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Hsin L, Fernandopulle NA, Ding J, Lumb C, Veldhuis N, Karas JA, Northfield SE, Mackay GA. The effect of substance P and its common in vivo-formed metabolites on MRGPRX2 and human mast cell activation. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2022; 10:e00990. [PMID: 35904495 PMCID: PMC9337217 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tachykinin neuropeptide substance P (SP) is the canonical agonist peptide for the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R). More recently, it has also been shown to activate the Mas‐related G protein‐coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2) receptor on mast cells (MCs), triggering degranulation and release of inflammatory mediators. SP undergoes rapid C‐terminal truncation in vivo by a number of proteases to generate the metabolites SP(1–9)‐COOH and in particular SP(1–7)‐COOH. While the C terminus of SP is critical for NK1R activation, studies have shown that the peptide polycationic N terminus is key for MRGPRX2 and mast cell activation. The study thus aimed to determine if the C‐terminally truncated metabolites of SP, SP(1–9)‐COOH, and SP(1–7)‐COOH retained stimulatory activity at MRGPRX2. SP, SP(1–9)‐COOH, and SP(1–7)‐COOH were synthesized and tested on HEK293 cells expressing NK1R or MRGPRX2, and LAD2 human mast cells, to determine the activity of SP and its metabolites in Ca2+ mobilization, degranulation, and cytokine assays. As expected from prior studies, both C‐terminally truncated SP metabolites had essentially no activity at NK1R, even at very high concentrations. In contrast, the in vivo metabolite of SP, SP(1–9)‐COOH retained ability to activate MRGPRX2 across all parameters tested, albeit with reduced potency compared to intact SP. SP(1–7)‐COOH did not produce any significant MRGRPX2 activation. Our results suggest that the SP metabolite, SP(1–9)‐COOH, may play a regulatory role through the activation of MRGPRX2. However, given the relatively low potency of both SP and SP(1–9)‐COOH at MRGPRX2, additional work is needed to better understand the biological importance of this expanded SP/MRGPRX2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Hsin
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nithya A Fernandopulle
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jie Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chris Lumb
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas Veldhuis
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - John A Karas
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan E Northfield
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graham A Mackay
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Nyman J, Guo N, Sandström A, Hallberg M, Nyberg F, Yu L. The amino-terminal heptapeptide of the algesic substance P provides analgesic effect in relieving chronic neuropathic pain. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 892:173820. [PMID: 33345847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Of painful conditions, somatic pain of acute nociceptive origin can be effectively managed clinically, while neuropathic pain of chronic neuropathy origin is difficult to control. For molecules involved in pain sensation, substance P (SP) is algesic, exacerbating painful sensation, while its amino-terminal fragment, heptapeptide SP(1-7), confers biological activities different from its full-length parent neuropeptide precursor. We previously demonstrated SP(1-7) interaction with pain processing to alleviate chronic pain. Here we evaluated SP(1-7) and its C-terminal amidated analogue SP(1-7)amide, together with SP and opioid agonist DAMGO. We tested mouse behaviors of both acute somatic pain in tail-flick latency assay, and neuropathic pain in sciatic nerve injury model of chronic constriction injury (CCI). DAMGO produced dose-dependent analgesia for somatic pain as expected, so did both SP(1-7) and its analogue SP(1-7)amide, while SP yielded the opposite effect of algesia, in a phenomenon we termed 'contrintus', meaning 'opposite from within' to denote that two peptides of the same origin (SP and its metabolic fragment SP(1-7)) produced opposite effects. In CCI model, DAMGO showed a general reduction in allodynia sensitivity for both nerve-injured and normal paws, without selective effect for neuropathic pain, consistent with clinical observation that opioids are less effective for chronic neuropathic pain. On the other hand, both SP(1-7) and SP(1-7)amide displayed dose-dependent anti-allodynia effect that is selective for neuropathic pain. These findings suggest that SP(1-7) and its analogue may be useful for developing pharmaceuticals to treat neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Nyman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 591, S-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ning Guo
- Department of Genetics, and Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854-8001, USA
| | - Anja Sandström
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 574, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mathias Hallberg
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 591, S-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fred Nyberg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 591, S-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Genetics, and Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854-8001, USA.
