No abstract

The synthesis and the structure-activity relationships of renin inhibitors designed from the angiotensinogen transition state are described. These inhibitors contained residues modified at P1-P1', P2, and P4-P3. Decrease in the size of side chain alkyl group in norstatine analog at P1 diminished the inhibitory activities of the compounds. Compound 5j, which contained valine residue instead of histidine residue at P2, inhibited potently cathepsin D (IC50 = 6.0 x 10(-9) M) and pepsin (IC50 = 3.5 x 10(-7) M) to the same extent as renin (IC50 = 8.5 x 10(-10) M), and thus was not specific for renin. The reduction of the beta-carbonyl group to methylene group in beta-carbonylpropionyl residue at P4-P3 decreased the potency about 2 orders against human renin (5i: IC50 = 1.1 x 10(-7) M vs. 1: IC50 = 2.4 x 10(-9) M). These results confirmed the rationality of our analysis of the interaction between an orally potent human renin inhibitor 1 and the active site of human renin using modeling techniques, showing that 1 fits the active site of renin favorably. The experimental details of the synthesis are presented.

No abstract

A homologous double-antibody radioimmunoassay developed for humans was used to measure serum prolactin, progesterone, and estradiol in common marmosets. In the ovarian cycle of common marmosets, serum progesterone began to increase after an estradiol surge, attained a peak level, and then declined before the ensuing pre-ovulatory rise in estradiol. During the luteal phase, the change in serum concentrations of estradiol was synchronized with that of progesterone. During the ovarian cycle there was no consistent change in serum prolactin concentrations. During the last 75 days of pregnancy the prolactin level was higher than during the ovarian cycle and the first 70 days of pregnancy. Moreover, during lactation, mothers with suckling twin infants had a higher prolactin level than during the final stage of pregnancy.

No abstract