Differential antagonism of endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 spinal antinociception by naloxonazine and 3-methoxynaltrexone

A Novel Leu-Enkephalin Prodrug Produces Pain-Relieving and Antidepressant Effects

Persistent pain is a significant healthcare problem with limited treatment options. The high incidence of comorbid chronic pain and depression significantly reduces life quality and complicates the treatment of both conditions. Antidepressants are less effective for pain and depression than for depression alone and they induce severe side effects. Opioids are highly efficacious analgesics, but rapid development of tolerance, dependence, and debilitating side effects limit their efficacy and safe use. Leucine-enkephalin (Leu-ENK), the endogenous delta opioid receptor agonist, controls pain and mood and produces potent analgesia with reduced adverse effects compared to conventional opioids. High proteolytic instability, however, makes Leu-ENK ineffective after systemic administration and limits its clinical usefulness. KK-103, a Leu-ENK prodrug, was developed to overcome these limitations of Leu-ENK via markedly increased plasma stability in mice. We showed rapid and substantially increased systemic adsorption and blood plasma exposure of KK-103 compared to Leu-ENK. We also observed brain uptake of radiolabeled KK-103 after systemic administration, indicating a central effect of KK-103. We then established KK-103's prolonged antinociceptive efficacy in the ramped hot plate and formalin test. In both models, KK-103 produced a comparable dose to the maximum antinociceptive-effect relationship. The pain-alleviating effect of KK-103 primarily resulted from activating the delta opioid receptor after the likely conversion of KK-103 to Leu-ENK in vivo. Finally, KK-103 produced an antidepressant-like activity comparable to the antidepressant desipramine, but with minimal gastrointestinal inhibition and no incidence of sedation.

Contribution of the μ opioid receptor and enkephalin to the antinociceptive actions of endomorphin-1 analogs with unnatural amino acid modifications in the spinal cord

Endomorphin analogs containing unnatural amino acids have demonstrated potent analgesic effects in our previous studies. In the present study, the differences in antinociception and the mechanisms thereof for analogs 1-3 administered intracerebroventricularly and intrathecally were explored. All analogs at different routes of administration produced potent analgesia compared to the parent peptide endomorphin-1. Multiple antagonists and antibodies were used to explore the mechanisms of action of these analogs, and it was inferred that analogs 1-3 stimulated the μ opioid receptor to induce antinociception. Moreover, the antibody data suggested that analog 2 may induce the release of immunoreactive [Leu⁵]-enkephaline and [Met⁵]-enkephaline to produce a secondary component of antinociception at the spinal level and analog 3 may stimulate the the release of immunoreactive [Met⁵]-enkephaline at the spinal level. Finally, analogs 2 and 3 produced no acute tolerance in the spinal cord. We hypothesize that the unique characteristics of the endomorphin analogs result from their capacities to stimulate the release of endogenous antinociceptive substances.

Pharmacological Modulation of Endogenous Opioid Activity to Attenuate Neuropathic Pain in Rats

We showed previously that spinal metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR₁) signaling suppresses or facilitates (depending on the stage of estrous cycle) analgesic responsiveness to intrathecal endomorphin 2, a highly mu-opioid receptor-selective endogenous opioid. Spinal endomorphin 2 antinociception is suppressed during diestrus by mGluR₁ when it is activated by membrane estrogen receptor alpha (mERα) and is facilitated during proestrus when mGluR₁ is activated by glutamate. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that in female rats subjected to spinal nerve ligation (SNL), the inhibition of spinal estrogen synthesis or blockade of spinal mERα/mGluR₁ would be antiallodynic during diestrus, whereas during proestrus, mGluR₁ blockade would worsen the mechanical allodynia. As postulated, following SNL, aromatase inhibition or mERα/mGluR₁ blockade during diestrus markedly lessened the mechanical allodynia. This was observed only on the paw ipsilateral to SNL and was eliminated by naloxone, implicating endogenous opioid mediation. In contrast, during proestrus, mGluR₁ blockade worsened the SNL-induced mechanical allodynia of the ipsilateral paw. Findings suggest menstrual cycle stage-specific drug targets for and the putative clinical utility of harnessing endogenous opioids for chronic pain management in women, as well as the value of, if not the necessity for, considering menstrual cycle stage in clinical trials thereof. PERSPECTIVE: Intrathecal treatments that enhance spinal endomorphin 2 analgesic responsiveness under basal conditions lessen mechanical allodynia in a chronic pain model. Findings provide a foundation for developing drugs that harness endogenous opioid antinociception for chronic pain relief, lessening the need for exogenous opioids and thus prescription opioid abuse.

Structure-constrained endomorphin analogs display differential antinociceptive mechanisms in mice after spinal administration

We previously reported a series of novel endomorphin analogs with unnatural amino acid modifications. These analogs display good binding affinity and functional activity toward the μ opioid receptor (MOP). In the present study, we further investigated the spinal antinociceptive activity of these compounds. The analogs were potent in several nociceptive models. Opioid antagonists and antibodies against several endogenous opioid peptides were used to determine the mechanisms of action of these peptides. Intrathecal pretreatment with naloxone and β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA) effectively inhibited analog-induced analgesia, demonstrating that activity of the analogs is regulated primarily through MOP. Antinociception induced by analog 2 through 4 was not reversed by δ opioid receptor (DOP) or κ opioid receptor (KOP) antagonist; antibodies against dynorphin-A (1-17), dynorphin-B (1-13), and Leu⁵/Met⁵-enkephalin had no impact on the antinociceptive effects of these analogs. In contrast, antinociceptive effects induced by a spinal injection of the fluorine substituted analog 1 were significantly reversed by KOP antagonism. Furthermore, intrathecal pretreatment with antibodies against dynorphin-B (1-13) attenuated the antinociceptive effect of analog 1. These results indicate that the antinociceptive activity exerted by intrathecally-administered analog 1 is mediated, in part, through KOP with increased release of dynorphin-B (1-13). The chemical modifications used in the present study may serve as a useful tool to gain insight into the mechanisms of endomorphins activity.

Mechanisms of inhibitory action of TRK-130 (Naltalimide), a μ-opioid receptor partial agonist, on the micturition reflex

PURPOSE

To clarify the mechanism of inhibitory action of TRK-130 (Naltalimide), a unique µ-opioid receptor partial agonist, on the micturition reflex.

METHODS

The effect of TRK-130 on isovolumetric rhythmic bladder contractions (RBCs) was examined in guinea pigs, the effect of which was clarified by co-treatment with naloxone or in spinal cord transection. The effect of TRK-130 on urodynamic parameters was also observed in guinea pigs. In addition, the effect of TRK-130 on bladder contraction induced by peripheral stimulation of the pelvic nerve was investigated in rats.

