IL102921A - Pharmaceutical formulation containing 1,3-disubstituted-7-(oxohydrocarbyl) xanthine derivatives for treatment and prohylaxis of immune response - Google Patents

Description

102921/4 inJ op( :?>nnpim>niop)N)-7-*wiian-3, l nn in o>^>.3ari ninpn >->>von PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATIONS CONTAINING 1 , 3-DISUBSTITUTED-7-(0X0HYDR0CARBYL)XANTHINE DERIVATIVES FOR TREATMENT AND PROPHYLAXIS OF IMMUNE RESPONSE HOECHST-ROUSSEL PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED and THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA ALUMNI PATENTS FOUNDATION C: 15406 1-1146 102921/3 FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present Invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations for alleviating an adverse condition in a mammal resulting from intracellular mediation of immune response and/or for inhibiting immune response in a mammal .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are biological substances produced by monocytes and other macrophages in mammals. IL-1 and TNF affect a wide variety of cells and tissues, both in vitro and in vivo. Research has demonstrated that IL-1, TNF, and other leukocyte derived cytokines are important, and even critical, mediators in a wide variety of inflammatory states and diseases. The inhibition of IL-1, TNF, and other leukocyte derived cytokines is of benefit in controlling, reducing and alleviating many of these conditions.

Detection and inhibition of IL-1, TNF, and other leukocyte derived cytokines can be relatively easily documented, through in vitro analysis of polymorphonuclear neutrophil behavior. Among other activities attributed to IL-1 and other leukocyte derived cytokines is the promotion of leukocyte adherence and the inhibition of neutrophil chemotaxis, both directly contributing to disease and inflammation syndromes.

Despite the desirability of inhibiting the activity of IL-1 and TNF and the activity of other leukocyte derived cytokines and the ease with which inhibition can be detected in vitro, there exists a need in the art for inhibitors of IL-1, TNF and other cytokines, wherein the inhibitors are acceptable for in vivo administration. 102921/4 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF CITED PRIOR ART In U.S. Patent No. 4,636,507. a method of enhancing host defense mechanisms against trauma comprises administration of a compound of formula 0 N N-R 0 N N 12 wherein R and R1 are lower alkyl, R3-CH0H-CH0H-(CH2)m-, R4-CH0H- (CH2)n- or R5-CO-(CH2)p- j R2 and are lower alkyl; R^ and R^ are H or lower alkyl; and m, n or p are each 2, 3 or 4, provided that R, R and R are not simultaneously lower alkyl. This document neither discloses nor suggests the spectrum of pharmacological activity described herein for the active compounds of the present pharmacological formulations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention aids in fulfilling these needs in the art by identifying a class of compounds that can be successfully employed in alleviating conditions caused by, or mediated by, IL-1, TNF and other leukocyte derived cytokines. ' The compounds exhibit marked inhibition of cytokine activity, even at low concentrations of the mediators as demonstrated through in vitro tests.

More particularly, this invention provides a pharmaceutical formulation for alleviating an adverse condition in a mammal resulting from intracellular mediation of immune response and/or for inhibiting immune response in a mammal, which comprises, in admixture with at least one substance selected from pharmaceutical carriers, diluents and adjuvants, at least one compound of gener 102921/.4 in which and R2 are the same or different and are selected from the Ιϊΐ υι ιρ con I ..'i 1: 1 o Γ; Ι. Γ I /; l.-cl i.l n or branched n.lltyl radicals with 2 to 6 carbon atoms, cyclohexyl, straight-chain or branched alkoxyalkyl and hydroxyalkyl radicals, and Λ represents a hydrocarbon radical with up to Ί carbon atoms which can be substituted by a methyl group, wl th the proviso that Λ in formula I is not a C2 to C/j radical when R2 is C2 to Cty alkyl and in which R/| stands for an alkyl group with 1 to 3 carbon atoms and n stands for a whole number from 2 to 5 ov R^ is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group R^ with up to 6 carbon atoms, whose carbon chain is interrupted by an oxygen a tom or is substi uted by a hydroxyl group; which compound is present in an amount effective in alleviating the mediation of immune response, or is present in an amount inhibiting immune response by inhibiting the activity of IL-1, TNF or other cytokines derived Trom leukocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, or lymphocytes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS This invention will be more f.ully described with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a graph showing modulation by 1 ,3-dibutyl-7_(2-oxopropyl) xanthine (DBOPX) of the effect of interleukin-1 (IL-1) on polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) directed migration to N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) ; Figure 2 shows the results of modulation by DBOPX of the effect of mononuclear leukocyte LPS stimulated conditioned medium on PMN directed migration to FMLP; 2a -3- Figure 3 shows the results of modulation by DBOPX of the effect of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) on PM directed migration to FMLP; Figure 4 shows the results of modulation by DBOPX of LPS stimulated mononuclear leukocyte conditioned medium on PMN adherence to nylon; Figure 5 shows the results of modulation by DBOPX of IL-1 on PMN superoxide release stimulated by FMLP; Figure 6 is a graph showing modulation by DBOPX of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated mononuclear leukocyte conditioned medium on superoxide production by PMN stimulated with FMLP; and Figure 7 is a graph showing modulation by DBOPX of the effect of LPS-stimulated mononuclear leukocyte conditioned medium on lysozyme released by PMN stimulated with FMLP .