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3
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Hallberg M, Larhed M. From Angiotensin IV to Small Peptidemimetics Inhibiting Insulin-Regulated Aminopeptidase. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:590855. [PMID: 33178027 PMCID: PMC7593869 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.590855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
It was reported three decades ago that intracerebroventricular injection of angiotensin IV (Ang IV, Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe) improved memory and learning in the rat. There are several explanations for these positive effects of the hexapeptide and related analogues on cognition available in the literature. In 2001, it was proposed that the insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) is a main target for Ang IV and that Ang IV serves as an inhibitor of the enzyme. The focus of this review is the efforts to stepwise transform the hexapeptide into more drug-like Ang IV peptidemimetics serving as IRAP inhibitors. Moreover, the discovery of IRAP inhibitors by virtual and substance library screening and direct design applying knowledge of the structure of IRAP and of related enzymes is briefly presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Hallberg
- The Beijer Laboratory, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, BMC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mats Larhed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Science for Life Laboratory, BMC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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4
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Vasile S, Hallberg A, Sallander J, Hallberg M, Åqvist J, Gutiérrez-de-Terán H. Evolution of Angiotensin Peptides and Peptidomimetics as Angiotensin II Receptor Type 2 (AT2) Receptor Agonists. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E649. [PMID: 32340100 PMCID: PMC7226584 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin II receptor type 1 and 2 (AT1R and AT2R) are two G-protein coupled receptors that mediate most biological functions of the octapeptide Angiotensin II (Ang II). AT2R is upregulated upon tissue damage and its activation by selective AT2R agonists has become a promising approach in the search for new classes of pharmaceutical agents. We herein analyzed the chemical evolution of AT2R agonists starting from octapeptides, through shorter peptides and peptidomimetics to the first drug-like AT2R-selective agonist, C21, which is in Phase II clinical trials and aimed for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Based on the recent crystal structures of AT1R and AT2R in complex with sarile, we identified a common binding model for a series of 11 selected AT2R agonists, consisting of peptides and peptidomimetics of different length, affinity towards AT2R and selectivity versus AT1R. Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations and free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations of binding affinities allowed the identification of the bioactive conformation and common pharmacophoric points, responsible for the key interactions with the receptor, which are maintained by the drug-like agonists. The results of this study should be helpful and facilitate the search for improved and even more potent AT2R-selective drug-like agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Vasile
- Sweden and Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, BMC (H.G.T.), Biomedical Centre (BMC), Uppsala University, P.O. BOX 596, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden; (S.V.); (J.S.); (J.Å.)
| | - Anders Hallberg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Division of Organic Pharmaceutical Chemistry, BMC, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 574, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Jessica Sallander
- Sweden and Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, BMC (H.G.T.), Biomedical Centre (BMC), Uppsala University, P.O. BOX 596, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden; (S.V.); (J.S.); (J.Å.)
| | - Mathias Hallberg
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, BMC, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Johan Åqvist
- Sweden and Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, BMC (H.G.T.), Biomedical Centre (BMC), Uppsala University, P.O. BOX 596, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden; (S.V.); (J.S.); (J.Å.)
| | - Hugo Gutiérrez-de-Terán
- Sweden and Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, BMC (H.G.T.), Biomedical Centre (BMC), Uppsala University, P.O. BOX 596, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden; (S.V.); (J.S.); (J.Å.)
