thromboxane-a2 and Bronchial-Hyperreactivity

Thromboxane A2 (TxA2) plays an important role in asthma. TxA2 are newly generated after cellular activation and are produced by not only platelets but also eosinophils, basophils, alveolar macrophages, and neutrophils. Pharmacological actions of TxA2 include potent bronchoconstriction, increased microvascular leakage, impairment of mucociliary clearance, and induction of airway hyperresponsiveness. Recent study demonstrated that TxA2 receptor antagonist decreased the number of eosinophils in bronchial biopsy specimens, suggesting that this type of agent possesses anti-inflammatory actions in asthma. Furthermore, addition of TxA2 synthase inhibitor significantly increased the PEF values in the persistent asthmatic patients despite the treatment with moderate-dose of inhaled corticosteroids. Therefore, these results suggest that TxA2 synthase inhibitor and receptor antagonist are useful for the treatment with symptomatic patients who had already been treated with inhaled corticosteroids.

Topics: Asthma; Benzoquinones; Bronchi; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Eosinophils; Heptanoic Acids; Humans; Methacrylates; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Receptors, Thromboxane; Thromboxane A2; Thromboxane-A Synthase

Asthma is now thought to be a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. The roles of prostanoids, thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and the prostaglandins (PGs) in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of asthma have fostered a wealth of studies but remain controversial. TXA2 and the bronchoconstrictor PGs, PGD2 and PGF2 alpha, are generated in greater amounts in asthmatic than in normal subjects. TXA2 is a potent constrictor of airway smooth muscle, an inducer of acetylcholine release and of airway microvascular leakage. It may participate in the thickening and the remodeling of the airway wall which may contribute to the airway hyperresponsiveness, a typical feature of asthma. Strategies for inhibition of TXA2 effects include antagonism of the TXA2 receptor (TP receptor) and inhibition of the thromboxane synthase. TP receptor antagonists could block the effects of all the bronchoconstrictor prostanoids because TXA2 as well as the bronchoconstrictor PGs act through activation of lung TP receptor. The recent development of specific and potent TP receptor antagonists and inhibitors of thromboxane synthase has provided tools to assess the role of TXA2 and broncho-constrictor PGs in the pathophysiology of asthma.

Topics: 15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5,13-dienoic Acid; Airway Resistance; Asthma; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Clinical Trials as Topic; Humans; Lung; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth; Prostaglandin Endoperoxides, Synthetic; Prostaglandins; Receptors, Thromboxane; Thromboxane A2; Thromboxane-A Synthase; Vasoconstrictor Agents

Thromboxane A2(TXA2), a platelet aggregator and vasoconstricter, has been implicated as a potential mediator of bronchial asthma. TXA2 induces potent contraction of airway smooth muscles and airway hyperresponsiveness. OKY-046 (ozagrel hydrochloride) is a specific inhibitor of TXA2 synthetase and a new antiasthmatic agent. In a phase III study ozagrel has shown significantly higher effect in ameliorating the asthma symptoms and reduced the dose of concomitant steroid therapy compared to azelastine hydrochloride. Both basical and clinical studies showed that TXA2 synthetase inhibitor is effective on airway hyperresponsiveness. In this review the role of TXA2 synthetase inhibitor in current asthma therapy, which is based on the Japanese guideline of allergic disorders, was discussed.

Topics: Asthma; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Clinical Trials as Topic; Humans; Methacrylates; Thromboxane A2; Thromboxane-A Synthase

Lung tissues produce a large amount of Thromboxane (Tx) A2. In addition to platelet aggregation and artery smooth muscle contraction, TxA2 strongly induces airway smooth muscle contraction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Not only TxA2, but many arachidonate cyclooxygenase metabolites such as PGD2, PGF2 alpha, PGH2, and others stimulate TP (PGH2/TxA2) receptor and can take a pathophysiological role for bronchial asthma. Several compounds competitively antagonizing TP receptor have been developed and being proved to have beneficial effects for treating of bronchial asthma in clinical. In this review the efficacy and usage of TP receptor antagonists for bronchial asthma was discussed.

Topics: Asthma; Benzoquinones; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bronchi; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Carbazoles; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Heptanoic Acids; Humans; Prostaglandins; Receptors, Thromboxane; Sulfonamides; Thromboxane A2

Thromboxane A2 (TXA2), an arachidonate derivative, is a potent bronchoconstrictor; therefore, blocking TXA2 should attenuate airway narrowing. Seratrodast, a TXA2 receptor antagonist, is expected to be a potent antiasthmatic. It was reported that seratrodast reduced bronchial hyperresponsiveness. However, it is controversial whether it reduces airway inflammation. We studied some additional effects of oral seratrodast to inhaled corticosteroids on 10 adult asthmatics in an open-label, crossover design study. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels in serum and sputum, peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), clinical symptoms, and airway responsiveness were evaluated. Clinical symptom scores were improved by administration of seratrodast (p < 0.05). The addition of seratrodast to asthmatic patients significantly improved mean PEF (p < 0.05). In addition, withdrawal of seratrodast resulted in deterioration of PEF. Airway hyperresponsiveness to acetylcholine measured by Astograph was improved by administration of seratrodast (p < 0.01), and returned to the level of "run-in period" after withdrawal. Administration of seratrodast decreased the concentration of ECP in sputum significantly (p < 0.05), and sputum ECP significantly increased again after withdrawal of (p < 0.05). These results suggest that seratrodast improves clinical symptoms andairway hyperresponsiveness by reducing airway inflammation. Seratrodast may be useful as an anti-inflammatory agent and beneficial when added to inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of bronchial asthma.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Asthma; Benzoquinones; Blood Proteins; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Cross-Over Studies; Eosinophil Granule Proteins; Eosinophils; Female; Heptanoic Acids; Humans; Inflammation Mediators; Male; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; Ribonucleases; Sputum; Thromboxane A2

It has been considered that thromboxane A2 (TXA2) is involved in the development of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), a characteristic feature of asthma. To ensure the involvement of TXA2 in BHR of asthma, effects of a 1-week treatment with two orally active TXA2 antagonists, BAY u 3405 and S-1452, on BHR were examined in 10 and 13 patients with stable asthma, respectively, in two consecutive double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, two-phase crossover studies. Provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20-FEV1) with BAY u 3405 (0.78 (GSEM, 1.50) mg/ml) was significantly greater than the value with placebo (0.65 (GSEM, 1.46) mg/ml) (ratio 1.23 times, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.46: P = 0.0401). PC20-FEV1 was also significantly increased with S-1452 (0.43 (GSEM, 1.39) mg/ml) compared with placebo (0.29 (GSEM, 1.27) mg/ml) (ratio 1.75 times, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.45: P = 0.0189). Baseline pulmonary function was not altered by these treatments. These results may ensure that TXA2 is significantly involved in the BHR of asthma while the degree of contribution may be small.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Airway Resistance; Asthma; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchoconstrictor Agents; Carbazoles; Cross-Over Studies; Double-Blind Method; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Male; Methacholine Chloride; Middle Aged; Prostaglandin Antagonists; Sulfonamides; Thromboxane A2

Airway responsiveness to methacholine was measured in nine subjects (22-53 years, seven male) with chronic stable asthma. All subjects were taking inhaled beclomethasone (less than 1000 micrograms daily). The mean baseline FEV1 was 2.841 (77% of predicted) and the geometric mean PD20FEV1 was 31 micrograms. After a run-in period, the subjects were randomly allocated to two treatment periods with the specific thromboxane receptor antagonist GR32191, 40 mg four times daily for 3 weeks, and identical placebo capsules. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design was employed with 4 weeks between the two treatment periods. Treatment with GR32191 did not result in any significant improvement in mean FEV1 (2.941 after placebo and 2.861 after GR3219; F7.71 = 1.02, P greater than 0.1) or PD20FEV1 (24.3 micrograms after placebo and 38.5 micrograms after GR32191; F7.71 = 0.59, P greater than 0.1). We conclude that thromboxane is not important in the maintenance of airway hyperresponsiveness in chronic asthma and that thromboxane receptor antagonists are unlikely to provide effective treatment for this group of patients.

