Streptozotocin-induced diabetes selectively enhances antinociception mediated by δ1-but not δ2-opioid receptors

We assessed the effect of diabetes on antinociception produced by intracerebroventricular injection of δ-opioid receptor agonists [D-Pen^2,5]enkephalin (DPDPE) and [D-Ala²]deltorphin II. The antinociceptive effect of DPDPE (10 nmol), administered i.c.v., was significantly greater in diabetic mice than in non-diabetic mice. The antinociceptive effect of i.c.v. DPDPE was significantly reduced in both diabetic and non-diabetic mice following pretreatment with 7-benzylidenenaltrexone (BNTX), a selective δ₁-opioid receptor antagonist, but not with naltriben (NTB), a selective δ₂- opioid receptor antagonist. There were no significant differences in the anticiceptive effect of [D-Ala²]deltorphin II (3 nmol, i.c.v.) in diabetic and non-diabetic mice. Furthermore, the antinociceptive effect of i.c.v. [D-Ala²]deltorphin II was significantly reduced in both diabetic and non-diabetic mice following pretreatment with NTB, but not with BNTX. In conclusion, mice with diabetes are selectively hyper-responsive to supraspinal δ₁-opioid receptor-mediated antinociception, but are normally responsive to activation of δ₂-opiod receptors.     

Treatment with Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotide to a Conserved Sequence of Opioid Receptors Inhibits Antinociceptive Effects of Delta Subtype Selective Ligands

Abstract

Previous work has suggested the existence of subtypes of the delta opioid receptor (DOR) which have been termed δ₁ and δ₂. [D-Ala², Glu⁴]deltorphin has been suggested to selectively elicit antinociception via the δ₂ receptor while [D-Pen², D-Pen⁵]enkephalin (DPDPE) is thought to act via the δ₁ receptor. Treatment with an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (oligo) directed towards the N-terminal portion of the cloned DOR has been demonstrated to selectively inhibit the antinociceptive actions of [D-Ala², Glu⁴]deltorphin, but not of DPDPE, suggesting that the cloned DOR corresponds to that pharmacologically defined as δ₂. Here, an antisense oligo (or a mismatch sequence) was designed to target a conserved region of the cloned μ δ and opioid receptor. These oligos were employed in order to determine whether the antinociceptive effects of [DAla², Glu⁴]deltorphin, as well as DPDPE, could be inhibited. The data indicate that the antinociceptive actions of both ligands were inhibited by treatment with this antisense, but not with the mismatch oligo. Taken together, the results of the treatments with oligos directed towards the N-terminal portion of the cloned DOR and with that directed to the conserved region of the opioid receptors suggest that (a) DPDPE effects are mediated by a subtype of the DOR which shares a domain common to the cloned opioid receptors, and (b) the N-terminal region differs between these putative DOR subtypes.     

Use of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to determine δ-opioid receptor involvement in [d-Ala2]deltorphin II-induced locomotor hyperactivity

Intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.)-administered [d-Ala²]deltorphin II (20 μg) produced a marked locomotor hyperactivity in male ICR mice. The locomotor hyperactivity induced in response to i.c.v. [d-Ala²]deltorphin II (20 μg) was suppressed by pretreatment with naltriben (NTB, 10 μg) but not 7-benzylidene naltrexone (BNTX, 1 μg) and d-Phe-Cys-Tyr-d-Try-Orn-Thr-Phe-Thr-NH₂ (CTOP, 100 ng). The influence of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to δ-opioid receptor mRNA (δ-AS oligo) or a mismatch oligodeoxynucleotide (MM oligo) on the locomotor hyperactivity induced by [d-Ala²]deltorphin II was determined. Groups of mice pretreated i.c.v. with δ-AS oligo (1 μg), MM oligo (1 μg) or saline (4 μl) once a day for 3 days, were injected i.c.v. [d-Ala²]deltorphin II (10 or 20 μg) and the locomotor response to [d-Ala²]deltorphin II was measured. The locomotor hyperactivity of i.c.v. [d-Ala²]deltorphin II (10 or 20 μg) were significantly suppressed by i.c.v. pretreatment with δ-AS oligo but not MM oligo. The present results indicate that pretreatment with δ-AS oligo suppresses mouse locomotor hyperactivity produced by stimulation of δ₂-opioid receptors in the brain.     

