ABSTRACT-The effect of a chemically stable prostacyclin analog, OP-41483 a-cyclodextrin clathrate (OP-41483•a-CD), on vascular lesions, platelet aggregation and blood pressure were examined and compared with those of prostaglandin E1 a-cyclodextrin clathrate (PGE1.CD) in in vivo rat models. Prostacyclin is a chemically unstable compound that possesses both potent antiplatelet (1) and hypotensive (2) actions. Because of its clinical potential, various prostacyclin derivatives have been developed with the aims of increasing its chemical stability and dissociating these two actions. OP-41483•a-CD, 5(E)-6,9a methylene-15-cyclopentyl-16,17,18,19,20-pentanor-PG12 a-cyclodextrin clathrate, is a novel and chemically stable prostacyclin analog that inhibits platelet functions (adhesion and aggregation) and prevents thrombus formation in an electrically induced thrombus model in guinea pigs (3). The inhibitory effects of OP-41483•a CD on platelet functions are produced through dual mechanisms: one mediated by activation of adenylate cyclase and the other by inhibition of Ca 2+ influx (4). This compound also has a more potent antiplatelet effect than hypotensive activity in baboons (5) and hu mans (6). Therefore, OP-41483•a-CD may have anti thrombotic properties for the treatment of thrombotic and ischemic vascular diseases.In this study, we compared the inhibitory effect of OP-41483•a-CD with that of prostaglandin El a-cyclo dextrin clathrate (PGE1•CD) on two peripheral vascu lar lesion models in rats: the arterial thrombotic model induced by intraarterial injection of laurate and the vasoconstriction model induced by subcutaneous injec tion of epinephrine and ergotamine. Furthermore, the effects of both compounds on platelet aggregation (in vivo) and blood pressure were examined in conscious rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
AnimalsMale Wistar rats were purchased from Kitayama Labes and Shizuoka Laboratory Animal Center. All animals were kept in an animal room maintained at 24 ± 1°C with 60 ± 10% humidity and illuminated for 12 hr (8:00 AM-8:00 PM). They were fed a standard laboratory diet (Funabashi, MM-5) and tap water ad libitum.