RESULTS

TRK-130 (0.001-0.01 mg/kg, iv) dose-dependently inhibited RBCs, which was dose-dependently antagonized by naloxone; however, the antagonism susceptibility was different from morphine (1 mg/kg, iv). The minimum effective dose (0.003 mg/kg) of TRK-130 remained similar in spinal cord-transected animals. TRK-130 (0.0025 mg/kg, iv) increased bladder capacity without changing the voiding efficiency, maximum flow rate, and intravesical pressure at the maximum flow rate, whereas oxybutynin (1 mg/kg, iv) increased the bladder capacity but affected the other parameters. TRK-130 (0.005 mg/kg, iv) did not produce significant changes on the bladder contractions induced by peripheral stimulation of the pelvic nerve, while oxybutynin (1 mg/kg, iv) significantly suppressed the bladder contractions.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that TRK-130 enhances the bladder storage function by modulating the afferent limb of the micturition reflex through µ-opioid receptors in the spinal cord. TRK-130 could be a more effective and safer therapeutic agent with a different fashion from antimuscarinics and conventional opioids for overactive bladder.

Estrogens Suppress Spinal Endomorphin 2 Release in Female Rats in Phase with the Estrous Cycle

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Male and female rats differ in their ability to utilize spinal endomorphin 2 (EM2; the predominant mu-opioid receptor ligand in spinal cord) and in the mechanisms that underlie spinal EM2 analgesic responsiveness. We investigated the relevance of spinal estrogen receptors (ERs) to the in vivo regulation of spinal EM2 release.

METHODS

ER antagonists were administered directly to the lumbosacral spinal cord of male and female rats, intrathecal perfusate was collected, and resulting changes in EM2 release were quantified using a plate-based radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

Intrathecal application of an antagonist of either estrogen receptor-α (ERα) or the ER GPR30 failed to alter spinal EM2 release. Strikingly, however, the concomitant blockade of ERα and GPR30 enhanced spinal EM2 release. This effect was sexually dimorphic, being absent in males. Furthermore, the magnitude of the enhancement of spinal EM2 release in females was dependent upon estrous cycle stage, suggesting a relationship with circulating levels of 17β-estradiol. The rapid onset of enhanced EM2 release following intrathecal application of ERα/GPR30 antagonists (within 30-40 min) suggests mediation via ERs in the plasma membrane, not the nucleus. Notably, both ovarian and spinally synthesized estrogens are essential for membrane ER regulation of spinal EM2 release.

CONCLUSION

These findings underscore the importance of estrogens for the regulation of spinal EM2 activity and, by extension, endogenous spinal EM2 antinociception in females. Components of the spinal estrogenic mechanism(s) that suppress EM2 release could represent novel drug targets for improving utilization of endogenous spinal EM2, and thereby pain management in women.

Downregulation of spinal endomorphin-2 correlates with mechanical allodynia in a rat model of tibia cancer

The endogenous tetrapeptide endomorphin-2 (EM2) participates in pain modulation by binding to pre- and/or post-synaptic μ opioid receptor (MOR). In the present study, pathological expression and antinociceptive effects of EM2 at the spinal level were investigated in a rat model of bone cancer pain. The model was established by introducing Walker 256 mammary gland carcinoma cells into the tibia medullary cavity. Immunohistochemical staining for EM2 showed a markedly reduced EM2-immunoreactivity in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn on days 6, 12 and 18 post Walker 256 inoculation (p < 0.05). Intrathecal injection (i.t.) of EM2 significantly attenuated cancer-induced mechanical allodynia (p < 0.05) which could be blocked by β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA), the μ receptor antagonist (p < 0.05). Furthermore, topical application of EM2 dose-dependently inhibited the electrically evoked C-fiber responses and postdischarge of wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons within the spinal cord (p < 0.05), and pretreatment with β-FNA abolished the hyperactivity of these neurons. Compared with the antinociception of morphine which took effect from 40 min to 100 min post application, the analgesic action of EM2 was characterized by quick onset and short-lived efficacy (p < 0.05), being most potent at 10 min and lasting about 20 min. These findings indicate that the down-regulated spinal EM2 is an important contributor to the neuropathological process of bone cancer pain and enhancing activation of EM2/μ receptor signaling might provide a therapeutic alternative to optimizing the treatment of cancer-induced bone pain.

Involvement of multiple µ-opioid receptor subtypes on the presynaptic or postsynaptic inhibition of spinal pain transmission

The involvement of the μ-opioid receptor subtypes on the presynaptic or postsynaptic inhibition of spinal pain transmission was characterized in ddY mice using endomorphins. Intrathecal treatment with capsaicin, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) or substance P elicited characteristic nociceptive behaviors that consisted primarily of vigorous biting and/or licking with some scratching. Intrathecal co-administration of endogenous μ-opioid peptide endomorphin-1 or endomorphin-2 resulted in a potent antinociceptive effect against the nociceptive behaviors induced by capsaicin, NMDA or substance P, which was eliminated by i.t. co-administration of the μ-opioid receptor antagonist D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (CTOP). The antinociceptive effect of endomorphin-1 was significantly suppressed by i.t.-co-administration of the μ2-opioid receptor antagonist Tyr-D-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH2 (D-Pro2-endomorphin-1) but not the μ1-opioid receptor antagonist Tyr-D-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2 (D-Pro2-endomorphin-2) on capsaicin- or NMDA-elicited nociceptive behaviors. In contrast, the antinociceptive effect of endomorphin-2 was significantly suppressed by i.t.-co-administration of D-Pro2-endomorphin-2 but not D-Pro2-endomorphin-1 on capsaicin-, NMDA- or substance P-elicited nociceptive behaviors. Interestingly, regarding substance P-elicited nociceptive behaviors, the antinociceptive effect of endomorphin-1 was significantly suppressed by i.t.-co-administration of another μ2-opioid receptor antagonist, Tyr-D-Pro-Trp-Gly-NH2 (D-Pro2-Tyr-W-MIF-1), but not D-Pro2-endomorphin-1 or D-Pro2-endomorphin-2. The present results suggest that the multiple μ-opioid receptor subtypes are involved in the presynaptic or postsynaptic inhibition of spinal pain transmission.

Spinal endomorphin 2 antinociception and the mechanisms that produce it are both sex- and stage of estrus cycle-dependent in rats

Endomorphin 2 (EM2) is the predominant endogenous mu-opioid receptor (MOR) ligand in the spinal cord. Given its endogenous presence, antinociceptive responsiveness to the intrathecal application of EM2 most likely reflects its ability to modulate nociception when released in situ. In order to explore the physiological pliability of sex-dependent differences in spinal MOR-mediated antinociception, we investigated the antinociception produced by intrathecal EM2 in male, proestrus female, and diestrus female rats. Antinociception was reflected by changes in tail flick latency to radiant heat. In females, the spinal EM2 antinociceptive system oscillated between analgesically active and inactive states. During diestrus, when circulating estrogens are low, spinal EM2 antinociceptive responsiveness was minimal. In contrast, during proestrus, when circulating estrogens are high, spinal EM2 antinociception was robust and comparable in magnitude to that manifest by males. Furthermore, in proestrus females, spinal EM2 antinociception required spinal dynorphin and kappa-opioid receptor activation, concomitant with MOR activation. This is required for neither spinal EM2 antinociception in males nor the antinociception elicited in proestrus females by spinal sufentanil or [d-Ala(2),N-methyl-Phe(4),Gly-ol(5)]-enkephalin, which are prototypic MOR-selective nonpeptide and peptide agonists, respectively. These results reveal that spinal EM2 antinociception and the signaling mechanisms used to produce it fundamentally differ in males and females.