Synthesis and receptor binding of opioid peptide analogues containing β3‐homo‐amino acids

β‐Amino acids containing hybrid peptides and β‐peptides show great potential as peptidomimetics. In this paper we describe the synthesis and affinity toward the µ‐ and δ‐opioid receptors of β‐peptides, analogues of Leu‐enkephalin, deltorphin I, dermorphin and α,β‐hybrides, analogues of deltorphin I. Substitution of α‐amino acid residues with β³‐homo‐amino acid residues, in general resulted in decrease of affinity to opioid receptors. However, the incorporation β³h‐D ‐Ala in position 2 or β³hPhe in position 3 of deltorphin I resulted in potent and selective ligand for δ‐opioid receptor. The NMR studies of β‐deltorphin I analogue suggest that conformational motions in the central part of the peptide backbone are partially restricted and some conformational preferences can be expected. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Selective inhibition of [D-ALA2, GLU4]deltrophin antinociception by supraspinal,but not spinal,administration of an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to an opioid delta receptor

Evidence in vivo has suggested the existence of subtypes of the δ opioid receptor (DOR), which have been termed δ₁ and δ₂. These proposed DOR subtypes are thought to be activated by [D-Pen², D- Pen⁵]enkephalin (DPDPE, δ₁) and [D-Ala², Glu⁴]deltorphin (δ₂). Recent work in which an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (oligo) to a cloned DOR was administered by the intrathecal (i.th.) route has demonstrated a reduction in the antinociceptive actions of both i.th. DPDPE and [D-Ala², Glu⁴]deltorphin, but not of [D-Ala², NMPhe⁴, Gly-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO, μ agonist) in mice. The present investigation has extended these observations by administering the same DOR antisense oligo sequence by the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) route and evaluating the antinociceptive actions of i.c.v. agonist selective for δ, μ and κ receptors. I.th. treatment with DOR antisense oligo, but not mismatch oligo, significantly inhibited the antinociceptive actions of both i.th. DPDPE and [D-Ala², Glu⁴deltorphin but not of i.th. DAMGO or U69, 593 (κ agonist), confirming previous data. In contrast, i.c.v. DOR antisense oligo, but not mismatch oligo, seletively inhibited the anitinociceptive response to i.c.v. [D-Ala², Glu⁴]deltorphin without altering the antinociceptive actions of i.c.v. DPDPE, DAMGO or U69,593. The data suggest that the cloned DOR corresponds to that pharmacologically classified as δ₂ and further, suggest that this δ receptor subtype may play a major role in eliciting spinal δ-mediated antinociception.     

δ antagonist and κ agonist activity of naltriben: Evidence for differential κ interaction with the δ1 and δ2 opioid receptor subtypes

The selective δ₂ receptor antagonist Naltriben (NTB) has played an important role in the identification of subtypes of the δ opioid receptor, termed δ₁ and δ₂, and their role in antinociception. However, the majority of these studies have been conducted in the mouse. The present study determined the opioid receptor selectivity of subcutaneously (s.c.) administered NTB in the rat. Five minute pretreatment with 1 mg/kg s.c. NTB antagonized the increase in TFL produced by i.t. administration of equieffective doses of the δ₂ receptor agonist [D-Ala², Glu⁴]deltorphin (DELT) or the δ₁ receptor agonist [D-Pen², D-Pen⁵]enkephalin (DPDPE), but did not antagonize the μ receptor agonist [D-Ala², MePhe⁴, Gly-ol⁵]enkephalin (DAMGO). These data confirm previous reports that NTB is a selective δ opioid receptor antagonist. However, this dose of NTB antagonized DELT and DPDPE to an equivalent extent, suggesting that its selectivity for the δ₂ receptor is not maintained after s.c. administration in the rat. A lower dose of NTB (0.56 mg/kg s.c.) was ineffective. When the dose of NTB was increased to 3 mg/kg s.c. the antagonism of DELT and of DPDPE was unexpectedly lost. Pretreatment with the κ receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) partially restored the antagonism of DELT, but not DPDPE by this dose of NTB and did not modify the antagonism of DAMGO by NTB. These data suggest that high doses of NTB have κ receptor agonist-like activity and support the proposal that κ opioid agonists diminish the actions of δ receptor antagonists. They also suggest that nor-BNI-sensitive κ opioid receptors interact with δ₂, but not δ₁ opioid receptors in the spinal cord.     

