Kappa 3 opiate receptor binding in the mouse and rat

Addiction and the cerebellum with a focus on actions of opioid receptors

Increasing evidence suggests that the cerebellum could play a role in the higher cognitive processes involved in addiction as the cerebellum contains anatomical and functional pathways to circuitry controlling motivation and saliency. In addition, the cerebellum exhibits a widespread presence of receptors, including opioid receptors which are known to play a prominent role in synaptic and circuit mechanisms of plasticity associated with drug use and development of addiction to opioids and other drugs of abuse. Further, the presence of perineural nets (PNNs) in the cerebellum which contain proteins known to alter synaptic plasticity could contribute to addiction. The role the cerebellum plays in processes of addiction is likely complex, and could depend on the particular drug of abuse, the pattern of use, and the stage of the user within the addiction cycle. In this review, we discuss functional and structural modifications shown to be produced in the cerebellum by opioids that exhibit dependency-inducing properties which provide support for the conclusion that the cerebellum plays a role in addiction.

Activation of Peripheral Opioid Kappa1 Receptor Prevents Cardiac Reperfusion Injury

The role of opioid kappa1 and kappa2 receptors in reperfusion cardiac injury was studied. Male Wistar rats were subjected to a 45-min coronary artery occlusion followed by a 120-min reperfusion. Opioid kappa receptor agonists were administered intravenously 5 min before the onset of reperfusion, while opioid receptor antagonists were given 10 min before reperfusion. The average value of the infarct size/area at risk (IS/AAR) ratio was 43 - 48% in untreated rats. Administration of the opioid kappa1 receptor agonist (-)-U-50,488 (1 mg/kg) limited the IS/AAR ratio by 42%. Administration of the opioid kappa receptor agonist ICI 199,441 (0.1 mg/kg) limited the IS/AAR ratio by 41%. The non-selective opioid kappa receptor agonist (+)-U-50,488 (1 mg/kg) with low affinity for opioid kappa receptor, the peripherally acting opioid kappa2 receptor agonist ICI 204,448 (4 mg/kg) and the selective opioid ?2 receptor agonist GR89696 (0.1 mg/kg) had no effect on the IS/AAR ratio. Pretreatment with naltrexone, the peripherally acting opioid receptor antagonist naloxone methiodide, or the selective opioid kappa2 receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine completely abolished the infarct-reducing effect of (-)-U-50,488 and ICI 199,441. Pretreatment with the selective opioid ? receptor antagonist TIPP[psi] and the selective opioid µ receptor antagonist CTAP did not alter the infarct reducing effect of (-)-U-50,488 and ICI 199,441. Our study is the first to demonstrate the following: (a) the activation of opioid kappa2 receptor has no effect on cardiac tolerance to reperfusion; (b) peripheral opioid kappa1 receptor stimulation prevents reperfusion cardiac injury; (c) ICI 199,441 administration resulted in an infarct-reducing effect at reperfusion; (e) bradycardia induced by opioid kappa receptor antagonists is not dependent on the occupancy of opioid kappa receptor.

Agonist activity of naloxone benzoylhydrazone at recombinant and native opioid receptors

1. In the present study, we examined the pharmacological activity of the putative kappa3-opioid receptor agonist naloxone benzoylhydrazone (NalBzoH) at recombinant human opioid receptors individually expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and native opioid receptors present in rat striatum. 2. At the mu-opioid receptor (MOR), NalBzoH stimulated guanosine-5'-O-(3-[35S]thio)triphosphate ([35S]GTPgammaS) binding (pEC50=8.59) and inhibited cyclic AMP accumulation (pEC50=8.74) with maximal effects (Emax) corresponding to 55 and 65% of those obtained with the MOR agonist DAMGO, respectively. The MOR antagonist CTAP blocked the stimulatory effects of NalBzoH and DAMGO with similar potencies. 3. At the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR), NalBzoH stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding (pEC50=9.70) and inhibited cyclic AMP formation (pEC50=9.45) as effectively as the selective KOR agonist (-)-U-50,488. The NalBzoH effect was blocked by the KOR antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) (pKi=10.30). 4. In CHO cells expressing the delta-opioid receptor (DOR), NalBzoH increased [35S]GTPgammaS binding (pEC50=8.49) and inhibited cyclic AMP formation (pEC50=8.61) almost as effectively as the DOR agonist DPDPE. Naltrindole (NTI), a selective DOR antagonist, completely blocked the response to NalBzoH (pKi of 10.40). 5. In CHO cells expressing the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptor (NOP), NalBzoH failed to exert agonist effects and antagonized the agonist-induced receptor activation. 6. When compared to other opioid receptor ligands, NalBzoH showed an efficacy that was lower than that of morphine at MOR, but higher at KOR and DOR. 7. In rat striatum, NalBzoH enhanced [35S]GTPgammaS binding and inhibited adenylyl cyclase activity. These effects were antagonized by either CTAP, nor-BNI or NTI, each antagonist blocking a fraction of the NalBzoH response. 8. These data demonstrate that NalBzoH displays agonist activity at MOR, DOR and KOR expressed either in a heterologous cell system or in a native environment.