PERSPECTIVE

The inability to mount spinal EM2 antinociception during defined stages of the estrus (and presumably menstrual) cycle and impaired transition from spinal EM2 analgesically nonresponsive to responsive physiological states could be causally associated with the well-documented greater severity and frequency of chronic intractable pain syndromes in women vs men.

Deciphering intracellular localization and physiological role of nociceptin and nocistatin

Nociceptin and nocistatin are endogenous ligands of G protein coupled receptor family. Numerous techniques have been used to study the diverse parameters including, localization, distribution and ultrastructure of these peptides. The majority of the study parameters are based on their physiological roles in different organ systems. The present study presents an overview of the different methods used for the study of nociceptin, nocistatin and their receptors. Nociceptin has been implicated in many physiological functions including, nociception, locomotion, stressed-induced analgesia, learning and memory, neurotransmitter and hormone release, renal function, neuronal differentiation, sexual and reproductive behavior, uterine contraction, feeding, anxiety, gastrointestinal motility, cardiovascular function, micturition, cough, hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, diuresis and sodium balance, temperature regulation, vestibular function, and mucosal transport. It has been noted that the use of light and electron microscopy was less frequent, though it may be one of the most promising tools to study the intracellular localization of these neuropeptides. In addition, more studies on the level of circulating nociceptin and nocistatin are also necessary for investigating their clinical roles in health and disease. A variety of modern tools including physiological, light and electron microscopy (EM) are needed to decipher the extent of intracellular localization, tissue distribution and function of these peptides. The intracellular localization of nociceptin and nocistatin will require a high resolution transmission EM capable of identifying these peptides and other supporting molecules that co-localize with them. A tracing technique could also elucidate a possible migratory ability of nociceptin and nocistatin from one cellular compartment to the other.

Possible involvement of dynorphin A release via mu1-opioid receptor on supraspinal antinociception of endomorphin-2

It has been demonstrated that the antinociception induced by i.t. or i.c.v. administration of endomorphins is mediated through mu-opioid receptors. Moreover, though endomorphins do not have appreciable affinity for kappa-opioid receptors, pretreatment with the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine markedly blocks the antinociception induced by i.c.v.- or i.t.-injected endomorphin-2, but not endomorphin-1. These evidences propose the hypothesis that endomorphin-2 may initially stimulate the mu-opioid receptors, which subsequently induces the release of dynorphins acting on kappa-opioid receptors to produce antinociception. The present study was performed to determine whether the release of dynorphins by i.c.v.-administered endomorphin-2 is mediated through mu-opioid receptors for producing antinociception. Intracerebroventricular pretreatment with an antiserum against dynorphin A, but not dynorphin B or alpha-neo-endorphin, and s.c. pretreatment with kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine dose-dependently attenuated the antinociception induced by i.c.v.-administered endomorphin-2, but not endomorphin-1 and DAMGO. The attenuation of endomorphin-2-induced antinociception by pretreatment with antiserum against dynorphin A or nor-binaltorphimine was dose-dependently eliminated by additional s.c. pretreatment with a selective mu-opioid receptor antagonist beta-funaltrexamine or a selective mu1-opioid receptor antagonist naloxonazine at ultra low doses, which are inactive against micro-opioid receptor agonists in antinociception, suggesting that endomorphin-2 stimulates distinct subclass of micro1-opioid receptor that induces the release of dynorphin A acting on kappa-opioid receptors in the brain. It concludes that the antinociception induced by supraspinally administered endomorphin-2 is in part mediated through the release of endogenous kappa-opioid peptide dynorphin A, which is caused by the stimulation of distinct subclass of micro1-opioid receptor.

Pharmacological selectivity of CTAP in a warm water tail-withdrawal antinociception assay in rats

RATIONALE

To facilitate in vivo characterization of the mu antagonist Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH(2) (CTAP), the present study characterized CTAP selectivity in vivo.

OBJECTIVES

CTAP, the classical antagonist naltrexone, the kappa-selective antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (BNI), and the delta-selective antagonist naltrindole were compared as antagonists of representative mu, kappa, and delta agonists in a warm water tail-withdrawal assay.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with CTAP (0.01 to 10.0 microg, i.c.v.), naltrexone (0.1 to 10 mg/kg s.c.; 0.1 to 10 microg i.c.v.), nor-BNI (1 mg/kg s.c.), or naltrindole (0.01 to 1 microg, i.c.v.) and tested with cumulative doses of agonist in 50 or 55 degrees C tail-withdrawal assays.

RESULTS

At 55 degrees C, morphine and DAMGO produced dose-dependent antinociceptive effects that were antagonized by CTAP or naltrexone (s.c. or i.c.v.) in a surmountable, dose-dependent manner. Neither kappa agonists (bremazocine, spiradoline, U69,593; all s.c.) nor the delta agonist DPDPE (i.c.v.) produced antinociception at 55 degrees C, but all produced full antinociception at 50 degrees C. CTAP did not antagonize effects of spiradoline, U69,593, or DPDPE, whereas nor-BNI produced insurmountable antagonism of effects of kappa agonists, and naltrindole produced surmountable antagonism of effects of DPDPE. Apparent pA (2) estimates for naltrexone, CTAP, and naltrindole agreed with published estimates, although Schild slopes diverged from predictions for simple competitive antagonism.

CONCLUSIONS

CTAP produces dose-dependent antagonism selective for mu-agonist effects in a standard 55 degrees C tail withdrawal antinociceptive assay.

Role of GABA B receptors in the endomorphin-1-, but not endomorphin-2-, induced dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens of freely moving rats

In vivo microdialysis was used to study the effects of the locally applied GABA B receptor antagonist 2-hydroxysaclofen and GABA B receptor agonist baclofen on the basal dopamine efflux as well as on the endomorphin-1- and endomorphin-2-induced dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens of freely moving rats. 2-Hydroxysaclofen (100 and 500 nmol) increased basal dopamine efflux. Baclofen (2.5 and 5 nmol) failed to affect basal dopamine efflux. 2-Hydroxysaclofen (1 and 10 nmol) which did not alter the basal dopamine efflux, enhanced the endomorphin-1 (25 nmol)-induced dopamine efflux. Baclofen (2.5 and 5 nmol) failed to affect endomorphin-1 (25 nmol)-induced dopamine efflux, but it counteracted the 2-hydroxysaclofen-induced increase of the endomorphin-1-elicited dopamine efflux. Neither 2-hydroxysaclofen (10 nmol) nor baclofen (5 nmol) affected the endomorphin-2 (25 nmol)-induced dopamine efflux. The doses mentioned are the total amount of drug over the infusion period that varied across the drugs (25 or 50 min). These results suggest that accumbal GABA B receptor plays an inhibitory role on the basal as well as the endomorphin-1-elicited accumbal dopamine efflux. The present results support our earlier reported notion that endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 increase accumbal dopamine efflux by different mechanisms. Finally, it is suggested that a decrease of endogenous accumbal GABA reduces the accumbal GABA B receptor-mediated GABA-ergic inhibition, enhancing thereby the accumbal dopamine efflux.

