Suppression of food intake by a complement C3a agonist [Trp5]-oryzatensin(5-9)

[Trp5]-oryzatensin(5-9) (WPLPR), an agonist peptide for complement C3a receptor, has been designed based on the C-terminal region of ileum-contracting peptide oryzatensin derived from rice protein. We previously reported that WPLPR has anti-analgesic and anti-amnesic activities after central or oral administration. In this study, we found a novel function of WPLPR on food intake. WPLPR suppressed food intake after intracerebroventricular or intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration at a dose of 3-30 nmol/mouse or 30-300 mg/kg, respectively, in fasted mice. Orally administered WPLPR at a dose of 300 mg/kg also decreased food intake. WPLPR decreased gastric emptying after i.p. injection at a dose of 300 mg/kg. The anorexigenic activity of WPLPR was blocked by cyclooxygenase inhibitor or antagonist for prostaglandin (PG) E receptor EP4 subtype. These results suggest that WPLPR decreases food intake through PGE2 production followed by EP4 receptor activation.     

Retro-nociceptin methylester, a peptide with analgesic and memory-enhancing activity

Retro-nociceptin methylester (retro-Noc-ME), which has an oppositely directed structure to that of nociceptin, showed weak affinity for nociceptin receptor and antagonized nociceptin-induced inhibition of contraction in a guinea pig ileum (GPI) assay. The peptide induced analgesia after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration at a dose of 100 nmol per mouse. Analgesia was not blocked by the opioid antagonist naloxone, which suggests that the analgesia is not mediated by opioid receptor. Furthermore, analgesia caused by retro-Noc-ME was not attenuated after repeated administration, that is, there was an absence of tolerance. The peptide improved learning ability after i.c.v. administration in a step-through experiment in mice.     

Effect of rubiscolin,a delta opioid peptide derived from Rubisco,on memory consolidation

Rubiscolin-6 (YPLDLF) is a delta selective opioid peptide isolated from the enzymatic digests of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) from spinach leaves. In a step-through type passive avoidance test in ddY mice, rubiscolin-6 enhanced memory consolidation at doses of 3nmol/mouse after intracerebroventricular administration, and at 100mg/kg after oral administration. These doses are smaller than the optimal doses for an analgesic effect. The memory enhancing effect of rubiscolin-6 was blocked by pretreatment with the delta antagonist naltrindole, suggesting the involvement of the delta opioid receptor.     

Anti-analgesic and anti-amnesic effect of complement C3a

In the present study, we found that complement C3a exerted central effects after intracerebroventricular administration in mice. At doses of 3 and 10 pmol/mouse, the peptide showed an antagonistic effect on analgesia induced by morphine and U-50488H, known to be mu- and kappa-opioid receptor agonists, respectively. Moreover, complement C3a improved scopolamine- and ischemia-induced amnesia at a dose of 10 pmol/mouse. Anti-analgesia was not observed by C3a des-Arg at 10 pmol/mouse. The present findings suggest that complement C3a may act as a peptide with anti-opioid activity in the central nervous system.     

Opioid control of the ruminant stomach motility: functional importance of mu, kappa and delta receptors

In sheep, the subcutaneous (SC) or intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of the mu-type opioid agonists, fentanyl and morphine, evokes a blockade of the cyclic contractions of the reticulum. A similar inhibition of forestomach motility was recorded following the administration of the two enkephalin analogs, D-Ala2-Met5-enkephalinamide (DAMA) and D-Ala2-D-Leu5-enkephalin (DADLE) which are mixed mu - delta opioid agonists. In contrast, the reticular contractions were enhanced by the SC or ICV administration of the kappa type agonist, ethylketazocine (EKC) and U - 50 488 H. The proximal duodenum motor activity was transiently increased resulting in the occurrence of a phase III-like activity by these opioid agonists, regardless of the subtypes. The effects of the opioid agonists on reticular motility were prevented by the injection of naloxone but not by the quaternary parent compound methylnaloxone which does not cross the blood-brain barrier. The duodenal motor effects elicited by the opioid agonists were antagonized by both naloxone and methylnaloxone. The results suggest that the inhibition of the ruminant stomach motility is centrally mediated by mu - delta type opioid agonists and are consistent with opposite effects from kappa type opioid agonists. The stimulatory effect of peptide and non-peptide opioid agonists on the duodenum may result in part from direct opioid receptor-mediated actions on smooth muscle.     

