PROSTAGLANDINS OF THE D SERIES, AND TRANQUILIZERS AND SOPORIFICS CONTAINING THE SAME

Abstract: The present invention provides novel prostaglandins D, that is, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGDs, which have an excellent sedative and sleep-inducing activity, and so they are useful for tranquilizer and/or soporifics.

Description: The present invention relates to novel prostaglandins of D series (referred to as prostaglandins D or PGDs hereafter), and tranquilizers and soporifics containing the compound. Prostaglandin is a general name for prostanoic acids which is divided in E, F, A, B, C, D, H and the like according to the way keto or hydroxyl group introduced in five membered ring portions. In addition to stimulating uterine muscle, prostaglandins have various physiological and pharmacological activities such as vasodilation, inhibition of blood-platelet aggregation, anti-inflammatory effect and the like. Prostaglandin D contains the following five membered ring: classifying roughly, PGD₂ wherein C₅-C₆ bond is double bond: and PGD₃ wherein C₁₇-C₁₈ bond is double bond; are known. For example, PGD₂ is known to have activities such as analgesic activity, sedative activity, induction of sleep, thermoregulation and the like. However, activity which PGD₂ may show greatly depends on the administration route thereof. For example, experiments using rats show that physiological sleep can not be induced by peripheral administration such as subcutaneous injection, intravenous injection, oral administration and the like but induced by administrating directly in the cerebral ventricle. Therefore, PGD₂ is difficult to administrate. In addition, PGD₂ also exhibits inhibition of blood-platelet aggregation, bronchoconstriction, constriction of enteron muscle, vasodilation and the like as well as side-effect such as severe diarrhea. Therefore, there exist problems to use PGD₂ as tranquilizers and soporifics. On the other hand, in metabolites of human or animal, the existence of analogues of prostaglandins D in the free form wherein carbons at 13 and 14 positions are saturated and that at 15 position forms carbonyl group is confirmed. These 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandins D are and the corresponding PGD₁, PGD₂ and PGD₃ are known as metabolites which are naturally produced in vivo by enzymatic metabolism. These 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGDs have been reported as physiologically and pharmacologically inert metabolites which barely exhibit various physiological activities that PGDs usually do (Accta Physiologica Scaandinavica, 66 , 509- (1966) ). Summary of The Invention In the course of study on the pharmacological activities of the above metabolites, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂, the present inventor has found that 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ exhibits sedative and sleep induction effect by intra-postcisternal and intracerebroventricular administration, respectively. Further, while estimating pharmacological activities of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGDs derivatives, I have found that 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD analogues exhibit sedative and sleep induction effect, which is one of the pharmacological activities of PGDs, by peripheral administration such as subcutaneous injection, intravenous injection, oral administration as well as intraventricular administration, when they are converted into the corresponding compounds wherein carboxylic acid is esterified, or salts thereof and those in the free form or having a protective group, which contain substituents at 16, 17, 19 and/or 20 position, those with methyl or hydroxymethyl group at 9 position, those with alkoxy group at the end of ω-chain and those with triple bond at the end of ω-chain and those with triple bond at carbons at 5 and 6 positions. Moreover, I have found that 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD analogues never or barely exhibit pharmacological and physiological activities such as inhibition of blood-platelet aggregation, bronchoconstriction, constriction of enteron, vasodilation and the like, which PGDs usually have, and they are not accompanied with side effect. Brief Description of The Invention Fig.1 - Fig.22 show the n.m.r. spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGDs derivatives of the present invention. Fig.23 shows a sleep inducing action of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂. Fig.24 - Fig.27 show results of sleep-elapse change after administration of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGDs. Detailed Description of The Invention The present invention provides prostaglandins D represented by the general formula: wherein (X) is R₁ is hydrogen, physiologically acceptable salt thereof, physiologically acceptable protective group or C₁₋₄ alkyl; R₂ is hydrogen or methyl; R₃ is hydroxyl, methyl or hydroxymethyl; R₄ and R₅ are same or different to represent hydrogen, methyl, hydroxyl or halogen; R⁶ is C₁₋₉ alkyl which may be branched or contain double bond, or C₁₋₉ alkyl which contains ether substituent wherein carbons at 2 and 3 position may be doubly bonded; except when R₁, R₂, R₄ and R₅ are hydrogens, R₃ is hydroxyl, R₆ is n-butyl, carbons at 2 and 3 positions are singly bonded, and (X) is A, C or D; and tranquilizers and soporifics containing 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGDs as aforementioned. (X) is the general formula (I) represents above four constructions. The compound wherein -(X)- represents -CH₂-CH₂-CH₂- is prostaglandins D₁, and the compound wherein -(X)- represents is prostaglandins D₂. Therefore, a compound wherein -(X)- represents is 6-keto-PGD₁s, and is 5,6-dehydro-PGD₂s In the present invention, R₁ represents hydrogen, ester residue, salt or protective group. The preferred R₁ in the present invention is ester residue. More preferably, it is saturated or unsaturated alkyl which may contain side chain, especially alkyl which may contain C 1-4 side chain, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl and the like. Free PGDs may form salt thereof with suitable alkali. When used as a medicament, physiologically acceptable alkali may be used. Such alkali includes alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonia, lower amine, alkoanolamine, heterocyclic compound, for example, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, methylamine, dimethylamine, cyclopentylamine, benzylamine, piperidine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, monomethylethanolamine, tromethamine, lysine, tetraalkylammonium salt and the like. As a protective group there are exeplified alkylsilicon such as trimethylsilicon, triethylsilicon and the like; tetrahydroxypyran and the like. R₂ is hydrogen or methyl and carbons at 2 and 3 positions may be doubly bonded. R₃ is hydroxyl, methyl or hydroxymethyl, wherein configuration of the carbon at 9 position is α, β, or mixture thereof. Particularly, those with α-configuration is preferred. R₄ and R₅ are independently represent hydrogen, methyl, hydroxyl or halogen. R₄ and R₅ may be same or different. R₆ is saturated or unsaturated C 1-9 alkyl which may be branched. C 4-9 alkyl is preferred. As C 4-9 alkyl, straight alkyl or that having methyl side chain is particularly preferable. R₆ is saturated or unsaturated