Topics: Adult; Asthma; Biphenyl Compounds; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Double-Blind Method; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume; Heptanoic Acids; Humans; Male; Methacholine Chloride; Middle Aged; Receptors, Thromboxane; Thromboxane A2

The pharmacological profiles of antigen-induced immediate airway response (IAR) in rats are not fully understood. In this study, we established an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced IAR model using noninvasive measurement in rats, and evaluated the effects of commonly used and effective antiasthmatic drugs, i.e. ketotifen (antihistamine), pranlukast (anti-leukotriene C(4)/D(4)/E(4) (LT)), seratrodast (anti-thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2))), salbutamol (beta2-agonist), and prednisolone (steroid). The rat IAR model exhibited an optimal rapid airway response, and salbutamol inhalation completely suppressed the IAR. Ketotifen inhibited only the quick phase (QP; the reaction from 3 to 6 min after challenge), while pranlukast and seratrodast suppressed only the early phase (EP; the reaction from 6 to 30 min after challenge). Prednisolone inhibited both QP and EP. Further, continuous administration of compound 48/80, which depletes connective tissue mast cells (CTMC), partially inhibited QP but not EP. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the pharmacological profiles of noninvasive rat IAR are similar to those of asthmatic patients, and that rat IAR exhibits additional, immunological diverse characteristics, i.e. QP caused by the exocytosis of mediators in CTMCs and EP mediated by LT and TXA(2), which are produced by mucosal mast cells (MMCs) and possibly by other types of cells. This is the first report about the comprehensive pharmacological profiles of rodent IAR model, and these analyses of rat IAR model may help expand our understanding of the diverse mechanisms underlying human asthmatic diseases.

Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists; Adrenergic beta-Agonists; Albuterol; Animals; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antigens; Benzoquinones; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Chromones; Heptanoic Acids; Histamine H2 Antagonists; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Ketotifen; Leukotriene Antagonists; Male; Ovalbumin; p-Methoxy-N-methylphenethylamine; Prednisolone; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Thromboxane A2

The role of endothelin, PAF and thromboxane A2 in airway hyperreactivity (AHR) to carbachol induced by ovalbumin sensitization and challenge in Balb/c mice was investigated. Ovalbumin sensitization and challenge induced significant AHR to carbachol in actively sensitized and challenged mice. Treatment of these mice with the PAF antagonist CV-3988 (10 microg kg(-1), i.v.) completely abolished OVA-induced AHR to carbachol. Treatment of sensitized mice with the TxA2 antagonist L-654,664 (1 mg kg(-1), i.v.) partially blocked the induction of AHR in OVA-challenged mice. The intranasal administration of 50 pmol of the ET(A) receptor antagonist BQ-123 had no effect on the PIP but produced a significant reduction at the dose of 100 pmol. The intravenous administration of BQ-123 (100 pmol) reduced the PIP only at the highest doses of carbachol. The ET(B) receptor antagonist BQ-788 administered either via the intranasal or intravenous route had no effect on the PIP at the dose of 100 pmol. Naïve mice treated with either U-44069 (25 or 100 microg kg(-1), i.v.), endothelin-1 (100 pmol, intranasally) or the ET(B) receptor agonist IRL-1620 (100 pmol, intranasally) showed a marked increase in airway reactivity to carbachol. These results suggest an important role for endothelin, PAF and thromboxane A2 in AHR in mice actively sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin.

Topics: Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Carbachol; Endothelin B Receptor Antagonists; Endothelin-1; Endothelins; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oligopeptides; Ovalbumin; Peptide Fragments; Phospholipid Ethers; Piperidines; Platelet Activating Factor; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Prostaglandin Endoperoxides, Synthetic; Receptor, Endothelin B; Thromboxane A2

Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is one of the characteristic features of human asthma. The presence of AHR and the precise mechanisms immediately after establishment of sensitization in guinea pigs are unclear, although there are many reports showing allergen exposure that causes an increase in bronchial responsiveness associated with eosinophil influx into the airway in sensitized guinea pigs.. We investigated the inhibitory effects on AHR to histamine of ONO-1078, a leukotriene antagonist; indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor; S-145, a thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) antagonist, and Y-24180, a platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonist, to assess the involvement of chemical mediators in AHR employing ovalbumin (OA) sensitized guinea pig models.. Male Hartley guinea pigs were used. Each group comprised 4-7 animals. The animals were sensitized to OA, injecting intraperitoneally 30 mg of cyclophosphamide and 2,000 microg of OA together with 100 mg of aluminum hydroxide as the adjuvant. The guinea pigs were artificially ventilated via a cannula using a small-animal respirator after intraperitoneal anesthesia with pentobarbital sodium for tracheotomy. The pressure at the airway opening (PAO) was measured using a differential pressure transducer, and a differential pressure of peak PAO (peak DeltaPAO) at inspiratory phase as an overall index of bronchial response to bronchoactive agents was used. While being artificially ventilated, the animals were exposed to physiological saline solution containing various concentrations of histamine (4.9, 9.8, 20, 39, 78, and 156 microg/ml) by inhalation for 30 s at 3-min intervals. Determinations were made at 1 min after each inhalation. The chemical mediators were each (30 mg/kg of ONO-1078, 3 mg/kg of S-1452, and 1 mg/kg of Y-24180) administered orally to sensitized guinea pigs, and the airway response to histamine was assessed. Each group comprised 4-7 animals.. The airway response to histamine was significantly greater in the sensitized group than in the nonsensitized group at histamine concentrations of 36 (p < 0.05), 78, and 156 mg/ml (p < 0.01). Leukotrienes C(4) and D(4): 30 mg/kg of ONO-178 did not show any inhibitory effect on airway response to inhaled histamine. Cyclooxygenase: 5 mg/kg of indomethacin did not show any inhibitory effect on the airway response to inhaled histamine. TXA(2): the AHR to inhaled histamine at doses of 9.8, 39, 78, and 156 microg/ml was significantly inhibited by prior administration of 3 mg/kg of S-1452. PAF: the AHR to inhaled histamine at doses of 9.8, 39, and 78 microg/ml was significantly inhibited by prior administration of 1 mg/kg of Y-24180.. S-1452 (3 mg/kg) and Y-24180 (1 mg/kg) significantly inhibited AHR to histamine, while ONO-108 (30 mg/kg) and indomethacin (5 mg/kg) did not. The results suggest that TXA(2) and PAF are involved in AHR in OA-sensitized guinea pigs.