Modification of kappa-opioid receptor agonist-induced antinociception by diabetes in the mouse brain and spinal cord

The supraspinal and spinal antinociceptive effects of several kappa-opioid receptor agonists were examined in diabetic and non-diabetic mice using the tail-flick assay. The antinociception induced by intrathecal (i.t.), but not intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.), CI-977, a highly selective kappa(1)-opioid receptor agonist, in diabetic mice was less than that in non-diabetic mice. The antinociceptive effects of ICI-199,441 and R-84760, high potency kappa(1)-opioid receptor agonists, given i.c.v., but not i.t., were attenuated in diabetic mice compared to those in non-diabetic mice. On the other hand, the antinociceptive effects of the new kappa-opioid receptor agonist TRK-820, which has high affinity for kappa(2)- and/or kappa(3)-opioid receptors, injected both i.c.v. and i.t. in diabetic mice were markedly less than those in non-diabetic mice. These results indicate that the antinociceptive effects of those kappa-opioid receptor agonists in diabetic mice are altered in a region-specific manner in the central nervous system (CNS). The dysfunction of kappa-opioid receptor subtypes in diabetic mice may underlie this CNS region-specific variation in the effects of these kappa-opioid receptor agonists.

Autoradiography in opioid triple knockout mice reveals opioid and opioid receptor like binding of naloxone benzoylhydrazone

Naloxone benzoylhydrazone (NalBzoH) is a ligand used to study opioid receptors. It has been suggested to act at a novel kappa3 receptor but also appears to bind to classical opioid receptors, and possibly the ORL1 receptor. We have used opioid receptor triple knockout mice, deficient in genes coding for the mu, delta and kappa-receptor, to characterise the relative contributions of opioid and ORL1 activity to the binding of this ligand, by carrying out receptor autoradiography with [3H]NalBzoH. As competing ligands we have used diprenorphine and nociceptin at 1 microM, alone or in combination, to determine the contribution of opioid and ORL1 receptor binding. At 4 nM [3H]NalBzoH showed labelling in wild-type brains indicative of broad spectrum classical opioid receptor binding. In the triple knockout brains all labelling was completely absent, suggesting that at this concentration there is no binding to ORL1 sites. However at 50 nM [3H]NalBzoH showed labelling in triple knockout brains with a distribution pattern indicative of ORL1 labelling. Quantitative analysis showed that nociceptin displaced typically 30% of the residual labelling in knockout brains whilst diprenorphine had relatively little effect. The data show that at 50 nM NalBzoH no binding was detected other than to classical opioid receptors or to ORL1 in an approximate ratio of 2:1.

G protein activation and cyclic AMP modulation by naloxone benzoylhydrazone in distinct layers of rat olfactory bulb

1 Naloxone benzoylhydrazone (NalBzoH) has initially been developed as an agonist of the pharmacologically defined kappa3-opioid receptor and has recently been employed as an antagonist at the opioid receptor-like (ORL1) receptor. In the present study, we investigated the ability of NalBzoH to elicit agonist-like effects on receptor signalling in distinct layers of rat olfactory bulb, a brain region where we have demonstrated the presence of opioid and ORL1 receptors coupled to both stimulation and inhibition of cyclic AMP formation. 2 In membranes of the olfactory nerve-glomerular layer (ON-GL), external plexiform layer (EPL) and granule cell layer (GRL), NalBzoH elicited a concentration-dependent stimulation of guanosine-5'-O-(3-[35S]-thio)triphosphate ([35S]GTPgammaS) binding with pEC50 values ranging from 7.36 to 7.86, whereas the kappa1-opioid receptor agonists (-)-U-50,488 and U-69,593 were inactive. 3 In membranes of GRL, but not ON-GL and EPL, NalBzoH stimulated basal adenylyl cyclase activity by 40% with a pEC50 of 8.14, and significantly potentiated the net enzyme stimulation elicited by corticotropin-releasing hormone and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide 38. Pertussis toxin prevented the NalBzoH stimulations of [35S]GTPgammaS binding and adenylyl cyclase activity. 4 In membranes of EPL and GRL, but not ON-GL, NalBzoH elicited a concentration-dependent inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity with pEC50 values of 8.07 and 8.08, respectively. 5 At concentrations that completely blocked the actions of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), the ORL1 receptor antagonists CompB and [Nphe1]N/OFQ(1-13)NH2 failed to antagonize either the stimulatory or the inhibitory effect of NalBzoH on cyclic AMP formation. Similarly, the kappa1-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine counteracted the NalBzoH effects with relatively low potencies (pKi values=7.67-8.09). 6 Conversely, the selective delta-opioid receptor antagonist TIPP (pKi=9.10) and the selective mu-opioid receptor antagonist CTAP (pKi=8.27) reduced the inhibitory effect of NalBzoH by 70 and 30%, respectively. Moreover, TIPP and CTAP potently inhibited the NalBzoH stimulation of cyclic AMP, each antagonist maximally causing 50% blockade of the agonist response. 7These data demonstrate that in the olfactory bulb NalBzoH activates receptor signalling by acting through delta- and mu-opioid receptors and independently of ORL1 and kappa1-opioid receptors.