C 1-9 alkyl having ether substituent. As alkyl group, C 2-6 alkyl, especially straight alkyl is preferred. Ether substituent includes methoxy and ethoxy. Particularly, those having substituent at the end of their alkyl chains are preferred. Typical examples of the compounds of the present invention will be shown below: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ alkyl ester; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16,16-dimethyl-PGD₂ and alkyl ester thereof; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-19-methyl-PGD₂ and alkyl ester thereof; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16R,S-fluoro-PGD₂ and alkyl ester thereof; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ and alkyl ester thereof; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-18-methoxy-19,20-bisnor-PGD₂ and alkyl ester thereof; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-19-ethoxy-20-nor-PGD₂ and alkyl ester thereof; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxyethyl-PGD₂ and alkyl ester thereof; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-Δ²-PGD₂ and alkyl ester thereof; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-3R,S-methyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ and alkyl ester thereof; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16R,S-methyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ and alkyl ester thereof; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16,16-dimethyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ and alkyl ester thereof; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-19-methyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ and alkyl ester thereof; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16R,S-fluoro-20-methoxy-PGD₂ and alkyl ester thereof; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-PGD₂ and alkyl ester thereof; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-20-methoxy-PGD₂ and alkyl ester thereof; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-β-hydroxy-PGD₂ and alkyl ester thereof; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-β-hydroxy-20-methoxy-PGD₂ and alkyl ester thereof; and the like. In order to synthesize the prostaglandins of the D series of the present invention, for example, as shown in the attached synthetic charts 1 - 8, commercially available corey lactone (1) is used as a starting material, which is subjected to collins oxidization to give aldehyde (2), and the resultant is reacted with dimethyl(2-oxoalkyl)phosphonate to give α,β-unsaturated ketone (3). The resulting α,β-unsaturated ketone (3) is subjected to chemical or catalytic reduction, followed by conversion into ketanol, introduction of α-chain, Jones oxidization and the like to give the objective compound. The prostaglandins of the D series of the present invention may be used as a medicament for animals or human. Usually, they can be generally or locally administered, for example, by oral administration, intravenous injection, subcutaneous injection or the like. The dose level may vary depending on the animals, human, age, weight, conditions, therapeutic effect, route of administration, period for treatment and the like. Solid compositions for oral administration according to the present invention include tablets, powder, glanules and the like. In such solid compositions, one or more active substances may be mixed with at least one inert diluent, for example, lactose, mannitol, glucose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcystalline cellulose, starch, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, magnesium aluminate metasilicate and the like. According to the conventional manner, the composition may contain additives other than inert diluent, for example, lubricant such as magnesium stearate, disintegrants such as fibrous calcium gluconate, stabilizing agents such as etherified cyclodextrin, e.g., α-, β- or γ-cyclo-dextrin, dimethyl-α, dimethyl-β-, trimethyl-β- or hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, branched cyclodextrin such as glucosyl-, maltosyl-cyclodextrin, formyl-cyclodextrin, cyclodextrin containing sulfur, misoprotol, phospholipid and the like. When the above cyclodextrins are used, clathrate compound may be formed to increase stability. Alternatively, liposome is formed using phospholipids to increase stability. Tablets or pills may be optionally coated with gastric or enteric film such as sucrose, gelatin, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose phthalate and the like. Alternatively, they may be coated with more than two layers. Further, they may be formulated as capsules using substances which can be absorbed, such as gelatin. Liquid compositions for oral administration may contain pharmaceutically acceptable emulsion, solution, suspension, syrup, elixir, as well as generally used inert diluent such as purified water, ethanol, vegetable oil, e.g., coconut oil. Such compositions may contain adjuvant such as humectant, suspension, sweetener, flavor, preservatives in addition to inert diluent. Alternatively, such liquid compositions may be enclosed in soft capsules. Other compositions for oral administration include sprays containing one or more active substances, which can be formulated by known methods. Injection for parenteral administration according to the present invention includes sterile, aqueous or non-aqueous solution, suspension, emulsion, or surface active agents. Aqueous solution and suspension include, for example, injectable distilled water and physiological saline. Non-aqueous solution and suspension include, for example, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oil such as olive oil, alcohols such as ethanol, Polysorbate and the like. Such compositions may further contain adjuvants such as preservatives, humectants, emulsifying agent, dispersant and the like. They may be sterilized, for example, by filtration through bacteria-retaining filter, or by compound bactericide or by irradiation. Alternatively, sterile solid composition is prepared, which is dissolved in sterile water or sterile solvent for injection before use. Example 1 (cf. Synthetic chart 1) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ ethyl ester (1), R=Et: (1 - 1) Synthesis of 1S-2-oxa-3-oxo-6R-(3-oxo-1-trans-octenyl)-7R-(4-phenylbenzoyl)oxy-cis-bicyclo (3,3,0)octane (3): (-)-Corey lactone (1) (2.000 g) dissolved in dichloromethane (20 ml) was oxidized using collins reagent to give aldehyde (2). Sodium hydride (50%, 0.264 g) was suspended in dry THF (45 ml), and after adding a solution of dimethyl (2-oxo-heptyl)phosphonate (1.475 g) in THF, stirred at room temperature for 90 minutes. A solution of aldehyde (2) in THF (40 ml) was added dropwise to the above solution and let to stand overnight at room temperature. The crude product obtained after the usual work-up was chromatographed (ethyl acetate/hexane (1:3)). Yield, 1.618 g (64%). (1 - 2) Synthesis of 1S-2-oxa-3-oxo-6R-(3,3-ethylenedioxy-1-octyl)-7R-(4-phenylbenzoyl)oxy-cis-bicyclo(3,3,0)octane (5): Saturated ketone (4) obtained after catalytic hydrogenation of enone (3) (1.618 g) with palladium on carbon and hydrogen was converted into the corresponding ketal (5) using ethylene glycol and p-toluenesulfonic acid in benzene. Yield, 0.2010 g (70%). (1 - 3) Synthesis of 1S-2-oxa-3-oxo-6R-(3,3-ethylenedioxy-octyl)-7R-hydroxy-bicyclo(3,3,0)-octane (6): Potassium carbonate (0.116 g) was added to ketal (5) (0.2010 g) in absolute methanol, and stirred at room temperature. After the reaction was completed, acetic acid was added. The crude product obtained after the usual work-up was chromatographed (ethyl acetate/hexane (1:1)) to give alcohol (6). Yield, 0.090 g (73%). (1 - 4) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15,15-ethylenedioxy-PGF₂α(8): Alcohol (6) (0.090 g) was reduced in toluene with diisobutylalumiumhydride (DIBAL-H 1.5-M) to give lactol (7). According to the conventional method, a solution of lactol (7) in DMSO was added to ylide obtained from (4-carboxy-butyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (0.5406 g) in DMSO to give 13,14-dihydro-15,15-ethylenedioxy-PGF₂α(8). Yield, 0.0644 g (53%). (1 - 5) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15,15-ethylenedioxy-PGF₂αethyl ester (9), R=Et: Carboxylic acid (8) (0.0644 g) was esterified with diazobicycloundecene (DBU) (0.024 ml) and ethyl iodide in acetonitrile (10 ml) at 60°C to yield ethyl ester (9). Yield, 0.0594 g (86%). (1 - 6) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PFG₂αethyl ester (10), R=Et: Ethyl ester (9) was dissolved in a mixed solvent (acetic acid/water/THF (3:1:1) (6 ml) and kept at room temperature. The cruded product obtained after the usual work-up was chromatographed (ethyl acetate/hexane (1:1)) to give 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF₂α ethyl ester (10). Yield, 0.0457 g (86%). (1 - 7) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ ethyl ester (11), R=Et: Ethyl ester (10) (0.0457 g) was oxidized with Jones reagent in acetone (10 ml). After the usual work-up, the resulting crude product was chromatographed (ethyl acetate/hexane (1:3)). Yield, 0.0260 g (57%)). Nmr spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ ethyl ester (11) is shown in Figure 1. Example 2 (cf. Synthetic chart 1) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ (11), R=H: Carboxylic acid (8) was deketalized according to the usual method to give 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF₂α (10). The resultant (10) was oxidized with Jones reagent to give 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ (11), R=H. Example 3 (cf. Synthetic chart 1) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ methyl ester (11), R=Me: 13,14-Dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ (11), R=H, was converted into methyl ester using diazo-methane. After chromatography (ethyl acetate/hexane(1:3)), 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ methyl ester (11), R=Me, was obtained. Yield, 0.0610 g (50%). Carboxylic acid (8) was converted into methyl ester (9), R-Me, with DBU and methyl iodide in acetonitrile, then into 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ methyl ester (11), R=Me. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ methyl ester (11), R=Me, is shown in Figure 2. Example 4 (cf. Synthetic chart 1) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ n-butyl ester (11), R=n-Bu: In the manner analogous to that described in Example 1, except that carboxylic acid (8) obtained from (-)-Corey lactone (1) was converted into n-butyl ester (9), R=n-Bu, with n-butyl bromide and DBU in acetonitrile, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ n-butyl ester (11), R=n-Bu, was obtained. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ n-butyl ester (11), R=n-Bu, is shown in Figure 3. Example 5 (cf. Synthetic chart 2) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (20), R=Me: In the same manner as in Example 1, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (20) was synthesized using (-)-Corey lactone (1) and dimethyl (7-methoxy-2-oxoheptyl)phosphonate prepared by the conventional method. To produce methyl ester of carboxylic acid (17), diazomethane or methyl iodide and DBU can be use. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (20), R=Me, is shown in Figure 4. Example 6 (cf. Synthetic chart 3) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ (31): (6 - 1) Synthesis of 1S-2-oxa-3-oxo-6R-(3R,S-hydroxy-8-methoxy-1-octyl)-7R-(p-phenylbenzoyl)oxy-cis-bicyclo(3,3,0)octane (21): 1S-2-Oxa-3-oxo-6R-(8-methyoxy-3-oxo-octyl)-7R-(p-phenylbenzoyl)oxy-cis-bicyclo(3,3,0)-octane (13) (1.584 g) was reduced with NaBH₄ in a mixed solvent (methanol/THF (3:2)) (50 ml), then chromatographed (ethyl acetate/hexane (2:1)) to give alcohol (21). Yield, 0.7070 g. (6 - 2) Synthesis of 1S-2-oxa-3-oxo-6R-(3R,S-hydroxy-8-methoxy-1-octyl)-7R-hydroxy-cis-bicyclo(3,3,0)octane (22): 1S-2-Oxa-3-oxo-6R-(3R,S-hydroxy-8-methoxy-1-octyl)-7R-(p-phenylbenzoyl)oxy-cis-bicyclo-(3,3,0)octane (21) (0.7070 g) was dissolved in a mixed solvent of methanol/THF (3:2) (50 ml), potassium carbonate (0.2034 g) was added thereto and stirred for 4 hours. According to the conventional treatment, diol (22) was obtained. Yield, 0.3925 g. (6 - 3) Synthesis of 1S-2-oxa-3-oxo-6R-(3R,S-t-butyldimethylsilyloxy-8-methoxy-1-octyl)-7R-t-butyldimethylsilyloxy-cis-bicyclo(3,3,0)octane (23): Diol (22) (0.3925 g) was converted into the corresponding silyl ether (23) using t-butyldimethylsilylchloride (0.5928 g) and dimethylaminopyridine (0.640 g) in dichloromethane. Yield, 0.3642 g. (6 - 4) Sythesis of 13,14-dihydro-11,15R,S-di(t-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-20-methoxy-PGF₂ α methyl ester (26): Silyl ether (23) (0.3642 g) was reduced with DIBAL-H (1.5-M, 1.4 ml) in toluene (20 ml), and acccording to the conventional treatment, lactol (24) was obtained. Separately, ylide was prepared from (4-carboxybutyl) triphenylphosphonium bromide (1.223 g) and potassium butoxide (0.6194 g) in THF (180 ml), to which was added the above lactol. After the reaction was completed, carboxylic acid (25) was obtained by the conventional treatment. The resultant was treated with diazomethane to give methyl ester (26). Yield, 0.176 g. (6 - 5) Conversion of the compound (26) into tetrahydro pyranyl ether: The above methyl ester (26) (0.176 g) was converted into tetrahydropyranyl ether (27) with p-toluenesulfonic acid (catalytic amount) and dihydropyran in dichloromethane (10 ml). Yield, 0.222 g. (6 - 6) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15R,S-hydroxy-20-methoxy-9-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGF₂α(29): Methyl ester (27) (0.2220 g) was dissolved in THF (10 ml), to which was aded tetrabutylammonium fluoride (1-M, 1.91 ml), and allowed to stand at room temperature. According to the conventional treatment, diol (28) was obtained. Yield, 0.816 g. The diol (28) (0.816 g) was dissolved in methanol (10 ml), to which was added 20% sodium hydroxide (5 ml) and held at room temperature for 2 hours. According to the conventional treatment, ccarboxylic acid (29) was obtained. (6 - 7) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ (31): Carboxylic acid (29) was oxidized with Jones reagent in actone (10 ml) at -37°C (2.6-M, 0.15 ml). 13,14-Dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-9-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGD₂ (30) was obtained according to the conventional treatment. The resulting compound (30) was dissolved in a mixed solvent (acetic acid/water/THF (4:2:1)) (7 ml) and held at 40 - 43°C for 3 hours. After the conventional treatment, the compound was chromatographed (ethyl acetate/hexane (4:1)) to give 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ (31). Yield, 0.059 g. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ (31) is shown in Figure 5. Example 7 (cf. Synthetic chart 2) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-3R,S-methyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (32): In the same manner as in Example 5, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-3R,S-methyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (32) was synthesized using (-)-Corey lactone (1) and dimethyl(7-methoxy-2-oxo-heptyl)phosphonate prepared by the known method. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-3R,S-methyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (32) is shown in Figure 6. Example 8 (cf. Synthetic chart 2) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxyethyl-PGD₂ methyl ester (33): In the same manner as in Example 5, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxyethyl-PGD₂ methyl ester (33) was synthesized using (-)-Corey lactone (1) and dimethyl(7-methoxy-2-oxononyl)phosphonate prepared by the known method. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxyethyl-PGD₂ methyl ester (33) is shown in Figure 7. Example 9 (cf. Synthetic charts 2 and 4) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-Δ²-PGD₂ methyl ester (38): (9 - 1) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15,15-ethylenedioxy-20-methoxy-9,11-di(t-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-PGF₂α methyl ester (34): 13,14-Dihydro-15,15-ethylenedioxy-20-methoxy-PGF₂α methyl ester (18) (0.5472 g) was converted into 13,14-dihydro-15,15-ethylenedioxy-20-methoxy-9,11-di(t-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-PGF₂α methyl ester (34) using t-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (0.9428 g) and imidazole (0.8519 g) in DMF (10 ml). Yield, 0.8015 g. (9 - 2) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15,15-ethylenedioxy-20-methoxy-9,11-di(t-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-Δ²-PGF₂α methyl ester (36): Lithium cyclohexylisopropylamide was prepared from cyclohexylisopropylamine (0.07 ml) and n-butyllithium (1.6-M, 0.265 ml) in THF (1 ml). To the resultant was added dropwise a solution of methyl ester (34) (0.1412 g) in THF (4 ml) and stirred for 2 hours. A solution of diphenyl diselenide (0.132 g) and HMPA (0.074 ml) in THF (2 ml) was added, and the mixture was stirred at -70°C for one hour and -40°C - -30°C for 1.5 hours. According to the conventional treatment, selenide (35) (0.1247 g) was obtained. Selenide (35) (0.1247 g) was dissolved in ethyl acetate (6 ml) and methanol (4 ml), and stirred at room temperature with aqueous hydrogen peroxide (30%) (0.5 ml) for one hour. The crude product obtained by the conventional treatment was chromatographed (ethyl acetate/hexane (1:6)) to give Δ²-PGE₂α-methyl ester (36). Yield, 0.091 g. (9 - 3) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-Δ²-PGF₂α methyl ester (37): Δ²-PGF₂ α methyl ester (36) (0.5458 g) was dissolved in a mixed solvent (acetic acid/water/THF (10:3.3:1)) (20 ml) and the resulting solution was held at 55°C for 3.5 hours. By the conventional treatment, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-Δ²-PGF₂α methyl ester (37) was obtained. Yield, 0.2935 g. (9 - 4) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-Δ²-PGD₂ methyl ester (38): 13,14-Dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-Δ²-PGF₂ α methyl ester (37) (0.3277 g) was oxidized with Jones reagent in acetone (20 ml) at -40°C (2.67-M, 0.25 ml). After the conventional treatment, the resulting crude product was chromatographed (ethyl acetate/hexane (6:4)) to give 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-Δ²-PGD₂ methyl ester (38). Yield, 0.204 g. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-Δ²-PGD₂ methyl ester (38) is shown in Figure 8. Example 10 Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-18-methoxy-19,20-bisnor-PGD₂ methyl ester (39): 13,14-Dihydro-15-keto-18-methoxy-19,20-bisnor-PGD₂ methyl ester (39) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 5 using (-)-Corey lactone (1) and dimethyl(5-methoxy-2-oxopentyl)phosphonate. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-18-methoxy-19,20-bisnor-PGD₂ methyl ester (39) is shown in Figure 9. Example 11 (cf. Synthetic chart 2) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ ethyl ester (20), R=Et: In the same manner as in Example 5, except that 13,14-dihydro-15,15-ethylenedioxy-20-methoxy-PGF₂α(17) was converted into ethyl ester (18) with ethyl iodide and DBU in acetonitrile, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ ethyl ester (20) was prepared. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ ethyl ester (20), R=Et, is shown in Figure 10. Example 12 (Cf. Synthetic chart 2) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ n-butyl ester (20), R=n-Bu: In the same manner as in Example 5, except that 13,14-dihydro-15,15-ethylenedioxy-20-methoxy-PGF₂α(17) was converted into n-butyl ester (18) with n-butyl iodide and DBU in acetonitrile, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ n-butyl ester (20), R=n-Bu, was prepared. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ n-butyl ester (20), R=n-Bu, is shown in Figure 11. Example 13 Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16R,S-methyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (40): 13,14-Dihydro-15-keto-16R,S-methyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (40) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 5 using (-)-Corey lactone (1) and dimethyl(3-methyl-20-methoxy-2-oxoheptyl)phosphonate obtained by the known method. NMR spectrumm of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16R,S-methyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (40) is shown in Figure 12. Example 14 (cf. Synthetic chart 2) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-19-ethoxy-methyl-20-nor-PGD₂ methyl ester (41): 13,14-Dihydro-15-keto-19-ethoxy-20-nor-PGD₂ methyl ester (41) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 5 using (-)-Corey lactone (1) and dimethyl(6-ethoxy-2-oxohexyl)phosphonate obtained by the known method. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-19-ethoxy-20-nor-PGD₂ methyl ester (41) is shown in Figure 13. Example 15 (Cf. Synthetic chart 2) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-19-ethoxy-20-nor-PGD₂ n-butyl ester (42): 13,14-Dihydro-15-keto-19-ethoxy-20-nor-PGD₂ n-butyl ester (42) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 5 using (-)-Corey lactone (1) and dimethyl(6-ethoxy-2-oxohexyl)phosphonate obtained by the known method. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihyddro-15-keto-19-ethoxy-20-nor-PGD₂ n-butyl ester (42) is shown in Figure 14. Example 16 (Cf. Synthetic chart 5) Synthesis of (±) 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-PGD₂ methyl ester (50): (16 - 1) Synthesis of (±) 13,14-dihydro-5,6-dehydro-11,15R,S-bis(t-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy-PGE₂ methyl ester (44): (±) 1-Iodo-3-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-1-octene (1.852 g) was converted into vinyllithium with t-butyllithium (in pentane, 1.92-M, 5.8 ml) in ether (25 ml) at -78°C. Separately, copper iodide (0.9522 g) was suspended in THF (25 ml), to which was added tri-n-butylphosphine (3.24 ml), and the mixture was homogenized and the temperature was brought to -78°C. The previously prepared vinyllithium solution was added to the resultant and stirred at -78°C for 15 minutes. To the resultant was added dropwise a solution of (±) 4-t-butyldimethylsilyloxy-2-cyclopentenone (43) (1.012 g) in THF (25 ml). After adding HMPA (4.62 ml) dropwise, a solution of triphenylstannane chloride (2.029 g) in THF (10 ml) was added. After stirring at -78°C for 30 minutes, the temperature was allowed to rise to -35°C. A solution of 1-iodo-6-carbomethoxy-2-hexyne (5.321 g) in HMPA (4.62 ml) was added dropwise to the mixture, and the resultant was stirred at -40°C - -30°C for 35 hours, then let to stand at -20°C for 11.5 hours. The crude product obtained after the conventional treatment was chromatographed (ethyl acetate/hexane (1:5)) to give (±) 13,14-dihydro-5,6-dehydro-11,15R,S-bis-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy-PGE₂ methyl ester (44) (1.510 g). (16 - 2) Synthesis of (±) 13,14-dihydro-5,6-dehydro-11,15R,S-bis-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy-PGF₂α methyl ester (45): (±) 13,14-Dihydro-5,6-dehydro-11,15R,S-bis-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy-PGE₂ methyl ester (44) (1.510 g) was reduced with sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) at -12°C in ethanol to give (±) 13,14-dihydro-5,6-dehydro-11,15R,S-bis-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy-PGF₂α methyl ester (45). Yield, 0.9842 g. In this case, 9β-isomer (46) (0.2385 g) was obtained as a by-product. (16 - 3) Synthesis of (±) 13,14-dihydro-5,6-dehydro-11,15R,S-bis-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy-9-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGF₂α methyl ester (47): (±) 13,14-Dihydro-5,6-dehydro-11,15R,S-bis-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy-PGF₂α methyl ester (45) (0.9842 g) was converted into (±) 13,14-dihydro-5,6-dehydro-11,15R,S-bis-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy-9-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGF₂α methyl ester (47) with dihydropyran and p-toluenesulfonic acid in dichloromethane (20 ml). Yield, 0.7580 g. (16 - 4) Synthesis of (±) 13,14-dihydro-5,6-dehydro-11,15R,S-dihydroxy-9-(tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGF₂α methyl ester (48): (±) 13,14-Dihydro-5,6-dehydro-11,15R,S-bis-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy-9-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)-oxy-PGF₂α methyl ester (47) (0.4484 g) was converted to diol (48) using tetrabutylammonium fluoride (1-M, 1.3 ml) in THF (50 ml). Yield, 0.2174 g. (16 - 5) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-9-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (49): Diol (48) (0.2174 g) was oxidized with Jones reagent (2.67 M, 0.05 ml) in acetone (10 ml) to give 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-9-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (49). Yield, 0.103 g. (16 - 6) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-PGD₂ methyl ester (50): 13,14-Dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-9-(2-(tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (49) (0.103 g) was dissolved in a mixed solvent (acetic acid/THF/water (3:1:1)) (50 ml) and held at room temperature overnight. After the conventional treatment, the crude product was chromatographed to give (±) 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-PGD₂ methyl ester (50). Yield, 0.0498 g. NMR spectrum of (±)-13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-PGD₂ methyl ester (50) is shown in Figure 16. Example 17 (Cf. Synthetic Charts 5 and 6) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-PGD₂ n-butyl ester (52): (17 - 1) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-5,6-dehydro-11,15R,S-bis-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy-9-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGF₂α (51): 13,14-Dihydro-5,6-dehydro-11,15R,S-bis-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy-9-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGF₂α methyl ester (47) (0.7580 g) prepared in the same manner as in Example 16 using 4R-t-butyl-dimethylsilyloxy-2-cyclopentenone (43) was converted into carboxylic acid (51) using 20% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide in methanol. Yield, 0.6202 g. (17 - 2) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-5,6-dehydro-11,15R,S-bis-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy-9-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGF₂α n-butyl ester (52): Carboxylic acid (51) (0.1660 g) was converted into n-butyl ester (52) using DBU and n-butyl iodide (0.0916 g) in acetonitrile. Yield, 0.1648 g. The operations of Example 16 were repeated hereafter to give 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-PGD₂ n-butyl ester (52). NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-PGD₂ n-butyl ester (52) is shown in Figure 15. Example 18 (Cf. Synthetic charts 5 and 7) (18 - 1) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-9β-PGD₂ methyl ester (59): 13,14-Dihydro-5,6-dihydro-11,15R,S-bis-t-butyldimethylsilyloxy-PGE₂ (44) obtained in the same manner as in Example 16 using 4R-t-butyl-dimethylsilyloxy-2-cyclopentenone (1) was reduced with NaBH₄ to give 13,14-dihydro-5,6-dehydro-11,15R,S-bis-t-butyldimethylsilyl-PGF₂β methyl ester (46) (0.2490 g), which was converted into tetrahydropyranyl ether (53) by the conventional method using dihydropyran. Yield, 0.2777 g. (18 - 2) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-11,15R,S-dihydro-9β-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGF₂β methyl ester (54): The above tetrahydropyranyl ether (53) (0.2777 g) was converted into 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-11,15R,S-dihydro-9β-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGF₂ β methyl ester (54) with tetrabutylammonium fluoride (1-M, 6.1 ml) in THF solution (2 ml) at room temperature. Yield, 0.1734 g. (18 - 3) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-9β-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (58): The above diol (54) (0.0816 g) was oxidized with Jones reagent (2.67-M, 0.17 ml) in acetone (15 ml) at -30°C to give 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-9β-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (58). Yield, 0.0505 g. (18 - 4) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-9β-PGD₂ methyl ester (59): 13,14-Dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-9β-(2-tetrahydropyranyl) xy-PGD₂ methyl ester (58) (0.0505 g) was dissolved in a mixed solvent (acetic acid/THF/water (3:3:1)) (6 ml) and allowed to stand at room temperature for 20 hours. After the conventional treatment, the resulting crude product was chromatographed (hexane/ethyl acetate (3:1 - 1:1)) to give 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-9β-PGD₂ methyl ester (59). Yield 0.0314 g. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-9β-PGD₂ methyl eser (59) is shown in Figure 17. Example 19 (Cf. Synthetic chart 7) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-9β-PGD₂ (57): (19 - 1) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-5,6-dehydro-15R,S-hydroxy-9β-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGF₂β (55): 20% Aqueous sodium hydroxide was added to 13,14-dihydro-5,6-dehydro-15R,S-hydroxy-9β-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGF₂β methylester (54) (0.0893 g) in methanol (4 ml), and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2.5 hours. After the conventional treatment, carboxylic acid (55) was obtained. Yield, 0.0787 g. (19 - 2) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-9 β-(2-tetrapyranyl)oxy-PGD₂ (56): The above diol (55) (0.0787 g) was oxidized with Jones reagent (2.67-M, 0.17 ml) in acetone (2 ml) at -40°C. After the conventional treatment, the resulting crude product was chromatographed to give 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-9β-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGD₂ (56). Yield, 0.0344 g. (19 - 3) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-9β-PGD₂ (57): The above carboxylic acid (56) (0.0344 g) was dissolved in a mixed solvent (acetic acid/THF/water (3:1:1)) (5 ml), and the solution was stirred at room temperature for 21.5 hours. After the conventional treatment, the resulting crude product was chromatographed to give 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-9β-PGD₂ (57). Yield, 0.0152 g. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-9β-PGD₂ (57) is shown in Figure 18. Example 20 Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16,16-dimethyl-PGD₂ methyl ester (60): In the same manner as in Example 1 using (-)-Corey lactone (1) and dimethyl(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxoheptyl) phosphonate prepared by the known method, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16,16-dimethyl-PGD₂ methyl ester (60) was prepared. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16,16-dimethyl-PGD₂ methyl ester (60) is shown in Figure 19. Example 21 (Cf. Synthetic chart 1) Synthesis of (±) 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ methyl ester (11), R=Me: In the same manner as in Example 1 using (±)-Corey lactone, (±)13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ methyl ester (11), R=Me, was prepared. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ methyl ester (11), R=Me, is shown in Figure 20. Example 22 Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-19-methyl-PGD₂ methyl ester (61): In the same manner as in Example 1 using (-)-Corey lactone (1) and dimethyl(6-methyl-2-oxo-heptyl)phosphonate, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-19-methyl-PGD₂ methyl ester (61) was prepared. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-19-methyl-PGD₂ methyl ester (61) is shown in Figure 21. Example 23 Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16,16-dimethyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (62): In the same manner as in Examples 1 and 22 using (-)-Corey lactone and dimethyl(3,3-dimethyl-7-methoxy-2-oxoheptyl)phosphonate, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16,16-dimethyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (62) was prepared. NMR spectrum of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16,16-dimethyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (62) is shown in Figure 22. Example 24 (Cf. Synthetic chart 8) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16R,S-fluoro-PGD₂ methyl ester (74): (24 - 1) Synthesis of 1S-2-oxa-3-oxo-6R-(4R,S-fluoro-3R,S-hydroxy-1-octyl)-7R-(p-phenylbenzoyl)oxy-cis-bicyclo(3,3,0)octane (64): 1S-2-oxa-3-oxo-6R-(4R,S-fluoro-3R,S-oxo-1-octyl)-7R-(p-phenylbenzoyl)oxy-cis-bicyclo(3,3,0)octane (63) (2.77 g), which was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 using (-)-Corey lactone (1) and dimethyl(3R,S-fluoro-2-oxoheptyl)phosphonate, was reduced with NaBH₄ in methanol (90 ml) at 0°C to give alcohol (64). Yield, 2.91 g. (24 - 2) Synthesis of 1S-2-oxa-3-oxo-6R-(4R,S-fluoro-3R,S-hydroxy-1-octyl)-7R-hydroxy-cis-bicyclo-(3,3,0)octane (65): The above alcohol (64) (2.91 g) was converted into diol (65) using potassium carbonate (0.82 g) in methanol (120 ml). Yield, 1.61 g. (24 - 3) Synthesis of 3R-2-oxa-3-oxo-6R-(4R,S-fluoro-3R,S-t-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1-octyl)-7R-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy-cis-bicyclo(3,3,0)-octane (66): The above diol (65) (1.61 g) was converted into bis-silylether (66) using t-butyl-dimethylchlorosilane and imidazole in DMF (3 ml). Yield, 2.47 g. (24 - 4) Synthesis of 16R,S-fluoro-13,14-dihydro-11,15R,S-bis(t-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-PGF₂α (68): Bis-silyl ether (66) (2.47 g) was reduced with DIBAL-H according to the conventional method to give lactol (67). Ylide obtained from (4-carboxybutyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (6.33 g), sodium hydride (60%, 1.20 g) in DMSO (160 ml), was stirred with lactol (67) in DMSO (60 ml) at room temperature for 15 hours. After the conventional treatment, 0.887 g of 11,15R,S-bis-t-butyldimethylsilyloxy-PGF₂α(68) and 0.996 g of 9,15-bis-t-butyldimethylsilyloxy-PGF₂α(69) were obtained. (24 - 5) Synthesis of 16R,S-fluoro-13,14-dihydro-11,15R,S-bis-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy-PGF₂αmethyl ester (70): To 11,15R,S-bis-t-butyldimethylsilyloxy-PGF₂α (68) (0.887 g) were added DBU (0.46 ml) and methane iodide (0.47 ml) in acetonitrile (25 ml), and the mixture was held at 40°C for 3.5 hours. According to the conventional treatment, methyl ester (70) was obtained. Yield, 0.738 g. (24 - 6) Synthesis of tetrahydropyranyl ether (71): The above methyl ester (70) was converted into tetrahydropyranyl ether (71) using dihydropyran and p-toluenesulfonic acid. (24 - 7) Synthesis of 16R,S-fluoro-13,14-dihydro-15R,S-hydroxy-9-(2-tetrapyranyl)oxy-PGF₂α methyl ester (72): The above pyranyl ether (71) was dissolved in THF (20 ml), to which was added a solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride in THF (1.0-M, 18 ml). The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The crude product obtained by the conventional treatment was chromatographed (hexane/ethyl acetate (2:1 - 1:1)) to give 16R,S-fluoro-13,14-dihydro-15R,S-hydroxy-9-(2-tetrapyranyl)oxy-PGF₂α methyl ester (72). Yield, 0.487 g. (24 - 8) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16R,S-fluoro-9-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)oxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (73): The above diol (72) (0.487 g) was oxidized with Jones reagent (2.67-M, 1.19 ml) in acetone (45 ml) at -20°C. After the conventional treatment, the resulting crude product was chromatographed (hexane/ethyl acetate (5:1)) to give 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16R,S-fluoro-9-(2-tetrapyranyl)oxy-PGD₂ methyl ester (73). Yield, 0.373 g. (24 - 9) Synthesis of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16R,S-fluoro-PGD₂ methyl ester (74): The above tetrahydropyranyl ether (73) (0.373 g) was dissolved in a mixed solvent (acetic acid/THF/water (3:1:1)) (25 ml) and held at 45°C for 7 hours. After the conventional treatment, the resulting crude product was chromatographed (hexane/ethyl acetate (4:1)) to give 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16R,S-fluoro-PGD₂ methyl ester (74). Yield, 0.221 g. The NMR data of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16R,S-fluoro-PGD₂ methyl ester (74) is as follows: δ: 0.91(3H,t, J=6Hz), 1.1-2.93(23H,m), 2.64 (3H,s), 4.3-4.5(1.5H,m), 4.98(0.5H,dd, J=6Hz), 5.50(2H,m). Experiment 1 Sleep-inducing action by the administration of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGDs into cerebral third ventricle: As test