Patent Publication Number: US-2003236284-A1

Title: Use of hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid compounds to treat vaginal dryness

Description:
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application, U.S. Serial No. 60/389,116, filed Jun. 14, 2002. 
    
    
     
       [0002] The present invention is directed to the use of hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid compounds to treat vaginal dryness.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003] 15-HETE is a mucin secretagogue. Its effect on the secretion of mucosal glycoproteins in the rat lung and in the human lung have been reported. See Yanni, et al., International Archives of Allergy and Applied Immunology, 90:307-309 (1989) and Marom, et al., Journal of Clinical Investigation, 72:122-127 (1983). Compositions containing hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (“HETE”) analogs have been disclosed as useful for treating dry eye. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,696,166; 6,255,343; 6,320,062; 6,326,499; 6,331,644; 6,331,566; 6,342,525; 6,348,596; 6,353,012; 6,353,022 and 6,353,032.  
       [0004] Vaginal dryness is a common problem that affects postmenopausal women, though it can affect women of other ages as well. The factors associated with this condition can include, but are not limited to, use of oral contraceptives, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, systemic autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and Sjorgen&#39;s syndrome. U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,529 discloses the use of certain uridine, adenine and cytidine diphosphates and analogs thereof to treat vaginal dryness. U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,819 discloses the use of (deaminohydroxy)toremifene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, or a metabolite thereof, to treat vaginal dryness. U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,500, discloses a tissue moisturizing composition and method suitable for treating vaginal dryness, where the composition comprises a bioadhesive polymer as a moisturizing agent.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005] The present invention is directed to methods of using certain HETE compounds to treat vaginal dryness. According to the invention, such HETE compounds are administered in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. For example, such HETE compounds could be formulated in topically administrable compositions including, but not limited to irrigation solutions, rinses, gels, jellies, ointments and creams, or systemically administrable compositions including, but not limited to, orally administrable tablets, lozenges, capsules and syrups.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006] As used herein, “HETE compound” or “HETE compounds” means a compound of formulas I-Xl.  
       [0007] I-III:  
                 
 
       [0008] wherein:  
       [0009] X is O − M + , OR or NHR′;  
       [0010] M +  is Na + , K + , Li + , Cs + , and (A) 4 N + ; and A is independently H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, alkyl(cycloalkyl), aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, or (A) 4 N +  forms a heteroaryl, heterocycloalkenyl or heterocycloalkyl ring;  
       [0011] R is H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, wherein the substitution is made with a moiety selected from the group consisting of: alkyl, halogen, hydroxy and functionally modified hydroxy;  
       [0012] R′ is H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, wherein the substitution is made with a moiety selected from the group consisting of: alkyl, halogen, hydroxy and functionally modified hydroxy; and  
       [0013] Y is  
                 
 
       [0014] wherein R″ is H or C(O)R;  
                 
 
       [0015] wherein:  
       [0016] R 1  is CO 2 R, CONR 2 R 3 , CH 2 OR 4 , CH 2 NR 5 R 6 , CH 2 N 3 , CH 2 -Hal, CH 2 NO 2 , CH 2 SR 20 , COSR 21 , or 2,3,4,5-tetrazol-1-yl, wherein:  
       [0017] R is H or CO 2 R forms a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester;  
       [0018] NR 2 R 3  and NR 5 R 6  are the same or different and comprise a free or functionally modified amino group, e.g., R 2 , R 3 , R 5  and R 6  are the same or different and are H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, OH, or alkoxy, with the proviso that at most only one of R 2 and R 3  are OH or alkoxy and at most only one of R 5  and R 6  are OH or alkoxy;  
       [0019] OR 4  comprises a free or functionally modified hydroxy group, e.g., R 4  is H, acyl; alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, or aryl;  
       [0020] Hal is F, Cl, Br or I;  
       [0021] SR 20  comprises a free or functionally modified thiol group;  
       [0022] R 21  is H, or COSR 21  forms a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable thioester;  
       [0023] K is C 2 -C 8  alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl, or a C 3 -C 8  allenyl group;  
       [0024] A and X are the same or different and are a direct bond, CH 2 , NR 7 , O, or S, with the proviso that at least one of A and X is NR 7 , O, or S;  
       [0025] B is H, or BB together comprises a double bonded O, S, or NR 8 , with the proviso that BB comprises a double bonded O, S, or NR 8  when A and X are the same or different and are NR 7 , O, or S; wherein:  
       [0026] NR 7  and NR 8  are the same or different and comprise a functionally modified amino group, e.g., R 7  and R 8  are the same or different and are H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, acyl, OH, or alkoxy;  
       [0027] p is 0 or 1;  
       [0028] D-E, G-H are the same or different and are CH 2 CH 2 , CH═CH, or C≡C; and  
       [0029] Y is C(O) (i.e. a carbonyl group) or Y is  
                 