Conformational requirements for molecular recognition of acetylcholine receptor main immunogenic region (MIR) analogues by monoclonal anti-MIR antibody: A two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance and molecular dynamics approach

The conformational properties of two [D -A⁷⁰, A⁷⁶] and [Aib⁷⁰, A⁷⁶] analogues of the α67–76 Torpedo acetylcholine receptor fragment, with low binding capacity for the anti main immunogenic region (MIR) antibodies, were studied in DMSO by two-dimensional nmr techniques and molecular dynamics simulations. The results were compared to the free and bound conformations of the [A⁷⁶] analogue, which has twice more affinity for the anti-MIR monoclonal antibody 6 (mAb6), than the natural Torpedo sequence. It appeared that a single substitution of the A⁷⁰, at a crucial position, by the D -A⁷⁰ or Aib⁷⁰, could modify completely the conformational behavior of the peptide and reduced its recognition by the anti-MIR antibody. The WNPADY rigid structure at the N-terminal part was essential for antibody recognition. The adjacent more flexible C-terminal sequence (GGIK) gives additional stability to the monoclonal antibody–peptide complex probably due to an adequate orientation of the peptide side chains in the complex, by setting them in close contact with the antibody. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Structural Modifications of the N-terminal Tetrapeptide Segment of [D-Ala]Deltorphin I: Effects on Opioid Receptor Affinities and Activities In Vitro and on Antinociceptive Potency

Schmidt, R., D. Menard, C. Mrestani-Klaus, N. N. Chung, C. Lemieux and P. W. Schiller. Structural modifications of the N-terminal tetrapeptide segment of [d-Ala²]deltorphin I: effects on opioid receptor affinities and activities in vitro and on antinociceptive potency. Peptides 18(10) 1615–1621, 1997.—A series of deltorphin I analogs containing d- or l-N-methylalanine (MeAla), d- or l-proline (Pro), α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib), sarcosine (Sar) or D-tert-leucine (Tle) in place of d-Ala², or phenylalanine in place of Tyr¹, was synthesized. The opioid activity profiles of these peptides were determined in μ and δ opioid receptor-representative binding assays and bioassays in vitro as well as in the rat tail flick test in vivo. In comparison with the deltorphin I parent, both the l- and the d-MeAla²-analog were slightly more potent δ agonists in the mouse vas deferens (MDV) assay, and the d-MeAla²-analog showed two-fold higher antinociceptive potency in the analgesic test. In view of the fact that deltorphin analogs with an unsubstituted l-amino acid residue in the 2-position generally lack opioid activity, the observed high δ opioid potency of [l-MeAla²]deltorphin I is postulated to be due to the demonstrated presence of a conformer with a cis Tyr¹-MeAla² peptide bond, since the cis conformer allows for a spatial arrangement of the pharmacophoric moieties in the N-terminal tripeptide segment similar to that in active deltorphin analogs containing a d-amino acid residue in the 2-position. Substitution of Aib in the 2-position led to a compound, H-Tyr-Aib-Phe-Asp-Val-Val-Gly-NH₂, which displayed lower δ receptor affinity than the parent peptide but higher δ selectivity and, surprisingly, three times higher antinociceptive potency. The d- and l- Pro²-, Sar²- and d-Tle²-analogs showed much reduced δ receptor affinities and were inactive in the tail flick test. Replacement of Tyr¹ in deltorphin I with Phe produced a 32-fold decrease in δ receptor affinity but only a 7-fold drop in antinociceptive potency.     