samples PGD₂ was purchased from Funakoshi Yakuhin K.K. and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ was obtained from the above Examples. Male rats of SD strain (weight: 350 - 400 g) were used as test animals. The electroencephalogram was bipolarly recorded with screw electrodes fixed to the frontal part of the skull chronically. The electrodes for recording electromyogram were inserted into musculus tibialis posterior and fixed. A cannula (diameter: 0.35 mm) of stainless steel was inserted into the cerebral third ventricle for administration of the test samples. The experiments were made after elapse of at least one week of convalescence of rats after operation under the condition that the rats could freely move in cages of 25 cm (D) x 25 cm (W) x 45 cm (H). Each test sample was dissolved in sterilized phisiological saline. The obtained each solution was injected into the cerebral third ventricle of the test animals separately at a rate of 20 µl/hour during 10 hours from 20:00 - 6:00 o'clock. As a control group, rats were administered physiological saline one day before the administration of the test samples. The amount of sleep of rats was determined from the electroencephalogram and electromyogram recorded on the polygraph over 24 hours. Slow wave sleeping amount was determined using the slow wave with high amplitude as an indicator. The result from the administration of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ is shown in Fig. 23, in which (a) shows the results from 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ and (b) shows the results from the administration of the physiological saline. Fig. 23 indicates that the amount of the sleep increased by the administration of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ into cerebral ventricles. The results are also shown in Table 1. Experiment 2 Sleep-inducing action caused through peripheral administration (oral, intravenous and subcutaneous administration) of 13, 14-dihydro-15-keto-PGDs: As test samples 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGDs obtained in above Examples and PGD₂ (available from Funakoshi Yakuhin K.K.) as control reference were used. Five weeks aged, male mice of the Slc-ddy strain were employed as test animals. The electroencephalogram was bipolarly recorded with electrodes fixed to the frontal part of the skull. Electromyogram was recorded with electrodes fixed in the musculus tibialis posterior. Mice were used after elapse of at least one week of convalencence. Each test animal was placed on a triangular platform (10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm) being set 30 cm high from the floor, with their levels of wakefulness being maintained in the excited state. Oral administration was conducted by dissolving test sample in physiological saline containing 0.5 % of carboxymethylcellulose in the ratio of 10 ml/kg. Intravenous administration was carried out by giving a solution of a test sample in physiological saline through a tail vain. Each group of test animals employed consisted of three to five mice. A test sample was administered to mice 20 minutes after having been placed on the platform, and the polygraphic recordings of electroencephalograms and electromyograms were carried out over the 80 minutes period thereafter. On the bases of the recordings obtained, the levels of wakefulness and/or sleep are classified into the following four categories. Thus, (i) the aroused wave stage (AW) where the electroencephalogram exhibits low amplitude and high frequency waves mostly ranging from 7 to 8 HZ, while the clear-appearance of electromyogram is revealed; (ii) the slow wave light sleep stage (SWLS) where the electroencephalogram is observed to produce a change toward higher-amplitude slower waves (not greater than 4 HZ), but for the duration of not longer than 30 seconds; (iii) the slow wave deep sleep stage (SWDS) where the electroencephalogram causes a change toward higher-amplitude slower waves with its duration being greater than 30 seconds; and (iv) the paradoxical sleep stage (PS) where the electroencephalogram constituts low-amplitude fast wave, with the entirely disappeared electromyographic signal. In Figs. 24 to 27, the arrow mark denotes a point of time when test sample was given. Fig. 24 shows the result of sleep-elapse change when the physiological saline was intravenously administered, and Fig. 25 shows the result when the methyl ester of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ (5 mg/kg) was intravenously administered. As apparent from Fig. 24 the administration of physiological saline did not cause SWDS, whereas the methyl ester of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ (5mg/kg administration) induced sleep with SWDS. Similar thereto 5 mg/kg administration of ethyl ester of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ and n-butyl ester of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ induced sleep with SWDS respectively. Fig. 26 shows the result of sleep-elapse change when a physiological saline containing 0.5 % of carboxymethylcellulose was orally administered, and Fig. 27 shows the result when 5 mg/kg of methyl ester of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ was orally administered. As apparent from the both figures the former did induce SWDS whereas the latter induce sleep with SWDS. Similar to the above the oral administration of methyl ester of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-3R,S-methyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ and methyl ester of 13,14-dihydro-18-methoxy-18,19-dinor-PGD₂ (5 mg/kg) induced sleep with SWDS. The oral administration of ethyl ester of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ induced sleep with SWDS in 10 mg/kg. Other test samples, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGDs, showed sleep inducing action with SWDS through oral administration at 10 mg/kg. The results of the above experiment as to the sleep inducing action are shown in Table 1, wherein " + " exhibits the presence of sleep inducing action with SWDS and " - " exhibits the absence of sleep inducing action with SWDS. Experiment 3 Sedation by 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGDs through administration of cisterna magma: As test samples there were used 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂, methyl ester of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂, ethyl ester of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂, and n-butyl ester of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ as embodiments of the present invention, and PGD₂ (available from Funakoshi Yakuhin K.K.) and physiological saline as comparative experiments. Each test sample (1 mg) was dissolved in ethyl alcohol (1 ml) to prepare each solution, a given amount of which was taken into test tubes respectively. The solution was dried under nitrogen stream, to which sterile physiological saline was added and then subjected to ultrasonic wave to form micells. Ten µl of each solution of the test sample was administered into cisterna magma, and as a comparative experiment 10 µl of physiological saline was administered. As test animals 4 to 6 male mice of ddY strain (weight: 32 - 34 g) were employed. The amount of movement of test mice was determined by Automex II (available from Colombus Instruments Co.). The amount was expressed by "counts". The less counts indicates the higher action of sedative activity. 