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Inhibition of the activity of IL-1, TNF, and other leukocyte derived cytokines can be achieved by the administration of 7-(oxoalkyl) 1,3-dialkyl xanthines to a mammal.

As used herein, the expression "leukocyte derived cytokines" is to be given a broad meaning. Specifically, the term "leukocyte" as used herein means mammalian cells of granulocytic and lymphocytic lineage. Examples of leukocyte cells are polymorphonuclear leukocytes, such as neutrophils, and mononuclearphagocytes , such as monocytes and macrophages and lymphocytes.

The term "cytokine" as used herein means a secretory product of a leukocyte, and in particular a non-antibody protein released by a leukocyte on- contact with antigen and which acts as an intercellular mediator of immune response. Examples of cytokines that are within the scope of this invention are chemotactic factors, factors promoting replica-tion^of lymphocytes, factors inhibiting replication of lymphocytes, factors affecting macrophage adherence, factors affecting enzyme secretion by macrophages, and factors that mediate secretion of oxidizing agents, such as oxygen, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical. 102921/3 A compound* that has been found to be particularly effective for inhibiting the effects of IL-1 and other leukocyte-derived cytokines on polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes is 1 , 3_dibutyl-7- (2-oxopropyl) xanthine. /-This compound, which is also referred to herein in abbreviated form as "DBOPX" , has the following formula: 102921/2 -5- The ability of compound (II) to inhibit the effects of IL-1 and other leukocyte derived cytokines on polymorphonuclear leukocyte and monocyte adherence, cell chemotaxis, respiratory (metabolic) burst,, and cell degranulat ion has been demonstrated and is described hereinafter.

Phagocytes important in immunology are polymorphonuclear leukocytes (e.g. neutrophils) and mononuclear phagocytes -(e.g. monocytes and macrophages). Phagocyte hypo-function is a cause of recurrent pyogenic infection. To combat pyogenic infection, neutrophils and monocytes respond to chemotactic factors by moving toward the source of infection, where they ingest microorganisms and kill them.

More particularly, a' main function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes is to kill bacteria and other infectious agents by phagoc tosis. The first stage in the ingestion and digestion of a particulate substance by these cells involves the process of bringing the cells and the particles together, usually through chemotaxis. This response is an essential part of host defense against infection. The extensive migration and activity of these cells is manifested by inflammation at the site of injury or invasion of the host.

It has been shown that IL-1 and TNF inhibit chemotaxis by granulocytes, monocytes and macrophages. It has now been discovered that the 7-(oxoalkyl) 1,3-dialkyl xanthines of formula (I) are capable of modulating the inhibitory effect of IL-1 and TNF on chemotaxis. This has been demonstrated as follows.

The migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in response to n-formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine (FMLP), a well known chemotactic factor, was determined by chemotaxis under agarose, a well known assay for cell chemotaxis. See J. of Immunol., 115 , 6, 1650-1656 (1975). he assay was carried out without IL-1, and Ehe assay was repeated in the presence of IL-1. The assay was also carried out with IL-1, but without DBOPX, and with both IL-1 and DBOPX at DBOPX concentrations of 0.1, 1, and- 10 micrograms per milliliter (ug/ml). The results are depicted in Fig-. 1. 102921/2 -6- As shown in Fig. 1, directed migration of the cells in the absence of IL-1, TNF, and with 0 ^g/ml DBOPX (i.e. "CONT" in Fig. l) was about 2.08 mm. Directed migration of-, the cells dropped to .about 1.5 mm in the presence of IL-1, TNF, and with 0 /jg/ml DBOPX. Thus, IL-1 inhibited cell chemotaxis directed to FMLP.

Fig. 1 also shows the effect of increasing concentrations of DBOPX' on the inhibition of chemotaxis by IL-1. More particularly, DBOPX modulates the inhibitory effect of IL-1 on directed migration to FMLP. Specifically, Fig. 1 shows that DBOPX increased directed migration of the cells and modulated the inhibitory effect of IL-1 at all of the DBOPX concentrations that were evaluated. Fig. 1 also shows that DBOPX was effective in 'increasing chemotaxis even at very los DBOPX concentrations. Thus, the compounds employed , formulation , . in the j of this invention are particularly effective in modulating the inhibitory effect of IL-1 on cell chemotaxis.

DBOPX is capable of producing a similar effect on polymorphonuclear leukocytes incubated with the products of mononuclear leukocytes that were stimulated with lipopolysac-charide (LPS). These monunuclear ceil Is produce IL-1, TNF, and other infammatory cytokines. Once again, polymorpho-nuclear leukocyte directed migration to FMLP was determined by chemotaxis under agarose. The assay was carried out without DBOPX and with concentrations of DBOPX of 0.1, 1.0, 10, and 100 ug/ml. The results are shown in Fig. 2.