 
       [0030] wherein R 9 O constitutes a free or functionally modified hydroxy group;  
                 
 
       [0031] wherein:  
       [0032] R 1  is CO 2 R, CONR 2 R 3 , CH 2 OR 4 , CH 2 NR 5 R 6 , CH 2 N 3 , CH 2 Hal, CH 2 NO 2 , CH 2 SR 20 , COSR 21 , or 2,3,4,5-tetrazol-1-yl, where:  
       [0033] R is H or a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, or CO 2 R forms a pharmaceutically acceptable ester moiety;  
       [0034] NR 2 R 3 , NR 5 R 6  are the same or different and comprise a free or functionally modified amino group;  
       [0035] OR 4  comprises a free or functionally modified hydroxy group;  
       [0036] Hal is F, Cl, Br, or I;  
       [0037] R 20  is H, alkyl, acyl;  
       [0038] R 21  is H or a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, or COSR 21  forms a pharmaceutically acceptable thioester moiety;  
       [0039] A is L 1 -A 1 -L 2 , L 1 -A 2 -L 2 , L 3 -A 2 -L 4 , or L 5 -A 2 -L 3 ;  
       [0040] A 1  is CH 2 CH 2 ;  
       [0041] A 2  is  
                 
 
       [0042] L 1  is CH 2 -B-D;  
       [0043] B and D are the same or different and are CH 2 CH 2 , CH═CH, or C≡C;  
       [0044] L 2  is CH 2 —K—CH 2 CH 2 ;  
       [0045] K is CH 2 CH 2 , CH═CH, or C≡C;  
       [0046] L 3  is CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 , CH 2 CH═CH, CH 2 C≡C, CH═CHCH 2 , C≡CCH 2 , or CH═C═CH;  
       [0047] L 4  is X-CH 2 CH 2 ;  
       [0048] X is CH 2 CH 2 CH═CH, CH 2 CH 2 C≡C, CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 , CH 2 CH═CHCH 2 , CH 2 C≡CCH 2 , CH═CHCH 2 CH 2 , C≡CCH 2 CH 2 , CH 2 CH═C═CH, or CH═C═CHCH 2 ;  
       [0049] L 5  is CH 2 CH 2 -B-D; and  
       [0050] Y is C(O) (i.e. a carbonyl group) or Y is  
                 
 
       [0051] wherein R 9 O constitutes a free or functionally modified hydroxy group;  
                 