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5
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Caroleo MC, Brizzi A, De Rosa M, Pandey A, Gallelli L, Badolato M, Carullo G, Cione E. Targeting Neuropathic Pain: Pathobiology, Current Treatment and Peptidomimetics as a New Therapeutic Opportunity. Curr Med Chem 2019; 27:1469-1500. [PMID: 31142248 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190530121133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There is a huge need for pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of chronic Neuropathic Pain (NP), a complex condition where patients can suffer from either hyperalgesia or allodynia originating from central or peripheral nerve injuries. To date, the therapeutic guidelines include the use of tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and anticonvulsants, beside the use of natural compounds and non-pharmacological options. Unfortunately, these drugs suffer from limited efficacy and serious dose-dependent adverse effects. In the last decades, the heptapeptide SP1-7, the major bioactive metabolite produced by Substance P (SP) cleavage, has been extensively investigated as a potential target for the development of novel peptidomimetic molecules to treat NP. Although the physiological effects of this SP fragment have been studied in detail, the mechanism behind its action is not fully clarified and the target for SP1-7 has not been identified yet. Nevertheless, specific binding sites for the heptapeptide have been found in brain and spinal cord of both mouse and rats. Several Structure-Affinity Relationship (SAR) studies on SP1-7 and some of its synthetic analogues have been carried out aiming to developing more metabolically stable and effective small molecule SP1-7-related amides that could be used as research tools for a better understanding of the SP1-7 system and, in a longer perspective, as potential therapeutic agents for future treatment of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Caroleo
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, Edificio Polifunzionale, 87026 Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Antonella Brizzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Polo Scientifico San Miniato, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Maria De Rosa
- Drug Discovery Unit, Ri.MED Foundation, Palermo 90133, Italy
| | - Ankur Pandey
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Advanced Studies in Chemistry, Punjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Badolato
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, Edificio Polifunzionale, 87026 Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, Edificio Polifunzionale, 87026 Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Erika Cione
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutrition Sciences, University of Calabria, Edificio Polifunzionale, 87026 Rende (CS), Italy
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6
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Abstract
Hybrid compounds (also known as chimeras, designed multiple ligands, bivalent compounds) are chemical units where two active components, usually possessing affinity and selectivity for distinct molecular targets, are combined as a single chemical entity. The rationale for using a chimeric approach is well documented as such novel drugs are characterized by their enhanced enzymatic stability and biological activity. This allows their use at lower concentrations, increasing their safety profile, particularly when considering undesirable side effects. In the group of synthetic bivalent compounds, drugs combining pharmacophores having affinities toward opioid and neurokinin-1 receptors have been extensively studied as potential analgesic drugs. Indeed, substance P is known as a major endogenous modulator of nociception both in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Hence, synthetic peptide fragments showing either agonism or antagonism at neurokinin 1 receptor were both assigned with analgesic properties. However, even though preclinical studies designated neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists as promising analgesics, early clinical studies revealed a lack of efficacy in human. Nevertheless, their molecular combination with enkephalin/endomorphin fragments has been considered as a valuable approach to design putatively promising ligands for the treatment of pain. This paper is aimed at summarizing a 20-year journey to the development of potent analgesic hybrid compounds involving an opioid pharmacophore and devoid of unwanted side effects. Additionally, the legitimacy of considering neurokinin-1 receptor ligands in the design of chimeric drugs is discussed.
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7
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Pekošak A, Bulc JŽ, Korat Š, Schuit RC, Kooijman E, Vos R, Rongen M, Verlaan M, Takkenkamp K, Beaino W, Poot AJ, Windhorst AD. Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of the First Carbon-11 Labeled PET Tracers Targeting Substance P 1-7. Mol Pharm 2018; 15:4872-4883. [PMID: 30335399 PMCID: PMC6220361 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b00518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Two
potent SP1–7 peptidomimetics have been successfully
radiolabeled via [11C]CO2-fixation with excellent
yields, purity, and molar activity. l-[11C]SP1–7-peptidomimetic exhibited promising ex vivo biodistribution profile. Metabolite analysis showed that l-[11C]SP1–7-peptidomimetic is stable
in brain and spinal cord, whereas rapid metabolic degradation occurs
in rat plasma. Metabolic stability can be significantly improved by
substituting l-Phe for d-Phe, preserving 70% more
of intact tracer and resulting in better brain and spinal cord tracer
retention. Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning confirmed moderate
brain (1.5 SUV; peak at 3 min) and spinal cord (1.0 SUV; peak at 10
min) uptake for l- and d-[11C]SP1–7-peptidomimetic. A slight decrease in SUV value was
observed after pretreatment with natural peptide SP1–7 in spinal cord for l-[11C]SP1–7-peptidomimetic. On the contrary, blocking using cold analogues of l- and d-[11C]tracers did not reduce the
tracers’ brain and spinal cord exposure. In summary, PET scanning
of l- and d-[11C]SP1–7-peptidomimetics confirms rapid blood–brain barrier and blood–spinal-cord
barrier penetration. Therefore, further validation of these two tracers
targeting SP1–7 is needed in order to define a new
PET imaging target and select its most appropriate radiopharmaceutical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Pekošak