Enterostatin (VPDPR) has anti-analgesic and anti-amnesic activities

Enterostatin (VPDPR), an anorexigenic peptide derived from the amino terminus of procolipase, significantly inhibited analgesia induced by the mu-opioid agonist morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.) after i.c.v. administration to mice at a dose of 100 nmol. On the other hand, VPDPR (approximately 200 nmol, i.c.v.) did not attenuate analgesia induced by the kappa-opioid agonist D-Phe-D-Phe-D-Nle-D-Arg-NH2 (100 microg/mouse, i.c.v.) or delta-opioid agonist DTLET (4 nmol/mouse, i.c.v.). VPDPR (100 nmol, i.c.v.) significantly improved amnesia induced by scopolamine (0.2 mg/kg, i.p.) in mice. However, VPDPR did not enhance memory in normal mice at the same dose.     

Designing bifunctional NOP receptor–mu opioid receptor ligands from NOP-receptor selective scaffolds. Part II

The nociceptin opioid receptor (NOP) and its endogenous peptide ligand nociceptin/orphanin FQ have been shown to modulate the pharmacological effects of the classical opioid receptor system. Suppression of opioid-induced reward associated with mu-opioid receptor (MOP)-mediated analgesia, without decreasing anti-nociceptive efficacy, can potentially be achieved with NOP agonists having bifunctional agonist activity at MOP, to afford ‘non-addicting’ analgesics. In Part II of this series, we describe a continuing structure–activity relationship (SAR) study of the NOP-selective piperidin-4-yl-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one scaffold, to obtain bifunctional activity at MOP, and a suitable ratio of NOP/MOP agonist activity that produces a non-addicting analgesic profile. The SAR reported here is focused on the influence of various piperidine nitrogen aromatic substituents on the ratio of binding affinity and intrinsic activity at both the NOP and MOP receptors.     

Activation of tuberohypophysial dopamine neurons following intracerebroventricular administration of the selective kappa opioid receptor antagonist NOR-binaltorphimine.

The effect of the kappa opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (NOR-BNI) was examined on the activity of dopamine (DA) neurons comprising the nigrostriatal, mesolimbic, and tuberohypophysial systems in the male rat. DA neuronal activity was estimated by measuring: (1) the concentration of the DA metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and, (2) the accumulation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine after administration of a decarboxylase inhibitor in brain (striatum, nucleus accumbens) and pituitary regions (intermediate lobe, neural lobe) containing terminals of these neurons. The intracerebroventricular administration of NOR-BNI produced a dose- and time-related increase in the activity of tuberohypophysial DA neurons, but failed to alter the activity of nigrostriatal or mesolimbic DA neurons. The ability of NOR-BNI to enhance the activity of tuberohypophysial DA neurons was blocked by the kappa opioid agonist U-50,488. These results indicate that NOR-BNI, acting on kappa opioid receptors, activates tuberohypophysial DA neurons projecting to the neural and intermediate lobes of the pituitary.     

Discovery of two novel branched peptidomimetics containing endomorphin-2 and RF9 pharmacophores: Synthesis and neuropharmacological evaluation

It is well known that opioid analgesics produce side effects including tolerance and constipation. Since neuropeptide FF (NPFF) receptor antagonists reversed opioid-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance, the present work was performed to synthetize two branched peptidomimetics, EKR and RKE, containing the opioid peptide endomorphin-2 (EM-2) and the NPFF receptor antagonist RF9. Our data obtained from the in vitro cyclic adenosine monophosphate experiment demonstrated that EKR functioned as a mixed mu-, delta-opioid receptors agonist and NPFF₁ receptor antagonist/NPFF₂ receptor partial agonist, whereas RKE acted as a multi-functional peptidomimetic with the mu-opioid agonism and the NPFF₁ antagonism/NPFF₂ partial agonism. Furthermore, EKR and RKE completely blocked the NPFF₂ receptor-mediated neurite outgrowth of Neuro 2A cells. In vivo antinociception studies found that supraspinal administration of EKR and RKE dose-dependently produced potent antinociception via the mu-opioid receptor in the tail-flick test. In carrageenan inflammatory pain model, spinal administration of EKR and RKE induced dose-related analgesia, which was significantly reduced by the opioid antagonist naloxone and the NPFF antagonist RF9. Notably, compared with morphine, intracerebroventricular repeated administration of EKR and RKE maintained prolonged antinociceptive effectiveness. In addition, at the antinociceptive doses, these two branched peptidomimetics did not significantly inhibit gastrointestinal transit. Taken together, the present work suggest that EKR and RKE behave as multi-functional ligands with the opioid agonism and the NPFF₁ antagonism/NPFF₂ partial agonism, and produce prolonged antinociception with limited side effects. Moreover, our results imply that EKR and RKE might be interesting pharmacological tools for further investigating the biological function of the NPFF and opioid systems.     