"Referring to Fig. 2, the directed migration of the PMN in the conditioned medium containing the inflammatory cultures was about 2.25 mm in the absence of DBOPX. The addition of DBOPX to the medium increased directed migration of the cells at all of the DBOPX concentrations tested. Once again, DBOPX was effective in increasing chemotaxis even at very low concentrations. Moreover, the directed migration was about 2.6 mm at a DBOPX concentration of 10 jug/ml. By comparison, migration in an unconditioned medium containing LPS. was 2.60 + 0.5mm. (Data not shown in Fig. 2). The 102921/2 -7 probability that DBOPX increased directed migration inhibited by conditioned medium containing inflammatory cultures was 95%..

DBOPX is- capable of producing a similar effect on PMN incubated with rh-TNF (alpha). PMN directed migration to FMLP was determined by chemotaxis under agarose. The assay was carried out without DBOPX and with concentrations of DBOPX of 0.01 mM (3.2 ^ug/ml) and 1 mM ( 320 juq/m l ) . The results are shown in Fig. 3.

Referring to Fig. 3, the directed migration of the PMN in medium containing rh-TNF was 1.45 mm in the absence of DBOPX. The addition of DBOPX to the medium increased directed migration of the cells at both of the DBOPX concentrations tested. Once again, DBOPX was effective in increasing chemotaxis even at very low concentrations. By comparison, migration in medium in the absence of TNF was 2.75 mm. The probability that DBOPX increased directed migration inhibited by TNF was better than 95%.

Thus, the 7-(oxoalkyl) 1,3-dialkyl xanthines , formulation of. the 'employed in the j .invention are capable of increasing directional movement of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

These compounds can be administered to a patient to augment chemotactic factors of bacterial or viral origin, or compo-nents of plasma activation systems, or factors elaborated by cells of the immune system.

Leukocyte response to an acute inflammatory stimulus involves a complex series of events, including adherence to endothelium near the stimulus. Inhibition of leukocyte adherence can be expected to reduce the degree of inflammation seen in conditions, such a septic shock .and adult respiratory distress syndrome. It has been found that the 7-(oxoalkyl) 1,3-dialkyl xanthines employed in this invention effectively block adherence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Specifically, polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) adherence to nylon was determined according to the method of MacGreoor et al . , New Engl. J. Med. 13:642-646 (1974). Purified PMN cells were incubated with a 102921/2 -8- lipopolysacchar ide-st imulated mononuclear leukocyte conditioned medium containing inflammatory cytokines. PMN adherence to nylon was determined without DBOPX, and then with ■ DBOPX at concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, and lO^ug/ml). The percent PMN adherence to nylon was determined for each case.

The results are summarized in Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 shows that PMN adherence to nylon in the absence of DBOPX was about 87%." However, when DBOPX was included in the assay at concentrat ons above about O.l jg/ml, PMN adherence to the nylon as inhibited as evidenced by a decline in percent adherence. At a DBOPX concentration of .10 jg/ml, the percent PMN adherence declined to about 70%. The probability that DBOPX decreased adherence of PMN incubated with conditioned medium was 99.7%. Thus, the compounds employed in the formulation- of this invention are particularly effective in blocking adherence of leukocytes and thereby aiding in reducing the degree of inflamma ion.

Mature phagocytes are in a metabol ical ly dormant state. It is currently believed that recognition of certain objects and substances by phagocytes, such as the attachment of ingestible particle to the cell surface, changes this situation, and the cell enters a stage of increased metabolic activity, which is referred to as metabolic or respiratory burst. The transition is 'assoc iated with a series of charac-' teristic changes, including the production of a superoxide anion. Cytokines, such as IL-1 and TNF, are capable of producing a similar effect. In addition to its significance for phagocytic function related to inactivation of ingested microbes, activation of oxygen metabolism is a useful indirect marker for the ingestion process per se. It would be desirable to be able to modulate the effect of cytokines on respiratory burst.

Quantitative methods for direct measurement of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anions released into the medium are currently available. It has been found that the compounds employed in this invention are capable of modulating respiratory burst in stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) as determined using these methods. 102921/2 -9- More particularly, superoxide product ion- vas assayed using a modification of the procedure described by Babior et al . , J. Clin. Investigation, 52:741-744 (1973). Purified PMN were inqubated with an oxidative stimulus with and without IL-1. The medium was assayed for superoxide pro duction.. The assay was also carried out. without DBCPX and with DBOPX in concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, 10, and lOOyUg/ml. The results'are shown in Fig. 5.

It is evident from Fig. 5 that about 1.8 nmoles of superoxide/10 min/million PMN were produced by FMLP-stimulated PMN in the absence of IL-1, TNF, and DBOPX (see "CONT" in Fig. 5). Pretreatment with IL-1 (5 units/20 μΐ) , which is known as priming, produced a substantial increase in observed superoxide release to about 4.4 nmoles superoxide/10 min/million PMN.

In contrast, the addition of DBOPX to the assay resulted in a substantial reduction in observed superoxide production as is evident from Fig. 5. Specifically, DBOPX modulated the effect of IL-1 on stimulated PMN at all of the concentrations tested. DBOPX was even effective at a very low concentration of 0.1 ^g/ml. The probability that DBOPX decreased superoxide production produced by PMN primed with IL-1, TNF, and stimulated with FMLP compared with IL-1 alone was 95%.