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine , VU University Medical Center , 1081 HV Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Janez Ž Bulc
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine , VU University Medical Center , 1081 HV Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Špela Korat
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine , VU University Medical Center , 1081 HV Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Robert C Schuit
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine , VU University Medical Center , 1081 HV Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Esther Kooijman
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine , VU University Medical Center , 1081 HV Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Ricardo Vos
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine , VU University Medical Center , 1081 HV Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Marissa Rongen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine , VU University Medical Center , 1081 HV Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Mariska Verlaan
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine , VU University Medical Center , 1081 HV Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Kevin Takkenkamp
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine , VU University Medical Center , 1081 HV Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Wissam Beaino
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine , VU University Medical Center , 1081 HV Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Alex J Poot
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine , VU University Medical Center , 1081 HV Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Albert D Windhorst
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine , VU University Medical Center , 1081 HV Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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8
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Skogh A, Lesniak A, Sköld C, Karlgren M, Gaugaz FZ, Svensson R, Diwakarla S, Jonsson A, Fransson R, Nyberg F, Hallberg M, Sandström A. An imidazole based H-Phe-Phe-NH 2 peptidomimetic with anti-allodynic effect in spared nerve injury mice. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:2446-2450. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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9
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Skogh A, Lesniak A, Gaugaz FZ, Svensson R, Lindeberg G, Fransson R, Nyberg F, Hallberg M, Sandström A. Impact of N-methylation of the substance P 1–7 amide on anti-allodynic effect in mice after peripheral administration. Eur J Pharm Sci 2017; 109:533-540. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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10
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Skogh A, Lesniak A, Gaugaz FZ, Svensson R, Lindeberg G, Fransson R, Nyberg F, Hallberg M, Sandström A. Importance of N- and C-terminal residues of substance P 1-7 for alleviating allodynia in mice after peripheral administration. Eur J Pharm Sci 2017; 106:345-351. [PMID: 28587787 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The heptapeptide SP1-7 (1, Arg1-Pro2-Lys3-Pro4-Gln5-Gln6-Phe7) is the major bioactive metabolite formed after proteolytic processing of the neuropeptide substance P (SP, Arg1-Pro2-Lys3-Pro4-Gln5-Gln6-Phe7-Phe8-Gly9-Leu10-Met11-NH2). The heptapeptide 1 frequently exhibits opposite effects to those induced by SP, such as exerting antinociception, or attenuating thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. The heptapeptide SP1-7 amide (2, Arg1-Pro2-Lys3-Pro4-Gln5-Gln6-Phe7-NH2) is often more efficacious than 1 in experimental pain models. We have now assessed the anti-allodynic outcome after systemic administration of 2 and a series of Ala-substituted and truncated analogues of 2, in the spared nerve injury (SNI) mice model and the results obtained were correlated with in vitro plasma stability and permeability measurements. It is herein demonstrated that an intact Arg1 in SP1-7 amide analogues is fundamental for retaining a potent in vivo effect, while Lys3 of 2 is less important. A displacement with Ala1 or truncation rendered the peptide analogues either inactive or with a significantly attenuated in vivo activity. Thus, the pentapeptide SP3-7 amide (7, t1/2=11.1 min) proven to be the major metabolite of 2, demonstrated an in vivo effect itself although considerably less significant than 2 in the SNI model. Intraperitoneal administration of 2 in a low dose furnished the most powerful anti-allodynic effect in the SNI model of all the analogous evaluated, despite a fast proteolysis of 2 in plasma (t1/2=6.4 min). It is concluded that not only the C-terminal residue, that we previously demonstrated, but also the N-terminal with its basic side chain, are important for achieving effective pain relief. This information is of value for the further design process aimed at identifying more drug-like SP1-7 amide related peptidomimetics with pronounced anti-allodynic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Skogh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 574, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Lesniak
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Bioscience, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fabienne Z Gaugaz
- Uppsala Drug Optimization and Pharmaceutical Profiling Platform (UDOPP), Science for Life Laboratory Drug Discovery and Development Platform, Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 580, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Richard Svensson
- Uppsala Drug Optimization and Pharmaceutical Profiling Platform (UDOPP), Science for Life Laboratory Drug Discovery and Development Platform, Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 580, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Lindeberg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 574, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rebecca Fransson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 574, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fred Nyberg
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Bioscience, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mathias Hallberg
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Bioscience, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anja Sandström
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 574, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden.