 
       [0052] wherein:  
       [0053] R 1  is CO 2 R, CONR 2 R 3 , CH 2 OR 4 , CH 2 NR 5 R 6 , CH 2 N 3 , CH 2 Hal, CH 2 NO 2 , CH 2 SR 20 , COSR 21  or 2,3,4,5-tetrazol-1-yl, wherein:  
       [0054] R is H or CO 2 R forms a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester;  
       [0055] NR 2 R 3  and NR 5 R 6  are the same or different and comprise a free or functionally modified amino group, e.g., R 2 , R 3 , R 5  and R 6  are the same or different and are H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, OH or alkoxy, with the proviso that at most only one of R 2 and R 3  are OH or alkoxy and at most only one of R 5  and R 6  are OH or alkoxy;  
       [0056] OR 4  comprises a free or functionally modified hydroxy group, e.g., R 4  is H, acyl; alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl or aryl;  
       [0057] Hal is F, Cl, Br or I;  
       [0058] SR 20  comprises a free or functionally modified thiol group;  
       [0059] R 21  is H or COSR 21  forms a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable thioester;  
       [0060] X is C 2 -C 5  alkyl, alkynyl, or alkenyl or a C 3 -C 5  allenyl group;  
       [0061] Y is H, free or functionally modified hydroxy group, halo, trihalomethyl, free or functionally modified amino group, free or functionally modified thiol group, C(O)R 7 , or alkyl;  
       [0062] R 7  is H, OH, alkyl, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino or alkoxyamino;  
       [0063] A is a direct bond or C 1-3  alkyl;  
       [0064] B is CH 2 CH 2 , cis- or trans-CH═CH, or C≡C; and  
       [0065] one of D and D 1  is H and the other is a free or functionally modified OH group, or DD 1  together comprises a double bonded oxygen;  
                 
 
       [0066] wherein:  
       [0067] R 1  is CO 2 R, CONR 2 R 3 , CH 2 OR 4 , CH 2 NR 5 R 6 , CH 2 N 3 , CH 2 Hal, CH 2 NO 2 , CH 2 SR 20 , COSR 21  or 2,3,4,5-tetrazol-1-yl, wherein:  
       [0068] R is H or CO 2 R forms a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester;  
       [0069] NR 2 R 3  and NR 5 R 6  are the same or different and comprise a free or functionally modified amino group, e.g., R 2 , R 3 , R 5  and R 6  are the same or different and are H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, OH, or alkoxy, with the proviso that at most only one of R 2  and R 3  are OH or alkoxy and at most only one of R 5  and R 6  are OH or alkoxy;  
       [0070] OR 4  comprises a free or functionally modified hydroxy group, e.g., R 4  is H, acyl; alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl or aryl;  
       [0071] Hal is F, Cl, Br or I;  
       [0072] SR 20  comprises a free or functionally modified thiol group;  
       [0073] R 21  is H or COSR 21  forms a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable thioester;  
       [0074] E-D is CH 2 CH 2 CH 2  or cis-CH 2 CH═CH; or E is trans-CH═CH and D is CH(OH) in either configuration, wherein the OH is free or functionally modified; or E is CH 2 CH 2  and D is a direct bond;  
       [0075] p is 1 or 3 when E-D is CH 2 CH 2 CH 2  or cis-CH 2 CH═CH, or when E is trans-CH═CH and D is CH(OH) in either configuration, wherein the OH is free or functionally modified; or p is 0 when E is CH 2 CH 2  and D is a direct bond;  
       [0076] G-T is CH 2 CH 2 , CH(SR 7 )CH 2  or trans-CH═CH;  
       [0077] R 7  is H, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl or acyl;  
       [0078] Y is CH(OH) in either configuration, in which the OH is free of functionally modified, or C═O (i.e., a carbonyl group);  
       [0079] n is 0, 2 or 4; and  
       [0080] Z is CH 3 , CO 2 R, CONR 2 R 3  or CH 2 OR 4 ;  
                 