Topics: Airway Resistance; Animals; Asthma; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Guinea Pigs; Histamine; Indomethacin; Leukotriene C4; Leukotriene D4; Male; Ovalbumin; Platelet Activating Factor; Probability; Reference Values; Sensitivity and Specificity; Thromboxane A2

We examined the role of cyclooxygenase in airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation after ozone exposure in guinea pigs using a non-selective (indomethacin) and a selective (JTE-522) cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor. Spontaneously breathing guinea pigs were exposed to ozone (3 ppm) for 2 h after treatment with vehicle, indomethacin (10 mg/kg) or JTE-522 (10 mg/kg). Airway responsiveness to inhaled histamine (PC(200)) and bronchoalveolar lavage were assessed before, immediately and 5 h after ozone exposure. Ozone caused a significant airway hyperresponsiveness immediately after exposure, which persisted after 5 h. Neither JTE-522 nor indomethacin affected airway hyperresponsiveness immediately after ozone exposure, but significantly attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness 5 h after exposure, suggesting that cyclooxygenase-2 may participate in the late phase of airway hyperresponsiveness but not in the early phase. Ozone caused a significant increase in the concentration of prostaglandin E(2) and thromboxane B(2) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid immediately after exposure, which decreased to the basal level 5 h after exposure. This increase in prostaglandin E(2) and thromboxane B(2) was significantly inhibited by JTE-522. An expression of cyclooxygenase-2 was detected not only after ozone exposure but also before, and there was no difference in the number of cyclooxygenase-2-positive cells at any time point. An exogenously applied thromboxane A(2) mimetic, U-46619 (10(-5) M), induced airway hyperresponsiveness 5 h after inhalation, but not immediately or 3 h after inhalation. These data suggest that cyclooxygenase-2 may be constitutively expressed before ozone exposure in guinea pig airway and may synthesize prostaglandin E(2) and thromboxane A(2) transiently under ozone stimulation and that thromboxane A(2) may, in turn, induce the late phase of airway hyperresponsiveness.

Topics: 15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5,13-dienoic Acid; Administration, Inhalation; Animals; Benzenesulfonates; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Cell Count; Cyclooxygenase 2; Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Dinoprostone; Guinea Pigs; Histamine; Immunohistochemistry; Isoenzymes; Male; Oxazoles; Oxidants, Photochemical; Ozone; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; Prostaglandins; Thromboxane A2

The effects of an intravenous injection (i.v.) of Sephadex beads (20 mg kg(-1)) were examined on bronchial responsiveness to ACh (1-200 microg kg(-1) i.v.) as well as on cell accumulation in guinea-pig lung. Bronchial hyperreactivity to ACh, measured as increase in pulmonary insufflation pressure (PIP), was observed 3 h following the i.v. injection of Sephadex beads. However, no significant increase in bronchial reactivity to ACh was measured at 6 and 12 h following Sephadex injection. A second later increase in bronchial hyperresponsiveness was observed at 24 h. Bronchoalveolar lavage performed at 3 h following Sephadex treatment showed that there was no significant increase in total or differential cell number. At 6 h and 12 h, a significant increase in total cell counts was observed. At 24 h, a greater than 5-fold increase in cell number was observed and was related to a marked eosinophil, neutrophil and macrophage infiltration. A platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonist, CV-3988 (10 mg kg(-1) i.v.), and a thromboxane A2 (TxA2) antagonist, L655,240 (10 mg kg(-1) i.v.), significantly attenuated the Sephadex-induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness to ACh observed at 3 h. The results show that an i.v. injection of Sephadex beads in guinea pigs can induce an early bronchial hyperresponsiveness to ACh that is mediated by the release of both PAF and TxA2 and is independent of airway cell infiltration.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Animals; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Dextrans; Guinea Pigs; Indicators and Reagents; Platelet Activating Factor; Thromboxane A2; Vasodilator Agents

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) induces hyper-sensitivity to muscarinic agonists in airway smooth muscle in vitro. The precise mechanism of this is unknown, but might involve altered calcium homeostasis. In order to elucidate the effects of PLA2, on bovine tracheal smooth muscle contraction, isometric tension and intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were simultaneously measured in fura 2-loaded muscle strips. A high concentration of PLA2 (0.5 microg x mL(-1)) caused the muscle strips to contract, and this contractile response was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with indomethacin (IND; 10 microM), but not by nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA; 10 microM). A low concentration of PLA2 (0.02 microg x mL(-1)) did not directly contract muscle strips. However a low concentration PLA2 significantly enhanced the threshold of the contractile response and that of the [Ca2+]i response to acetylcholine (ACh), but not that of the response to a high K+ concentration. These augmented responses to ACh returned to control levels after pretreatment with IND, a thromboxane (TX) synthetase inhibitor (OKY-046; 10 microM) or a TXA2 receptor antagonist (ONO-3708; 10 microM), but not after NDGA pretreatment. These results suggest that a low concentration of phospholipase A2 enhances smooth muscle responsiveness to acetylcholine by agonist-mediated Ca2+ mobilization facilitated by thromboxane A2. It is concluded that phospholipase A2 plays an important role in bronchial hypersensitivity involving thromboxane A2. It remains to be examined whether similar abnormalities in calcium homeostasis and muscarinic receptor function or coupling are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma.

Topics: Airway Resistance; Animals; Asthma; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Calcium; Cattle; Homeostasis; Intracellular Fluid; Muscle, Smooth; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Thromboxane A2; Trachea

We examined effects of a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) antagonist seratrodast on airway hyperresponsiveness, exhaled nitric oxide (NO), and eosinophils in induced sputum in 14 asthmatics. Subjects were administered 80 mg of seratrodast once a day for 4 weeks. Respiratory conductance (Grs) was measured by the forced oscillation method and airway responsiveness was evaluated as the inhaled dose of methacholine, which induced 35% decrease in Grs. Subjects breathed into a Teflon bag, and NO concentration in the bag was measured by a chemiluminescence analyzer. Induced sputum comprised the entire expectorate produced during a 20 min inhalation of 3% saline, and was analyzed for total and differential cell counts. Airway hyperresponsiveness was significantly decreased by seratrodast. By contrast, no differences in either exhaled NO or percentage of eosinophils in sputum were observed before or after seratrodast. We conclude that seratrodast may attenuate airway hyperresponsiveness, presumably by antagonizing TXA2 released from the inflamed airways.