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11
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Saidi M, Kamali S, Beaudry F. Characterization of Substance P processing in mouse spinal cord S9 fractions using high-resolution Quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Neuropeptides 2016; 59:47-55. [PMID: 27344070 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Tachykinins are a family of pronociceptive neuropeptides with a specific role in pain and inflammation. Several mechanisms regulate endogenous tachykinins and Substance P (SP) levels, including the differential expression of protachykinin mRNA and the controlled secretion of tachykinins from neurons. Proteolysis is suspected to regulate extracellular SP concentrations but few studies were conducted on the metabolism of proneuropeptides and neuropeptides. Here, we provide evidence that proteolysis controls SP levels in the spinal cord leading to the formation of active C-terminal fragments. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, specific tachykinins fragments were characterized and quantified. The metabolic stability of β-Tachykinin58-71 and SP were very short resulting in half-life of 5.7 and 3.5min respectively. Several C-terminal fragments were identified, including SP3-11, SP5-11 and SP8-11, which conserve affinity for the Neurokinin 1 receptor. Interestingly, the metabolic stability of C-terminal fragments was significantly superior. Two specific Prolyl endopeptidase inhibitors were used and showed a significant reduction in the rate of formation of SP3-11 and SP5-11 providing strong evidence that Prolyl endopeptidase is involved into N-terminal processing of SP in the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouna Saidi
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animal du Québec (GREPAQ), Département de Biomédecine Vétérinaire, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Soufiane Kamali
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animal du Québec (GREPAQ), Département de Biomédecine Vétérinaire, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Francis Beaudry
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animal du Québec (GREPAQ), Département de Biomédecine Vétérinaire, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada.
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12
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Hallberg M. Neuropeptides: metabolism to bioactive fragments and the pharmacology of their receptors. Med Res Rev 2015; 35:464-519. [PMID: 24894913 DOI: 10.1002/med.21323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
The proteolytic processing of neuropeptides has an important regulatory function and the peptide fragments resulting from the enzymatic degradation often exert essential physiological roles. The proteolytic processing generates, not only biologically inactive fragments, but also bioactive fragments that modulate or even counteract the response of their parent peptides. Frequently, these peptide fragments interact with receptors that are not recognized by the parent peptides. This review discusses tachykinins, opioid peptides, angiotensins, bradykinins, and neuropeptide Y that are present in the central nervous system and their processing to bioactive degradation products. These well-known neuropeptide systems have been selected since they provide illustrative examples that proteolytic degradation of parent peptides can lead to bioactive metabolites with different biological activities as compared to their parent peptides. For example, substance P, dynorphin A, angiotensin I and II, bradykinin, and neuropeptide Y are all degraded to bioactive fragments with pharmacological profiles that differ considerably from those of the parent peptides. The review discusses a selection of the large number of drug-like molecules that act as agonists or antagonists at receptors of neuropeptides. It focuses in particular on the efforts to identify selective drug-like agonists and antagonists mimicking the effects of the endogenous peptide fragments formed. As exemplified in this review, many common neuropeptides are degraded to a variety of smaller fragments but many of the fragments generated have not yet been examined in detail with regard to their potential biological activities. Since these bioactive fragments contain a small number of amino acid residues, they provide an ideal starting point for the development of drug-like substances with ability to mimic the effects of the degradation products. Thus, these substances could provide a rich source of new pharmaceuticals. However, as discussed herein relatively few examples have so far been disclosed of successful attempts to create bioavailable, drug-like agonists or antagonists, starting from the structure of endogenous peptide fragments and applying procedures relying on stepwise manipulations and simplifications of the peptide structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Hallberg
- Beijer Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden
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Jonsson A, Fransson R, Haramaki Y, Skogh A, Brolin E, Watanabe H, Nordvall G, Hallberg M, Sandström A, Nyberg F. Small constrained SP1-7 analogs bind to a unique site and promote anti-allodynic effects following systemic injection in mice. Neuroscience 2015; 298:112-9. [PMID: 25862586 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Previous results have shown that the substance P (SP) N-terminal fragment SP1-7 may attenuate hyperalgesia and produce anti-allodynia in animals using various experimental models for neuropathic pain. The heptapeptide was found to induce its effects through binding to and activating specific sites apart from any known neurokinin or opioid receptor. Furthermore, we have applied a medicinal chemistry program to develop lead compounds mimicking the effect of SP1-7. The present study was designed to evaluate the pharmacological effect of these compounds using the mouse spared nerve injury (SNI) model of chronic neuropathic pain. Also, as no comprehensive screen with the aim to identify the SP1-7 target has yet been performed we screened our lead compound H-Phe-Phe-NH2 toward a panel of drug targets. The extensive target screen, including 111 targets, did not reveal any hit for the binding site among a number of known receptors or enzymes involved in pain modulation. Our animal studies confirmed that SP1-7, but also synthetic analogs thereof, possesses anti-allodynic effects in the mouse SNI model of neuropathic pain. One of the lead compounds, a constrained H-Phe-Phe-NH2 analog, was shown to exhibit a significant anti-allodynic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jonsson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - R Fransson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Box 574, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Y Haramaki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - A Skogh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Box 574, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - E Brolin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - H Watanabe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - G Nordvall
- AstraZeneca, CNSP iMed Södertälje, Research & Development Innovative Medicines, SE-151 85 Södertälje, Sweden.