From MIF-1 to endomorphin: the Tyr-MIF-1 family of peptides

The Tyr-MIF-1 family of small peptides has served a prototypic role in the introduction of several novel concepts into the peptide field of research. MIF-1 (Pro-Leu-Gly-NH(2)) was the first hypothalamic peptide shown to act "up" on the brain, not just "down" on the pituitary. In several situations, including clinical depression, MIF-1 exhibits an inverted U-shaped dose-response relationship in which increasing doses can result in decreasing effects. This tripeptide also can antagonize opiate actions, and the first report of such activity also correctly predicted the discovery of other endogenous antiopiate peptides. The tetrapeptide Tyr-MIF-1 (Tyr-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH(2)) not only shows antiopiate activity, but also considerable selectivity for the mu-opiate binding site. Tyr-W-MIF-1 (Tyr-Pro-Trp-Gly-NH(2)) is an even more selective ligand for the mu receptor, leading to the discovery of two more Tyr-Pro tetrapeptides that have the highest specificity and affinity for this site. These are the endomorphins: endomorphin-1 is Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH(2) and endomorphin-2 is Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH(2). Tyr-MIF-1 proved, contrary to the then prevailing dogma, that peptides can be saturably transported across the blood-brain barrier by a quantifiable transport system. Unexpectedly, the Tyr-MIF-1 transporter is shared with Met-enkephalin. In the era in which it was doubtful whether a peripheral peptide could exert CNS effects, the Tyr-MIF-1 family of peptides also explicitly showed that they can exert more than one central action that persists longer than their half-lives in blood. These peptides clearly illustrate that the name of a peptide restricts neither its actions nor its conceptual implications.

Role of GABAA receptors in the endomorphin-1-, but not endomorphin-2-, induced dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens of freely moving rats

In vivo microdialysis was used to study the effects of the locally applied GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol and GABA(A) receptor antagonist bicuculline on the basal dopamine efflux as well as on the endomorphin-1- and endomorphin-2-induced dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens of freely moving rats. Muscimol (2500 pmol) and bicuculline (5 and 10 nmol) increased basal dopamine efflux. Bicuculline (50 pmol) inhibited the muscimol (2500 pmol)-induced dopamine efflux. Muscimol (250 pmol), but not bicuculline (50 and 500 pmol), enhanced the endomorphin-1 (25 nmol)-induced dopamine efflux. Bicuculline (50 pmol) counteracted the muscimol (250 pmol)-induced increase of the endomorphin-1-elicited dopamine efflux. Neither muscimol (25 and 250 pmol) nor bicuculline (50 and 500 pmol) affected the endomorphin-2 (25 nmol)-induced dopamine efflux. The doses mentioned are the total amount of drug over the infusion period (25 or 50 min) that varied across the drugs. The finding that muscimol and bicuculline increased basal dopamine efflux may imply that these drugs acted at different sites. It is suggested that (1) muscimol acts at GABA(A) receptors on GABA-ergic neurons that exert an inhibitory control of dopaminergic neurons and, accordingly, disinhibits these dopaminergic neurons, and that (2) bicuculline acts directly at GABA(A) receptors on dopaminergic neurons and, accordingly, removes the inhibitory control of these dopaminergic neurons. The finding that an agonist, but not antagonist, of GABA(A) receptors enhanced the endomorphin-1's effects might indicate that endomorphin-1 produced a floor effect at the level of GABA(A) receptors located on presynaptic, dopaminergic terminals. Finally, the present results support our earlier reported notion that endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 increase accumbal dopamine efflux by different mechanisms.

?-Opioid Receptor Ligands Lack Receptor Subtype Selectivity in the Aequorin Luminescence-based Calcium Assay

The aim of the present study was to characterize the binding selectivity of the mu-opioid receptor ligands, endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2, and DAMGO, in the in vitro functional assay, based on the changes in intracellular calcium levels. For the experiments Chinese hamster ovary cells, stably expressing human mu-receptor, were used. The mu-agonist-induced calcium responses were significantly inhibited by naloxone, an opioid antagonist with high preference for the mu-opioid receptors. Naloxonazine, a mu1-non-peptide antagonist, inhibited the effect of all tested mu-agonists. However, there was no significant difference in the antagonist effect of naloxonazine on the calcium response induced by mu1- (endomorphin-2) and mu2-agonists (endomorphin-1, DAMGO). [D-Pro2]endomorphin-1 and [D-Pro2]endomorphin-2, putative peptide mu2- and mu1-antagonists, respectively, which had been shown in vivo to inhibit the antinociception induced by mu-agonists, produced no inhibitory effect in our in vitro experiments. Our results demonstrated that there is only one population of the mu-opioid receptors expressed in the Chinese hamster ovary cells. We suggest that the mu-opioid receptors form a homogenous population in the in vitro systems. However, the existence of mu-receptor subtypes in vivo is still pharmacologically possible.

The endomorphin system and its evolving neurophysiological role

Endomorphin-1 (Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH2) and endomorphin-2 (Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2) are two endogenous opioid peptides with high affinity and remarkable selectivity for the mu-opioid receptor. The neuroanatomical distribution of endomorphins reflects their potential endogenous role in many major physiological processes, which include perception of pain, responses related to stress, and complex functions such as reward, arousal, and vigilance, as well as autonomic, cognitive, neuroendocrine, and limbic homeostasis. In this review we discuss the biological effects of endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 in relation to their distribution in the central and peripheral nervous systems. We describe the relationship between these two mu-opioid receptor-selective peptides and endogenous neurohormones and neurotransmitters. We also evaluate the role of endomorphins from the physiological point of view and report selectively on the most important findings in their pharmacology.