 
       [0081] wherein:  
       [0082] R 1  is (CH 2 ) n CO 2 R, (CH 2 ) n CONR 2 R 3 , (CH 2 ) n CH 2 OR 4 , (CH 2 ) n CH 2 NR 5 R 6 , (CH 2 ) n CH 2 N 3 , (CH 2 ) n CH 2 Hal, (CH 2 ) n CH 2 NO 2 , (CH 2 ) n CH 2 SR 20  , (CH 2 ) n COSR 21  or (CH 2 ) n -2,3,4,5-tetrazol-1-yl, wherein:  
       [0083] R is H or CO 2 R forms a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester;  
       [0084] NR 2 R 3  and NR 5 R 6  are the same or different and comprise a free or functionally modified amino group, e.g., R 2 , R 3 , R 5  and R 6  are the same or different and are H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, OH, or alkoxy, with the proviso that at most only one of R 2 and R 3  are OH or alkoxy and at most only one of R 5  and R 6  are OH or alkoxy;  
       [0085] OR 4  comprises a free or functionally modified hydroxy group, e.g., R 4  is H, acyl; alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, or aryl;  
       [0086] Hal is F, Cl, Br or I;  
       [0087] SR 20  comprises a free or functionally modified thiol group;  
       [0088] R 21  is H or COSR 21  forms a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable thioester;  
       [0089] n is 0 or 2;  
       [0090] X is O, S(O) p , NR 7  or CH 2 , with the proviso that X cannot be CH 2  when n is 0;  
       [0091] p is 0, 1 or 2;  
       [0092] NR 7  comprises a free or functionally modified amino group, e.g., R 7  is H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, OH or alkoxy,  
       [0093] A-B, D-E, G-T and J-K are the same or different and are CH 2 CH 2 , CH═CH or C≡C, with the proviso that at least one of A-B, D-E, G-T and J-K must be CH═CH or C≡C; and  
       [0094] Y is C(O) (i.e., a carbonyl), or Y is  
                 
 
       [0095] wherein R 9 O constitutes a free or functionally modified hydroxy group;  
                 
 
       [0096] wherein:  
       [0097] R 1  is CO 2 R, CONR 2 R 3 , CH 2 OR 4 , CH 2 NR 5 R 6 , CH 2 N 3 , CH 2 Hal, CH 2 NO 2 , CH 2 SR 20  , COSR 21  or 2,3,4,5-tetrazol-1-yl, wherein:  
       [0098] R is H or CO 2 R forms a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester;  
       [0099] NR 2 R 3  and NR 5 R 6  are the same or different and comprise a free or functionally modified amino group, e.g., R 2 , R 3 , R 5  and R 6  are the same or different and are H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, OH, or alkoxy, with the proviso that at most only one of R 2  and R 3  are OH or alkoxy and at most only one of R 5  and R 6  are OH or alkoxy;  
       [0100] OR 4  comprises a free or functionally modified hydroxy group, e.g., R 4  is H, acyl; alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, or aryl;  
       [0101] Hal is F, Cl, Br or I;  
       [0102] SR 20  comprises a free or functionally modified thiol group;  
       [0103] R 21  is H or COSR 21  forms a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable thioester;  
       [0104] A, B, C and D are the same or different and are C 1 -C 5  alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl or a C 3 -C 5  allenyl group;  
       [0105] X is C(O) (i.e. a carbonyl group) or X is  
                 
 
       [0106] wherein R 9 O constitutes a free or functionally modified hydroxy group;  
                 
 
       [0107] wherein:  
       [0108] R is (CH 2 ) n CO 2 R, (CH 2 ) n CONR 2 R 3 , (CH 2 ) n CH 2 OR 4 , (CH 2 ) n CH 2 NR 5 R 6 , (CH 2 ) n CH 2 N 3 , (CH 2 ) n CH 2 Hal, (CH 2 ) n CH 2 NO 2 , (CH 2 ) n CH 2 SR 20 , (CH 2 ) n COSR 21  or (CH 2 ) n -2,3,4,5-tetrazol-1-yl, wherein:  
       [0109] R is H or CO 2 R forms a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester;  
       [0110] NR 2 R 3  and NR 5 R 6  are the same or different and comprise a free or functionally modified amino group, e.g., R 2 , R 3 , R 5  and R 6  are the same or different and are H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, OH, or alkoxy, with the proviso that at most only one of R 2 and R 3  are OH or alkoxy and at most only one of R 5  and R 6  are OH or alkoxy;  
       [0111] OR 4  comprises a free or functionally modified hydroxy group, e.g., R 4  is H, acyl; alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, or aryl;  
       [0112] Hal is F, Cl, Br or I;  
       [0113] SR 20  comprises a free or functionally modified thiol group;  
       [0114] R 21  is H or COSR 21  forms a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a pharmaceutically acceptable thioester;  
       [0115] n is 0 or 2;  
       [0116] A, B, C and D is C 1 -C 5  alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl or a C 3 -C 5  allenyl group;  
       [0117] Y is  
                 