Response of neurons in the thalamic nucleus submedius (Sm) to noxious stimulation and electrophysiological identification of on- and off-cells in rats

Previous studies have indicated that thalamic nucleus submedius (Sm) is involved in nociceptive modulation and plays an important role in an endogenous analgesic system (a feedback loop) consisting of spinal cord (Sc)-Sm-ventrolateral orbital cortex-periaqueductal gray-Sc. However, the function of different types of Sm neurons in nociceptive modulation is unclear. For this reason, on the basis of further studies of properties of the Sm neurons responding to noxious stimuli, the different effects of systemic morphine on the Sm neurons were examined and two classes of nociceptive modulatory neurons, named as off- and on-cells, in this region were identified in lightly anesthetized rats. The results showed that (1) most (84%, 132/157) of the Sm neurons responded to peripheral noxious stimuli. Of these neurons, 66% (n = 87) were inhibited, 34% (n = 45) excited. All neurons had very large and bilateral, even all body receptive fields. No neuron was found to be responsive to innocuous stimulation; (2) systemic morphine increased the firing rate of neurons inhibited by noxious stimulation, but decreased that of neurons excited by the same stimulation. Furthermore, the effects of morphine could be reversed by systemic naloxone; (3) 45 of Sm neurons examined could be divided into three different classes: off-cells that decreased the firing rate from tail heating just prior to occurrence of the tail-flick (TF) reflex (3140 +/- 167 ms, n = 27), on-cells that increased the firing rate just before the TF reflex (1720 +/- 240 ms, n = 8), and neutral-cells that did not respond to any stimuli and neuronal activities were not related to the TF reflex (n = 10). Findings of this study provided electrophysiological evidence for involvement of Sm neurons, as those in the rostral ventromedial medulla, in the opioid-receptor-mediated descending nociceptive modulation.

Morphine microinjections into the rat nucleus submedius depress nociceptive behavior in the formalin test

Our previous studies have indicated that the thalamic nucleus submedius (Sm) is involved in modulation of nociception and plays an important role in an endogenous analgesic system (a feedback loop) consisting of spinal cord-Sm-ventrolateral orbital cortex-periaqueductal gray-spinal cord. To investigate whether opioids are involved in this antinociception pathway, the effects of microinjection of morphine and naloxone into the Sm on the nociceptive behavior (agitation) evoked in the formalin test were investigated in the awake rat using an automated movement detection system. The results indicate that a unilateral microinjection of morphine (5 micro g, 0.5 microl) into the Sm suppresses the formalin-induced agitation response, but does not influence spontaneous motor activity, and that the morphine-induced depression can be reversed by microinjection of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (1.0 micro g, 0.5 microl) into the same Sm site. The results suggest that opioid receptors in the Sm may be involved in the Sm-mediated depression of persistent inflammatory pain.

