methyl-3-methoxy-4-hydroxystyryl-ketone and phenyl-3-methoxy-4-hydroxystyryl-ketone

Methyl- and phenyl-3-methoxy-4-hydroxy styryl ketones (MHSK and PHSK, resp.) upon oral administration displayed marked antiinflammatory activity in a variety of acute tests viz. carrageenan, histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, dextran, bradykinin and prostaglandin (PG) induced oedema in rats and carrageenan evoked swelling in mice; the activity was not altered by adrenalectomy. In subacute test of formaldehyde arthritis, they showed significant reduction in paw swelling but were less effective in granuloma tests. In chronic tests, they produced marked antiarthritic effect both in developing and established adjuvant arthritis. The compounds prevented the inflammation induced increase in serum transaminase levels and leucocyte counts. They inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and produced reduction in ADP induced platelet aggregation. The compounds showed weaker antipyretic activity than acetylsalicylic acid in pyretic animals. MHSK showed analgesic activity using the tail clip method and antagonised acetic acid induced writhing syndrome. The compounds lacked any local anaesthetic activity. The low ulcerogenic potential of these compounds in animal models may be related to their relative inability to inhibit PG synthetase.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Alanine Transaminase; Analgesics; Anesthetics, Local; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Arthritis, Experimental; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Cell Movement; Edema; Leukocyte Count; Male; Rats; Stomach Ulcer; Styrenes

Some pharmacological actions and acute toxicity effects of methyl- and phenyl-3-methoxy-4-hydroxy styryl ketones have been described in experimental animals. The compounds antagonised the contractions evoked by a variety of agonists on several smooth muscle preparations in vitro. They produced inhibitory effects on spontaneously contracting uteri from pregnant rats and relaxant effects on pendular movements of rabbit duodenum and on dog intestinal movements in vivo. The compounds inhibited the castor oil induced diarrhoea in rat and propulsion of charcoal test meal in mice. Phenylbutazone showed similar effect on castor oil diarrhoea. The compounds failed to modify gestation period or parturition in pregnant rats. They antagonised bradykinin-induced bronchospasm in guinea pig. The compounds showed no significant effect on cardiovascular and respiratory systems: CNS and general behaviour were not affected even at high doses. Oral LD50 for both the compounds was greater than 2 g/kg.

Topics: Airway Resistance; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Blood Pressure; Cats; Dogs; Female; Guinea Pigs; Heart; Hemodynamics; In Vitro Techniques; Intestines; Lethal Dose 50; Male; Mice; Muscle Tonus; Muscle, Smooth; Pregnancy; Rabbits; Rats; Reproduction; Respiration; Styrenes