A Tyr-W-MIF-1 analog containing d-Pro2 discriminates among antinociception in mice mediated by different classes of μ-opioid receptors

The antagonism by Tyr-D-Pro-Trp-Gly-NH2 (D-Pro2-Tyr-W-MIF-1), a Tyr-Pro-Trp-Gly-NH2 (Tyr-W-MIF-1) analog, of the antinociception induced by the mu-opioid receptor agonists Tyr-W-MIF-1, [D-Ala2,NMePhe4,Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin (DAMGO), Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH2 (endomorphin-1), and Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2 (endomorphin-2) was studied with the mouse tail-flick test. D-Pro2-Tyr-W-MIF-1 (0.5-3 nmol) given intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) had no effect on the thermal nociceptive threshold. High doses of D-Pro2-Tyr-W-MIF-1 (4-16 nmol) administered i.c.v. produced antinociception with a low intrinsic activity of about 30% of the maximal possible effect. D-Pro2-Tyr-W-MIF-1 (0.25-2 nmol) co-administered i.c.v. showed a dose-dependent attenuation of the antinociception induced by Tyr-W-MIF-1 or DAMGO without affecting endomorphin-2-induced antinociception. A 0.5 nmol dose of D-Pro2-Tyr-W-MIF-1 significantly attenuated Tyr-W-MIF-1-induced antinociception but not DAMGO- or endomorphin-1-induced antinociception. The highest dose (2 nmol) of D-Pro2-Tyr-W-MIF-1 almost completely attenuated Tyr-W-MIF-1-induced antinociception. However, that dose of D-Pro2-Tyr-W-MIF-1 significantly but not completely attenuated endomorphin-1 or DAMGO-induced antinociception, whereas the antinociception induced by endomorphin-2 was still not affected by D-Pro2-Tyr-W-MIF-1. Pretreatment i.c.v. with various doses of naloxonazine, a mu1-opioid receptor antagonist, attenuated the antinociception induced by Tyr-W-MIF-1, endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2, or DAMGO. Judging from the ID50 values for naloxonazine against the antinociception induced by the mu-opioid receptor agonists, the antinociceptive effect of Tyr-W-MIF-1 is extremely less sensitive to naloxonazine than that of endomorphin-1 or DAMGO. In contrast, endomorphin-2-induced antinociception is extremely sensitive to naloxonazine. The present results clearly suggest that D-Pro2-Tyr-W-MIF-1 is a selective antagonist for the mu2-opioid receptor in the mouse brain. D-Pro2-Tyr-W-MIF-1 may also discriminate between Tyr-W-MIF-1-induced antinociception and the antinociception induced by endomorphin-1 or DAMGO, which both show a preference for the mu2-opioid receptor in the brain.

Sex-/Ovarian Steroid-Dependent Release of Endomorphin 2 from Spinal Cord

Mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists have been shown to be more potent analgesics in male than female rodents. Regulation of spinal MOR-coupled antinociception by 17beta-estradiol (estrogen, E2) and progesterone (P) is also sexually dimorphic; pregnancy levels of E2/P activate MOR-coupled analgesic pathways in male but not female rats. We hypothesized that the sexual dimorphic characteristics of MOR-coupled antinociception reflects sexual dimorphism in the regulation of the release from spinal cord of the endogenous MOR agonist, endomorphin 2 (EM2). Parameters of spinal EM2 release manifesting sexual dimorphism include its 1) magnitude: in vitro basal and K+-evoked release of EM2 from spinal tissue of male rats is approximately 50% greater than that observed from spinal cord of females; 2) modulation by ovarian sex steroids: E2/P treatment significantly enhanced K+-evoked EM2 release from spinal tissue of males, but not females; and 3) enhancement by opioid receptor blockade: naloxone enhanced stimulated EM2 release from spinal tissue of both males and females, but it augmented basal release from spinal tissue of only males. Enhancement of EM2 release by naloxone reflects negative coupling of MOR to EM2 release and hence its modulation by negative feedback since only activation of MOR, not kappa-or delta-opioid receptors, was able to inhibit evoked EM2 release. These data reveal that the EM2-MOR spinal analgesic system is more robust and "higher gain" in male versus female rodents. These findings could provide a mechanistic rubric for understanding the male female dichotomy in prevalence and intensity of chronic pain syndromes.

The effects of endomorphins and diprotin A on striatal dopamine release induced by electrical stimulation—An in vitro superfusion study in rats

The endomorphins (EM1: Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH2, and EM2: Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2) are recently discovered endogenous ligands for mu-opioid receptors (MORs) with role of neurotransmitters or neuromodulators in mammals. Cessation of their physiological action may be effected through rapid enzymatic degradation by the dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPPIV) found in the brain synaptic membranes. An in vitro superfusion system was utilized to investigate the actions of EM1, EM2 and specific DPPIV inhibitor diprotin A on the striatal release of dopamine (DA) induced by electrical stimulation in rats. The involvement of the different MORs (MOR1 and MOR2) in this process was studied by pretreatment with MOR antagonists beta-funaltrexamine (a MOR1 and MOR2 antagonist) and naloxonazine (a MOR1 antagonist). EM1 significantly increased the tritium-labelled dopamine DA release induced by electrical stimulation. EM2 was effective only when the slices were pretreated with diprotin A. beta-Funaltrexamine antagonized the stimulatory effects of both EM1 and EM2. The administration of naloxonazine did not appreciably influence the action of EM1, but blocked the action of EM2, at least when the slices were pretreated with diprotin A. These data suggest that both EM1 and EM2 increase DA release from the striatum and, though diprotin A does not affect the action of EM1, it inhibits the enzymatic degradation of EM2. The DA-stimulating action induced by EM1 seems to be mediated by MOR2, while that evoked by EM2 appears to be transmitted by MOR1.

Contribution of spinal mu(1)-opioid receptors and dynorphin B to the antinociception induced by Tyr-d-Arg-Phe-Sar

The antinociceptive effect of Tyr-d-Arg-Phe-Sar (TAPS) at the spinal level was characterized with the mouse tail-flick test. Intrathecal (i.t.) administration of TAPS produced a dose-dependent antinociception. The antinociception induced by TAPS was completely blocked by i.t. pretreatment with the mu-opioid receptor antagonist beta-funaltrexamine, the mu(1)-opioid receptor antagonist naloxonazine or the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine, but not with the delta-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole. Moreover, TAPS-induced antinociception was dose-dependently attenuated by i.t. pretreatment with an antiserum against dynorphin B, but not against dynorphin A, alpha-neo-endorphin, [Met(5)]enkephalin, or [Leu(5)]enkephalin. In mice lacking prodynorphin, TAPS-induced antinociception was significantly reduced compared to that in wild-type mice. These results suggest that TAPS mainly stimulates mu(1)-opioid receptors, which subsequently induce the release of dynorphin B, which then acts on kappa-opioid receptors to produce antinociception.

Paradoxical hyperalgesia induced by mu-opioid receptor agonist endomorphin-2, but not endomorphin-1, microinjected into the centromedial amygdala of the rat

The effects of endomorphin-2 or endomorphin-1 microinjected into the centromedial amygdala on the thermally-induced tail-flick response were studied in male CD rats. Microinjection of endomorphin-2 (8.7-35.0 nmol) given into the centromedial amygdala time- and dose-dependently decreased the tail-flick latencies. On the other hand, endomorphin-1 (8-32.6 nmol) given into the same site did not cause any change of the tail-flick latency. However, endomorphin-1 (32.6 nmol) or endomorphin-2 (35.0 nmol) given into the basolateral site of amygdala did not affect the tail-flick latency. Pretreatment with the antiserum against dynorphin A(1-17) (200 microg) significantly reversed the decrease of the tail-flick latency induced by endomorphin-2. The decrease of the tail-flick latency induced by endomorphin-2 was also blocked by the endomorphin-2 selective micro-opioid receptor antagonist 3-methoxynaltrexone (6.4 pmol) and by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801 (30 nmol), but not by the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (6.6 nmol). It is concluded that endomorphin-2, but not endomorphin-1, given into the centromedial amygdala stimulates a 3-methoxynaltrexone-sensitive mu-opioid receptor subtype to induce the release of dynorphin A(1-17), which then acts on the NMDA receptor, but not kappa-opioid receptor for producing hyperalgesia. This conclusion is further supported by the additional findings that dynorphin A(1-17) (2.3 nmol) given into the centromedial amygdala also caused the decrease of the tail-flick latency, which was similarly blocked by the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 (30 nmol), but not kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (6.6 nmol).