Bradykinin analogs containing α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib)

All seven possible bradykinin (BK) analogs containing Aib in place of proline have been synthesized by the solid phase method and assayed for in vitro myotropic activity on the guinea pig ileum and rat uterus, and in vivo on the rat blood pressure, both by intravenous and intra-aortic administration. [Aib^2,3]-BK, [Aib^2,7]-BK, and [Aib^2,3,7]-BK had no in vivo or in vitro activities; [Aib²]-BK, [Aib³]-BK and [Aib^3,7]-BK had moderate BK-like activities and a significantly increased resistance to pulmonary inactivation in the rat ([Aib^3,7]-BK was totally resistant). [Aib⁷]-BK was found to be the most active position seven BK analog yet assayed on the rat blood pressure, and shows remarkably high ileum (4 times BK) and intravenous rat blood pressure (6 times BK) activity.     

Solution Conformation of [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin in Water: A NMR and Molecular Dynamics Study

The solution conformation of [D -Pen²,D -Pen⁵] enkephalin (DPDPE), a highly potent δ-selective opioid agonist, was examined by means of NMR, molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics methods. The structural information in the solvent water was obtained employing one- and two-dimensional methods of ¹H and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy. Based on the distance geometry technique using the ROE data as input, 400 conformers were obtained and considered in the structure analysis. Alternatively, about 2000 conformers were stochastically generated and related to the NMR data after energy minimization. The structure analysis provides one conformer in agreement with all NMR data, which belongs to the lowest energy conformation group. This structure may serve as a reference conformer for DPDPE analogues synthesized with the aim of activity increase.     

Development of a model for the δ-opioid receptor pharmacophore: 3. Comparison of the cyclic tetrapeptide Tyr-c[D-Cys-Phe-D-Pen] OH with other conformationally constrained δ-receptor selective ligands

We have previously proposed a model of the δ-opioid receptor bound conformation for the cyclic tetrapeptide, Tyr-c[D -Cys-Phe-D -Pen]OH (JOM-13) based on its conformational analysis and from conformation-affinity relationships observed for its analogues with modified first and third residues. To further verify the model, it is compared here with results of conformational and structure-activity studies for other known conformationally constrained δ-selective ligands: the cyclic pentapeptide agonist, Tyr-c[D -Pen-Gly-Phe-D -Phe]OH (DPDPE); the peptide antagonist, Tyr-Tic-Phe-PheOH (TIPP); the alkaloid agonist, 7-spiroindanyloxymorphone (SIOM); and the related alkaloid antagonist, oxymorphindole (OMI). A candidate δ-bound conformer is identified for DPDPE that provides spatial overlap of the functionally important N-terminal N⁺₃ and C-terminal COO⁻ groups and the aromatic rings of the Tyr and Phe residues in both cyclic peptides. It is shown that all δ-selective ligands considered have similar arrangements of their pharmacophoric elements, i.e., the tyramine moiety and a second aromatic ring (i.e., the rings of Phe³, Phe⁴, and Tic² residues in JOM-13, DPDPE, and TIPP, respectively; the indole ring system in OMI, and the indanyl ring system in SIOM). The second aromatic rings, while occupying similar regions of space throughout the analogues considered, have different orientations in agonists and antagonists, but identical orientations in peptide and alkaloid ligands with the same agonistic or antagonistic properties. These results agree with the previously proposed binding model for JOM-13, are consistent with the view that δ-opioid agonists and antagonists share the same binding site, and support the hypothesis of a similar mode of binding for opioid peptides and alkaloids. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A comprehensive study on the putative δ-opioid receptor (sub)types using the highly selective δ-antagonist, Tyr-Tic-(2S,3R)-β-MePhe-Phe-OH