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂, methyl ester of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂, ethyl ester of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂, and n-butyl ester of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ exhibited sedation at 0.2 mg/kg and PGD₂ did at 0.02 mg/kg. The results are shown in Table 1. Experiment 4 Sedative activity caused through peripheral administration (oral, intravenous and subcutaneous administration) of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGDs: As test and control reference samples, there were used the same compounds as in Experiment 2. Each group of test animals used consisted of 6 to 14 five-week aged, male mice of the Slc-ddY strain. In order to measure the amounts of activities of mice, MK-Animex (Animex Activity Meter, Model KSE: available from Muromachi Kikai K.K.) was employed to take measurements of the amounts of activities as a count, whereby the decrease in the amounts of activities indicated the presence of sedative activity. The above-described test samples were given to mice and evaluated for the development of sedative activity, with the evaluation results shown in Table 1. PGD₂ exhibited sedative activity by the intravenous administration of 1 mg/kg, but 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ did not exhibited the same activity even by the administration of 5 mg/kg. Methyl ester, ethyl ester and n-butyl ester of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ exhibited the sedative activity by the intravenous administration of 5 mg/kg respectively. Methyl ester of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ exhibited sedative activity by oral administration of 5 mg/kg as well as intravenous administration of 1 mg/kg. Methyl ester of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-3R,S-methyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ exhibited sedative activity by the oral administration of 5 mg/kg. The other test sample exhibited sedative activity by the intravenous administration of 10 mg/kg. Samples: 1: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ 2: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ methyl ester 3: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ ethyl ester 4: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD₂ n-butyl ester 5: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ methyl ester 6: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-3R,S-methyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ methyl ester 7: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-18-methoxy-19,20-bisnor-PGD₂ methyl ester 8: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ ethyl ester 9: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ n-butyl ester 10: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-PGD₂ 11: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxy-Δ²-PGD₂ methyl ester 12: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16R,S-methyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ methyl ester 13: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-20-methoxyethyl-PGD₂ methyl ester 14: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-19-ethoxy-20-nor-PGD₂ methyl ester 15: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-19-ethoxy-20-nor-PGD₂ n-butyl ester 16: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16,16-dimethyl-20-methoxy-PGD₂ methyl ester 17: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-19-methyl-PGD₂ methyl ester 18: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16R,S-fluoro-PGD₂ methyl ester 19: 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-5,6-dehydro-9R-PGD₂ methyl ester Ref.Ex. 20: PGD₂ (manufactured by Funakoshi Yakuhin K.K.) 21: Physiological saline *1: intraventricular administration *2: intrapostcisternal administration *3: oral administration *4: intravenous injection *5: subcutaneous injection

Claims: Claims for the following Contracting States : AT, BE, CH, DE, FR, GB, IT, LI, LU, NL, SE Prostaglandins D represented by general formula: wherein (X) is R₁ is hydrogen, physiologically acceptable salt thereof, physiologically acceptable protective group or C₁₋₄ alkyl; R₂ is hydrogen or methyl; R₃ is hydroxyl, methyl or hydroxymethyl; R₄ and R₅ may be same or different to represent hydrogen, methyl, hydroxyl or halogen; R₆ is C₁₋₉ alkyl which may be branched or contain double bond or C₁₋₉ alkyl containing ether substituent wherein carbon at 2 - 3 position may have double bond, except when R₁, R₂, R₄ and R₅ are hydrogen, R₃ is hydroxyl, R₆ is n-butyl, carbons at 2 - 3 positions have single bond, and (X) is A, C, or D. Prostaglandins D of claim 1, in which R₆ is C₄ - C₉ alkyl group. Prostaglandins D of claim 1, in which R₆ is C₂ - C₆ alkyl group having methoxy or ethoxy substituent. Prostaglandins D of claim 1, in which R₁ is C₁ - C₄ alkyl group. Prostagrandins D of claim 1, in which R₄ and/or R₅ is methyl or fluorine atom. Tranquilizers or soporifics which are characterized by containing prostaglandins D represented by general formula: wherein (X) is R₁ is hydrogen, physiologically acceptable salt thereof, phigiologically acceptable protective group or C 1-4 alkyl; R₂ is hydrogen or methyl; R₃ is hydroxyl, methyl or hydroxymethyl; R₄ and R₅ are same or different to represent hydrogen, methyl, hydroxyl or halogen; R₆ is branched or doubly bonded C 1-9 alkyl or C 1-9 alkyl containing ether group, wherein carbons at 2 and 3 positions may have double bond. as an active ingredient. Tranquilizers or soporifics of claim 6, in which R₆ is C₂ - C₆ alkyl group having methoxy or ethoxy substituent. Tranquilizer or soporifics of claim 6, in which R₆ is C₂ - C₆ alkyl group having methoxy or ethoxy substituent. Tranquilizer or soporifics of claim 6, in which R₁ is C₁ - C₄ alkyl group. Tranquilizer or soporifics of claim 6, in which R₄ and/or R₅ is methyl or fluorine atom. Claims for the following Contracting States : ES, GR A method of producing a tranquilizer or soporific comprising admixing a Prostaglandin D represented by general formula: wherein (X) is R₁ is hydrogen, physiologically acceptable salt thereof, physiologically acceptable protective group or C₁₋₄ alkyl; R₂ is hydrogen or methyl; R₃ is hydroxyl, methyl or hydroxymethyl; R₄ and R₅ may be same or different to represent hydrogen, methyl, hydroxyl or halogen; R₆ is C₁₋₉ alkyl which may be branched or contain double bond or C₁₋₉ alkyl containing ether substituent wherein carbon at 2 - 3 position may have double bond, except when R₁, R₂, R₄ and R₅ are hydrogen, R₃ is hydroxyl, R₆ is n-butyl, carbons at 2 - 3 positions have single bond, and (X) is A, C, or D, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which R₆ is C₄ - C₉ alkyl group. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which R₆ is C₂ - C₆ alkyl group having methoxy or ethoxy substituent. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which R₁ is C₁ - C₄ alkyl group. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which R₄ and/or R₅ is methyl or fluorine atom.

Inventors: KATO, ICHIE, ODA, TOMIO, UENO, RYUJI, UENO, RYUZO
Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA UENO SEIYAKU OYO KENKYUJO
Application year: 1988
Main classification: C07C405
IPC codes: A61K31, C07C405