Depression and excitation induced in mice by two geometric isomers of (+)13,14-didehydro-20-methyl-carboprostacyclin, FCE 22177 and FCE 22176. Comparison with effects on blood pressure and platelet aggregation.

Two geometric isomers of a stable derivative of PGI2 (13,14-didehydro-20-methyl-carbo PGI2), FCE 22177 (5E) and FCE 22176 (5Z), have been injected i.v. in mice (5-400 mcg/Kg) to investigate the effects at CNS level (Irwin's test). The synthetic mixture of the two isomers (5E:5Z = 7:3) was also tested. Isomers 5E and 5Z induced opposite effects: 5E (similar to PGI2) was depressive, 5Z induced stimulation. The mixture showed a strong depressive symptomatology. The two isomers and their mixture induced motor incoordination and impaired the performance of mice in the rotarod test (200 mcg/Kg i.v.). Mice were depressed after 5E and mixture; whilst 5Z induced excitation, in accordance with Irwin's test. 5E and 5Z showed analogous effects on mean blood pressure (hypotension) and heart rate (increase) in normotensive rats, but 5E was 7 times more active than 5Z. The two isomers showed analogous inhibitory effect on guinea-pig platelet aggregation in vitro, but 5E was 30 times more active than 5Z. In conclusion, the two geometric isomers have similar effects on blood pressure, heart rate and platelet aggregation, even if differing quantitatively. In contrast, 5E and 5Z have opposite effects at CNS level on motor function and behaviour. The data suggest the presence of two different sites of action for PGI2 in CNS (Ca2+- and adenylate cyclase-linked?). The two geometric isomers, 5E and 5Z, may be useful to study the PGI2 receptor sites in different tissues.