Interaction of endogenous ligands mediating antinociception

It is well known that a multitude of transmitters and receptors are involved in the nociceptive system, some of them increasing and others inhibiting the pain sensation both peripherally and centrally. These substances, which include neurotransmitters, hormones, etc., can modify the activity of nerves involved in the pain pathways. Furthermore, the organism itself can express very effective antinociception under different circumstances (e.g. stress), and, during such situations, the levels of various endogenous ligands change. A very exciting field of pain research relates to the roles of endogenous ligands. Most of them have been suggested to influence pain transmission, but only a few studies have been performed on the interactions of different endogenous ligands. This review focuses on the results of antinociceptive interactions after the co-administration of endogenous ligands. The data based on 55 situations reveal that the interactions between the endogenous ligands are very different, depending on the substances, the pain tests, the species of animals and the route of administrations. It is also revealed that only a few of the possible interactions between endogenous ligands have been investigated to date, in spite of the fact that the type of antinociceptive interaction between different endogenous ligands could hardly be predicted. The results indicate that the combination of endogenous ligands should not be omitted from the pain therapy arsenal. Attention will hopefully be drawn to the complex interdependence of endogenous ligands and their potential use in clinical practice.

Involvement of spinal μ1-opioid receptors on the Tyr-d-Arg-Phe-sarcosine-induced antinociception

The involvement of spinal mu-opioid receptor subtypes on the antinociception induced by i.t.-administered Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-sarcosine (TAPS), a N-terminal tetrapeptide analog of dermorphin, was determined in mice tail-flick test. Intrathecal administration of TAPS produced the marked inhibition of the tail-flick response in a dose-dependent manner. The antinociception induced by TAPS was completely eliminated by i.t.-co-administration of Tyr-D-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2 (D-Pro2-endomorphin-2), the mu1-opioid receptor antagonist, whereas i.t. co-treatment with Tyr-D-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH2 (D-Pro2-endomorphin-1) or Tyr-D-Pro-Trp-Gly-NH2 (D-Pro2-Tyr-W-MIF-1), the mu2-opioid receptor antagonists, did not affect the TAPS-induced antinociception. In contrast, the antinociception induced by i.t.-administered [D-Ala2,N-MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin was significantly attenuated by i.t.-co-administration of D-Pro2-endomorphin-1 or D-Pro2-Tyr-W-MIF-1, but not D-Pro2-endomorphin-2. These results suggest that TAPS may stimulate spinal mu1-opioid receptors to produce the antinociception.

Partial and full agonism in endomorphin derivatives: comparison by null and operational model

The partial mu-opioid receptor pool inactivation strategy in isolated mouse vas deferens was used to determine partial agonism of endomorphins and their analogs (endomorphin-1-ol, 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine (Dmt)-endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2-ol and (D-Met2)-endomorphin-2) using morphine, normorphine, morphiceptin, (D-Ala2,MePhe4,Gly5-ol)-enkephalin (DAMGO) and its amide (DAMGA) as reference opioid agonists. Agonist affinities (KA) and efficacies were assessed both by the "null" and the "operational" method. The KA values determined by the two methods correlated significantly with each other and also with the displacing potencies against 3H-naloxone in the receptor binding assay in the presence of Na+. DAMGO and DAMGA were full agonist prototypes, morphine, endomorphin-1, endomorphin-1-ol, Dmt-endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2-ol and (D-Met2)-endomorphin-2 were found by both methods to be partial agonists whereas the parameters for normorphine, morphiceptin and endomorphin-2 were intermediate.

Influence of Ethanol Dependence and Methionine Enkephalin Antisense on Serum Endomorphin-1 and Methionine Enkephalin Levels

BACKGROUND

Opiate peptides are involved in the physical dependence on ethanol. Levels of methionine enkephalin (MEnk), for example, are affected by ethanol. No study on the effect of ethanol on endomorphin, the endogenous ligand for the mu-opiate receptor, has yet been conducted.

METHODS

We examined the effect of ethanol ingestion on serum endomorphin (EM)-1 and MEnk levels. We also determined the effect of antisense directed at MEnk on serum levels of EM-1 and MEnk.

RESULTS

Serum EM-1 levels steadily decreased about 20% during 56 days of ethanol ingestion in liquid feed, whereas a similar decrease in serum MEnk levels was not statistically significant. Serum MEnk levels decreased about 20% by 48 hr after antisense injection and then returned to baseline, whereas serum EM-1 levels increased by about 80% and remained elevated for about 2 weeks. In mice not treated with antisense or alcohol, there was no correlation between the serum levels of EM-1 and MEnk.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that serum levels of EM-1 are decreased by physical dependence on ethanol and that this effect is not directly mediated through MEnk.

Inhibition by endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 of excitatory transmission in adult rat substantia gelatinosa neurons

Intrathecally-administered endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 produce antinociceptive effects which are different from each other. In order to elucidate a cellular basis for this result, we examined the effects of endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 on holding currents and spontaneous glutamatergic excitatory transmission in substantia gelatinosa neurons of adult rat spinal cord slices by use of the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. In about half of the neurons examined, endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 produced an outward current having a similar amplitude (25-27 pA at 1 microM) at -70 mV with almost the same value of effective concentration producing half-maximal response (0.19-0.21 microM). Both of them reversed at a potential close to the equilibrium potential for K+, and had the slope conductance that was larger at negative (-120 to -140 mV) than positive potentials (-60 to -90 mV). The endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 currents were reduced in amplitude by K+-channel inhibitors, Ba2+ (100 microM) and 4-aminopyridine (1 mM), and also by mu-opioid receptor antagonist D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (1 microM) to a similar extent. The endomorphin-2 but not endomorphin-1 current amplitude was increased by dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor diprotin A (30 microM). One micromolar endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 reduced the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current with a similar time course and extent without altering its amplitude; these actions were not in the presence of D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (1 microM). We conclude that endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 hyperpolarize membranes by opening inwardly-rectifying K+ channels and attenuate the spontaneous release of L-glutamate from nerve terminals in the substantia gelatinosa, both of which are mediated by mu-opioid receptors, in a manner quantitatively similar to each other. The difference in antinociceptive effects between endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 could not be attributed to a distinction in their effects on excitatory transmission in substantia gelatinosa neurons, and may be explained by a difference in their enzymatic degradation.