| | - M Hallberg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - A Sandström
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Box 574, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - F Nyberg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
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14
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Fransson R, Nordvall G, Bylund J, Carlsson-Jonsson A, Kratz JM, Svensson R, Artursson P, Hallberg M, Sandström A. Exploration and pharmacokinetic profiling of phenylalanine based carbamates as novel substance p 1-7 analogues. ACS Med Chem Lett 2014; 5:1272-7. [PMID: 25516784 DOI: 10.1021/ml5002954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The bioactive metabolite of Substance P, the heptapeptide SP1-7 (H-Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gln-Phe-OH), has been shown to attenuate signs of hyperalgesia in diabetic mice, which indicate a possible use of compounds targeting the SP1-7 binding site as analgesics for neuropathic pain. Aiming at the development of drug-like SP1-7 peptidomimetics we have previously reported on the discovery of H-Phe-Phe-NH2 as a high affinity lead compound. Unfortunately, the pharmacophore of this compound was accompanied by a poor pharmacokinetic (PK) profile. Herein, further lead optimization of H-Phe-Phe-NH2 by substituting the N-terminal phenylalanine for a benzylcarbamate group giving a new type of SP1-7 analogues with good binding affinities is reported. Extensive in vitro as well as in vivo PK characterization is presented for this compound. Evaluation of different C-terminal functional groups, i.e., hydroxamic acid, acyl sulfonamide, acyl cyanamide, acyl hydrazine, and oxadiazole, suggested hydroxamic acid as a bioisosteric replacement for the original primary amide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Fransson
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Nordvall
- CNSP iMed Södertälje, AstraZeneca Research & Development, Innovative Medicines, SE-151 85 Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Johan Bylund
- CNSP iMed Södertälje, AstraZeneca Research & Development, Innovative Medicines, SE-151 85 Södertälje, Sweden
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Carlsson-Jonsson
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jadel M. Kratz
- Department
of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Richard Svensson
- Department
of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- The
Uppsala University Drug Optimization and Pharmaceutical Profiling
Platform, Chemical Biology Consortium Sweden, Uppsala University, SE-751
23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per Artursson
- Department
of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- The
Uppsala University Drug Optimization and Pharmaceutical Profiling
Platform, Chemical Biology Consortium Sweden, Uppsala University, SE-751
23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mathias Hallberg
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anja Sandström
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
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15
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Carlsson-Jonsson A, Gao T, Hao JX, Fransson R, Sandström A, Nyberg F, Wiesenfeld-Hallin Z, Xu XJ. N-terminal truncations of substance P1–7 amide affect its action on spinal cord injury-induced mechanical allodynia in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 738:319-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.05.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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16
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Cavalluzzo C, Christ F, Voet A, Sharma A, Singh BK, Zhang KY, Lescrinier E, De Maeyer M, Debyser Z, Van der Eycken E. Identification of small peptides inhibiting the integrase-LEDGF/p75 interaction through targeting the cellular co-factor. J Pept Sci 2013; 19:651-8. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.2543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cavalluzzo
- Laboratory for Organic & Microwave-Assisted Chemistry (LOMAC), Department of Chemistry; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven; Celestijnenlaan 200F B-3001 Leuven Belgium
- DestiNA Genomics Ltd; West Mains Road Edinburgh EH9 3JJ UK
| | - Frauke Christ
- Molecular Medicine; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven; Kapucijnenvoer 33 B-3000 Leuven Belgium
| | - Arnout Voet
- Laboratory for Biomolecular modeling; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven; Celestijnenlaan 200G B-3001 Leuven Belgium
- Zhang Initiative Research Unit; Advanced Science Institute; RIKEN 2-1 Hirosawa Wako 351-0198 Japan
| | - Ajendra Sharma
- Laboratory for Organic & Microwave-Assisted Chemistry (LOMAC), Department of Chemistry; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven; Celestijnenlaan 200F B-3001 Leuven Belgium
| | - Brajendra Kumar Singh
- Laboratory for Organic & Microwave-Assisted Chemistry (LOMAC), Department of Chemistry; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven; Celestijnenlaan 200F B-3001 Leuven Belgium