 
       [0118] wherein R 8  is H or CH 3 , and  
       [0119] X is CH 2 , CH(CH 3 ) or C(CH 3 ) 2 ; or  
       [0120] Y is CH 2 , CH(CH 3 ) or C(CH 3 ) 2 , and X is  
                 
 
       [0121] wherein R 8  is H or CH 3 , with the proviso that Y cannot be CH 2  when X is; and  
                 
 
       [0122] R 7 O comprises a free or functionally modified hydroxy group; and  
                 
 
       [0123] wherein:  
       [0124] R 1  is CO 2 R, CONR 2 R 3 , CH 2 OR 4 , CH 2 NR 5 R 6 , CH 2 N 3 , CH 2 Hal, CH 2 NO 2 , CH 2 SR 20 , COSR 21 , or 2,3,4,5-tetrazol-1-yl, where:  
       [0125] R is H or a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, or CO 2 R forms a pharmaceutically acceptable ester moiety;  
       [0126] NR 2 R 3 , NR 5 R 6  are the same or different and comprise a free or functionally modified amino group;  
       [0127] OR 4  comprises a free or functionally modified hydroxy group;  
       [0128] Hal is F, Cl, Br, or I;  
       [0129] SR 20  comprises a free or functionally modified thiol group;  
       [0130] R 21  is H or a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, or COSR 21  forms a pharmaceutically acceptable thioester moiety;  
       [0131] A, B, C, D are the same or different and are C 1 -C 5  alkyl, C 2 -C 5  alkenyl, C 1-5  cyclopropyl, C 2 -C 5  alkynyl, or a C 3 -C 5  allenyl group;  
       [0132] E is  
                 
 
       [0133] where OR 7  comprises a free or functionally modified hydroxy group;  
       [0134] X=(CH 2 ) m  or (CH 2 ) m O, where m=1-6; and  
       [0135] Y=a phenyl ring optionally substituted with alkyl, halo, trihalomethyl, acyl, or a free or functionally modified hydroxy, amino, or thiol group; or  
       [0136] X-Y=(CH 2 ) p Y 1 ; where p=0-6; and  
                 