Topics: Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Asthma; Benzoquinones; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Eosinophils; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume; Heptanoic Acids; Humans; Lung; Male; Methacholine Chloride; Middle Aged; Nitric Oxide; Prostaglandin Antagonists; Respiration; Sputum; Thromboxane A2

1. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of inhibitors of phosphodiesterase (PDE) on the early and late phase bronchoconstriction in sensitized, conscious guinea-pigs and the subsequent development of acute airway hyperreactivity to the inhaled thromboxane mimetic, U46619, and leukocyte infiltration following ovalbumin (OvA) challenge. 2. Following an inhalation challenge with OvA, there was an early bronchoconstriction which peaked at 15 min with recovery after 3-4 h. A late phase bronchoconstriction occurred between 17 and 24 h after challenge. The PDE 4 inhibitors, Ro 20-1724 (3 mg kg-1, i.p.) and rolipram (1 mg kg-1, i.p.) administered 30 min before and 6 h after antigen challenge (double dosing regimen), did not affect the development of the early or late phase responses. 3. Seventeen to twenty four hours following an acute OvA or saline challenge, a consistently greater bronchoconstrictor response to inhaled U46619 was observed in the OvA challenged group. This increase in responsiveness was significantly attenuated by the administration of Ro 20-1724 and rolipram 30 min before and 6 h after antigen challenge (P < 0.05); this was not attributable to a residual bronchodilator effect of these compounds. There was a trend towards inhibition of the hyperreactivity to U46619 by aminophylline but not by the PDE3 inhibitors, siguazodan or SKF 95654. 4. Aminophylline, rolipram and Ro 20-1724 when administered as the double dose regimen attenuated the rise in macrophages, eosinophils and neutrophils recovered in bronchial lavage fluid 17 to 24 h after antigen challenge. 5. The dose of Ro 20-1724 given at 6 h post challenge was essential for attenuation of airway hyperreactivity and to protect against leukocyte influx. 6. In summary, aminophylline, rolipram and Ro 20-1724 have anti-inflammatory effects against antigen-induced airway leukocyte infiltration. Rolipram and Ro 20-1724 additionally attenuated the development of acute airway hyperreactivity, effects which are probably mediated through inhibition of PDE type 4. A dose of PDE inhibitor 6 h after the antigen challenge appears to be essential to achieve this protection. Inhibitors of PDE type 3 were generally without effect. However, there was no effect of rolipram or Ro 20-1724 on the development of either the early or late phase type responses.

Topics: 15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5,13-dienoic Acid; 4-(3-Butoxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-2-imidazolidinone; Aminophylline; Animals; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Guinea Pigs; Leukocytes; Male; Ovalbumin; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Prostaglandin Endoperoxides, Synthetic; Pyrrolidinones; Rolipram; Thromboxane A2

Ultrasonically nebulized distilled water-induced bronchoconstriction (UNDW-IB) is specific to asthma. The mechanisms underlying UNDW-IB are not fully understood, and no reproducible animal model has been reported. The purpose of this study was to develop a guinea-pig model of UNDW-IB. Ultrasonically nebulized distilled water (UNDW) was inhaled 20 min after an aerosolized antigen challenge in passively sensitized and artificially ventilated guinea-pigs. UNDW was also inhaled 5 and 20 min after 0.1 mg x mL(-1) methacholine inhalation in nonsensitized animals. In addition, 0.1 mg x kg(-1) S-1452, a thromboxane A2 antagonist, or saline was given intravenously 5 min before UNDW inhalation in sensitized animals. The inhalation of UNDW caused bronchoconstriction, when inhaled 20 min after an antigen challenge in sensitized guinea-pigs. UNDW inhalation did not produce bronchoconstriction after saline inhalation in nonsensitized or sensitized guinea-pigs, or after antigen inhalation in nonsensitized animals. Methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction did not evoke UNDW-IB. Neither did S-1452 reduce the UNDW-IB. In conclusion, the guinea-pig model of ultrasonically nebulized distilled water-induced bronchoconstriction developed in this study suggests that allergic reaction, but not bronchoconstriction, can induce bronchial hyperresponsiveness to ultrasonically nebulized distilled water, and that thromboxane A2 is not involved in ultrasonically nebulized distilled water-induced bronchoconstriction.

Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Albuterol; Animals; Asthma; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchial Provocation Tests; Bronchoconstriction; Bronchodilator Agents; Disease Models, Animal; Guinea Pigs; Male; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Reference Values; Thromboxane A2; Water

We studied the effects of the thromboxane-synthetase inhibitor ozagrel in 22 patients with chronic persistent coughing who did not have airwayhyperresponsiveness. Treatment with ozagrel (400 mg/day for 2 weeks) reduced coughing in 12 patients. Sputum from the patients in whom ozagrel was effective had a higher percentage of lymphocytes and a lower percentage of neutrophils than did sputum from those in whom ozagrel was not effective. Furthermore, in the former group the capsaicin cough threshold increased but in the latter it did not change consistently. These data indicate that thromboxane A2 may contribute to coughing associated with lymphocytic airway inflammation.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Chronic Disease; Cough; Enzyme Inhibitors; Female; Humans; Male; Methacrylates; Middle Aged; Thromboxane A2; Thromboxane-A Synthase

1. Although repeated intranasal administration of interleukin-8 (IL-8) causes bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) mediated via thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and airway neutrophil accumulation in guinea-pigs, the acute effect of inhaled IL-8 is unclear. We performed this study to clarify the acute effect of IL-8 on bronchial responsiveness and the role of TXA2. 2. The effects of inhaled IL-8 on bronchial responsiveness and of the TXA2 antagonists, S-1452 (0.01 and 0.1 mg kg-1) and ONO-NT-126 (1.0 or 10 micrograms kg-1), on IL-8-induced BHR were examined by use of a modified Konzett-Rössler method in guinea-pigs. 3. Inhaled IL-8 at 100 ng ml-1, which failed to induce significant changes in Pao (pressure at the airway opening), enhanced an increase in Pao induced by subsequent inhalations of ascending doses (50-200 micrograms ml-1) of methacholine and histamine, suggesting the potentiating effect of IL-8 on bronchial responsiveness. No significant leukocyte infiltration was observed histologically sixteen minutes after the IL-8 inhalation. Both S-1452 and ONO-NT-126 reduced the IL-8-induced BHR. 4. In conclusion, IL-8 rapidly causes BHR via TXA2 release in guinea-pigs.

Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Animals; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Guinea Pigs; Interleukin-8; Male; Prostaglandin Antagonists; Terfenadine; Thromboxane A2

Antigen-stimulated contraction and release of chemical mediators were examined in saline- or Sephadex-treated rat lung parenchymal strips. Sephadex treatment caused eosinophilia in the blood and the lung tissue. Antigen challenge of the isolated parenchymal strips in Sephadex-treated rat was followed by passive sensitization, resulted in an augmented contraction and elevated releases of thromboxane (TX) B2 and peptide-leukotrienes (p-LTs) in bath fluid compared with those of saline-treated control. Although 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and histamine were significantly released after antigen challenge, the levels were not different between saline- and Sephadex-treated groups. DP-1904, a selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, and methysergide but not atropine significantly reduced the augmented contraction and inhibited the elevated TXB2 release in the Sephadex-treated group. Similar increased contraction and the elevated TXB2 release above were observed when Sephadex-treated rat lung strips were stimulated by exogenous 5-HT and LTD4. These augmented contractions were closely correlated with the increase in TXB2 level (r = 0.83; p < 0.01). In addition, contraction to U-46619, a thromboxane mimetic, was significantly greater in Sephadex-treated rat lung strips. Our results indicate that the ability of Sephadex-treated rat lung tissue to synthesize newly generated mediators such as TXA2 and p-LTs is increased, and the spasmogenic susceptibility of the lung tissue to TXA2 itself is modified by Sephadex treatment, suggesting these are due to the augmented contraction in an established hyperresponsiveness state induced by Sephadex.