The goal of our work was a throughout characterization of the pharmacology of the TIPP-analog, Tyr-Tic-(2S,3R)-β-MePhe-Phe-OH and see if putative δ-opioid receptor subtypes can be distinguished. Analgesic latencies were assessed in mouse tail-flick assays after intrathecal administration. In vitro receptor autoradiography, binding and ligand-stimulated [³⁵S]GTPγS functional assays were performed in the presence of putative δ₁-(DPDPE: agonist, BNTX: antagonist), δ₂-(agonist: deltorphin II, Ile^5,6-deltorphin II, antagonist: naltriben) and μ-(DAMGO: agonist) opioid ligands. The examined antagonist inhibited the effect of DPDPE by 60%, but did not antagonize δ₂- and μ-agonist induced analgesia. The radiolabeled form identified binding sites with K_D = 0.18 nM and receptor densities of 102.7 fmol/mg protein in mouse brain membranes. The binding site distribution of the [³H]Tyr-Tic-(2S,3R)-β-MePhe-Phe-OH agreed well with that of [³H]Ile^5,6-deltorphin II as revealed by receptor autoradiography. Tyr-Tic-(2S,3R)-β-MePhe-Phe-OH displayed 2.49 ± 0.06 and 0.30 ± 0.01 nM potency against DPDPE and deltorphin II in the [³⁵S]GTPγS functional assay, respectively. The rank order of potency of putative δ₁- and δ₂-antagonists against DPDPE and deltorphin was similar in brain and CHO cells expressing human δ-opioid receptors. Deletion of the DOR-1 gene resulted in no residual binding of the radioligand and no significant DPDPE effect on G-protein activation. Tyr-Tic-(2S,3R)-β-MePhe-Phe-OH is a highly potent and δ-opioid specific antagonist both in vivo and in vitro. However, the putative δ₁- and δ₂-opioid receptors could not be unequivocally distinguished in vitro.     

Modulation of Binding at Opioid Receptors by Monoand Divalent Cations and by Cholinergic Compounds

Abstract

In membrane suspensions from guinea-pig brain, NaCl, LiCl, NH₄Cl and KCl, inhibit the equilibrium binding (25°C) of the selective μ-agonist [³H]-[D-Ala²,MePhe⁴,Gly-ol⁵]enkephalin, the selective δ-agonist [³H]-[D-Pen²,D-Pen⁵]enkephalin and the selective δ-agonist [³H]-dynorphin A (1-9). Choline chloride inhibits the binding of the μ- and δ-agonists but not of the δ-agonist; the choline derivative, methacholine, inhibits also the binding of the δ-agonist. Binding of the δ-agonist is potentiated by CaCl₂, MgCl₂ and MnCl₂; these salts inhibit binding of the δ-agonist. As far as binding of the μ-agonist is concerned, MgCl₂ and MnCl₂ may potentiate or inhibit whereas CaCl₂ is only inhibitory. The binding of the μ-antagonist [³H]-naloxone is potentiated by NaCl; while the threshold of inhibition by LiCl is increased there is no potentiation. In membrane suspensions of the rabbit cerebellum about 80% of the opioid binding sites are of the μ-type; the binding of the μ-agonist [³H]-[D-Ala², MePhe⁴, Gly-ol⁵]enkephalin is inhibited by NaCl, LiCl, KCl and choline chloride whereas that of the μ-antagonists [³H]-naloxone and [³H]-(-)-bremazocine is potentiated at low concentrations but inhibited at higher concentrations of NaCl. In membranes of the guinea-pig cerebellum about 80% of the opioid binding sites are of the δ-type; they are particularly effective for assays of K-receptors when the selective K-agonist [³H]-dynorphin A (1-9) is used as ligand.     

