A radiolabeled-ligand-binding technique for the characterization of opioid receptors in the intact mouse vas deferens

The mouse vas deferens has served as a useful bioassay for examining the properties of opiate receptor subtypes. However, recent data indicate that the response of the vas deferens to opiates may be mediated by one or more of the several opiate receptors found in this preparation. Although a number of techniques can be utilized to assess the relative contribution of these receptors to the response of the mouse vas deferens to opiates (e.g., selective tolerance and naloxone antagonism studies), a radiolabeled-binding technique would provide an independent means of more completely characterizing the opiate receptor profiles in this preparation. Up to the present, however, there has been only limited success in developing a binding assay utilizing crude membrane fractions of the mouse vas deferens. To circumvent these problems, we have developed a binding technique utilizing the intact vas deferens. In contrast to results obtained with membrane fractions, we found highly specific (90–95%) and saturable binding of d-[2-³H]alanine, 5-d-leucine enkephalin, a ligand selective for delta opiate receptors, to the intact vas. Scatchard analyses indicated a single class of binding sites with an apparent K_d of 1.5 nm and a B_max of approximately 12 pmol/2 vas. The selectivity of binding was also examined. Naltrexone was 40 times less potent than unlabeled 2-d-alanine, 5-d-leucine enkephalin in displacing binding, whereas morphine and ethylketocyclazocine were 300 and 500 times less effective, respectively. This technique, coupled with the mouse vas deferens bioassay, should provide a more complete characterization of opioid receptor populations than has heretofore been possible.     

Correlation between circular dichroism data and biological activities of 2,5 substituted enkephalin analogues

The relative structural rigidity of enkephalin analogues characterized by the molar ellipticity data obtained from the circular dichroism spectra of peptides was correlated with the opioid agonist activities of compounds displayed in isolated, electrically stimulated longitudinal muscle strip of guinea-pig ileum and mouse vas deferens preparations. It was found that the so called μ receptors modelled by guinea-pig ileum preferred the analogues with high capacity to exist in folded form, whilst the so called δ receptors (mouse vas deferens) accepted flexible ligands as readily as rigid ones.     

Interaction of iodinated enkephalin analogues with opiate receptors.

Radioiodinated derivatives of the metabolically stable enkephalin analogues, [DAla²,Leu⁵]- and [DAla²,DLeu⁵]-enkephalin, have been prepared. Such derivatives show sterospecific binding to receptors in brain homogenates and some neuroblastoma cell lines such as NG108-15 and N4TG1. The relative effects of levorphanol and dextrorphan and Na⁺ and Mn⁺⁺ ions on enkephalin binding in brain and cells indicate that the iodinated derivatives are interacting with opiate receptors. Levorphanol is considerably more potent in displacing specifically bound enkephalin than dextrorphan. Sodium ions at physiological concentrations decrease enkephalin binding whereas manganese ions enhance it. Unlabelled monoiodo derivatives retain high potency in the guinea-pig ileum, mouse vas deferens and receptor binding assays. Unlabelled diiodo derivatives show far lower potency in these assays. It is concluded that radio-iodinated derivatives containing one iodine per molecule retain high affinity for the opiate receptor but diiodo derivatives do not.     

Evidence for a single opioid receptor type on the field stimulated rat vas deferens

A series of opioids have been used to study the heterogeneity of the opioid receptor system in rat vas deferentia. β-Endorphin, etorphune, etonitazine, D-Ala²-Nle⁵ (des-COOH) enkephalin and, sufentanil behave as full agonists in this tissue preparation. Ketobemidone, α(+)-N-allyl normetazocine, morphine and oxymorphone show little or no biological activity. In fact, the latter four drugs were able to inhibit the biological effects of β-endorphin, etorphine and sufentanil in a concentration dependent fashion. These data suggest that there is only one opioid receptor type in the rat vas deferens. These observations are discussed in terms of the binding modes for a series of drugs to an homogeneous receptor system.     

Synthesis and biological activity of [Leu5]enkephalin derivatives containing D-glucose

The synthesis of some [Leu5]enkephalin derivatives is described in which D-glucose has been linked to the opioid pentapeptide through the ester bond involving the carboxyl function at the C-terminal with C-1 or C-6 of the D-glucopyranose moiety. Enkephalin derivatives were assayed for opioid activity and found to be full agonists in bioassays based on inhibition of electrically evoked contractions of the guinea pig ileum (GPI) and of the mouse vas deferens (MVD). The obtained results suggest that the opioid activity of the tested glucoconjugates depend upon the ester bond position in the molecule. Whereas 1-O conjugate 5 was somewhat more potent than [Leu5]enkephalin in the GPI assay, the 6-O conjugates, with the exception of 1-O-benzyl derivative 11, were considerably less potent. All enkephalin derivatives were delta-receptor selective; in particular, the acetylated analog 8 was three times more delta-receptor selective than [Leu5]enkephalin.     