DBOPX is also capable of decreasing superoxide production by PMN primed with LPS-s t imulated mononuclear leukocyte conditioned medium containing inflammatory cytokines. This is shown in Fig. 6. Specifically, when PMN were incubated with LPS-st imulated mononuclear leukocyte conditioned medium containing inflammatory cytokines and stimulated with FMLP, observed superoxide production in the absence of DBOPX was about 7.4 nmoles/10 min/million PMN. When DBOPX was . added to the assay, however, observed superoxide production was lower at all of the DBOPX concentrations tested. Moreover, DBOPX exhibited some effect even at a concentra ion as low as 1.0 jug/ml. At a DBOPX concentration of 10 jg/ml, superoxide production was about 1.5 nmoles/10 min/million 102921/2 -10- PMN. The probability that DBOPX decreased superoxide production produced by PMN primed with conditioned medium and stimulated with FMLP was 99.5%. . .

It is evident from these results that the compounds formulation -employed in the j , of... this invention are capable of reducing superoxide production and modulating respiratory burst in phagocytes, such as polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes.

During ingestion, granules in the cytoplasm of the cell fuse with the membrane of a vacuole that was formed around the foreign substance. The granules discharge their , contents into the vacuole. Some of this material ends up in the medium surrounding the phagocyte. Since the granules disappear during this process, it is called degranulat ion .

The granule contents include hydrolytic enzymes, lysozyme, bactericidal proteins, and, in the neutrophil, myleoperoxidase .

Degranulat on can be assessed by measuring the rate of appearance of granule-associated enzymes in extracellular medium. In the case of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), degranulation can be assayed by determining release of lysozyme. It was found that the compounds employed in the formulation . of this invention are capable of modulating the re- lease of lysozyme for stimulated PMN.

More particularly, polymorphonuclear leukocytes ( PMN) vere incubated with LPS-st imulated mononuclear leukocyte conditioned medium containing inflammatory cytokines.

The PMN vere then stimulated with FMLP, incubated for a period of time, and lysozyme content was determined in cell supernatant using a well known assay. See J . Bacter iol . , 58 , 731-736 (1949). The PMN were incubated without DBOPX or with DBOPX in a concentration of 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 ug/ml. The results, which are expressed in terms of lysozyme released/10 min/4 million PMN (^ug/ml), are shown in Fig. 7.

Referring to Fig. 7, lysozyme released by PMN primed with LPS-st imulated mononuclear leukocyte conditioned medium (containing inflammatory cytokines) and stimulated 102921/3 -11- •'with FMLP was about 2.1 ^g/ml in the absence of DBOPX. When DBOPX vas added to the assay, lysozyme release declined. The decrease was observed at all of the concentra ions of DBOPX that were evaluated. , Moreover, DBOPX was effective in modulating lysozyme release even at concentra ions as low as 0.1 ig/ml. At a DBOPX concentration of 100 ^ug/ml, the lysozyme release- was only about 1.04 jjq/ l. The probability that DBOPX inhibited lysozyme release from PMN primed with conditioned medium and stimulated with FMLP was 95%.

It is apparent from these results that the compounds employed in the . . . . pharmaceutical formulation of this, invention are capable , of decreasing the release of lysozyme from PMN primed with LPS-st imulated mononuclear leukocyte conditioned medium and then stimulated with FMLP.

In summary, the compounds of formula (I) employed , .-··· . 'in the pharmaceutical formulation of this invention are capable of modulating the effects of leukocyte derived cytokines, such as interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor, on phagocytes, such as polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The compounds are capable of substantially aiding chemotaxis. In addition, the compounds can block adherence of cells. The compounds can decrease oxidative damage .to host tissues by phagocytes as evidenced by modulation of respiratory burst in stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Finally, the compounds can modulate the effects of cytokines on degranula t ion in stimulated phagocytes. The demonstrated inhibition of IL-1, TNF, and other cytokines by these compounds is suggestive of clinical effectiveness in at least the following areas and conditions.

Because IL-1, TNF, and other leukocyte derived cytokines have been implicated in such a wide variety of mammalian conditions, this invention has a similarly broad scope of application. Among the conditions that can be treated or alleviated by- the inhibition of IL-1, TNF, and other leukocyte derived cytokines are: sepsis, septic shock, endotoxic shock, gram negative sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, adult respiratory distress, fever and myalgias due to infection 102921/3- -12- e.g. influenza), cachexia secondary to infection or malignancy, cachexia secondary to AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, osteoporosis, keloid formation, scar tissue forma tion, .decreased appet e, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, fever due to central nervous system bleeding, glomerulonephritis, multiple sclerosis, Creutzf eld-,..Jacob dis ' ease, adverse · react ions to dialysis, diabetes melitus, and psoriasis.

By reference to the specific cause of the disease condition, the more generic term "trauma" can be used. The term "trauma" refers broadly^ to cellular attack by foreign bodies and physical injury of cells. Included among foreign bodies are microorganisms, particulate matter, chemical agents, and the like. Included among physical injuries are mechanical injuries, such as abrasions, lacerations, contusions, wounds, and the like; thermal injuries, such as those resulting from excessive heat or cold; electrical injuries, such as those caused by contact with sources of electrical potential; and radiation damage caused, for example, by prolonged, extensive exposure to infrared, ultraviolet or ionizing radiations.

