In-vitro GR32191 is a potent and specific thromboxane receptor blocking drug on platelets, and vascular and airways smooth muscle (Lumley et al this meeting). We have undertaken studies in healthy male subjects (n) to examine the effects of oral GR32191 upon platelet aggregation ex-vivo and template bleeding time. Platelet aggregation was monitored in whole blood by counting platelets electronically. Concentration-effect curves to U-46619 and ADP were constructed prior to and following drug or placebo. The degree of rightward displacement of a curve due to treatment was expressed as a concentration-ratio (CR) which was calculated at the 50% aggregation level (ECso post-treatment ECso pre-treatment). Plasma concentrations of GR32191 were determined by h.p.l.c. After single doses of GR32191 mean peak CR's of 8 and 80 were achieved with 0.125 and 0.25mg/kg (n=4) and values of 74 and 234 with 0.5 and lmg/kg (n=4). Peak effects were seen within 2 hours of dosing while activity was still present between 8 and 24 hours. ADP-induced aggregation was unaffected by drug (CR<2) and placebo was without significant effect upon the sensitivity to either aggregating agent (CR<2). GR32191 was rapidly absorbed and the plasma elimination half-life was about 2 hours. GR32191 17.5mg 12-hourly for 10 days (n=6) produced a progressive antagonism of U-46619 induced aggregation which resulted in a large continuous blockade in all subjects (range of 12htrough CR's 85 to 287). However, plasma concentrations of GR32191 did not accumulate on repeated administration. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study (n=16), a statistically significant (p= 0.002) increase in bleeding time was seen following treatment with GR32191 40mg twice daily for 7 days (pre-treatment mean 3.79 min, post-placebo mean 3.47 min, post-GR32191 mean 5.42 min). Rectal bleeding (n=l) has occurred with GR32191 but otherwise tolerability has been good. No drug related changes have been seen in routine laboratory safety screens. Clinical studies are in progress.
The Myocardial Depressant Effect of Beta-Receptor Blocking Agents