The preference of putative pro-enkephalins for different types of opiate receptors

Certain endogenous opioid peptides, which structurally resemble potential enkephalin precursors (pro-enkephalins), were tested for their interaction with μ-, δ- and κ-type of opiate receptors. These studies employed the technique of the development of tolerance towards selective opioid agonists on the isolated guinea-pig ileum and mouse vas deferens preparations. Additionally, binding studies in rat brain homogenate were performed to determine the affinity of these compounds towards different receptor sites in the CNS. These investigations revealed that dynorphin_1–13 and α-neo-endorphin_1–8 may preferentially interact with the κ-type of opiate receptors, dynorphin_1–9 exhibits both δ- and κ-agonistic activity and met-enkephalin-Arg⁶-Phe⁷ is a ligand with selectivity for δ-receptors.     

Synthetic peptides related to the dermorphins. II. Synthesis and biological activities of new analogues

A new series of analogues of the potent opiate-like peptides dermorphins (mainly tetra- and pentapeptides) were synthesized in order to better evaluate the structure-activity relationships. Relative potencies were referred to dermorphin (H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH₂), the prototype of this class of frog skin peptides. Peripheral opioid activity (guinea pig ileum and mouse vas deferens) was determined for all the dermorphin analogues. For a selected number of them also central analgesic (hot plate and tail-flick tests) and cataleptic activities were assayed in the rat by intracerebroventricular administration.     

Potent side-chain to side-chain cyclized dermorphin analogues containing a carbonyl bridge.

A new family of cyclic opioid peptide analogues related to the 1-4 sequence of dermorphin/deltorphin (Tyr-D-Aaa2-Phe-Aaa4-NH2) has been synthesized. The synthesis of the linear precursor peptides was accomplished by the solid-phase method and ring formation was achieved via a ureido group incorporating the side chain amino functions of D-Aaa2 (D-Lys, D-Orn) and Aaa4 (Lys, Orn, Dab, Dap). The peptides were tested in the guinea-pig ileum (GPI) and mouse vas deferens (MVD) assays. Most showed very high agonist potency in the GPI assay. The peptide containing D-Lys in position 2 and Dab in position 4 was 210 times more active than enkephalin, and that containing Orn and Dab, respectively, was 150 times more active than enkephalin. The latter peptide was also very active in the MVD assay, and showed an IC50 MVD/GPI ratio of 0.816. NMR spectra of selected peptides were recorded, and structural parameters were determined. The conformational space of the peptides was examined using the electrostatically driven Monte Carlo method. With the help of the NMR spectra each peptide was described as an ensemble of conformations. The conformations have been interpreted with regard to the opioid activities, and comparisons have been made with a model proposed earlier for enkephalin analogues.     

Diurnal differences in opioid peptide levels correlated with nociceptive sensitivity

An increase in whole mouse brain total opioid levels, determined by mouse was deferens bioassay, was observed in mice sacrified in late afternoon (when they are least responsive to pain) compared to early morning (when they are most responsive to pain). There were no comparable increases in levels of met⁵- or leu⁵- enkephalin measured by RIA methodology. There were differences, however, in the effects of noxious stimuli on met⁵-enkephalin levels in the efternoon compared to the morning. In the afternoon, but not in the morning, the levels of met⁵-enkephalin in mice tested after hot plate stress were significantly increased compared to those of unstressed animals. Thus, there appears to be some correlation between activity in endogenous opioid systems and the ability of mice to withstand noxious stimuli.     

Analgesic, receptor binding, and peripheral opioid activities of synthetic dermorphin-dynorphin hybrid peptides

The effects of substituting the enkephalin moiety of dynorphin with the dermorphin sequence were studied on the receptor preference, analgesic, and peripheral opioid potencies by using synthetic dermorphin-dynorphin hybrid peptides as the probe. Replacement of the enkephalin moiety of dynorphin with the dermorphin or dermorphin1-5 sequences caused a remarkable increase in analgesic potency, and a 3-6 fold increase in potency of binding against [3H]-dihydromorphine. The potency of receptor binding against [3H]-EKC was also increased by incorporation of the whole dermorphin sequence into the dynorphin molecule. In the presence of NaCl (100 mM), the effect of enhancing binding against [3H]-EKC due to dermorphin substitution disappeared, suggesting the contribution of opioid mu-receptor. Peripheral opioid activities assayed by various smooth muscle preparations showed that dermorphin incorporation caused a decreased in the potency of inhibition of the contractions of the guinea pig ileum and the rabbit vas deferens, no change in potency on the mouse vas deferens, and a marked increase in the inhibition of the rat vas deferens. Among the peripheral opioid activities only that assayed with the rat vas deferens appears to correlate approximately with the analgesic and the receptor binding activities. Judging from the relative potencies obtained from all assays, it is evident that the N-terminal dermorphin moiety, but not the C-terminal dynorphin fragment, dominates the opioid activity and receptor preference of the hybrid peptide.     