Quantitative autoradiographic mapping of opioid receptors in the brain of delta-opioid receptor gene knockout mice

Using quantitative receptor autoradiography we have determined if deletion of the delta-opioid receptor gene (Oprd1) results in compensatory changes in the expression of other opioid receptors. Gene targeting was used to delete exon 1 of the mouse delta-opioid receptor gene and autoradiography was carried out on brains from wild-type, heterozygous and homozygous knockout mice. Delta-opioid receptors were labeled with [(3)H]deltorphin I (7 nM), mu- with [(3)H]DAMGO (4 nM), and kappa- with [(3)H]CI-977 (2.5 nM) or [(3)H]bremazocine (2 nM in the presence of DPDPE and DAMGO) and non-specific binding determined with naloxone. [(3)H]Deltorphin I binding was reduced by approximately 50% in heterozygous animals. In homozygous animals specific binding could only be detected after long-term film exposure (12 weeks). Regions exhibiting this residual [(3)H]deltorphin I binding correlated significantly with those demonstrating high levels of the mu-receptor and were abolished in the presence of the mu-agonist DAMGO. Autoradiographic mapping showed significant overall reductions in [(3)H]DAMGO and [(3)H]CI-977 binding throughout the brain following loss of both copies of the Oprd1 gene. In contrast, overall levels of [(3)H]bremazocine binding were higher in brains from -/- than +/+ mice. Our findings suggest that residual [(3)H]deltorphin I binding in the brain of delta-receptor gene knockout mice is the result of cross-reactivity with mu-sites and that there are no delta-receptor subtypes derived from a different gene. Changes in mu- and kappa-receptor labeling suggest compensatory changes in these subtypes in response to the absence of the delta-receptor. The differences in [(3)H]CI-977 and [(3)H]bremazocine binding indicate these ligands show differential recognition of the kappa-receptor.

Morphine inhibits resting respiration, but it attenuates reflexive respiratory suppression in anesthetized cat through kappa-receptor

Noxious stimulation of thin-fiber muscular afferents induces a reflexive respiratory suppression that we call "poststimulus respiratory suppression." In anesthetized, vagotomized, paralyzed, and artificially ventilated cats, morphine depressed the level of resting respiration (inhibitory effect on resting respiration) and attenuated the magnitude of the poststimulus respiratory suppression (excitatory effect on the reflexively modified respiration). These two kinds of morphine effects were antagonized by naloxone, suggesting the participation of opioid receptors. To clarify the opioid receptor subtypes responsible for these effects of morphine, three type-selective opioid antagonists-naltrindole (delta antagonist), gamma-funaltrexamine (mu antagonist), and Mr2266 (kappa antagonist)-were tested. The morphine-induced depression in the resting respiration was antagonized by pretreatment with the kappa antagonist, not with the mu or delta antagonist. Furthermore, the morphine-induced attenuation in the magnitude of the poststimulus suppression was also blocked by the kappa antagonist, but not by the mu or delta antagonist. In conclusion, (1) morphine inhibits resting respiration, but it attenuates the magnitude of the poststimulus respiratory suppression; (2) both these morphine effects are mediated by kappa opioid receptors. The possibility that the kappa(3) receptor, one of the kappa receptors subtypes, mediates the two kinds of morphine effects has been discussed.

Anatomical distribution of sodium-dependent [(3)H]naloxone binding sites in rat brain

The sulfhydryl alkylating reagent N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) blocks opioid receptor binding and receptor/G-protein coupling. Sodium partially restores [(3)H]naloxone binding after inhibition by NEM to reveal sodium-dependent [(3)H]naloxone sites, defined as binding in the presence of 50-100 mM NaCl after treatment of membranes or sections with 750 microM NEM. In the present study, receptor autoradiography of [(3)H]naloxone binding in control and NEM-treated tissue was used to examine the anatomical distribution of sodium-dependent [(3)H]naloxone sites in rat brain. In brain membranes, the pharmacology of sodium-dependent [(3)H]naloxone sites was consistent with that of mu opioid receptors. Relatively high IC(50) values for agonists and lack of effect of Gpp(NH)p on DAMGO displacement of [(3)H]naloxone binding in NEM-treated membranes indicated that the sodium-dependent sites were low affinity sites, presumably uncoupled from G-proteins. Autoradiograms revealed that NEM treatment dramatically reduced [(3)H]naloxone binding in all brain regions. However, [(3)H]naloxone binding was increased in specific regions in NEM-treated sections in the presence of sodium, including bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, interpeduncular nucleus, periaqueductal gray, parabrachial nucleus, locus coeruleus, and commissural nucleus tractus solitarius. Sodium-dependent [(3)H]naloxone binding sites were not found in other areas that exhibited [(3)H]naloxone binding in control tissue, including the striatum and thalamus. These studies revealed the presence of a subpopulation of [(3)H]naloxone binding sites which are sodium-dependent and have a unique regional distribution in the rat brain.