Prolonged antinociceptive activity of pseudodipeptide analogues of Lys-Trp(Nps) and Trp(Nps)-Lys.

Peptide bond substitution in the molecules of Lys-Trp(Nps) (LTN) and Trp(Nps)-Lys (TNL) by an aminomethylene and ketomethylene bond, respectively, afforded pseudodipeptides with analgesic activity. The new compounds Lys psi(CH2NH)-Trp(Nps)-OMe (LTNAM) and Trp(Nps)psi(COCH2)(R,S)-Lys (TNLKM) induced a dose-dependent and naloxone-reversible analgesia following intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration to mice. The antinociceptive effects were longer lasting compared to those induced by the parent compounds. The pseudodipeptides protected Met-enkephalin degradation by rat striatal slices and, combined with an ineffective dose of the opioid peptide, induced analgesia. LTNAM and TNLKM were as potent as LTN to inhibit brain aminopeptidase in vitro and ex vivo. An increased resistance to proteolysis of the pseudodipeptides may explain their prolonged analgesic activity.     

An opiate cocktail that reduces morphine tolerance and dependence

Morphine is an exceptionally effective analgesic whose utility is compromised by the development of tolerance and dependence to the drug. Morphine analgesia and dependence are mediated by its activity at the mu opioid peptide (MOP) receptor [1]. The MOP receptor is activated not only by morphine, but also by other opiate drugs such as methadone and endogenous opioids such as endorphins. Morphine, however, is a unique opioid agonist ligand because it fails to induce endocytic trafficking of the MOP receptor [2], whereas the endogenous ligands and methadone do facilitate endocytosis [3]. Using the unique pharmacology of the MOP receptor and its proposed existence as an oligomeric structure [4], we designed a pharmacological cocktail that facilitates endocytosis of the MOP receptor in response to morphine. This cocktail consists of morphine and a small dose of methadone. Importantly, this cocktail, while retaining full analgesic potency, does not promote morphine dependence. We further demonstrate that dependence is reduced, at least in part, because endocytosis of the MOP receptor in response to morphine prevents the upregulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors.     

长时间给予高选择性δ阿片受体激动剂抑制δ受体mRNA表达

我们采用反转录－聚合酶链反应（ＲＴ－ＰＣＲ）方法,观察了δ阿片受体肽类激动剂「Ｄ－Ｐｅｎ＾２．５」ｅｎｋｅｐｈａｌｉｎ（ＤＰＤＰＥ）及非肽类激动剂ＢＷ３７３Ｕ８６对δ受体ｍＲＮＡ表达的影响,并比较了两者作用的差异性。结果如下：（１）ＤＰＤＰＥ作用２４及４８ｈ可使δ受体ｍＲＮＡ表达水平显著降低,则ＢＷ３７３Ｕ８６只在２４ｈ有显著抑制作用;（２）ＤＰＤＰＥ在１０＾－６ｍｏｌ／Ｌ时即可使δ受体的ｍＲＮＡ     

Social conflict activates opioid analgesic and ingestive behaviors in male mice

The activation of endogenous opioid mechanisms and their subsequent effects on rodent behavior and physiology has usually been characterized following artificial stress. In this study the more naturalistic stress arising from social conflict between male mice was used to investigate the involvement of opioid systems in post-conflict analgesic and ingestive behaviors. Both the aggressive encounters and the subsequent defeat experience resulted in marked analgesia and the induction of ingestive behaviors. Feeding and drinking responses were analogous to those observed after administrations of either the endogenous opioid peptide, β-endorphin, or the exogenous opioid agonist morphine. The ingestive behaviors following defeat or central opiate administration were blocked by the opiate antagonist naloxone. The present results support the hypothesis of a direct activation of the endogenous opiate system following social conflict.     

