 value 0.45 microM) and of [3H]5-HT uptake (IC50 value 0.78 microM) but MPP+ was a very weak inhibitor of [3H]GABA uptake. These data may have relevance to the neurotoxic actions of MPTP.     

Inhibition of thymidine kinase by P1-(adenosine-5')-P5-(thymidine-5')-pentaphosphate

Potential bisubstrate analogs, with adenosine and thymidine joined at their 5' positions by polyphosphoryl linkages of varying lengths (ApndT, where n = the number of phosphoryl groups), were examined as inhibitors of cytosolic thymidine kinase from blast cells of patients with acute myelocytic leukemia. Ki values were 1.2 microM for Ap3dT, 0.31 microM for Ap4dT, 0.12 microM for Ap5dT, and 0.19 microM for Ap6dT. The best inhibitor of the cytosolic enzyme, Ap5dT, was somewhat less effective as an inhibitor of the mitochondrial enzyme (Ki = 0.50 microM). In addition to their inhibitory modes of binding by the cytosolic enzyme, these compounds were bound at considerably lower concentrations (Kd = 0.029 microM for Ap4dT, 0.0025 microM for Ap5dT, and 0.0027 microM for Ap4dT), in such a way as to protect the cytosolic enzyme from thermal inactivation at 37 degrees C in the absence of substrates.     

Second messengers in platelet aggregation evoked by serotonin and A23187, a calcium ionophore.

We investigated the combined effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) and calcium ionophore (A23187) on human platelet aggregation. Aggregation, monitored at 37 degrees C using a Dual-channel Lumi-aggregometer, was recorded for 5 min after challenge by a change in light transmission as a function of time. 5-HT (2-200 microM) alone did not cause platelet aggregation, but markedly potentiated A23187 (low dose) induced aggregation. Inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for a number of compounds were calculated as means +/- SEM from dose-response determinations. Synergism between 5-HT (2-5 microM) and A23187 (0.5-2 microM) was inhibited by 5-HT receptor blockers, methysergide (IC50 = 18 microM) and cyproheptadine (IC50 = 20 microM), and calcium channel blockers (verapamil and diltiazem, IC50 = 20 microM and 40 microM respectively). Interpretation of the effects of these blockers is complicated by their lack of specificity. Similarly, U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC), blocked the synergistic effect at an IC50 value of 9.2 microM. Wortmannin, a phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-K) inhibitor, also blocked the response (IC50 = 2.6 microM). However, neither genistein, a tyrosine-specific protein kinase inhibitor, nor chelerythrine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, affected aggregation at concentrations up to 10 microM. We conclude that the synergistic interaction between 5-HT and ionophore may be mediated by activation of PLC/Ca2+ and PI 3-kinase signalling pathways, but definitive proof will require other enzyme inhibitors with greater specificity.     

Combination of the novel farnesyltransferase inhibitor RPR130401 and the geranylgeranyltransferase-1 inhibitor GGTI-298 disrupts MAP kinase activation and G(1)-S transition in Ki-Ras-overexpressing transformed adrenocortical cells.

To test the Kirsten-Ras (Ki-Ras) alternative prenylation hypothesis in malignant transformation, we used a novel farnesyltransferase inhibitor competitive to farnesyl-pyrophosphate, RPR130401, and a CaaX peptidomimetic geranylgeranyltransferase-1 inhibitor GGTI-298. In Ki-Ras-overexpressing transformed adrenocortical cells, RPR130401 at 1-10 microM inhibited very efficiently the [(3)H]farnesyl but not [(3)H]geranylgeranyl transfer to Ras. However, proliferation of these cells was only slightly sensitive to RPR130401 (IC(50)=30 microM). GGTI-298 inhibited the growth of these cells with an IC(50) of 11 microM but cell lysis was observed at 15 microM. The combination of 10 microM RPR130401 and 10 microM GGTI-298 inhibited efficiently (80%) cell proliferation. These combined inhibitors but not each inhibitor alone blocked the cell cycle in G(0)/G(1) and disrupted MAP kinase activation. Thus, combination of two inhibitors, at non-cytotoxic concentrations, acting on the farnesyl-pyrophosphate binding site of the farnesyltransferase and the CaaX binding site of the geranylgeranyltransferase-1 respectively is an efficient strategy for disrupting Ki-Ras tumorigenic cell proliferation.     