Microorganisms included among the foreign bodies that can elicit a biological- response are bacilli, fungi and yeast, viruses, parasites, and the like. Representative bacilli ares Actinomyces spp.; Bacteroides spp.; Corynebacter iu spp.; Enterobacteriacea; Enterococcus ; Heamophilus spp.; Micrococcus spp.; Neissera spp.; Staphylococcus aureus; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Clostridium spp.; Streptococcus agalactiae; Bacillus spp.; H. influenzae; Moraxell-a spp.; Mycobacteria spp.; Pseudodomonas aeruginosa; Vibrio spp.; and Mycoplasma.

Representative fungi and yeast that are capable of eliciting a biological response are: ■ Microsporum? •Blastomyces; Histoplasma; Aspergillus; Cryptococcus ; Candida ' spp.; Coccidiodes; and Candida albicans.

Representative viruses are: Rhinovirus; Parainfluenza; Enterovirus, Influenza; Smallpox and vaccinia; -13- Herpes simplex; Measles; Rubella; Arbovirus (Western, Eastern and Venezuelan equine encephalitis, and California encephalitis); Rabies; Colorado tick fever; Yellow fever; Dengue; Hepatitis Virus B (HB Ag); Hepatitis Virus A (HAV); and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Representative parasites that can elicit a response are: Trypanosoma cruzi; Entamoeba histolytica; Leishmania brasiliensis; Leishmania tropica; Leishmania donovhni; Toxoplasma gondii; Plasmodium falcipaum; Trypanosoma rhodes 'ense ; Loa loa; Trichomonas hominis; Schistosoma japonicum; Schistosoma mansoni; and Fasciola hepatica.

Particulate materials capable of eliciting a biological response · include silica, asbestos, monosodium urate, cotton fibers, coal dust, beryllium, and the like.

Chemical agents include heavy metals, such as lead, chromium, mercury, arsenic, and the like; organic solvents, such as tr ichloroethylene , and the like; herbicides, sucvh as tr ichlorophenoxyacetic acid and the like; and pesticides, such as mirex and the like.

In addition, inhibition of IL-1, TNF, and other leukocyte derived cytokines will enhance phagocyte activity in stored blood and blood products.

The compounds employed in this invention will now be described in more detail, and methods for preparing the compounds will be provided.. The pharmaceutical, formulation of . this invention comprises 7-(oxoalkyl) 1,3-dialkyl xanthines of formula (I) above. While DBOPX is the particularly preferred xanthine, a number of other compounds can be employed. For example, the xanthines of formula (I) can be substituted by other alkyl groups, or by alkoxy or hydroxyalkyl groups. Suitable alkyl groups include branched and straight chain groups, such as ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, amyl, hexyl, and the like. Alkoxy substituted alkyl groups are branched and straight chain groups containing from 2 to 6 carbon atoms in the combined alkoxy and alkyl groups, including methoxymethyl , amyloxymethyl , methoxyethyl , butoxyethyl, 102921/3 propoxypropyl , and the like. Hydroxyalkyl groups are those containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as hydroxymethyl , hydroxyethyl , hydroxypropyl , hydroxyhexyl , and the like, but exclude a 3"methyl-3-hydroxybutyl group, a 3-methyl-3-hydroxypentyl group, and a ^-methyl-^l-hydroxypentyl group.

The hydrocarbon groups represented by A in formula (I) above are divalent saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, i.e., methylene, ethylene, trimethylene and tetramethylene , which can be substituted on the carbon adjacent the carbonyl group with methyl. Such methyl-substituted groups include ethylidene, 1 , 2-propylene , and l,3_butylene groups.

The compounds employed in this invention can be synthesized using known techniques. For example, the compounds can be prepared at elevated temperature, optionally in the presence of a solvent, by reacting correspondingly substituted 1 ,3~dialkylxanthines of the formula in which R^ and R2 are as defined above, with a, β-unsaturated methyl ketones corresponding to the formula CH2=CR-C(=0)-CH3 (IV) The substituent R in formula (IV) represents hydrogen or a methyl group. The reaction can be conducted in an alkaline medium.

An alternative method of preparation involves reacting alkali metal salts of l,3-dialkyl derivatives of general formula III, in which R-^ and R2 are as defined above, with oxoalkyl halides corresponding to the formula 14 -15- 102,921/3 CH.,-C-A-Hal 3 II (V 0 in which A is as defined above, and Hal represents a halogen atom, preferably chlorine or bromine.

These reactions are preferably carried ou: at temperatures in the range from 40° to 80°C, optionally under elevated or reduced pressure, but usually at atmospheric pressure. The individual starting compounds can be employed either in stoichiometr c quantities or in excess. The alkali salts in the alternative method of preparation can either be prepared beforehand or in the reaction itself.