Activation of peripheral δ2 opioid receptors increases cardiac tolerance to ischemia/reperfusion injury: Involvement of protein kinase C,NO-synthase,KATP channels and the autonomic nervous system

AimsThis study aims to investigate the role of peripheral δ₂ opioid receptors in cardiac tolerance to ischemia/reperfusion injury and to examine the contribution of PKC, TK, K_ATP channels and the autonomic nervous system in δ₂ cardioprotection.Main methodsDeltorphin II and various inhibitors were administered in vivo prior to coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in a rat model. The animals were monitored for the development of arrhythmias, infarct development and the effects of selected inhibitors.Key findingsPretreatment with peripheral and δ₂ specific opioid receptor (OR) antagonists completely abolished the cardioprotective effects of deltorphin II. In contrast, the selective δ₁ OR antagonist 7-benzylidenenaltrexone (BNTX) had no effect. The protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor chelerythrine and the NO-synthase inhibitor L-NAME (N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester) also reversed both deltorphin II effects. The nonselective ATP-sensitive K+ (K_ATP) channel inhibitor glibenclamide and the selective mitochondrial K_ATP channel inhibitor 5-hydroxydecanoic acid only abolished the infarct-sparing effect of deltorphin II. Inhibition of tyrosine kinase (TK) with genistein, the ganglion blocker hexamethonium and the depletion of endogenous catecholamine storage with guanethidine reversed the antiarrhythmic action of deltorphin II but did not change its infarct-sparing action.SignificanceThe cardioprotective mechanism of deltorphin II is mediated via stimulation of peripheral δ₂ opioid receptors. PKC and NOS are involved in both its infarct-sparing and antiarrhythmic effects. Infarct-sparing is dependent upon mitochondrial K_ATP channel activation while the antiarrhythmic effect is dependent upon TK activation. Endogenous catecholamine depletion reduced antiarrhythmic effects but did not alter the infarct-sparing effect of deltorphin II.     

Structural studies with weak oxytocin antagonists

Summary [Aib³,Thr⁵]OT, [Aib³,Thr(OMe)⁵]OT, [Aib³,Orn⁸]OT, [Thr(OMe)⁵,Orn⁸]OT and [Phe²,Thr(OMe)⁵,Orn⁸]OT were synthesized by solid-phase techniques. From the biological properties of these peptides, it seems that the simultaneous replacement of positions 3 and 5 of oxytocin with Aib and Thr(OMe) results in an analogue devoid of antagonistic activity in comparison with the singly substituted compounds. Simultaneous Orn⁸ substitution does the same in the case of the Aib³ analogue and even leads to agonistic activity in the case of the Thr(OMe)⁵ analogue. Replacement of Tyr² by Phe², e.g. [Phe²,Thr(OMe)⁵,Orn⁸]OT, again favors the appearance of minor antagonistic potency.     

Conformational analysis of β-methyl-para-nitrophenylalanine stereoisomers of cyclo[D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin by NMR spectroscopy and conformational energy calculations

Solution conformations of β-methyl-para-nitrophenylalanine⁴ analogues of the potent δ-opioid peptide cyclo[D-Pen², D-Pen⁵]enkephalin (DPDPE) were studied by combined use of nmr and conformational energy calculations. Nuclear Overhauser effect connectivities and ³J_HNC^α_H coupling constants measured for the (2S, 3S)-, (2S, 3R)-, and (2R, 3R)-stereoisomers of[β-Me-p-NO₂Phe⁴]DPDPE in DMSO were compared with low energy conformers obtained by energy minimization in the Empirical Conformational Energy Program for Peptides #2 force field. The conformers that satisfied all available nmr data were selected as probable solution conformations of these peptides. Side-chain rotamer populations, established using homonuclear (³J_H^α_H^β) and heteronuclear (³J_H^αC^γ) coupling constants and ¹³C chemical shifts, show that the β-methyl substituent eliminates one of the three staggered rotamers of the torsion angle x¹ for each stereoisomer of the β-Me-p-NO₂Phe⁴. Similar solution conformations were suggested for the L-Phe⁴-containing (2S, 3S)- and (2S, 3R)-stereoisomers. Despite some local differences, solution conformations of L- and D-Phe⁴-containing analogues have a common shape of the peptide backbone and allow similar orientations of the main δ-opioid pharmacophores. This type of structure differs from several models of the solution conformations of DPDPE, and from the model of biologically active conformations of DPDPE suggested earlier. The latter model is allowed for the potent (2S, 3S)- and (2S, 3R)-stereoisomers of [β-Me-p-NO₂Phe⁴] DPDPE, but it is forbidden for the less active (2R, 3R)- and (2R, 3S)-stereoisomers. It was concluded that the biologically active stereoisomers of [β-Me-p-No₂Phe⁴] DPDPE in the δ-receptor-bound state may assume a conformation different from their favorable conformations in DMSO. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Structural elucidation of Leuprolide and its analogues in solution: insight into their bioactive conformation