Topics: 15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5,13-dienoic Acid; Animals; Atropine; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Dextrans; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Imidazoles; Leukotriene D4; Lung; Male; Methysergide; Prostaglandin Endoperoxides, Synthetic; Pulmonary Eosinophilia; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tetrahydronaphthalenes; Thromboxane A2; Vasoconstrictor Agents

The effect of the anti-allergic drug azelastine, 4-(p-chlorobenzyl)-2-(hexahydro-1-methyl-1H-azepine-4-yl)-1-(2H)-phth alazione), on airway hyperresponsiveness induced by immunologically stimulated pulmonary alveolar macrophages was investigated in canine bronchial segments under isometric conditions in vitro. Macrophages stimulated with anti-dinitrophenyl immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody and dinitrophenyl-human serum albumin potentiated the contractile responses to electrical field stimulation at all frequencies, an effect that was abolished by azelastine (3 x 10(-5) M). In contrast, azelastine had no effect on the potentiation of the contractile responses to electrical stimulation by U46619, a thromboxane A2 mimetic. The IgE-mediated release of thromboxane A2 from macrophages was inhibited by azelastine in a concentration-dependent fashion, the maximal decrease and the concentration required to produce a half-maximal effect being 84 +/- 6% (P < 0.001) and 16 microM, respectively. These results suggest that azelastine may attenuate macrophage-induced parasympathetic airway hyperresponsiveness through an inhibition of the release of thromboxane A2.

Topics: 15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5,13-dienoic Acid; Animals; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Dogs; Electric Stimulation; Female; Histamine H1 Antagonists; Immunoglobulin E; In Vitro Techniques; Isometric Contraction; Macrophage Activation; Macrophages, Alveolar; Male; Parasympathetic Nervous System; Phthalazines; Prostaglandin Endoperoxides, Synthetic; Serum Albumin; Synaptic Transmission; Thromboxane A2; Vasoconstrictor Agents

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) has been shown to be a chemotactic factor for neutrophils, T-lymphocytes and eosinophils, but it is unknown whether the IL-8-induced inflammatory cell accumulation into the airways can cause the bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) characteristic of asthma. IL-8 at a dose of 0.5 or 5 micrograms/kg was administered intranasally to guinea-pigs twice a week for 3 weeks. One day after the last administration, animals were anesthetized and artificially ventilated through tracheal cannula and lateral pressure at the cannula (Pao) was measured as an overall index of airway responses to increasing concentrations of inhaled histamine (25, 50, 100, and 200 micrograms/ml). The IL-8 treatment significantly enhanced bronchial responsiveness to histamine in a dose-dependent manner (ANOVA P < 0.01). The provocative concentration of histamine causing a 100% increase in Pao (PC100) at a dose of 0.5 and 5 micrograms/kg of IL-8 was 68.1 (GSEM 1.12) and 35.6 (GSEM 1.25) micrograms/ml, respectively. The latter was significantly (P < 0.01) lower than that in control animals treated with PBS (93.3 [GSEM, 1.14] micrograms/ml). The IL-8 treatment also induced a significant influx of neutrophils, but not eosinophils, in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid (18.3 +/- 8.8 and 30.6 +/- 8.3% in animals treated with 0.5 and 5 micrograms/kg, respectively, of IL-8 vs 3.6 +/- 0.7% in phosphate buffered saline-(PBS)-treated animals). Furthermore, we examined the effect of the thromboxane receptor antagonist S-1452 (0.01 or 0.1 mg/kg, i.p. 24 and 1 h before anesthesia) on this IL-8 induced BHR. S-1452 significantly inhibited the BHR dose-dependently (ANOVA P < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Administration, Intranasal; Animals; Asthma; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchial Provocation Tests; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Guinea Pigs; Interleukin-8; Male; Neutrophils; Receptors, Prostaglandin; Thromboxane A2

The effect of a novel thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, BAY-u-3405, on experimental allergic airway and skin reactions was studied in vivo. At doses of 3-30 mg/kg BAY-u-3405 clearly inhibited the U-46619-induced increase in respiratory resistance (Rrs) in guinea pigs. BAY-u-3405 at doses of 3 and 30 mg/kg inhibited the aerosolized antigen-induced biphasic increase in respiratory resistance in guinea pigs. Moreover, BAY-u-3405 inhibited repeated aeroantigen-induced airway hyperactivity and airway inflammation in mice. In IgE antibody-mediated biphasic skin reactions in mice, both immediate and late-phase reactions were inhibited by 10 mg/kg of BAY-u-3405. These results demonstrate the efficacy of BAY-u-3405 on the antigen-induced late-phase reactions in the airway and skin in guinea pigs and mice, and antigen-induced airway hyperactivity in mice.

Topics: 15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5,13-dienoic Acid; Animals; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Carbazoles; Dermatitis; Guinea Pigs; Hypersensitivity; Immunoglobulin E; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Prostaglandin Endoperoxides, Synthetic; Receptors, Thromboxane; Sulfonamides; Thromboxane A2

1. IgG1-mediated anaphylactic bronchoconstriction was elicited by intravenous administration of antigen to guinea-pig 2 days after passive sensitization with IgG1-rich serum, and this response was not affected by heating the serum (at 56 degrees C, for 4 h). IgE-mediated bronchoconstriction, provoked 14 days after passive sensitization with IgE-rich serum, was completely abolished by the heating of the serum. 2. S-1452 (10 mg kg-1, p.o.), a selective thromboxane (Tx) A2 antagonist, significantly but incompletely suppressed the IgG1-mediated bronchoconstriction, but did not affect the IgE-mediated one, while diphenhydramine (5 mg kg-1, i.v.), a histamine antagonist, almost completely inhibited both IgG1- and IgE-mediated bronchoconstriction. 3. Pretreatment with propranolol (1 mg kg-1, i.v.), a beta-adrenergic blocker, in addition to diphenhydramine, caused a long-lasting bronchoconstriction following antigen challenge in both animal models. This histamine-independent bronchoconstriction was markedly suppressed by S-1452 at a low dose of 0.1 mg kg-1. 4. A significant increase in bronchial responsiveness to i.v. acetylcholine (ACh), compared to the prechallenge value, occurred as early as 3 min and persisted for 24 h after antigen challenge in the IgG1 model, but was not observed in the IgE model. S-1452 (10 mg kg-1, p.o.) inhibited the IgG1-mediated bronchial hyperresponsiveness, as assessed 60 min after antigen challenge. 5. A marked elevation of TxB2 levels was observed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) 3 min after antigen challenge in the IgG1 model, while levels were not changed in the IgE model. In contrast, the plasma TxB2 level assessed 1 min after antigen challenge was increased in both the IgGI and IgE models.6. The results indicate that the inhibition of IgGl- but not IgE-mediated bronchoconstriction by higher doses of S-1452 may result from the suppression of increased bronchial responsiveness to allergic mediators such as histamine, which is probably due to TxA2 generated in the airway lumen rather than in plasma. In both the IgGI and IgE models, plasma TxA2 appeared to contribute directly to the bronchoconstriction, its action being almost completely masked by histamine-mediated bronchoconstriction.