Suitable solvents for use in the reactions are water-rmisc ible compounds, preferably lover alcohols, such as methanol, propanol, isopropanol, and- .various butanols; also acetone; pyridine; tr iethylamine; polyhydric alcohols, such as ethylene glycol and ethylene glycol monomethyl or monoethyl ether.

The compounds of formula (I) are known for their marked effect in increasing blood flow through skeieial muscle and by their low toxicity. The most active of zr.sse compounds for use in accordance with the present invention is 1,3-dibutyl 7-(2-oxopropyl)xanthine, i.e. D30PX.

A more detailed description of the compounds employed in this invention and methods of preparing the compounds are contained in U.S. Patent 4 , 242,345 , the e.tire disclosure of which is relied upon and incorporated by reference herein.

Effective amounts of the xanthines can be administered to a subject by any one of various methods, for example, orally as in capsule or tablets, or' parenterally in the form of sterile solutions. The xanthines, while effective themselves, can be formulated and administered in the form of their~pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts for purposes of stability, convenience of crystallization, increased solubility, and the like. 102921/2 -16- Preferred pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts include salts of mineral acids, for example, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and the like; salts of. ' monobasic carboxylic .acids-, such as, for example, acetic acid, propionic acid, and the like; salts of dibasic carboxylic acids, such as, maleic acid, fumaric acid, oxalic acid, and the like; and salts of tribasic carboxylic acids, such as, carboxysuccinic acid, citric acid, and the like.

The xanthines can be administered orally, for example, with an inert diluent or with an edible carrier. They can be enclosed in gelatin capsules or compressed in:o tablets. For the purpose of oral therapeutic administra ion, the compounds can be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of tablets, troches, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, syrups, wafers, chewing gums, and the like.. These preparations should contain at least 0.5% of active compound, but the amount can be varied depending upon the particular form and can conveniently be between 4.0% to about 70% of the weight of the unit. The amount of xanthine in such compositions is such that a suitable dosage will be obtained. Preferred compositions and preparations according to. the present invention are prepared so that an oral dosage unit form contains between about 1.0 mg and about 300 mgs of active com- , pound.

Tablets, pills, capsules, troches, and the like can contain the following ingredients: a binder, such as micro-crystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin; an excipient, such as starch or lactose; a disintegrating agent, such as alginic acid, Primogel, corn starch, and the like; a lubricant, such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes; a glidant, such as colloidal silicon dioxide; a sweetening agent, such as sucrose or saccharin; or flavoring agent, such as peppermint, methyl salicylate, or orange flavoring. When the dosage unit form is a capsule, it can contain, in addition to material of the above type, a liquid carrier, such as a fatty -17- Other dosage unit forms can contain other materials that modify the physical form of the dosage unit, for example, as coatings. Thus, tablets or pills can be coated with sugar, shellac, or other enteric coating agents. A syrup may contain, in addition to the active compounds, sucrose as a sweetening agent and preservatives, dyes, colorings, and flavors. Materials used in preparing these compositions should be pharmaceutically pure and non-toxic in the amounts used.

For purposes of parenteral therapeutic administration, the xanthines can be incorporated into a solution or suspension. These preparations should contain at least 0.1% of the aforesaid compound, but may be varied between 0.5% and about 50% of the weight thereof. The amount of active compound in such compositions is such that a suiitable dosage will be obtained. Preferred compositions and preparations according to the present invention are prepared so that a parenteral dosage unit contains between 0.5 mg to 100 mgs of the active compound.

Solutions or suspensions of the xanthines can also include the following components: a sterile diluent, such as water for injection, saline solution, fixed oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propylene glycol or other synthetic solvents; antibacterial agents, such as benzyl alcohol or methyl parabens; antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agents, such as ethyl-enediarainetetraacetic acid; buffers, such as acetates, citrates or phosphates; and agents for the adjustment of tonicity, such as sodium chloride or dextrose. The parenteral preparation can be enclosed in ampoules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass or plastic.

While dosage values will vary with the specific disease condition to be alleviated, good results are achieved whenTthe xanthines of formula (I) are administered to a subject requiring such treatment as an effective oral, parenteral or intravenous dose or from 0.1 to 25 mg/kg of body weight per day. A particularly preferred effective amount is about -18- 1.0 mg/kg of body weight per day. In general, daily dosages will vary from 10-1,000 mg, preferably 100-600 mg per day.

It is to be understood, however, that for any particular subject, specific dosage regimens should be adjusted to the individual need and the professional judgment of the person administering or supervising the administration of the xanthines. It is to be further understood that the dosages set forth herein are exemplary only and that they do not, to any extent, limit the scope or practice of the invention.

The invention will now be described in greater detail in the following Examples.

EXAMPLES To demonstrate the effectiveness of the claimed invention, a compound of the general formula I was tested to demonstrate inhibition of the activity of both in vitro-generated human IL-1 and other leukocyte derived cytokines, and purified human IL-1. Though a variety of compounds within the general formula (I) are effective in inhibit the activities of IL-1 and other leukocyte derived cytokines, they will be exemplified with regard to 1,3-dibutyl 7- ( 2-oxopropyl) xanthine (DBOPX) as a particularly preferred form of the invention.