Enterostatin (VPDPR) Has Anti-analgesic and Anti-amnesic Activites

Enterostatin (VPDPR), an anorexigenic peptide derived from the amino terminus of procolipase, significantly inhibited analgesia induced by the μ-opioidagonist morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.) after i.c.v. administration to mice at a dose of 100 nmol. On the other hand, VPDPR (～200 nmol, i.c.v.) did not attenuate analgesia induced by the κ-opioid agonist D-Phe-D-Phe-D-Nle-D-Arg-NH₂ (100 μg/mouse, i.c.v.) or δ-opioid agonist DTLET (4 nmol/mouse, i.c.v.). VPDPR (100 nmol, i.c.v.) significantly improved amnesia induced by scopolamine (0.2 mg/kg, i.p.) in mice. However, VPDPR did not enhance memory in normal mice at the same dose.     

Anti-analgesia of a selective NPFF2 agonist depends on opioid activity

NPFF agonists designed to be selective NPFF(2) receptor probes were synthesized. D.Asn-Pro-(N-Me)Ala-Phe-Leu-Phe-Gln-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe-NH(2) (dNPA) displays a very high affinity (0.027nM) for NPFF(2) receptors transfected in CHO cells, and a very high selectivity with a discrimination ratio greater than 100 versus NPFF(1) receptors. dNPA acts as a potent and selective agonist in [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding experiments and inhibits intracellular cAMP production with the same efficacy as NPA-NPFF. In SH-SY5Y cells expressing NPFF(2) receptors dNPA, in the presence of carbachol, stimulates Ca(2+) release from the intracellular stores. In vivo, after intracerebroventricular injection dNPA increases body temperature in mice and reverses the morphine-induced analgesia. Also, dNPA displays anti-opioid activity after systemic administration. So far, dNPA exhibits the highest affinity and selectivity for NPFF(2) receptors and reveals that its behavioral anti-opioid activity depends on the degree of opioid-induced analgesia.     

Dynorphin-(1–13) induces spontaneous feeding in rats

Dynorphin-(1–13), a recently isolated opioid peptide stimulates food ingestion in rats after intracerebroventricular administration at doses of 1 and 10 μg. The latency until food ingestion is 22.4 ± 1.9 min. The ability of dynorphin-(1–13) to initiate food ingestion is antagonized by the opiate antagonist, naloxone. The food ingestion is accompanied by excessive grooming behavior.     

Hypotensive activity of novokinin, a potent analogue of ovokinin(2-7), is mediated by angiotensin AT(2) receptor and prostaglandin IP receptor

Novokinin (Arg-Pro-Leu-Lys-Pro-Trp) is a potent hypotensive peptide previously designed based on the structure of ovokinin(2-7) (Arg-Ala-Asp-His-Pro-Phe), a vasorelaxing and hypotensive peptide derived from ovalbumin. Novokinin exhibited an affinity for the angiotensin AT(2) receptor (Ki=7.35 microM). Novokinin significantly lowered systolic blood pressure at a dose of 0.03 and 0.1 mg/kg after intravenous and oral administration, respectively, in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and the hypotensive activity was blocked by PD123319, an antagonist of the AT(2) receptor. Novokinin lowered blood pressure in C57BL/6J mice after oral administration at a dose of 50 mg/kg. However, in AT(2) receptor-deficient mice, novokinin did not reduce blood pressure. These results demonstrate that the hypotensive activity of novokinin is mediated by the AT(2) receptor. The hypotensive activity of novokinin in SHRs was completely blocked by indomethacin and CAY10441, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and an antagonist of the prostaglandin IP receptor, respectively. These suggest that the hypotensive activity is mediated by prostacyclin and the IP receptor downstream of the AT(2) receptor.     

Central administration of neuropeptide FF and related peptides attenuate systemic morphine analgesia in mice

Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) belongs to an opioid-modulating peptide family. NPFF has been reported to play important roles in the control of pain and analgesia through interactions with the opioid system. However, very few studies examined the effect of supraspinal NPFF system on analgesia induced by opiates administered at the peripheral level. In the present study, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of NPFF (1, 3 and 10 nmol) dose-dependently inhibited systemic morphine (0.12 mg, i.p.) analgesia in the mouse tail flick test. Similarly, i.c.v. administration of dNPA and NPVF, two agonists highly selective for NPFF(2) and NPFF(1) receptors, respectively, decreased analgesia induced by i.p. morphine in mice. Furthermore, these anti-opioid activities of NPFF and related peptides were blocked by pretreatment with the NPFF receptors selective antagonist RF9 (10 nmol, i.c.v.). These results demonstrate that activation of central NPFF(1) and NPFF(2) receptors has the similar anti-opioid actions on the antinociceptive effect of systemic morphine.