Topics: 6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha; Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antigens; Asthma; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchoconstriction; Diphenhydramine; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Guinea Pigs; Immunoglobulin E; Immunoglobulin G; Male; Receptors, Prostaglandin; Thromboxane A2; Thromboxane B2

The effects of ozagrel, a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthase inhibitor, and CV-3988, a platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonist, was investigated on the repeatedly antigenic challenge-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in rats. Rats were actively sensitized with DNP-Ascaris antigen and received 3 inhalations of antigen (challenges) or saline (sensitized control) every 48 hr. These animals were also pretreated with ozagrel (100 mg/kg, p.o., 30 min before), CV-3988 (3 mg/kg, i.v., 5 min before) or respective vehicle (water and saline, respectively) before each inhalation of antigen or saline. The in vivo airway responsiveness to cumulatively inhaled acetylcholine (ACh; 0.001-0.03%, each for 3 min) was measured 24 hr after the last inhalation of antigen or saline under anesthesia. A marked AHR was observed after repeated antigenic challenge when compared with the sensitized control group (5.5-9.5 times in order). This AHR was significantly, but partly, attenuated by pretreatment with ozagrel although this treatment alone had no effect on the airway responsiveness to inhaled ACh in sensitized control animals. On the other hand, CV-3988 had no inhibitory effect on this AHR. These findings suggest that TXA2, but not PAF, is one of the most important mediators participating in the pathogenesis of the antigen-induced AHR in rats.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Animals; Antigens, Helminth; Ascaris; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Dinitrobenzenes; Lung; Male; Methacrylates; Phospholipid Ethers; Platelet Activating Factor; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Respiration; Thromboxane A2; Thromboxane-A Synthase; Vaccination

We studied the effect of intravenous administration of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha on airway responsiveness to histamine and airway wall thickening in guinea-pigs. Guinea-pigs were killed and the lungs were fixed in formalin. Slides from paraffin-embedded sections of the lungs were stained and the airways that were cut in transverse section were measured by tracing enlarged images using a digitizer. Moreover, airway resistance (Raw) was determined by a pulmonary mechanics analyser and we calculated two indices, an index of airway wall thickening and the one of airway hyperresponsiveness to histamine, from changes of baseline-Raw and peak-Raw following intravenous administration of histamine before and after the intravenous administration of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha. Intravenous administration of 10 micrograms/kg 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha for 1 h did not induce an increase of the relative thickness of the airway wall by the histological examination. In analysis of airway function, intravenous administration of 10 micrograms/kg 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha for 1 h induced airway hyperresponsiveness to histamine without airway wall thickening. Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor antagonists ONO-NT-126 and ONO-8809 inhibited the 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha-induced airway hyperresponsiveness to histamine, suggesting that the effect of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha on bronchial hyperresponsiveness is likely to be mediated through TXA2.

Topics: Animals; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bronchi; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchoconstriction; Dinoprost; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Guinea Pigs; Histamine; Infusions, Intravenous; Male; Thromboxane A2

Long-lasting bronchial hyperresponsiveness to i.v. acetylcholine was observed in actively sensitized guinea-pigs after aerosol ovalbumin exposure. The response became significant at 7 h post-challenge and persisted for at least 120 h compared to the response of unsensitized animals. Pretreatment of animals with the specific thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, S-1452 (calcium (1R,2S,3S,4S)-(5Z)-7-(((phenylsulfonyl)amino)bicyclo[2.2.1] hept-2-yl)hept-5-enoate dihydrate), almost completely inhibited the onset of bronchial hyperresponsiveness, as assessed at 24 and 120 h post-challenge. However, it was ineffective when administered at 1 h post-challenge or 2 h before assessment of bronchial responsiveness. Lung vascular injury occurred transiently immediately after antigen challenge, the kinetics of injury being associated with those for the production of thromboxane B2 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The vascular injury was dramatically suppressed by pretreatment with S-1452. These findings suggest that acutely generated thromboxane A2 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of antigen-induced long-lasting bronchial hyperresponsiveness, probably by producing vascular damage in the lungs.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Administration, Inhalation; Aerosols; Animals; Asthma; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Disease Models, Animal; Endothelium, Vascular; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Guinea Pigs; Immunization; Injections, Intravenous; Lung; Male; Ovalbumin; Prostaglandins; Pulmonary Artery; Receptors, Prostaglandin; Thromboxane A2

Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. In this study, the effects of intravenous administration of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha, a stable metabolite of PGF2 alpha, on bronchial smooth muscle in guinea pigs were investigated by measuring dynamic respiratory resistance using a formula that excludes the effects of differences in airway wall thickness. With this formula, the ratio of bronchial smooth muscle constriction by histamine can be estimated as an index of bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Administration of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha did not induce airway wall edema. The ratio of bronchial smooth muscle constriction by histamine was significantly enhanced by the administration of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha. Moreover, TXA2 antagonists, ONO-NT-126 and ONO-8809, inhibited the effect of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha administration. These results suggest that 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha can be important mediators affecting bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and TXA2 may play a part in the 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2 alpha-induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bronchi; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchoconstriction; Dinoprost; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Guinea Pigs; Histamine; Injections, Intravenous; Male; Thromboxane A2

We studied the relation of the airway hyperresponsiveness induced by platelet activating factor (PAF) inhalation to thromboxane (Tx)A2 and neutrophil in ten dogs. Airway responsiveness to inhaled methacholine was determined by Astograph (7 Hz oscillation method), PAF (1000 micrograms/ml) was delivered as an aerosol generated from a Devilbiss 646 nebulizer for ten minutes. After determination of airway responsiveness, we carried out bronchoalveolar lavage and measured the TxB2 levels and the number of neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Airway responsiveness developed significantly (p < 0.01), and the levels of TxB2 and the number of neutrophils in BALF were increased (p < 0.01) 3 hr after PAF inhalation. The change in airway responsiveness correlated significantly with the percent change of TxB2 levels (r = 0.746, p < 0.05). However no significant correlation was recognized between the increase in TxB2 levels and the increase in the number of neutrophils, nor between the change in airway responsiveness and the increase in the number of neutrophils. These results suggest that the increase in airway responsiveness induced by PAF inhalation is involved in the hyperproduction of TxA2 but that TxA2 is not released from neutrophils infiltrating into the airway; furthermore neutrophils may not induce airway hyperresponsiveness in dogs.

