Effects of the phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor RPR 73401 in a model of immunological inflammation.

The study was performed to investigate effects of the phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor RPR 73401 [N-(3, 5-dichloropyrid-4-yl)-3-cyclopentyl-oxy-4-methoxybenzamid] on an allergic skin reaction. To simulate an immunological inflammation, BALB/c mice were sensitized to dinitrochlorobenzene or toluenediisocyanate. At first, the abdominal skin was shaved and 50 microliter Freund's adjuvant were injected intracutaneously once. Then, the horny layer was removed by adhesive tape stripping and 100 microliter 0.5% dinitrochlorobenzene or 5% toluenediisocyanate were administered on the epidermis for 4 days. After repeated local treatment of the ear skin with 20 microliter 3% RPR 73401 or intraperitoneal administration of 1 and 5 mg/kg RPR 73401, 20 microliter 1% dinitrochlorobenzene or 0.5% toluenediisocyanate were given topically as a challenge. The vehicle controls showed a high increase in ear thickness over 48 h after challenge, whereas RPR 73401 administered on either route reduced this increase significantly. Nevertheless after topical administration, RPR 73401 had a longer lasting effect. These and other results may point to an indication for RPR 73401 in immunological dermatitis.