Conformational studies of diastereomeric cyclic enkephalins by 1H-NMR and computer simulations

We report the solid-phase synthesis and conformational analysis of a 14-membered, cyclic enkephalin analog, H? Tyr? c[? D ? A₂bu? Gly? Phe? D ? Leu? ] (where A₂bu represents α,γ-diaminobutyric acid). The results from the guinea pig ileum (GPI) and mouse vas deferens (MVD) assays show that the analog, though active, has little selectivity for the μ or δ opioid receptors. Conformational analysis is carried out using ¹H-nmr and computer simulations, including molecular dynamics and energy minimizations. The results obtained here are compared with the findings of our studies carried out on the μ-receptor-selective diastereomer, H? Tyr? c[? D ? A₂bu? Gly? Phe? Leu? ] [N. Mammi, M. Hassan, and M. Goodman (1985) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 107 , 4008–4013]. This comparison allows for insight into the regiospecificity of these cyclic enkephalin analogs.     

Glycoconjugates of opioid peptides. Synthesis and biological activity of [Leu5]enkephalin related glycoconjugates with amide type of linkage.

Three N-glycoconjugates of the general formula H-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu-NH-R (R = carbohydrate residue) were synthesized in order to determine the influence of some carbohydrate molecules (6-amino-6-deoxy-D-glucopyranose, 2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose, beta-D-glucopyranosylamine) on the biological activity, conformation, and stability of the opioid pentapeptide [Leu5]enkephalin. For the preparation of this compound different methods of peptide synthesis (active ester and mixed anhydride) were investigated. In comparison with [Leu5]enkephalin, all three N-glycoconjugates showed higher potency in the guinea pig ileum assay and lower potency in the mouse vas deferens assay, indicating a decrease in delta opioid receptor selectivity.     

Comparative study on the effect of morphine and the opioid-like peptides in the vas deferens of rodents: species and strain differences, evidence for multiple opiate receptors

The effect of an opiate alkaloid and an opioid-like peptide was studied on the electrically evoked twitching of the vas deferens of 3 common laboratory rodents. Normorphine and the synthetic opioid peptide D-Alanine₂ methionine enkephalinamide (D-Ala₂) produced dose dependent inhibitions of the twitching response in the mouse vas deferens. In the rat vas, while β-endorphin (β-EP) caused an inhibitory effect in three strains of rats to a similar degree, morphine produced a dose related enhancement of the twitching. In the guinea pig, both morphine and β-EP caused an increased in the muscular twitch. The results are interpreted in terms of an heterogenous mixture of opiate receptors present in the vas deferens from these rodents. The mouse appears to contain mainly δ receptors while the rat has mostly ε receptors characterized by their specificity and sensitivity to the action of β-EP. The guinea pig vas deferens has apparently lost the sensitivity to the inhibitory influence of the opioids, suggesting the absence of μ or δ opiate receptors in this tissue.     

N‐(ureidoethyl)amides of cyclic enkephalin analogs

Novel N‐(ureidoethyl)amides of cyclic enkephalin analogs have been synthesized. The p‐nitrophenyl carbamate of 1‐Boc‐1,2‐diaminoethane was coupled with 4‐methylbenzhydrylamine (MBHA) resin. The Boc group was removed by treatment with HCl/dioxane, and the peptide chain was assembled using Boc strategy. For deprotection of amino function, HCl/dioxane was used. D ‐Lys or D ‐Orn were incorporated in position 2, and the side chains of Lys, Orn, Dab, or Dap in position 5 were protected with Fmoc group. Side chain protection was removed by treatment with 55% piperidine in DMF, and cyclization was achieved by treatment with bis‐(4‐nitrophenyl)carbonate to form a urea bridge. The peptide was cleaved from the resin by treatment with 45% TFA in DCM. The peptides were tested in the guinea‐pig ileum (GPI) and mouse vas deferens (MVD) assays. Divers opioid activities were observed, depending on the size of the ring. In comparison with [Leu⁵]enkephalin, all peptides were more active in the GPI assay (between 125 and 12 times), and some of them were also more potent in the MVD assay. The conformational propensities of each peptide were determined using the EDMC method in conjunction with NMR experiments. This approach allows treating the dynamical behavior of small peptides properly. The results were compared with those obtained previously for corresponding nonsubstituted amides and are in agreement with the biologically active conformation proposed by us earlier. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Humoral endorphin: A new endogenous factor with opiate-like activity