- Bioorganic Laboratory, Department of Chemistry; University of Delhi; Delhi 110 007 India
| | - Kam Y.J. Zhang
- Zhang Initiative Research Unit; Advanced Science Institute; RIKEN 2-1 Hirosawa Wako 351-0198 Japan
| | - Eveline Lescrinier
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry; University of Leuven (KU Leuven); Minderbroedersstraat 10 B-3000 Leuven Belgium
| | - Marc De Maeyer
- Laboratory for Biomolecular modeling; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven; Celestijnenlaan 200G B-3001 Leuven Belgium
| | - Zeger Debyser
- Molecular Medicine; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven; Kapucijnenvoer 33 B-3000 Leuven Belgium
| | - Erik Van der Eycken
- Laboratory for Organic & Microwave-Assisted Chemistry (LOMAC), Department of Chemistry; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven; Celestijnenlaan 200F B-3001 Leuven Belgium
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17
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Fransson R, Sköld C, Kratz JM, Svensson R, Artursson P, Nyberg F, Hallberg M, Sandström A. Constrained H-Phe-Phe-NH2 Analogues with High Affinity to the Substance P 1–7 Binding Site and with Improved Metabolic Stability and Cell Permeability. J Med Chem 2013; 56:4953-65. [DOI: 10.1021/jm400209h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Fransson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Box 574, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christian Sköld
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Box 574, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jadel M. Kratz
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Box 580, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Programa de Pós-Graduação
em Farmácia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento
de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88.040-900, Florianópolis,
SC, Brazil
| | - Richard Svensson
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Box 580, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- The Uppsala
University Drug
Optimization and Pharmaceutical Profiling Platform (UDOPP), Chemical
Biology Consortium Sweden (CBCS), Uppsala University, Box 580, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per Artursson
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Box 580, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- The Uppsala
University Drug
Optimization and Pharmaceutical Profiling Platform (UDOPP), Chemical
Biology Consortium Sweden (CBCS), Uppsala University, Box 580, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fred Nyberg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mathias Hallberg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anja Sandström
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Box 574, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
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18
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Ohsawa M, Carlsson A, Asato M, Koizumi T, Nakanishi Y, Fransson R, Sandström A, Hallberg M, Nyberg F, Kamei J. The dipeptide Phe-Phe amide attenuates signs of hyperalgesia, allodynia and nociception in diabetic mice using a mechanism involving the sigma receptor system. Mol Pain 2011; 7:85. [PMID: 22040520 PMCID: PMC3225307 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-7-85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have demonstrated that intrathecal administration of the substance P amino-terminal metabolite substance P1-7 (SP1-7) and its C-terminal amidated congener induced antihyperalgesic effects in diabetic mice. In this study, we studied a small synthetic dipeptide related to SP1-7 and endomorphin-2, i.e. Phe-Phe amide, using the tail-flick test and von Frey filament test in diabetic and non-diabetic mice. Results Intrathecal treatment with the dipeptide increased the tail-flick latency in both diabetic and non-diabetic mice. This effect of Phe-Phe amide was significantly greater in diabetic mice than non-diabetic mice. The Phe-Phe amide-induced antinociceptive effect in both diabetic and non-diabetic mice was reversed by the σ1 receptor agonist (+)-pentazocine. Moreover, Phe-Phe amide attenuated mechanical allodynia in diabetic mice, which was reversible by (+)-pentazocine. The expression of spinal σ1 receptor mRNA and protein did not differ between diabetic mice and non-diabetic mice. On the other hand, the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1 (ERK1) and ERK2 proteins was enhanced in diabetic mice. (+)-Pentazocine caused phosphorylation of ERK1 and ERK2 proteins in non-diabetic mice, but not in diabetic mice. Conclusions These results suggest that the spinal σ1 receptor system might contribute to diabetic mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, which could be potently attenuated by Phe-Phe amide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Ohsawa
- Department of Pathophysiology & Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 4-41, Ebara 2-chome, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
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19
