INHIBITION OF PERIPHERAL AROMATIZATION IN THE MALE CYNOMOLGUS MONKEY BY A NOVEL NONSTEROIDAL AROMATASE INHIBITOR (R 76713)

R 76713 (6-[(4-chlorophenyl) (1-H-1,2,4-trizol-1-yl)methyl]1-H benzotriazole) is a highly potent and selective inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme both in vitro and in vivo. The ability of R 76713 to inhibit peripheral aromatization of androstenedione (A) to estrone (E1) in vivo was studied in male cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). Peripheral aromatization was measured using a primed constant infusion of [H-3] A and [C-14]E1 for 3.5 h. Blood samples, collected during the final hour of infusion, were analyzed for plasma radioactivity as infused and product steroids. MCRs, conversion ratios (CR), and percent conversion of A to E1 were calculated. R 76713 (0.03-10-mu-g/kg) or vehicle (10% hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin) were administered iv 90 min before beginning the infusion of radiolabeled steroids. In vehicle-treated monkeys, the aromatization of A (mean +/- SEM, 1.35 +/- 0.11%) was similar to that previously reported for cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys, baboons, and humans. Aromatization of A, measured 4-5 h after injection of R 76713, was dose-dependently decreased from the control value by 87 +/- 3%, 85 +/- 2%, 61 +/- 5%, and 33 +/- 8% (all P < 0.05) at doses of 10.0, 3.0, 0.3, and 0.03-mu-g/kg, respectively, with an ID50 of 0.13-mu-g/kg, iv (95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.21). When measured 15-16 h after iv administration of 3.0-mu-g/kg R 76713, aromatization (0.55 +/- 0.13%) was significantly inhibited by 53 +/- 11% compared to that in control monkeys (1.16 +/- 0.18%). The CRs between androgens, the CRs between estrogens, and the MCRs of A and E1 were not significantly altered by R 76713 compared to those after vehicle treatment. R 76713 potently decreased peripheral conversion of androgen to estrogen in vivo in male cynomolgus monkeys and may be a useful therapeutic agent in treating estrogen-dependent diseases, including post-menopausal breast cancer.