Morphine applied to the thalamic nucleus submedius produces a naloxone reversible antinociceptive effect in the rat

Our previous studies have indicated that the thalamic nucleus submedius (Sm) is involved in nociceptive modulation and plays an important role in an endogenous analgesic system (a feedback loop) consisting of spinal cord - Sm - ventrolateral orbital cortex (VLO) - periaqueductal gray (PAG) - spinal cord. To further investigate the neurotransmitter and receptor mechanisms in this nociceptive modulatory pathway, we tested the effects of microinjection of morphine and naloxone into the Sm on the rat tail flick (TF) reflex. A unilateral microinjection of morphine (8.0 mM, 0.5 microl) into the Sm significantly depressed the TF reflex, whereas a unilateral microinjection of naloxone (5.0 mM, 0.5 microl) into the Sm facilitated the TF reflex. Five minutes after morphine application into Sm, injection of naloxone in this nucleus markedly reversed the inhibition evoked by applying morphine in Sm. These findings suggest that the endogenous opioid peptides may be involved in the antinociceptive effects evoked by activation of the Sm-VLO-PAG pathway which depressed the nociceptive inputs at the spinal level via the brainstem descending inhibitory system, and exert a tonic descending influence.

Mu and delta opioid receptor analgesia, binding density, and mRNA levels in mice selectively bred for high and low analgesia

The present study examined mu and delta opioid analgesia, receptor binding, and receptor mRNA levels in lines of mice from two selective breeding projects of relevance to opioid analgesia. Large differences were observed in the analgesic potency of [d-Ala2, NMPhe4, Gly-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO), [d-Pen2,5]enkephalin (DPDPE), and [d-Ala2]deltorphin II (DELT), selective mu, delta1, and delta2 opioid receptor agonists, respectively, in mice selectively bred for high (HA) and low (LA) swim stress-induced analgesia (SIA). HAR and LAR mice, selectively bred for high and low levorphanol analgesia, respectively, display equally large differences in their analgesic sensitivity to DAMGO, modest differences in sensitivity to DPDPE, and no differences in sensitivity to DELT. These sizable genotypic differences in analgesic potency were accompanied by HA/LA and HAR/LAR differences in whole-brain homogenate [3H]DPDPE and/or [3H]DELT, but paradoxically not [3H]DAMGO, binding. Solution hybridization of mRNA extracts encoding mu (MOR-1) or delta (DOR-1) opioid receptors indicated some regional differences in gene expression between high and low lines. Surprisingly, differences in these in vitro markers were often in the direction of LAR>HAR. The present data indicate that selection for either SSIA or levorphanol analgesia produces differential effects on mu and delta opioid analgesia that are accompanied by alterations on in vitro assays, the significance of which remains to be determined. The data are discussed with regard to the utility of in vitro biological markers and genetic models of analgesia.

Differences in delta opioid receptor antinociception, binding, and mRNA levels between BALB/c and CXBK mice

Mu and delta opioid receptors have been demonstrated to mediate supraspinal opioid antinociception. Whereas the recombinant inbred CXBK mouse is notably deficient in mu opioid receptor antinociception, binding density, and mRNA (MOR-1) levels, little is known about delta opioid receptor processes in this strain. The present study thus compared CXBK mice and their BALB/c strain progenitors with respect to delta opioid antinociception, whole-brain receptor binding levels, and mRNA (DOR-1) levels. Following intracerebroventricular injections of the selective delta1 and delta2 opioids DPDPE and [d-Ala2]deltorphin II, respectively, CXBK mice displayed relatively lower antinociception on the tail-flick test, resulting in significantly increased ED50 values for both agonists in this strain. Decreased whole-brain specific binding of [3H][d-Ala2]deltorphin II, but not [3H]DPDPE, was also observed in CXBK mice. Solution hybridization with a probe for the DOR-1 revealed increased transcript levels in the caudate-putamen, frontal cortex, and spinal cord of this strain. The present data demonstrate a deficiency in delta1 and delta2 opioid antinociception in CXBK mice concomitant with reductions in whole-brain delta2 receptor binding and regional increases in DOR-1. Whether these observations are causally related remains to be clarified.

Lack of evidence of kappa2-selective activation of G-proteins: kappa opioid receptor stimulation of [35S] GTPgammaS binding in guinea pig brain

