Pharmacological comparison of a xanthine derivative, 3,7-dihydro-3-methyl-1-(5-0xohexyl)-7-propyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione (HWA 285), with caffeine

• Published in: Japanese Journal of Pharmacology 1986, Vol.40 (suppl), p.188-188
• Main Authors: Masao Sakurai, Isamu Komine, Yoshihiro Suzuki, Nobutaka Demura, Masayoshi Gotoh, Takashi Sakaguchi
• Format: Article
• Language: Japanese
• ISSN: 0021-5198

Our previous studies have revealed that HWA 285 is effective in improving impaired learning and memory as well as cerebrovascular disorders. This study was undertaken to examine the mechanism of the effects of the compound on the CNS by comparing it with caffeine in its actions on convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, infusion) and on spinal reflexes. HWA 285 (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and caffeine (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) were adlninistered to ICR mice in eombination with diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.), and doses of PTZ necessary to induce clonic and tonic convulsions and death in the mice were obtained. Spinal monosynaptic reflex (MSR) and dorsal root reflex (DRR) were evoked and recorded by stimulation of the sciatic nerve after i.v. injection of HWA 285 (0.3, l, and 3 mg/kg) and caffeine (3 and 10 mg/kg) into cats. Caffeine at 100 and 200 mg/kg antagonized the anticonvulsant action of diazepam against PTZ-induced seizure, but HWA 285 did not at any dose levels. HWA 285 increased MSR dose-dependently, but did not affect DRR. Caffeine depressed DRR, but exerted no effect on MSR. The results indicate that HWA 285 differs from caffeine in the mechanism of its effects on the CNS.