Humoral (H) endorphin, a novel endogenous opioid ligand detected in brain, blood and cerebrospinal fluid was tested in a series of opiate sensitive assays. H-endorphin displaced radiolabeled enkephalin from its specific bindings sites and inhibited the electrically evoked contraction of the guinea pig ileum and mouse vas deferens. When injected to unanesthesized animals, humoral endorphin induced analgesia in rats and mydriasis in mice. The activity of H-endorphin both $\text{in}\text{vitro}$ and $\text{in}\text{vivo}$ attests to its opioid nature. However, while its antinociceptive effect was blocked by naloxone, mydriasis induced by H-endorphin was resistant to the effect of the opiate antagonist. Similarly, intermediate concentrations of naloxone inhibited the effect of H-endorphin on the guinea pig ileum while its effect on the mouse vas deferens was completely refractory to naloxone. The physiological function of humoral endorphin in various naturally occuring states that show similar paradoxical interactions with naloxone is discussed.     

Structure-activity studies of dermorphin. The role of side chains of amino acid residues on the biological activity of dermorphin

Seventeen analogues of dermorphin were synthesized and bio-assayed to determine the influence of side chains of the individual amino acid residues forming the sequence of dermorphin on the biological activity of this opioid peptide. Syntheses were carried out using solid-phase procedure, and the analogues obtained were purified by gel filtration on Sephadex G-10. Biological activities determined in guinea pig ileum (GPI) and mouse vas deferens (MVD) tests showed that the N-terminal tetrapeptide is responsible for the activity of dermorphin. Substitutions in the C-terminal fragment, particularly in position 5, for other amino acid residues results in substantial differentiation towards mu and delta receptors.     

Synthesis and changes in affinity for NOP and opioid receptors of novel hexapeptides containing β2-tryptophan analogues

We report the synthesis and the biological activity of new analogues of Ac-RFMWMK-NH₂ and Ac-RYYRWK-NH₂, modified in position 4 and 5, respectively, with incorporation of newly synthesized β²-tryptophan analogues. Trp was substituted by the (S)-2-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)propionic residue or by (S)-2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)propionic residue. The biological activity (pEC₅₀ and E_max) of these compounds was tested on electrically stimulated preparations of rat vas deferens. The 5-methoxy β-tryptophan group reverses the affinity of the compounds.     

Cyclic enkephalin and dermorphin analogues containing a carbonyl bridge.

Four cyclic enkephalin analogues and four cyclic dermorphin analogues have been synthesized. Cyclization of linear peptides containing basic amino acid residues of various side chain length in position 2 and 5 (enkephalin analogues) or 2 and 4 (dermorphin analogues) was achieved by treatment with bis-(4-nitrophenyl) carbonate to form a urea unit. The peptides were tested in the guinea-pig ileum (GPI) and mouse vas deferens (MVD) assays. Diverse activity was observed, depending on the size of the ring and the location of the urea unit. The conformation of two dermorphin analogues has been studied: one of high activity (IC(50) = 4.15 nM in the GPI assay) and a second of low activity (IC(50) = 6700 nM in the GPI assay). The conformational space of these peptides was examined using the EDMC method. Using data from the NMR spectra, each peptide was described as an ensemble of conformers. Biological activity was discussed in light of the structural data.     

Synthesis and opioid activities of stereoisomers and other D-amino acid analogs of methionine-enkephalin

A series of D-amino acid-substituted analogs of the opiate peptide, methionine⁵-enkephalin, were synthesized by solid-phase methods and tested for their abilities to inhibit electrically-evoked contractions of mouse vasa deferentia and to compete with tritiated enkephalin for opiate receptors on particulate fractions isolated from homogenates of rat brain. [D-Ala²]-enkephalin and [D-Ala²]-enkephalin amide were found to be the most potent peptides in both assay systems, being about 1000% active in the vas deferens bioassay and 120% and 150% active, respectively, in the stereospecific binding test relative to methionine⁵-enkephalin itself. In comparison, [D-Met⁵]-, [D-Tyr¹]-, [D-Leu²]-, [D-Phe²]-, [D-Ala³]-, and [D-Phe⁴]-enkephalin had not more than 10% activity. The stabilization of the β-bend conformation of methionine⁵-enkephalin by the substitution of D-alanine in position 2 of the peptide chain may contribute to the high activities of the [D-Ala²]-analogs.