Altered hemostasis in male rats following administration of the ACAT inhibitor SKF-99085

T Sellers1, S O'Brien, K Gossett

  • 1Department of Safety Assessment, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406, USA.

Insights

The ACAT inhibitor SKF-99085 caused bleeding and death in male rats by reducing vitamin-K-dependent clotting factors. Activated partial thromboplastin time and Thrombotest clotting time were sensitive indicators of this drug-induced hemorrhagic disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitors are investigated for therapeutic potential.
  • Preclinical safety assessments are crucial for drug candidates like SKF-99085.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the preclinical safety of SKF-99085, an ACAT inhibitor, in Sprague-Dawley rats.
  • To investigate the effects of SKF-99085 on coagulation parameters and identify potential drug-related adverse effects.

Main Methods:

  • Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats received oral doses of SKF-99085 (0, 10, 100, 400 mg/kg/day) for 6 months.
  • Coagulation parameters, including activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), Thrombotest clotting time (TCT), and prothrombin time (PT), were monitored.
  • Activities of coagulation factors II, VII, IX, X, V, and VIII were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Hemorrhage and death occurred in male rats at 400 mg/kg/day.
  • A dose-related increase in APTT and TCT was observed in all male drug-treated groups.
  • Activities of vitamin-K-dependent factors (II, VII, IX, X) were decreased in males, while factors V and VIII remained unaffected.

Conclusions:

  • SKF-99085 induced a hemorrhagic disorder in male rats, linked to reduced activity of vitamin-K-dependent coagulation factors.
  • APTT and TCT were more sensitive than PT in detecting the anticoagulant effects of SKF-99085 in this rat model.
  • These findings highlight species-specific differences in drug response and the importance of comprehensive coagulation monitoring.

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