Materials ; The compound 1,3-dibutyl 7- ( 2-oxopropyl ) xanthine DBOPX was prepared according to the procedures described in U.S. Patent No. 4,242,345. Interleukin-1 : Purified human monocyte IL-1 (IL-1S), and diluent were purchased from Cistron Biotechnology, Pine Brook, N.J. The human IL-1 used in these experiments was purified human monocyte interleukin-1. The diluent was PBS-0.1% bovine serum albumin (diluent). IL-1 contained <50pg//jg LPS by limulus amebocyte lysate assay. One LAF unit of IL-1 activity is defined as the amount of IL-1 which causes half-maximal incorporation of ■^-thymidine by murine [C½] thymocytes in the presence of concanavalin A [0.5 μς/ml].

Recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (alpha; rh-TNF): The rh-TNF was purchased from Genzyme Co p, -19- (Boston, MA). It was produced in E. coli and was purified by phenyl sepharose chromatography and FPLC to a final purity of greater than 99% as determined by analysis on SDS acrylamide gels stained with both Coomassie Brilliant Blue R250 and silver staining. It has a molecular weight of 36,000 daltons by gel filtration on Superose 12 (FPLC) and consists of 2 dimers of 17,000 daltons each. It was supplied sterile in phosphate-buffered saline containing 0.1% bovine serum albumin as a carrier protein (data supplied by Genzy e).

Just before use, the rh-TNF was diluted in Hanks balanced salt solution containing 0.1% human serum albumin.

The other materials were purchased as follows: Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), n-formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine (FMLP; lOmM stock solution in DMSO was stored in 20 Jill aliquots at -70°C), heparin, cytochrome c type VI from horse heart, and superoxide dismutase from bovine liver (SOD; stock solutions at 5 mg/ml in Hanks balanced salt solution were stored in 100 μϊ aliquots at 70eC) (Sigma Chemical, St. Louis, Mo.); Neutrophil isolation medium (NIM: Los Alamos Diagnostics, Inc., Los Alamos, N.M.); Hanks balanced salt solution (HBSS), Minimum essential medium (MEM) and Medium 199 (M199) (Whittaker, M.A. Bioproducts, Walkerville, Md.); Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (PBS; GIBCO Laboratories, Grand Island, N.Y.); Limuluss Amebocyte Lysate Test (LAL; Associates of Cape Cod, Inc., Woods Hole, Ma.); scrubbed nylon fiber (3 denier type 200) (Fenwal Laboratories, Deerfield, 111.); Litex and Agarose type HSA (Accurate Chemical and Scientific Corp., Hicksville, N.Y.).

PM preparation; Purified PMN ( 98% PMN and >95% viable by trypan blue exclusion) containing <1 platelet per 5 PMN and <50pg/ml LPS (LAL assay) were obtained from normal heparinized (10 Units/ml) venous blood by a one-step ficoll-hypague separation procedure (NIM). The PMN were washed 3 times with HBSS or MEM. Residual RBC were lysed by hypotonic lysis for the PMN oxidative burst assays.

Mononuclear leukocyte conditioned medium; Mononuclear leukocyte conditioned media was prepared" by -20- incubating washed mixed mononuclear leukocytes (3 X 10^/ml). from NIM separation in medium 199 (M199) containing 10% fresh autologous serum for 18 hrs. at 37°C (10% CO2) with or without LPS (5ng/ml) in I^ab-Tek Flaskettes (Miles Inc., Naperville, 111.) The suspension was centrifuged 150g X 10 min., and then the supernatant was filtered (0.45 micron pore) and frozen (-70°C).

Statistics; The results are reported as the mean + SEM. P-values were determined by using a 2-tailed student t-test .

EXAMPLE 1 CELL CHEMOTA IS Chemotaxis under agarose was quantitated by the method of Nelson et al. , J. Immunol., 115, 1650-1656 (1975). Purified PMN (5 X 106 PMN) were incubated for 15 min. at 37°c in a total volume of (40,ul, 60 jal, 90 μΐ) HBSS with or without DBOPX (as specified) and then were incubated for 30 min. more at 37eC in a total volume of 0.1 ml with or without LPS (0.2ng/40 LPS stimulated mononuclear leukocyte conditioned medium O jl), IL-1 (15 units/60 JJI )} di luent (60 ji ) or rh-TNF (100 units/10 ^ul) . The migration to FMLP (ΙΟΟηΜ) was measured after 2 hrs . -incubation at 37eC.

DBOPX increased chemotaxis inhibited by IL-1, TNF, or LPS stimulated mononuclear;, ΐΘμίί0'^ conditioned medium as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

EXAMPLE 2 PMN Adherence To Nylon PMN adherence was determined by a modified method of MacGregor. Purified PMN were incubated in 0.1 ml medium 199 with or without DBOPX (as specified) containing LPS, or LPS stimulated mononuclear., conditioned medium for 30 min. at 37°C. After incubation HBSS (0.9 ml) and autologous serum (10 ul) were added to the cell suspensions. The cell suspensions were applied to the top of pre-warmed (37°C) 60mg nylon columns packed to the 0.3 ml mark on a plastic 1 ml syringe. The columns were allowed to elute for 30 min. at 37°c and the number of PMN in both the pre- and post-column -21- samples counted. The results are expressed as percent PMN adherence to the nylon.

