Platelet-activating factor (PAF) and
histamine are potent bronchospastic agents and possess additional properties such as induction of vasopermeability and activation of inflammatory cells that are consistent with their ability to mediate allergic and inflammatory responses. From a structural series with anticipated
antihistamine activity,
Sch 37370 (1-acetyl-4(8-chloro-5,6-dihydro-11H-benzo[5,6]cyclohepta[1,2-
b]pyridine-11-ylidine)
piperidine) has been identified as a dual antagonist of PAF and
histamine in vitro and in vivo and has been compared with several selective antagonists of PAF and
histamine.
Sch 37370 selectively inhibits PAF-induced aggregation of human platelets (IC50 = 0.6 microM) and also competes with PAF binding to specific sites in membrane preparations from human lungs (IC50 = 1.2 microM).
Sch 37370 blocks the binding of [3H]
pyrilamine to histamine-H1 receptors in rat brain membranes. Administered i.v. to guinea pigs,
Sch 37370 is an equipotent antagonist of PAF and
histamine-induced
bronchospasm (ED50 = 0.6-0.7 mg/kg). Orally in guinea pigs,
Sch 37370 is somewhat more effective against
bronchospasms to
histamine (ED50 = 2.4 mg/kg) than against PAF (ED50 = 4.1-6.0 mg/kg) or
serotonin (ED50 = 9.6 mg/kg).
Sch 37370 only weakly antagonizes
methacholine-induced
bronchospasm (ED50 = 51 mg/kg) and is completely inactive at 50 mg/kg against
leukotriene C4 or
substance P.
Sch 37370 blocks
hypotension in rats and a cutaneous reaction in monkeys induced by either PAF or
histamine, as well as PAF-induced lethality in mice.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)