Synergetic activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and caspase-3-like proteases for execution of calyculin A-induced apoptosis but not N-methyl-d-aspartate-induced necrosis in mouse cortical neurons

We examined the possibility that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and caspase-3 would be activated for execution of apoptosis and excitotoxicity, the two major types of neuronal death underlying hypoxicischemic and neurodegenerative diseases. Mouse cortical cell cultures underwent widespread neuronal apoptosis 24 h following exposure to 10-30 nM calyculin A, a selective inhibitor of Ser/Thr phosphatase I and IIA. Activity of p38 was increased 2-4 h following exposure to 30 nM calyculin A. Addition of 3-10 microM PD169316, a selective p38 inhibitor, partially attenuated calyculin A neurotoxicity. Activity of caspase-3-like proteases was increased in cortical cell cultures exposed to 30 nM calyculin A for 8-16 h as shown by cleavage of DEVD-p-nitroanilide and phosphorylated tau. Proteolysis of tau was completely blocked by addition of 100 microM N-benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone (z-VAD-fmk), a broad-spectrum inhibitor of caspases, but incompletely by 10 microM PD169316. Calyculin A neurotoxicity was partially sensitive to 100 microM z-VAD-fmk. Cotreatment with 10 microM PD169316 and 100 microM z-VAD-fmk showed additive neuroprotection against calyculin A. Neither PD169316 nor z-VAD-fmk showed a beneficial effect against excitotoxic neuronal necrosis induced by exposure to 20 microM NMDA. Thus, caspase-3-like proteases and p38 likely contribute to calyculin A-induced neuronal apoptosis but not NMDA-induced neuronal necrosis.     

Stimulation of suicidal erythrocyte death by lipoxygenase inhibitor Bay-Y5884.

The prostaglandin PGE(2), a metabolite of the cyclooxygenase pathway, activates Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels in erythrocyte cell membranes leading to entry of Ca(2+) with subsequent eryptosis, i.e. cell shrinkage, breakdown of phosphatidylserine (PS) asymmetry and membrane blebbing, all features typical for apoptosis in nucleated cells. PS exposing cells are recognized by macrophages, engulfed, degraded and thus cleared from circulating blood. The present study explored whether the specific lipoxygenase inhibitor Bay-Y5884 influences eryptosis. As determined by competitive ELISA, Bay-Y5884 (20 microM) enhanced the release of PGE(2) from human erythrocytes. According to whole-cell patch-clamp, Bay-Y5884 (20 microM) activated nonselective cation channels. The effect of Bay-Y5884 on cation channels was abolished by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor diclophenac (10 microM). Bay-Y5884 (30-40 microM) significantly increased erythrocyte free Ca(2+) concentration and PS exposure as analyzed in flow cytometry by Fluo3 fluorescence and annexin-V binding, respectively. PS exposure triggered by 20 microM (but not by 40 microM) Bay-Y5884 was blunted by cyclooxygenase inhibitors acetylsalicylic acid (50 microM) and diclophenac (10 microM). In conclusion, the lipoxygenase inhibitor Bay-Y5884 enhances erythrocyte PGE(2) formation with subsequent activation of non-selective cation channels, Ca(2+) entry and phospholipid scrambling.     

Inhibitory effects of a lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid on antagonism of leukotriene C4-induced contractions of isolated guinea-pig trachea

We have studied the effects of a lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) on antagonism of leukotriene (LT) C4-induced contractions of isolated guinea-pig trachea and the results were compared to that of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. NDGA (30 microM) as well as indomethacin (5 microM) inhibited LTC4-induced contractions. But, in the presence of indomethacin NDGA was ineffective to inhibit the LTC4 response, whereas two other lipoxygenase inhibitors, phenidone (3-30 microM) and 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA, 10 microM), markedly inhibited it. The antagonist action of an LTD4 receptor antagonist FPL55712 against LTC4-induced contractions was significantly reduced by NDGA (10-30 microM), but indomethacin had no effect on it. NDGA possessed the same inhibitory effect on the LTC4 antagonism in the presence of indomethacin, but 0.3 microM phenidone and 1 microM ETYA which did not inhibit the LTC4 response had no effect on it. NDGA also inhibited the relaxant response of isoproterenol on the contraction elicited by 30 nM LTC4, but did not affect those of forskolin and aminophylline. The relaxant response of isoproterenol on the LTC4 response was not inhibited by indomethacin, 0.3 microM phenidone and 1 microM ETYA. In the presence of a gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase inhibitor, L-serine borate (SB, 45 mM), NDGA had no effect on the LTC4 antagonism and the relaxant response of isoproterenol. In contrast, NDGA significantly inhibited the relaxant response of isoproterenol on 30 microM histamine- and 30 microM acetylcholine-induced contractions, but it did not affect the histamine antagonism by a histamine H1-blocker pyrilamine. These results suggest that some putative non-prostanoids are involved in LTC4-induced contractions of guinea-pig trachea and which regulate the effects of LTD4 antagonism and beta-adrenoceptor activation.