 
       [0137] wherein:  
       [0138] W=CH 2 , O, S(O) q , NR 8 , CH 2 CH 2 , CH═CH, CH 2 O, CH 2 S(O) q , CH═N, or CH 2 NR 8 ; where q=0-2, and R 8 =H, alkyl, or acyl;  
       [0139] Z=H, alkyl, acyl, halo, trihalomethyl, or a free or functionally modified amino, thiol, or hydroxy group; and  
       [0140] - - - =single or double bond;  
       [0141] or X-Y=cyclohexyl.  
       [0142] Preferred HETE compounds include the compounds of formulas I-III wherein X is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt containing a cation selected from the group consisting of: Na + ; K + ; Li + ; Cs + ; and (A) 4 N + ; and A is independently H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, alkyl(cycloalkyl), aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, or (A) 4 N +  forms a heteroaryl, heterocycloalkenyl or heterocycloalkyl ring.  
       [0143] Included within the scope of the present invention are the individual enantiomers of the HETE compounds, as well as their racemic and non-racemic mixtures. The individual enantiomers can be enantioselectively synthesized from the appropriate enantiomerically pure or enriched starting material by means such as those described below. Alternatively, they may be enantioselectively synthesized from racemic/non-racemic or achiral starting materials. ( Asymmetric Synthesis ; J. D. Morrison and J. W. Scott, Eds.; Academic Press Publishers: New York, 1983-1985, volumes 1-5 ; Principles of Asymmetric Synthesis ; R. E. Gawley and J. Aube, Eds.; Elsevier Publishers: Amsterdam, 1996). They may also be isolated from racemic and non-racemic mixtures by a number of known methods, e.g. by purification of a sample by chiral HPLC ( A Practical Guide to Chiral Separations by HPLC ; G. Subramanian, Ed.; VCH Publishers: New York, 1994 ; Chiral Separations by HPLC ; A. M. Krstulovic, Ed.; Ellis Horwood Ltd. Publishers, 1989), or by enantioselective hydrolysis of a carboxylic acid ester sample by an enzyme (Ohno, M.; Otsuka, M.  Organic Reactions , volume 37, page 1 (1989)). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that racemic and non-racemic mixtures may be obtained by several means, including without limitation, nonenantioselective synthesis, partial resolution, or even mixing samples having different enantiomeric ratios. Departures may be made from such details within the scope of the accompanying claims without departing from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its advantages. Also included within the scope of the present invention are the individual isomers substantially free of their respective enantiomers.  
       [0144] The term “free hydroxy group” means an OH. The term “functionally modified hydroxy group” means an OH which has been functionalized to form: an ether, in which an alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkenyl, alkynyl, or heteroaryl group is substituted for the hydrogen; an ester, in which an acyl group is substituted for the hydrogen; a carbamate, in which an aminocarbonyl group is substituted for the hydrogen; or a carbonate, in which an aryloxy-, heteroaryloxy-, alkoxy-, cycloalkoxy-, heterocycloalkoxy-, alkenyloxy-, cycloalkenyloxy-, heterocycloalkenyloxy-, or alkynyloxy-carbonyl group is substituted for the hydrogen. Preferred moieties include OH, OCH 2 C(O)CH 3 , OCH 2 C(O)C 2 H 5 , OCH 3 , OCH 2 CH 3 , OC(O)CH 3 , and OC(O)C 2 H 5 .  
       [0145] The term “free amino group” means an NH 2 . The term “functionally modified amino group” means an NH 2  which has been functionalized to form: an aryloxy-, heteroaryloxy-, alkoxy-, cycloalkoxy-, heterocycloalkoxy-, alkenyl-, cycloalkenyl-, heterocycloalkenyl-, alkynyl-, or hydroxy-amino group, wherein the appropriate group is substituted for one of the hydrogens; an aryl-, heteroaryl-, alkyl-, cycloalkyl-, heterocycloalkyl-, alkenyl-, cycloalkenyl-, heterocycloalkenyl-, or alkynyl-amino group, wherein the appropriate group is substituted for one or both of the hydrogens; an amide, in which an acyl group is substituted for one of the hydrogens; a carbamate, in which an aryloxy-, heteroaryloxy-, alkoxy-, cycloalkoxy-, heterocycloalkoxy-, alkenyl-, cycloalkenyl-, heterocycloalkenyl-, or alkynyl-carbonyl group is substituted for one of the hydrogens; or a urea, in which an aminocarbonyl group is substituted for one of the hydrogens. Combinations of these substitution patterns, for example an NH 2  in which one of the hydrogens is replaced by an alkyl group and the other hydrogen is replaced by an alkoxycarbonyl group, also fall under the definition of a functionally modified amino group and are included within the scope of the present invention. Preferred moieties include NH 2 , NHCH 3 , NHC 2 H 5 , N(CH 3 ) 2 , NHC(O)CH 3 , NHOH, and NH(OCH 3 ).  
       [0146] The term “free thiol group” means an SH. The term “functionally modified thiol group” means an SH which has been functionalized to form: a thioether, where an alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkenyl, alkynyl, or heteroaryl group is substituted for the hydrogen; or a thioester, in which an acyl group is substituted for the hydrogen. Preferred moieties include SH, SC(O)CH 3 , SCH 3 , SC 2 H 5 , SCH 2 C(O)C 2 H 5 , and SCH 2 C(O)CH 3 .  
       [0147] The term “acyl” represents a group that is linked by a carbon atom that has a double bond to an oxygen atom and a single bond to another carbon atom.  
       [0148] The term “alkyl” includes straight or branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon groups that are saturated and have 1 to 15 carbon atoms. The alkyl groups may be interrupted by one or more heteroatoms, such as oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur, and may be substituted with other groups, such as halogen, hydroxyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, aryloxy, or alkoxy. Preferred straight or branched alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl and t-butyl.  
       [0149] The term “cycloalkyl” includes straight or branched chain, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups which connect to form one or more rings, which can be fused or isolated. The rings may be substituted with other groups, such as halogen, hydroxyl, aryl, aryloxy, alkoxy, or lower alkyl. Preferred cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl.  