Although only one gene for kappa opioid receptors has been cloned to date, kappa1 and kappa2 receptors have been defined pharmacologically, with drugs such as bremazocine binding to both putative kappa receptor subtypes. To examine whether kappa receptor subtypes can be distinguished at the level of the G-protein, the ability of the kappa1 agonist (trans-(dl)-3,4-dichloro-N- methyl-N-[2-(1 -pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetamide) methane sulfonate (U-50488H) to stimulate [35S]guanosine-5'-O-(gamma-thio)-triphosphate ([35S]GTPgammaS) binding in guinea pig brain was compared with that of bremazocine and dynorphin. In membranes prepared from guinea pig striatum, both bremazocine and U-50488H stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding with the same relative efficacy, while dynorphin produced at least two-fold greater efficacy than the other two agonists. In vitro autoradiography of agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding revealed similar regional distributions of bremazocine- and U-50488H-activated G-proteins. In striatal membranes, the kappa antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) blocked both bremazocine- and U-50488H-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding with similar Ke values. In agonist additivity experiments, the stimulation of [35S]GTPgammaS binding by the delta agonist [D-pen2'5, p-Cl-Phe4]enkephalin (p-Cl-DPDPE) was approximately additive with the two kappa agonists. Stimulation of [35S]GTPgammaS binding by the mu agonist [D-Ala2, N-Me4, Gly5-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) was additive with U-50488H, but not with bremazocine, reflecting the mu antagonist properties of this compound. The combination of bremazocine and U-50488H together produced no greater stimulation of binding than either agonist alone, indicating that they were binding to the same site. These results demonstrate that bremazocine and U-50488H activate G-proteins in guinea pig brain through the same receptor, and suggest that kappa2 receptors are not coupled through the same signal transduction mechanisms as kappa1 receptors.

Chronic naltrexone differentially affects supraspinal delta-opioid receptor-mediated antinociception

The effects of chronic treatment with naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist, on delta1- and delta2-opioid receptor agonist-induced antinociception and ligand binding were investigated in mice. Antinociception by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) [D-Pen2,5]enkephalin (DPDPE) and [D-Ala2]deltorphin II, agonists selective for delta1- and delta2-opioid receptors, respectively, was blocked following subcutaneous (s.c.) implantation of a naltrexone pellet (7.5 mg) for 7 days. Removal of the naltrexone pellet was followed 24 h later by a decrease of 7.5-fold in the ED50 value of [D-Ala2]deltorphin II, but not that of DPDPE. In a whole brain homogenate the binding of [3H][D-Ala2]deltorphin II was increased twice as much as that of [3H]DPDPE. Chronic naltrexone treatment also produced an 8.6-fold decrease in the ED50 value of i.c.v. administered morphine. The increase in morphine potency was reversed to a control (placebo-treated mice) value by the selective delta2-opioid receptor antagonist, naltriben (25 pmol, i.c.v.). Thus, chronic naltrexone selectively increases delta2-opioid receptor-mediated antinociception, supporting the existence of delta opioid receptor subtypes with distinct adaptive characteristics. The data also indicate that delta2-opioid receptors are critically involved in the expression of morphine supersensitivity.

Quantitative autoradiographic mapping of mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid receptors in knockout mice lacking the mu-opioid receptor gene

Mice lacking the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) gene have been successfully developed by homologous recombination and these animals show complete loss of analgesic responses to morphine as well as loss of place-preference activity and physical dependence on this opioid. We report here quantitative autoradiographic mapping of opioid receptor subtypes in the brains of wild-type, heterozygous and homozygous mutant mice to demonstrate the deletion of the MOR gene, to investigate the possible existence of any mu-receptor subtypes derived from a different gene and to determine any modification in the expression of other opioid receptors. Mu-, delta-, kappa1- and total kappa-receptors, in adjacent coronal sections in fore- and midbrain and in sagittal sections, were labelled with [3H]DAMGO (D-Ala2-MePhe4-Gly-ol5 enkephalin), [3H]DELTI (D-Ala2 deltorphinI), [3H]CI-977 and [3H]bremazocine (in the presence of DAMGO and DPDPE) respectively. In heterozygous mice, deficient in one copy of the MOR gene, mu-receptors were detectable throughout the brain at about 50% compared to wild-type. In brains from mu-knockout mice there were no detectable mu-receptors in any brain regions and no evidence for mu-receptors derived from another gene. Delta-, kappa1- and total kappa-receptor binding was present in all brain regions in mutant mice where binding was detected in wild-type animals. There were no major quantitative differences in kappa- or delta-binding in mutant mice although there were some small regional decreases. The results indicate only subtle changes in delta- and kappa-receptors throughout the brains of animals deficient in mu-receptors.

Cyclic enkephalin analogues with exceptional potency and selectivity for delta-opioid receptors

Superpotent and highly delta-opioid receptor selective cyclic peptides of the general formula H-Tyr-c[D-Pen-Gly-Phe(p-X)-Pen]-Phe-OH (where X = hydrogen or halogen) have been synthesized. In the binding assays the most selective and most potent compound is the p-bromophenyl-alanine-4 analogue (IC50 value = 0.19 nM, selectivity ratio = 21,000 for delta vs mu). In the GPI and MVD bioassays the most selective and most potent analogue is the p-fluoro-substituted analogue Tyr-[D-Pen-Gly-Phe(p-F)-Pen]-Phe-OH. In the MVD assay it has an exceptionally low IC50 value of 0.016 nM and a delta vs mu selectivity ratio of 45,000.