DBOPX (10 μς/ml) diminished PMN adherence to nylon augmented by LPS stimulated mononuclear leukocyte conditioned medium as shown in Figure 4.

EXAMPLE 3 PMN Oxidative Burst Cytochrome c reduction: Purified PMN (2 to 4 X 10^) were suspended in a total volume of 80 ul HBSS with' or without DBOPX (as specified) and were incubated for 15 min. at 37°C with or without SOD. (200 units/sample). IL-1 (5 Units/20 ^l) , LPS (0.1 ng/20 μΐ) , LPS stimulated mononuclear leukocyte conditioned medium (20 fil) , or IL-1 diluent were then added and the cells incubated for 30 min. more at 37eC.

HBSS (0.4 ml) and cytochrome c (50 ^ul; final concentration 120JjM) were added to all samples. FMLP (ΙΟΟηΜ) was added. The samples were incubated for 10 min. more at 37°C then iced, and centrifuged (2000 x g for 10 min.). The optical density of the supernatants was read at a wavelength of 550 nm and the nmoles of SOD-inhibitable superoxide/106 PMN calculated using the extinction coefficient of 2.11 X 104 cm2/mmole (reduced-oxidized).

DBOPX (0.1-100 g/ml) decreased PMN superoxide production when the PMN had been primed with IL-1, TNF, and stimulated with FMLP as is evident from Figure 5. DBOPX decreased PMN superoxide production when the PMN had been primed vith LPS stimulated mononuclear leukocyte conditioned medium as shown in Figure 6.

EXAMPLE 4 PMN Deqranulation (Release of Lysozyme) PMN (4 X 106) were suspended in HBSS (0.08 ml) with or without DBOPX (as specified) and incubated for 15 min. (37eC). Then LPS (0.1 ng/0.02 ml) or LPS stimulated mononuclear leukocyte conditioned medium (0.02 ml) was added to the samples and incubated 30 min. more. HBSS (0.9 ml) and FMLP (10 jul; 10"7M final concentration) was added to all samples. The samples were incubated for 10 min. and then iced and centrifuged (2000 x g for 10 min.). The supernatants were poured off and the lysozyme content determined by measurement of changes in the optical density of a suscension of Micrococcus lysodeikt icus after addition of the supernatants using the method described in J. Bacterid.. 58 : 731-736 (1949). DBOPX decreased the release of lysozyme frcm PM primed with LPS stimulated mononuclear leukocyte conditioned medium and then stimulated with FMLP as is evident from Figure 7.

* * * Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. 102921/3 DIVISIONAL II of IL 88656

Claims (2)

CLAIMS 1 . A pharmaceutical formulation for alleviating an adverse condition in a mammal resulting from intracellular mediation of immune response and/or for inhibiting immune response in a mammal, which comprises, in admixture with at least one substance selected from pharmaceutical carriers, diluents and adjuvants, at least one compound of general formula (I) in which and R2 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of straight-chain or branched alkyl radicals with 2 to 6 carbon atoms, cyclohexyl, straight-chain or branched alkoxyalkyl and hydroxyalkyl radicals, and A represents a hydrocarbon radical with up to 4' carbon atoms which can be substituted by a methyl group, with the proviso that A in formula I is not a C2 to radical when R2 is C2 to alkyl and R-^ is I* (CH2)n-C-CH3 OH in which Rjj stands for an alkyl group with 1 to 3 carbon atoms and n stands for a whole number from 2 to 5 or R^ is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group R^ with up to 6 carbon atoms, whose carbon chain is interrupted by an oxygen atom or is substituted by a 23 102921/ DIVISIONAL II of IL ΟΟ656 CLAIMS

1. A pharmaceutical formulation for alleviating an adverse condition in a mammal resulting from intracellular mediation of immune response and/or for inhibiting immune response in a mammal, which comprises, in admixture with at least one substance selected from pharmaceutical carriers, diluents and adjuvants, at least one compound of general formula (I) in which R-^ and Π2 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of straight-chain or branched alkyl radicals with 2 to 6 carbon atoms, cyclohexyl, straight-chain or branched alkoxyalkyl and hydroxyalkyl radicals, and A represents a hydrocarbon radical with up to 4 carbon atoms which can be substituted by n methyl group, with the proviso that Λ in formula I is not a C2 to C/j radical when Π2 is C2 to C/| alkyl and R^ is in which R/j stands for an alkyl group with 1 to 3 carbon atoms and n stands for a whole number from 2 to 5 or ^ is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group ^ with up to 6 carbon atoms, whose carbon chain is interrupted by an oxygen atom or is substituted by a 23 102921/2 hydroxyl group; which compound is present in an amount effective in alleviating the mediation of immune response, or is present in an amount inhibiting immune response by inhibiting the activity of IL-1, TNF or other cytokines derived from leukocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, or lymphocytes.

2. A pharmaceutical formulation according to claim 1, wherein said at least one compound of formula (I) is 1,3-dibutyl-7- (2-oxopropyl)xanthine. For the Applicants, 7 Sanford T. Colb & Co. C: 15406 1-1146 24