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Ohsawa M, Carlsson A, Asato M, Koizumi T, Nakanishi Y, Fransson R, Sandström A, Hallberg M, Nyberg F, Kamei J. The effect of substance P1-7 amide on nociceptive threshold in diabetic mice. Peptides 2011; 32:93-8. [PMID: 20933559 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2010] [Revised: 09/30/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that intrathecal treatment with substance P metabolite substance P(1-7) induced anti-hyperalgesia in diabetic mice. In the present study, we have used a synthetic analog of this peptide, the substance P(1-7) amide, showing higher binding affinity than the native heptapeptide, for studies of the tail-flick response in diabetic and non-diabetic mice. Intrathecal injection of substance P(1-7) amide produced prolongation of the tail-flick latency in both diabetic and non-diabetic mice, an effect that was more pronounced in diabetic mice than non-diabetic mice. Moreover, the observed antinociceptive potency of the substance P(1-7) amide was higher in both diabetic and non-diabetic mice in comparison with the native substance P(1-7). The antinociceptive effect of substance P(1-7) amide was reversed by naloxone but not by the selective opioid receptor antagonist β-funaltrexamine, naltrindole or nor-binaltorphimine, selective for the μ-, δ- or κ-opioid receptor, respectively. In addition, the antinociceptive effect induced by substance P(1-7) amide was partly reversed by the σ(1) receptor agonist (+)-pentazocine, suggesting a possible involvement of the σ(1) receptor for the action of this peptide. These results suggest that the actions of substance P(1-7) amide mimic the effects of the native substance P fragment but with higher potency and that the mechanisms for its action may involve the σ(1) receptor system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Ohsawa
- Department of Pathophysiology & Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 4-41, Ebara 2-chome, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
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20
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Fransson R, Botros M, Sköld C, Nyberg F, Lindeberg G, Hallberg M, Sandström A. Discovery of dipeptides with high affinity to the specific binding site for substance P1-7. J Med Chem 2010; 53:2383-9. [PMID: 20178322 DOI: 10.1021/jm901352b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Substance P 1-7 (SP(1-7), H-Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gln-Phe-OH) is the major bioactive metabolite of substance P. The interest in this heptapeptide originates from the observation that it modulates, and in certain cases opposes the effects of the parent peptide, e.g., the nociceptive effect. The mu-opioid receptor agonist endomorphin-2 (EM-2, H-Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH(2)) has been found to also interact with the specific binding site of SP(1-7) with only a 10-fold lower affinity compared to the native peptide. Considering the smaller size of EM-2 compared to the target heptapeptide, it was selected as a lead compound in the development of low-molecular-weight ligands to the SP(1-7) binding site. An alanine scan and truncation study led to the unexpected discovery of the dipeptide H-Phe-Phe-NH(2) (K(i) = 1.5 nM), having equal affinity as the endogenous heptapeptide SP(1-7.) Moreover, the studies show that the C-terminal phenylalanine amide is crucial for the affinity of the dipeptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Fransson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Box 574, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
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21
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Zhou Q, Carlsson A, Botros M, Fransson R, Sandström A, Gordh T, Hallberg M, Nyberg F. The C-terminal amidated analogue of the substance P (SP) fragment SP(1-7) attenuates the expression of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal in morphine dependent rats. Peptides 2009; 30:2418-22. [PMID: 19686790 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2009] [Revised: 08/07/2009] [Accepted: 08/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of the substance P (SP) aminoterminal fragment SP(1-7) attenuates the expression of morphine withdrawal in the male rat. In this study we have used a synthetic analogue of this peptide, i.e. the SP(1-7) amide showing higher binding potency than the native heptapeptide, in a similar experimental set-up. Thus, Wistar male rats were made tolerant to morphine by daily injections of the opiate during 8 days. Following peptide administration (i.c.v.) and a subsequent naloxone challenge a variety of physical syndromes of withdrawal were recorded. We observed that the SP(1-7) amide potently and dose-dependently reduced several signs of reaction to morphine withdrawal. Interestingly, the effect of the peptide amide was significantly attenuated by the addition of the sigma agonist (+)-SKF-10047. We conclude that the SP(1-7) amide mimics the effect of the native SP fragment and that the mechanisms for its action involve a sigma receptor site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, S-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
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