       [0150] The term “C 1 -C 5  cyclopropyl” means an alkyl chain of 1 to 5 carbon atoms containing a cyclopropyl group wherein the cyclopropyl group may start, be contained in or terminate the alkyl chain.  
       [0151] The term “heterocycloalkyl” refers to cycloalkyl rings that contain at least one heteroatom such as O, S, or N in the ring, and can be fused or isolated. The rings may be substituted with other groups, such as halogen, hydroxyl, aryl, aryloxy, alkoxy, or lower alkyl. Preferred heterocycloalkyl groups include pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, piperazinyl, and tetrahydropyranyl.  
       [0152] The term “alkenyl” includes straight or branched chain hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 15 carbon atoms with at least one carbon-carbon double bond, the chain being optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms. The chain hydrogens may be substituted with other groups, such as halogen. Preferred straight or branched alkenyl groups include, allyl, 1-butenyl, 1-methyl-2-propenyl and 4-pentenyl.  
       [0153] The term “cycloalkenyl” includes straight or branched chain, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups which connect to form one or more non-aromatic rings containing a carbon-carbon double bond, which can be fused or isolated. The rings may be substituted with other groups, such as halogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, or lower alkyl. Preferred cycloalkenyl groups include cyclopentenyl and cyclohexenyl.  
       [0154] The term “heterocycloalkenyl” refers to cycloalkenyl rings which contain one or more heteroatoms such as O, N, or S in the ring, and can be fused or isolated. The rings may be substituted with other groups, such as halogen, hydroxyl, aryl, aryloxy, alkoxy, or lower alkyl. Preferred heterocycloalkenyl groups include pyrrolidinyl, dihydropyranyl, and dihydrofuranyl.  
       [0155] The term “carbonyl group” represents a carbon atom double bonded to an oxygen atom, wherein the carbon atom has two free valencies.  
       [0156] The term “aminocarbonyl” represents a free or functionally modified amino group bonded from its nitrogen atom to the carbon atom of a carbonyl group, the carbonyl group itself being bonded to another atom through its carbon atom.  
       [0157] The term “lower alkyl” represents alkyl groups containing one to six carbons (C 1 -C 6 ).  
       [0158] The term “halogen” represents fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo.  
       [0159] The term “aryl” refers to carbon-based rings which are aromatic. The rings may be isolated, such as phenyl, or fused, such as naphthyl. The ring hydrogens may be substituted with other groups, such as lower alkyl, halogen, free or functionalized hydroxy, trihalomethyl, etc. Preferred aryl groups include phenyl, 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, and 4-fluorophenyl.  
       [0160] The term “heteroaryl” refers to aromatic hydrocarbon rings which contain at least one heteroatom such as O, S, or N in the ring. Heteroaryl rings may be isolated, with 5 to 6 ring atoms, or fused, with 8 to 10 atoms. The heteroaryl ring(s) hydrogens or heteroatoms with open valency may be substituted with other groups, such as lower alkyl or halogen. Examples of heteroaryl groups include imidazole, pyridine, indole, quinoline, furan, thiophene, pyrrole, tetrahydroquinoline, dihydrobenzofuran, and dihydrobenzindole.  
       [0161] The terms “aryloxy”, “heteroaryloxy”, “alkoxy”, “cycloalkoxy”, “heterocycloalkoxy”, “alkenyloxy”, “cycloalkenyloxy”, “heterocycloalkenyloxy”, and “alkynyloxy” represent an aryl, heteroaryl, alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkenyl, or alkynyl group, respectively, attached through an oxygen linkage.  
       [0162] The terms “alkoxycarbonyl”, “aryloxycarbonyl”, “heteroaryloxycarbonyl”, “cycloalkoxycarbonyl”, “heterocycloalkoxycarbonyl”, “alkenyloxycarbonyl”, “cycloalkenyloxycarbonyl”, “heterocycloalkenyloxycarbonyl”, and “alkynyloxycarbonyl” represent an alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, cycloalkoxy, heterocycloalkoxy, alkenyloxy, cycloalkenyloxy, heterocycloalkenyloxy, or alkynyloxy group, respectively, bonded from its oxygen atom to the carbon of a carbonyl group, the carbonyl group itself being bonded to another atom through its carbon atom.  
       [0163] According to the methods of the present invention a pharmaceutically effective amount of a HETE compound of formulas I-XI is administered to a patient suffering from vaginal dryness. The HETE compound is administered topically or systemically in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Pharmaceutically acceptable topical and systemic carriers are known. For example, such HETE compounds could be formulated in topically administrable compositions including, but not limited to, irrigation solutions, rinses, gels, jellies, ointments and creams, or systemically administrable compositions including, but not limited to, orally administrable tablets, lozenges, capsules and syrups. Additionally, the HETE compounds could be administered as a suppository. Preferably, the HETE compound of formulas I-XI is administered topically.  
       [0164] As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically effective amount” refers to an amount of one or more compounds of formulas I-XI that, when administered to a patient, reduces or eliminates vaginal dryness by increasing mucin secretion. Generally, the compounds of formulas I-XI will be contained in a composition of the present invention in a concentration range of about 0.000001 to 10 per cent weight/volume (“% w/v”). Preferably, the compositions will contain one or more compounds of formulas I-XI in a concentration of from about 0.00001-0.01% w/v.  
       [0165] The following examples are presented to illustrate various aspects of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any respect.  
     
