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MK 287: a potent, specific, and orally active receptor antagonist of platelet-activating factor

S B Hwang1, M H Lam, D M Szalkowski

  • 1Merck Sharp and Dohme Research Laboratories, Rahway, NJ 07065.

Journal of Lipid Mediators
|June 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

MK 287, a potent tetrahydrofuran analog, effectively blocks platelet-activating factor (PAF) binding and inhibits PAF-induced responses. This compound shows promise in treating PAF-mediated conditions by selectively targeting PAF receptors.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent lipid mediator involved in inflammatory and allergic responses.
  • PAF receptors are implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, including platelet aggregation and leukocyte activation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize MK 287 (L-680,573), a novel tetrahydrofuran analog, as a selective inhibitor of PAF.
  • To evaluate the binding affinity, stereospecificity, and functional effects of MK 287 in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

  • Radioligand binding assays using [3H]C18-PAF and [3H]MK 287 to human platelet, polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN), and lung membranes.
  • Functional assays measuring PAF-induced platelet aggregation and elastase release from PMNs.
  • In vivo studies assessing PAF-induced lethality in mice and bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs.

Main Results:

  • MK 287 demonstrated potent and stereospecific inhibition of [3H]C18-PAF binding to human platelet, PMN, and lung membranes (K1 values in nanomolar range).
  • MK 287 selectively inhibited PAF-induced platelet aggregation and PMN elastase release in vitro.
  • In vivo, MK 287 effectively inhibited PAF-induced lethality in mice and bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs.

Conclusions:

  • MK 287 is a highly potent and selective PAF receptor antagonist.
  • The findings suggest MK 287 has therapeutic potential for PAF-mediated inflammatory and allergic diseases.

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