General pharmacological properties of 4-(p-chlorophenylthio)butanol (W-2719)

4-(p-Chlorophenylthio)butanol (W-2719), a compound that inhibits histamine release from sensitized leukocytes also decreased tracheal smooth muscle tonus, inhibited synthesis and release of immunologically induced SRS-A (slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis) in the rat and antagonized the in vitro activity of SRS-A. Furthermore, it significantly inhibited the platelet release reaction induced by collagen in vitro but not ex vivo. On the other hand, W-2719 did not possess marked CNS activity nor did it adversely affect the blood pressure, heart rate or respiratory rate. There was no evidence for sympathetic or parasympathetic activity. It had weak antipyretic activity, but exhibited no anti-inflammatory or analgesic activity.