    
    
     EXAMPLE 1 
     [0166]                                                   Ingredient   Amount (% w/v)                          Compound of formulas I-XI   0.00001-0.01           Ethanol   0.0505           Polyoxyl 40 Stearate   0.1           Boric Acid   0.25           Sodium Chloride   0.75           Disodium Edetate   0.01           Polyquaternium-1   0.001           NaOH/HCI   q.s., pH = 7.5           Purified Water   q.s. 100%                        
     [0167] The above composition is prepared by the following method. The batch quantities of polyoxyl 40 stearate, boric acid, sodium chloride, disodium edetate, and polyquaternium-1 are weighed and dissolved by stirring in 90% of the batch quantity of purified water. The pH is adjusted to 7.5±0.1 with NaOH and/or HCl. Under yellow light or reduced lighting, the batch quantity of the compound of formulas I-XI as a stock solution in ethanol and the additional quantity of ethanol necessary for the batch are measured and added. Purified water is added to q.s. to 100%. The mixture is stirred for five minutes to homogenize and then filtered through a sterilizing filter membrane into a sterile recipient. Preferably, the above process is performed using glass, plastic or other non-metallic containers or containers lined with such materials.  
     EXAMPLE 2 
     [0168]                                                   Ingredient   Amount (% w/v)                          Compound of formulas I-XI   0.00001-0.01           Polyoxyl 40 Stearate   0.1           Boric Acid   0.25           Sodium Chloride   0.75           Disodium Edetate   0.01           Polyquaternium-1   0.001           NaOH/HCI   q.s., pH = 6.5 -8           Purified Water   q.s. 100%                        
     [0169] The above formulation may be made by a method similar to the method described in Example 1.  
     EXAMPLE 3 
     [0170]                                                   Ingredient   Amount (% w/v)                          Compound of formulas I-XI   0.00001-0.01           Polyoxyl 40 Stearate   0.1           Ethanol   0.005-0.2           Boric Acid   0.25           Sodium Chloride   0.75           NaOH/HCI   q.s., pH = 6.5 -8           Purified Water   q.s. 100%                        
     [0171] The above formulation may be made by a method similar to the method described in Example 1.  
     [0172] The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details shown and described above. Departures may be made from such details within the scope of the accompanying claims without departing from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its advantages.