Topics: Animals; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Dogs; Female; Neutrophils; Platelet Activating Factor; Thromboxane A2

The effects of OKY-046 (thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthetase inhibitor) and ONO-3708 (TXA2 receptor antagonist) on antigen-induced airway hyperreactivity in guinea pigs were investigated. Ketotifen was used as a reference drug. Seven inhalations of an antigen into actively sensitized animals resulted in an increase in airway reactivity to acetylcholine. Twenty-four hours after the final inhalation, the number of leukocytes (macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes) and the quantity of mediators (thromboxane B2, leukotriene D4 and histamine) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid increased. All examined drugs inhibited the antigen-induced airway hyperreactivity to acetylcholine. Whereas ketotifen inhibited an accumulation of inflammatory cells (eosinophils and neutrophils) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, OKY-046 and ONO-3708 had no effect on the accumulation of inflammatory cells. OKY-046, but not ketotifen and ONO-3708, inhibited an increase of thromboxane B2 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after antigen provocation. These results suggest the participation of TXA2 in the onset of antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in guinea pigs, and the efficacy of TXA2 inhibitors, without affecting the accumulation of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Administration, Inhalation; Animals; Bronchi; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Guinea Pigs; Ketotifen; Leukocyte Count; Male; Methacrylates; Thromboxane A2; Thromboxane-A Synthase; Trachea

The anti-asthmatic effects of CS-518 (sodium 2-(1-imidazolylmethyl)-4,5-dihydrobenzo[b]thiophene-6-carboxylate) , a specific thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthase inhibitor, were investigated in the ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pig asthmatic model. Although CS-518 slightly inhibited (about 25%) whole bronchoconstriction, it significantly inhibited the antigen-induced bronchoconstriction mediated by slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A), which was not reduced by chlorpheniramine, a histamine H1 antagonist. On the other hand, indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, potentiated the SRS-A-mediated constriction. CS-518 strongly, and indomethacin slightly, suppressed the leukotriene D4-induced bronchoconstriction. CS-518 clearly inhibited the antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness, but this compound had no effect on the airway hyperresponsiveness induced by U-46619, a TXA2-mimetic agent, and propranolol. These results suggest that CS-518 suppresses the development of bronchoconstriction and airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic models by inhibition of TXA2 synthesis with the concomitant increase in bronchodilating prostaglandins such as prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin I2.

Topics: 15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5,13-dienoic Acid; Animals; Asthma; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchoconstriction; Chlorpheniramine; Disease Models, Animal; Guinea Pigs; Indomethacin; Male; Methacrylates; Ovalbumin; Propranolol; Prostaglandin Endoperoxides, Synthetic; SRS-A; Thiophenes; Thromboxane A2; Thromboxane-A Synthase; Vasoconstrictor Agents

In this study, we investigated the effects of peroral (p.o.) administration of a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthetase inhibitor, OKY-046, on the airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in guinea pigs induced by intravenous administration of leukotriene C4 (LTC4). A 3 micrograms/kg/hr LTC4 infusion induced airway wall thickening (AWT) and AHR to 1.8 and 3.6 micrograms/kg histamine bolus shot. OKY-046 100 mg/kg p.o. partially inhibited the AHR induced by LTC4 without inhibition of AWT. Previously, we have reported that LTC4-induced AHR was partially inhibited, to the same exert as by OKY-046, by TXA2 receptor antagonists, ONO-NT-126 and ONO-8809. These data suggest that intravenous administration of LTC4 generates TXA2, and TXA2 augments LTC4-induced AHR partially in guinea pigs.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Guinea Pigs; Injections, Intravenous; Male; Methacrylates; SRS-A; Thromboxane A2; Thromboxane-A Synthase

Allergen inhalation challenge resulted in significant (p < 0.05) increase in airway responsiveness to methacholine soon after immediate airway response (IAR) in guinea pigs actively sensitized with inhaled ovalbumin (OA) in vivo. We have investigated the involvement of thromboxane (Tx) A2 and platelet activating factor (PAF) in this airway hyperresponsiveness (AH). Pretreatment with CS-518, a selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, significantly inhibited both IAR (p < 0.07) and AH (p < 0.01), while pretreatment with WEB 2086, a PAF receptor antagonist, significantly inhibited only IAR (p < 0.05), but not AH after IAR. Propranolol, when inhaled before OA exposure, had no effect on bronchomotor tone, but if inhaled after IAR, it caused immediate death of guinea pigs. This result suggests that hyperresponsiveness of beta-adrenoceptor to propranolol may be induced by IAR. Examination of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid revealed that no changes in cellular content were observed 60 min after OA exposure. In vitro, responsiveness of tracheal smooth muscle to carbachol was not changed by sensitization. Furthermore, anaphylactic reaction in vitro had no effect on the responsiveness. We conclude that airway responsiveness increases soon after IAR when infiltration of inflammatory cells is not yet found in vivo. It is also suggested that TxA2 but not PAF is involved in AH. Hyperresponsiveness to propranolol after IAR in OA sensitized guinea pigs illustrates the possibility of changes in function of beta-adrenoceptor after IAR.

Topics: Animals; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Guinea Pigs; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; Thromboxane A2

We examined both a possible association of bronchial hyperresponsiveness with lung inflammatory responses and the role of thromboxane (Tx) A2 in these responses after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure in guinea pigs treated with metyrapone, a cortisol synthesis inhibitor. The increase in bronchial responsiveness to i.v. acetylcholine was transient, with a peak at 2 h after LPS exposure, which was associated with increases in TxB2 and tumor necrosis factor in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. However, the levels of 6-keto-prostaglandin (PG) F1 alpha, interleukin-1 and interleukin-6 in BAL fluid, and the influx of leukocytes in airway and pulmonary edema were not associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Oral administration of S-1452, a selective TxA2 receptor antagonist, markedly suppressed bronchial hyperresponsiveness without affecting cellular responses, pulmonary edema and production of PGs and cytokines. These findings suggest that LPS-induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness is dependent on secondarily generated TxA2, which appears to be independent of lung inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Cytokines; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Guinea Pigs; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-6; Leukocytes; Lipopolysaccharides; Metyrapone; Pneumonia; Prostaglandins; Pulmonary Edema; Receptors, Prostaglandin; Thromboxane A2; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

The effects of intravenous administration of 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2, a stable metabolite of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), on bronchial smooth muscle in guinea pigs were investigated by measurement of dynamic compliance and dynamic respiratory resistance using a formula to exclude the effects of differences in airway wall thickness. With this formula, the ratio of bronchial smooth muscle constriction by histamine can be estimated as an index of bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine. Administration of 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2 induced airway wall edema. The ratio of bronchial smooth muscle constriction by histamine was significantly enhanced by the administration of 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2a. TXA2 antagonists, ONO-NT-128 and ONO-8809, inhibited the effect of 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2 administration. These results suggest that 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2 act as important mediators affecting bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and TXA2 may play a role in 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2-induced airway wall edema and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine.

Topics: Animals; Bronchi; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchial Provocation Tests; Dinoprost; Guinea Pigs; Histamine; Injections, Intravenous; Male; Thromboxane A2

Effects of TXA2 antagonists on bronchial hyperresponsiveness induced by intravenous administration of LTC4 in guinea pigs were investigated by measurement of dynamic compliance and dynamic respiratory resistance, using a formula to exclude the effects of changes in airway wall thickness. With the formula, the ratio of bronchial smooth muscle constriction by histamine can be estimated as an index of bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine. Administration of LTC4 induced airway wall edema. The ratio of bronchial smooth muscle constriction by histamine was enhanced by the administration of LTC4. TXA2 antagonists, ONO-NT-126 and ONO-8809, inhibited the increased ratio of bronchial smooth muscle constriction of LTC4. On the other hand, the antagonists showed no significant effects on airway wall edema by LTC4. These results suggest TXA2 may play a role in LTC4-induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine.