Endomorphin-2 and endomorphin-1 promote the extracellular amount of accumbal dopamine via nonopioid and mu-opioid receptors, respectively

Activation of mu-opioid receptors in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is known to increase accumbal dopamine efflux in rats. Endomorphin-2 (Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH(2); EM-2) and endomorphin-1 (Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH(2); EM-1) are suggested to be the endogenous ligands for the mu-opioid receptor. As the ability of EM-2 and EM-1 to alter the accumbal extracellular dopamine level has not yet been studied in freely moving rats, the present study was performed, using a microdialysis technique that allows on-line monitoring of the extracellular dopamine with a temporal resolution of 5 min. A 25 min infusion of either EM-2 or EM-1 into the NAc (5, 25, and 50 nmol) produced a dose-dependent increase of the accumbal dopamine level. The EM-2 (50 nmol)- and EM-1 (25 and 50 nmol)-induced dopamine efflux were abolished by intra-accumbal perfusion of tetrodotoxin (2 muM). Intra-accumbal perfusion of the mu-opioid receptor antagonist CTOP (D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr-Phe-Thr-NH(2); 3 nmol) failed to affect the EM-2 (50 nmol)-induced dopamine release, whereas it significantly inhibited the EM-1 (25 and 50 nmol)-induced dopamine release. The EM-1 (50 nmol)-induced accumbal dopamine efflux was significantly reduced by the systemic administration of the putative mu1-opioid receptor antagonist naloxonazine (15 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.), given 24 h before starting the perfusion). Systemic administration of the aspecific opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (1 mg/kg, i.p., given 10 or 20 min before starting the perfusion) also failed to affect the EM-2 (50 nmol)-induced dopamine efflux, whereas it significantly inhibited the EM-1 (25 and 50 nmol)-induced dopamine efflux. The present study shows that the intra-accumbal infusion of EM-2 and EM-1 increases accumbal dopamine efflux by mechanisms that fully differ. It is concluded that the effects of EM-2 are not mediated via opioid receptors in contrast to the effects of EM-1 that are mediated via mu1-opioid receptors in the NAc.

Possible involvement of dynorphin A-(1-17) release via mu1-opioid receptors in spinal antinociception by endomorphin-2

The antinociception induced by i.t. or i.c.v. administration of endomorphins is mediated via mu-opioid receptors. However, although endomorphins do not have an appreciable affinity for kappa-opioid receptors, pretreatment with the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist norbinaltorphimine markedly reduces the antinociceptive response to i.c.v. or i.t. administered endomorphin-2 but not endomorphin-1. These results suggest that endomorphin-2 initially stimulates mu-opioid receptors, which subsequently induce the release of dynorphins that act on kappa-opioid receptors to produce antinociception. The present study was performed in mice to determine whether the release of dynorphins by i.t. administered endomorphin-2 is mediated through mu-opioid receptors to produce antinociception. Intrathecal pretreatment with an antiserum against dynorphin A-(1-17), but not against dynorphin B-(1-13) or alpha-neoendorphin, dose-dependently prevented the paw-withdrawal inhibition by endomorphin-2. The pretreatments with these antisera did not affect the endomorphin-1- or [D-Ala(2),MePhe(4),Gly(ol)(5)]enkephalin-induced paw-withdrawal inhibition. The attenuation of endomorphin-2-induced antinociception by i.t. pretreatment with an antiserum against dynorphin A-(1-17) or s.c. pretreatment with norbinaltorphimine was blocked dose-dependently by s.c. pretreatment with the mu-opioid receptor antagonist beta-funaltrexamine or the mu(1)-opioid receptor antagonist naloxonazine at ultra-low doses that are ineffective against mu-opioid receptor agonists. These results suggest that the spinal antinociception induced by endomorphin-2 is mediated through the stimulation of a distinct subtype of mu(1)-opioid receptor that induces the release of the endogenous kappa-opioid peptide dynorphin A-(1-17) in the spinal cord.

The endogenous opioid system and clinical pain management

The endogenous opioid system is one of the most studied innate pain-relieving systems. This system consists of widely scattered neurons that produce three opioids: beta-endorphin, the met- and leu-enkephalins, and the dynorphins. These opioids act as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators at three major classes of receptors, termed mu, delta, and kappa, and produce analgesia. Like their endogenous counterparts, the opioid drugs, or opiates, act at these same receptors to produce both analgesia and undesirable side effects. This article examines some of the recent findings about the opioid system, including interactions with other neurotransmitters, the location and existence of receptor subtypes, and how this information drives the search for better analgesics. We also consider how an understanding of the opioid system affects clinical responses to opiate administration and what the future may hold for improved pain relief. The goal of this article is to assist clinicians to develop pharmacological interventions that better meet their patient's analgesic needs.

Reduced suppression of CO2-induced ventilatory stimulation by endomorphins relative to morphine

Opioids are among the most effective analgesics, but a major limitation for their therapeutic usefulness is their induction of respiratory depression. Endomorphin-1 (EM1), in contrast to several other mu opioids, exhibits a threshold for respiratory depression that is well above its threshold for analgesia. Its effect on sensitivity to CO(2), however, remains unknown. Minute ventilation (V(E)) in 2, 4, and 6% CO(2) was measured before and after systemic administration of EM1, endomorphin-2 (EM2), DAMGO, and morphine in the conscious rat. EM1 and EM2 attenuated the hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR) only in high doses, while DAMGO and morphine diminished the HCVR in much lower doses. The ventilatory effects of high doses of all 4 agonists were blocked by the mu-opioid antagonist naloxone (0.4 mg/kg i.v.), but not by the peripherally restricted mu-opioid antagonist, methyl-naloxone (0.4 mg/kg i.v.). It was concluded that the endomorphins attenuated the HCVR only in large doses, well beyond the analgesic threshold, and did so through a centrally mediated mu-opioid mechanism.

Effects of morphine and endomorphins on the polysynaptic reflex in the isolated rat spinal cord

At the spinal level, mu-opioids exert their actions on nociceptive primary afferent neurons both pre- and postsynaptically. In the present study, we used an in vitro isolated neonatal rat (11-15 days old) spinal cord preparation to examine the effects of morphine and the endogenous mu-opioid ligands endomorphin-1 (EM-1) and endomorphin-2 (EM-2) on the polysynaptic reflex (PSR) of dorsal root-ventral root (DR-VR) reflex. The actions of mu-opioids on spinal nociception were investigated by quantification of the firing frequency and the mean amplitude of the PSR evoked by stimuli with 20 x threshold intensity. EM-1 decreased the mean amplitude of PSR, whereas EM-2 and morphine decreased the firing frequency. The pattern of the effects elicited by morphine was the same as that for EM-2, except at high concentration. Naloxonazine, a selective mu(1) opioid receptor antagonist, had no significant effect on PSR by itself, but blocked the inhibition of PSR firing frequency or amplitude induced by EM-1, -2 and morphine. This may suggest that EM-1, EM-2 and morphine modulate spinal nociception differently and act mainly at the mu(1)-opioid receptors. Although they all act via mu(1)-opioid receptors, their different effects on the PSR may suggest the existence of different subtypes of the mu(1)-opioid receptor. The present data is also consistent with a further hypothesis, namely, that morphine and EM-2 activate a subtype of mu(1)-opioid receptor presynaptically, while EM-1 acts mainly through another subtype postsynaptically. However, since other reports indicate that EM-2, but not EM-1, could stimulate the release of enkephalins or dynorphin, presynaptic delta and kappa receptors may be also involved indirectly in the different regulation by mu-opioids at the spinal level.