Leuprolide [dLeu⁶, NHEt¹⁰]GnRH, a potent gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, is used in a wide variety of hormone-related diseases like cancer and endometriosis. In this report, the conformational behaviour of Leuprolide and its linear synthetic analogues, namely [Tyr⁵(OMe), dLeu⁶, Aze⁹, NHEt¹⁰]GnRH (1) and [Tyr⁵(OMe), dLeu⁶, NHEt¹⁰]GnRH (2) have been studied in DMSO and H₂O solutions by means of 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments and detailed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The aim was to identify the conformational requirements of GnRH analogues for agonistic activity. This approach is of value as no crystallographic data are available for the GnRH receptor (G protein-coupled receptor, GPCR). The NOE data indicate the existence of a β-turn type I in the 2–5 segments of Leuprolide and its linear analogues in the case of using DMSO-d₆ as solvent, whereas a β-turn type II in the 3–6 segments is indicated using D₂O as solvent. The final structures fulfil the conformational requirements that are known, in the literature, to play a significant role in receptor recognition and activation. Finally, the linear analogues (1) and (2) are biologically active when tested against the human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7.     

Study on the molecular mechanism of antinociception induced by ghrelin in acute pain in mice

Ghrelin has been identified as the endogenous ligand for the GHS-R1α (growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1 alpha). Our previous experiments have indicated that ghrelin (i.c.v.) induces antinociceptive effects in acute pain in mice, and the effects were mediated through the central opioid receptors and GHS-R1α. However, which opioid receptor (OR) mediates the antinociceptive effects and the molecular mechanisms are also needed to be further explored. In the present study, the antinociceptive effects of ghrelin (i.c.v.) could be fully antagonized by δ-opioid receptor antagonist NTI. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of δ-opioid peptide PENK and δ-opioid receptor OPRD were increased after i.c.v injection of ghrelin. Thus, it showed that the antinociception of ghrelin was correlated with the GHS-R1α and δ-opioid receptors. To explore which receptor was firstly activated by ghrelin, GHS-R1α antagonist [D-Lys³]-GHRP-6 was co-injection (i.c.v.) with deltorphin II (selective δ-opioid receptor agonist). Finally, the antinociception induced by deltorphin II wasn’t blocked by the co-injection (i.c.v.) of [D-Lys³]-GHRP-6, indicating that the GHS-R1α isn’t on the backward position of δ-opioid receptor. The results suggested that i.c.v. injection of ghrelin initially activated the GHS-R1α, which in turn increased the release of endogenous PENK to activation of OPRD to produce antinociception.     

