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A novel tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist prevents motility‐stimulating effects of neurokinin A in small intestine
Author(s) -
Lördal Mikael,
Navalesi Giovanni,
Theodorsson Elvar,
Maggi Carlo A,
Hellström Per M
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
british journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.432
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1476-5381
pISSN - 0007-1188
DOI - 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704217
Subject(s) - motility , neurokinin a , tachykinin receptor , endocrinology , medicine , antagonist , stimulation , contraction (grammar) , substance p , receptor antagonist , placebo , receptor , biology , neuropeptide , pathology , alternative medicine , genetics
MEN 11420 (nepadutant) is a potent, selective and competitive antagonist of tachykinin NK2 receptors. The objective of the present study was to assess the capability of the drug to antagonize the stimulatory effects of neurokinin A (NKA) on gastrointestinal motility, as well as to change the fasting migrating motor complex (MMC). Thirty‐four male volunteers were randomized to treatment with either placebo or MEN 11420 in a double‐blinded manner. Effects of MEN 11420 (8 mg intravenously) were evaluated as changes in phases I, II and III of MMC, as well as contraction frequency, amplitude and motility index during baseline conditions and during stimulation of motility using NKA (25 pmol kg −1 min −1 intravenously). NKA preceded by placebo increased the fraction of time occupied by phase II, increased contraction frequency, amplitude and motility index. MEN 11420 effectively antagonized the motility‐stimulating effects of NKA. MEN 11420 reduced the phase II‐stimulating effect of NKA. In addition, the stimulatory effect of NKA on contraction frequency and amplitude, as well as motility index were inhibited by MEN 11420. MEN 11420 did not affect the characteristics of MMC during saline infusion. Plasma levels of MEN 11420 peaked during the first hour after infusion and decreased to less than half during the first 2 h. In conclusion, intravenous MEN 11420 effectively inhibited NKA‐stimulated, but not basal gastrointestinal motility, and was well tolerated by all subjects.British Journal of Pharmacology (2001) 134 , 215–223; doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704217