Kappa2 opioid receptors in limbic areas of the human brain are upregulated by cocaine in fatal overdose victims

Cocaine is thought to be addictive because chronic use leads to molecular adaptations within the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) circuitry that affect motivated behavior and emotion. Although the reinforcing effects of cocaine are mediated primarily by blocking DA reuptake into the presynaptic nerve terminal, reciprocal signaling between DA and endogenous opioids has important implications for cocaine dependence. The present study used the opioid antagonist 6 beta-[125iodo]-3,14-dihydroxy-17-cyclopropylmethyl-4,5 alpha-epoxymorphinan ([125I]IOXY) after pretreatment with the site-directed acylating agents 2-(p-ethoxybenzyl)-1-diethylaminoethyl-5-isothiocyanatobenzimid iazole -HCl (mu-selective) and N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-(4-isothiocyanato)-phenethyl)-4-piperidinyl]-p ropana mide-HCl (delta-selective) to examine the effect of cocaine exposure on the distribution and density of kappa2 receptors in autopsy studies of human cocaine fatalities. The selective labeling of the kappa2 receptor subtype was demonstrated by competition binding studies, which gave a pharmacological signature (IOXY >/= (+)-bremazocine >> U50,488 >/= U69,593) distinct from either the kappa1 or kappa3 receptor subtypes. Visualization of [125I]IOXY labeling revealed that kappa2 receptors localize to mesocortical and subcortical limbic areas, including the cingulate, entorhinal, insular, and orbitofrontal cortices and the nucleus accumbens and amygdala. The number of kappa2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens and other limbic brain regions from cocaine fatalities was increased twofold as compared with age-matched and drug-free control subjects. Cocaine overdose victims, who experienced paranoia and marked agitation before death, also had elevated densities of kappa2 receptors in the amygdala. These findings demonstrate for the first time that kappa2 receptor numbers are upregulated by cocaine exposure. The molecular adaptation of kappa2 receptor numbers may play a role in the motivational incentive associated with episodes of binge cocaine use and in the dysphoria that follows abrupt cocaine withdrawal.

Structure and expression of a rat kappa opioid receptor gene

A gene encoding the rat kappa opioid receptor (KOR) was cloned and characterized. Results of rat genomic library screening and genomic Southern blot analysis show the gene represented at one copy/haploid genome. Three introns are present within the gene; however, polymerase chain reaction using different sets of primers specifying neighboring exons indicates that alternative splicing does not occur. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and primer extension techniques, we are able to demonstrate that two species of transcripts are differentially produced from the KOR gene in a tissue-specific manner. The first transcript that we designate as KOR1 is equivalent to the cDNA sequence reported by other groups and is believed to correspond to KOR subtype 1. KOR1 begins with exon 1 just downstream of two TATA boxes, whereas the second transcript, which we refer to as KORx, begins in intron 1 and thereby retains this intronic sequence in the mature mRNA. Within this intronic sequence there are two potential translation initiation codons that are in-frame with the proposed initiation codon of KOR. The potential open reading frame that starts further upstream in KORx may lead to the translation of a variant KOR protein having a novel peptide sequence at its amino terminus.

Unexpected prosecretory action component of loperamide at mu-opioid receptors in the guinea-pig colonic mucosa in vitro

1. In a voltage clamp setting (Ussing chamber), the antidiarrhoeal drug, loperamide (Lop) slightly augmented prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) plus theophylline-stimulated net chloride secretion above control values at low concentrations (10(-10) and 10(-9) M) but inhibited it at higher concentrations (10(-6) and 10(-5) M). The apparently weak prosecretory action component of Lop was turned into a clear cut antisecretory effect by pretreatment with 2 x 10(-7) M naloxonazine plus 10(-7) M CTOP-NH2 (D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2), two selective mu opioid receptor antagonists. This indicates a prosecretory effect of loperamide at mu opioid receptors. The antisecretory effect of low Lop concentrations, uncovered by mu opioid receptor blockade, was prevented by additional blockade of kappa opioid receptors by 5 x 10(-9) M nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI). 2. The nonselective opioid antagonist, naloxone, at 10(-6) M did not significantly reduce either PGE1 plus theophylline-stimulated net chloride secretion in Lop-free controls or the antisecretory action of Lop. By contrast, the partial agonist ethylketocyclazocine (EKC), which activates kappa but blocks mu opioid receptors, concentration-dependently inhibited PGE1 plus theophylline-stimulated net chloride secretion without any consistent prosecretory action component. Nor-BNI at 5 x 10(-8) M significantly blocked the antisecretory action of EKC. 3. It is concluded that, in the guinea-pig colonic mucosa under the present conditions, mu opioid receptors mediate enhancement and kappa opioid receptors inhibition of PGE1-stimulated net chloride secretion by low Lop concentrations. The two opposite actions are largely masked by superimposition. An opioid receptor-independent mechanism of action contributes to the antisecretory effect of Lop at high concentrations.