Solubilization of High-Affinity,Guanine Nucleotide-Sensitive μ-Opioid Receptors from Rat Brain Membranes

Abstract: High-affinity μ-opioid receptors have been solubilized from rat brain membranes. In most experiments, rats were treated for 14 days with naltrexone to increase the density of opioid receptors in brain membranes. Occupancy of the membrane-associated receptors with morphine during solubilization in the detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethyl]-1-propane sulfonate appeared to stabilize the μ-opioid receptor. After removal of free morphine by Sephadex G50 chromatography and adjustment of the 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethyl]-1-propane sulfonate concentration to 3 mM, the solubilized opioid receptor bound [³H][d -Ala²,N-Me-Phe⁴,Gly-ol⁵]-enkephalin ([³H]DAMGO), a μ-selective opioid agonist, with high affinity (K_D = 1.90 ± 0.93 nM; B_max = 629 ± 162 fmol/mg of protein). Of the membrane-associated [³H]-DAMGO binding sites, 29 ± 7% were recovered in the solubilized fraction. Specific [³H]DAMGO binding was completely abolished in the presence of 10 µM guanosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate). The solubilized receptor also bound [³H]diprenorphine, a nonselective opioid antagonist, with high affinity (K_D = 1.4 ± 0.39 nM, B_max = 920 ± 154 fmol/mg of protein). Guanosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) did not diminish [³H]diprenorphine binding. DAMGO at concentrations between 1 nM and 1 µM competed with [³H]diprenorphine for the solubilized binding sites; in contrast, [d -Pen²,d -Pen⁵]-enkephalin, a δ-selective opioid agonist, and U50488H, a κ-selective opioid agonist, failed to compete with [³H]diprenorphine for the solubilized binding sites at concentrations of <1 µM. In the absence of guanine nucleotides, the DAMGO displacement curve for [³H]diprenorphine binding sites better fit a two-site than a one-site model with K_Dhigh = 2.17 ± 1.5 nM, B_max = 648 ± 110 fmol/mg of protein and K_Dlow = 468 ± 63 nM, B_max = 253 ± 84 fmol/mg of protein. In the presence of 10 µM guanosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate), the DAMGO displacement curve better fit a one- than a two-site model with K_D = 815 ± 33 nM, B_max = 965 ± 124 fmol/mg of protein.     

Expression of the μ-Opioid Receptor in CHO Cells: Ability of μ-Opioid Ligands to Promote α-Azidoanilido[32P]GTP Labeling of Multiple G Protein α Subunits

Abstract: The identities of heterotrimeric G proteins that can interact with the μ-opioid receptor were investigated by α-azidoanilido[³²P]GTP labeling of α subunits in the presence of opioid agonists in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-MORIVA3 cells, a CHO clone that stably expressed μ-opioid receptor cDNA (MOR-1). This clone expressed 1.01 × 10⁶μ-opioid receptors per cell and had higher binding affinity and potency to inhibit adenylyl cyclase for the μ-opioid-selective ligands [d -Ala²,N-MePhe⁴,Gly-ol]-enkephalin and [N-MePhe³,d -Pro⁴]-morphiceptin, relative to the δ-selective opioid agonist [d -Pen²,d -Pen⁵]-enkephalin or the κ-selective opioid agonist U-50,488H. μ-Opioid ligands induced an increase in α-azidoanilido[³²P]GTP photoaffinity labeling of four Gα subunits in this clone, three of which were identified as G_i3α, G_i2α, and G_o2α. The same pattern of simultaneous interaction of the μ-opioid receptor with multiple Gα subunits was also observed in two other clones, one expressing about three times more and the other 10-fold fewer receptors as those expressed in CHO-MORIVA3 cells. The opioid-induced increase of labeling of these G proteins was agonist specific, concentration dependent, and blocked by naloxone and by pretreatment of these cells with pertussis toxin. A greater agonist-induced increase of α-azidoanilido[³²P]GTP incorporation into G_i2α (160–280%) and G_o2α (110–220%) than for an unknown Gα (G_?α) (60%) or G_i3α (40%) was produced by three different μ-opioid ligands tested. In addition, slight differences were also found between the ability of various μ-opioid agonists to produce half-maximal labeling (ED₅₀) of any given Gα subunit, with a rank order of G_i3α > G_o2α > G_i2α = G_?α. In any case, these results suggest that the activated μ-opioid receptor couples to four distinct G protein α subunits simultaneously.