Topics: Animals; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Guinea Pigs; Histamine; Infusions, Intravenous; Male; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth; SRS-A; Thromboxane A2

In the present study, we investigated (1) whether airway responsiveness to inhaled histamine-aerosol could be induced during 7-d exposure of guinea pigs to 4 ppm NO2 and, if so, (2) whether thromboxane A2 may be involved in such increase. Female Hartley guinea pigs were divided into 6 groups (n = 15/group). Three groups were exposed to filtered air and the other 3 groups were exposed to NO2 for 1, 3, or 7 d (24 h/d). Baseline specific airway resistance (SRaw0) did not change significantly after exposure to 4 ppm NO2 or air. Airway responsiveness was determined 1 wk before the beginning of exposure and on the day of termination of the exposure. Prior to exposure to NO2, the EC200His, the concentrations of inhaled histamine necessary to double SRawNaCl (SRaw after inhalation of 0.9% NaCl), were 1.07 +/- 0.20, 1.30 +/- 0.20, and 1.01 +/- 0.18 mM for the 3 groups later given NO2 for 1, 3, and 7 d, respectively. Following exposure to NO2 for 1, 3, or 7 d, EC200His values were 1.42 +/- 0.25, 0.66 +/- 0.10 (p < .05), and 1.05 +/- 0.22 mM, respectively. These results show that 7-d exposure to 4 ppm NO2 induced a significant increase in airway responsiveness on d 3. Exposure to air had no significant effect on the airway responsiveness. This transient hyperresponsiveness was inhibited by a specific inhibitor of thromboxane synthetase, OKY 046. These results indicated that (1) a lower concentration (4 ppm) of NO2 than that previously reported can induce transient hyperresponsiveness in guinea pigs during appropriate long-term exposure, and (2) thromboxane A2 may play an important role in this transient airway hyperresponsiveness.

Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Air Pollutants; Airway Resistance; Animals; Asthma; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Drug Hypersensitivity; Female; Guinea Pigs; Histamine; Lung; Methacrylates; Nitrogen Dioxide; Thromboxane A2; Thromboxane-A Synthase; Time Factors

Effects of a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor (OKY-046) and a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin) on bronchial hyperresponsiveness induced by subthreshold concentration of aerosolized thromboxane A2 analogue (STA2) were investigated in anesthetized, artificially ventilated guinea pigs in order to examine the role of the cyclooxygenase pathway in bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Pretreatment with aerosolized OKY-046 significantly inhibited the bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine, but pretreatment with intravenous indomethacin showed a tendency to potentiate bronchial hyperresponsiveness. These results suggest that subthreshold concentration of thromboxane A2 contributes to bronchial hyperresponsiveness through activating the cyclooxygenase pathway including thromboxane A2 synthesis, and that the released cyclooxygenase products have an inhibitory effect on the bronchial hyperresponsiveness in guinea pigs.

Topics: Aerosols; Animals; Asthma; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchoconstriction; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Guinea Pigs; Indomethacin; Male; Methacrylates; Thromboxane A2

To investigate the role of thromboxane (Tx) A2 and prostaglandin (PG) I2 in the development of airway responsiveness after ozone exposure, we measured the airway responsiveness to inhaled methacholine (Mch), TxB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in 18 dogs after ozone exposure. Airway responsiveness to Mch was determined by Astograph (7 Hz oscillation method), and ozone exposure was carried out for 2 hr at an ozone level of 3.01 +/- 0.05 ppm (mean +/- SEM). Airway responsiveness to Mch increased significantly after ozone exposure (p less than 0.001). TxB2 levels in BALF were not affected by ozone exposure, but the levels of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha decreased significantly after ozone exposure (p less than 0.001). The ratio of TxB2/6-keto-PGF1 alpha increased significantly after ozone exposure, and the change in this ratio correlated significantly with the change of airway responsiveness to Mch (p less than 0.01, r = 0.654). These results suggest that airway hyperresponsiveness after ozone exposure is induced by the relative increase of TxA2 due to the decrease of PGI2.

Topics: 6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha; Animals; Atmosphere Exposure Chambers; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Dogs; Epoprostenol; Female; Ozone; Thromboxane A2; Thromboxane B2

Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) have been suggested to play important roles in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. In the present study, effects of i.v.-administration of PGD2 on bronchial hyperresponsiveness in guinea pigs were investigated by the measurement of dynamic compliance and dynamic respiratory resistance with formulae which can exclude the effects of changes of the airway wall thickness. With these formulae, the ratio of bronchial smooth muscle constriction by histamine can be estimated as an index of bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Administration of PGD2 induced airway wall edema. The ratio of bronchial smooth muscle constriction by histamine was enhanced with the administration of PGD2. Moreover, TXA2 antagonists, ONO-NT-126 and ONO-8809, inhibited the effect of PGD2 administration.

Topics: Airway Resistance; Animals; Asthma; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Edema; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Guinea Pigs; Histamine; Infusions, Intravenous; Male; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth; Prostaglandin D2; Thromboxane A2

Thromboxane A2(TxA2) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of airway hyperresponsiveness. The effects of inhaled TxA2 on human airway function have not been studied because of its short half-life. U46619 is a chemical that mimics the effects of TxA2. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of inhaled U46619 on human airway function and methacholine airway responsiveness. Airway responsiveness to methacholine and U46619 was measured in 19 subjects (13 asthmatic and six normal) and expressed as the provocative concentration causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20). On one day, methacholine alone was inhaled. On a second day, U46619 was inhaled, then 1 h later methacholine was inhaled. On a third day, U46619 was inhaled, then repeated 1 h later. In six subjects, the effects of isotonic saline or a subthreshold concentration of histamine or U46619 were examined on methacholine airway responsiveness. U46619 was 178 times more potent as a bronchoconstrictor than was methacholine. Airway responsiveness to methacholine was correlated to airway responsiveness to U46619 (r = 0.87, p = 0.001). Subthreshold concentrations of U46619, but not of histamine, increased methacholine airway responsiveness. The mean maximal fall in FEV1 after inhaled methacholine was 13.2% (SEM, 3.4%) after saline, 12.4% (SEM, 2.4%) after histamine, and 25.7% (SEM, 2.0%) after U46619 (p = 0.0004). This effect lasted less than 1 h. There was no tachyphylaxis to repeated inhalations of U46619. These results indicate that in human subjects inhaled U46619 is a potent bronchoconstrictor that, when present in the airways, can cause airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled methacholine in asthmatic subjects.

Topics: Aerosols; Asthma; Blood Pressure; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchial Provocation Tests; Bronchoconstriction; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Methacholine Chloride; Prostaglandin Endoperoxides, Synthetic; Thromboxane A2

Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) has been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. In this study the effects of intravenous administration of TXA2 on bronchial smooth muscle in guinea-pigs were investigated by measuring dynamic compliance and dynamic respiratory resistance, using a formula to exclude the effects of differences in airway wall thickness. Using this formula, the ratio of bronchial smooth muscle constriction by histamine can be estimated as an index of bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Administration of TXA2 did not induce airway wall edema. The ratio of bronchial smooth muscle constriction by histamine was significantly (p less than 0.01) enhanced by the administration of TXA2. Moreover, TXA2 antagonists, ONO-NT-126 and ONO-8809, inhibited the effect of TXA2 administration. These results suggest that TXA2 is an important mediator affecting bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Topics: Airway Resistance; Animals; Asthma; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Guinea Pigs; Histamine; Lung Compliance; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth; Thromboxane A2