Opioid peptide receptor studies. 3. Interaction of opioid peptides and other drugs with four subtypes of the kappa 2 receptor in guinea pig brain

Using guinea pig, rat, and human brain membranes depleted of mu and delta receptors by pretreatment with the site-directed acylating agents BIT (mu selective) and FIT (delta selective), previous studies from our laboratory resolved two subtypes of the kappa 2 binding site, termed kappa 2a and kappa 2b. In more recent studies, we used 6 beta-[125Iodo]-3,14-dihydroxy-17-cyclopropylmethyl-4,5 alpha-epoxymorphinan ([125I]IOXY) to characterize multiple kappa 2 binding sites in rat brain. The results indicated that [125I]IOXY, like [3H]bremazocine, selectively labels kappa 2 binding sites in rat brain membranes pretreated with BIT and FIT. In the rat brain, using 100 nM [D-Ala2-MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin to block [125I]IOXY binding to the kappa 2b site, we resolved two subtypes of the kappa 2a binding site. In the present study we examined the binding of [125I]IOXY to the kappa 2 receptors of guinea pig brain. As observed in rat brain, [125I]IOXY, under appropriate assay conditions, selectively labels kappa 2 binding sites. Quantitative binding studies readily demonstrated the presence of kappa 2a and kappa 2b binding sites. The kappa 2a binding sites were selectively assayed using 5 microM [Leu5]enkephalin to block [125I]IOXY binding to the kappa 2b sites, and kappa 2b sites were selectively assayed using 5 microM (-)-(1S,2S)-U50,488 to block [125I]IOXY binding to the kappa 2a sites. Under these conditions, two subtypes of the kappa 2a site were resolved with high (kappa 2a-1) and low (kappa 2a-2) affinity for nor-BNI (Ki values = 0.88 and 476 nM) and CI977 (Ki values = 17.5 and 95,098 nM). Similarly, two subtypes of the kappa 2b site were observed with high (kappa 2b-1) and low (kappa 2b-2) affinity for [D-Ala2-MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin (DAMGO) (Ki values = 97 and 12,321 nM) and alpha-neoendorphin (Ki values = 33 and 5308 nM). Two-site models were also resolved in the presence of 100 microM 5'-guanylyimidodiphosphate (GppNHp). We carried out detailed ligand selectivity analysis of the multiple kappa 2 binding sites. Most test agents were either nonselective or selective for the kappa 2a-1 site. Nalbuphine was moderately selective for the kappa 2a-2 site. Similarly, although most test agents were either nonselective or selective for the kappa 2b-1 site, butorphanol, and the delta antagonists naltrindole, naltriben, and 7-benzylidene-7-dehydronaltrexone were moderately selective for the kappa 2b-2 site.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Comparative study of the effects of mu, delta and kappa opioid agonists on 3H-dopamine uptake in rat striatum and nucleus accumbens

The effect of the mu opioid agonist DAGO, delta opioid agonist DPDPE and kappa opioid agonist U50,488H on 3H-dopamine (3H-DA) uptake was studied in synaptosomes prepared from rat striatum and nucleus accumbens. Over the range of concentrations tested (1 nM-10 microM) DAGO and DPDPE were devoid of effects on 3H-DA uptake in the striatum and the nucleus acumbens. In contrast, U50,488H significantly decreased 3H-DA uptake in both structures. The inhibition of uptake induced by the kappa agonist was not reversed in the presence of the opiate antagonists naloxone (10 microM) or nor-binaltorphimine (0.1 microM). Dynorphin A (1-13) also induced a significant reduction in 3H-DA uptake in both structures at the concentrations of 10 and 30 microM. This inhibitory effect was not reversed by naloxone (10 microM). These data suggest that kappa opioid agonists modulate dopamine uptake in the striatum and the nucleus accumbens and their effects may not be due to an activation of opioid receptors.