A Tyr-W-MIF-1 Analog Containing D-Pro2 Acts as a Selective μ2-Opioid Receptor Antagonist in the Mouse

The antagonistic properties of Tyr-d-Pro-Trp-Gly-NH(2) (d-Pro(2)-Tyr-W-MIF-1), a Tyr-Pro-Trp-Gly-NH(2)(Tyr-W-MIF-1) analog, on the antinociception induced by the mu-opioid receptor agonists Tyr-W-MIF-1, [d-Ala(2),N-Me-Phe(4),Gly(5)-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO), Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH(2) (endomorphin-1), and Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH(2) (endomorphin-2) were studied in the mouse paw-withdrawal test. d-Pro(2)-Tyr-W-MIF-1 injected intrathecally (i.t.) had no apparent effect on the thermal nociceptive threshold. d-Pro(2)-Tyr-W-MIF-1 (0.1-0.4 nmol) coadministered i.t. showed a dose-dependent attenuation of the antinociception induced by Tyr-W-MIF-1 without affecting endomorphin- or DAMGO-induced antinociception. However, higher doses of d-Pro(2)-Tyr-W-MIF-1 (0.8-1.2 nmol) significantly attenuated endomorphin-1- or DAMGO-induced antinociception, whereas the antinociception induced by endomorphin-2 was still not affected by d-Pro(2)-Tyr-W-MIF-1. Pretreatment i.t. with various doses of naloxonazine, a mu(1)-opioid receptor antagonist, attenuated the antinociception induced by Tyr-W-MIF-1, endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2, or DAMGO. Judging from the ID(50) values for naloxonazine against the antinociception induced by the mu-opioid receptor agonists, the antinociceptive effect of Tyr-W-MIF-1 is extremely less sensitive to naloxonazine than those of endomorphin-1 or DAMGO. In contrast, endomorphin-2-induced antinociception is extremely sensitive to naloxonazine. The present results clearly suggest that d-Pro(2)-Tyr-W-MIF-1 is the selective antagonist to be identified for the mu(2)-opioid receptor in the mouse spinal cord. d-Pro(2)-Tyr-W-MIF-1 may also discriminate between Tyr-W-MIF-1-induced antinociception and the antinociception induced by endomorphin-1 or DAMGO, all of which show a preference for the mu(2)-opioid receptor in the spinal cord.

Increased release of immunoreactive dynorphin A1–17 from the spinal cord after intrathecal treatment with endomorphin-2 in anesthetized rats

We previously demonstrated pretreatment with antiserum against dynorphin A1-17 attenuates endomorphin-2-induced analgesia and antianalgesia, suggesting that these endomorphin-2 effects are mediated by the release of dynorphin A1-17. Lumbar-cisternal spinal perfusion was used to measure the release of immunoreactive dynorphin A1-17 into spinal perfusates from urethane-anesthetized rats following endomorphin-2 or endomorphin-1 treatment within the perfusion solution. Treatment with endomorphin-2 (5-50 nmol) for 3 min caused a dose-dependent increase of immunoreactive dynorphin A1-17 in spinal perfusates, with a maximal increase detected between 24 and 48 min after endomorphin-2 treatment, while levels returned to baseline within 60 min. Endomorphin-2-induced release of immunoreactive dynorphin A1-17 was attenuated by pretreatment with mu-opioid receptor antagonist naloxone or 3-methoxynaltrexone. Endomorphin-1 induced a slight increase in immunoreactive dynorphin1-17 as well, but only at the highest dose used (50 nmol). Our results suggest that endomorphin-2 stimulated a specific subtype of mu-opioid receptor to induce the release of immunoreactive dynorphin A1-17 in spinal cords of rats.

Opposite conditioned place preference responses to endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 in the mouse

An unbiased conditioned place preference paradigm was used to evaluate the reward effect of selective endogenous mu-opioid ligands, endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2, in male CD-1 mice. Pre- and post-conditioning free-movement were measured on day 1 and day 5, respectively. Conditioning sessions were conducted twice daily from day 2 through day 4 consisting of the alternate injection of conditioning drug or vehicle. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of endomorphin-1 (0.3-10 microg) induced place preference in a dose-dependent manner; whereas, endomorphin-2 (1-10 microg) dose-dependently induced place aversion. Both endomorphin-1-induced place preference and endomorphin-2-induced place aversion were blocked by pretreatment i.c.v. with mu-opioid receptor antagonist, beta-funaltrexamine. Selective delta-opioid receptor antagonist, naltrindole, co-administered i.c.v. with endomorphin-1 or endomorphin-2 did not affect reward effect. However, endomorphin-2-induced place aversion, but not endomorphin-1-induced place preference, was blocked by the i.c.v.-administered selective kappa-opioid receptor antagonist, WIN 44,441-3. It is concluded that endomorphin-1 produces conditioned place preference, which is mediated by the stimulation of mu-, but not delta- or kappa-opioid receptors, while endomorphin-2 produces conditioned place aversion, which is mediated by the stimulation of mu- and kappa-, but not delta-opioid receptors.

Nonopioidergic mechanism mediating morphine-induced antianalgesia in the mouse spinal cord

Intrathecal (i.t.) pretreatment with a low dose (0.3 nmol) of morphine causes an attenuation of i.t. morphine-produced analgesia; the phenomenon has been defined as morphine-induced antianalgesia. The opioid-produced analgesia was measured with the tail-flick (TF) test in male CD-1 mice. Intrathecal pretreatment with low dose (0.3 nmol) of morphine time dependently attenuated i.t. morphine-produced (3.0 nmol) TF inhibition and reached a maximal effect at 45 min. Intrathecal pretreatment with morphine (0.009-0.3 nmol) for 45 min also dose dependently attenuated morphine-produced TF inhibition. The i.t. morphine-induced antianalgesia was dose dependently blocked by the nonselective mu-opioid receptor antagonist (-)-naloxone and by its nonopioid enantiomer (+)-naloxone, but not by endomorphin-2-sensitive mu-opioid receptor antagonist 3-methoxynaltrexone. Blockade of delta-opioid receptors, kappa-opioid receptors, and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors by i.t. pretreatment with naltrindole, nor-binaltorphimine, and (-)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate (MK-801), respectively, did not affect the i.t. morphine-induced antianalgesia. Intrathecal pretreatment with antiserum against dynorphin A(1-17), [Leu]-enkephalin, [Met]-enkephalin, beta-endorphin, cholecystokinin, or substance P also did not affect the i.t. morphine-induced antianalgesia. The i.t. morphine pretreatment also attenuated the TF inhibition produced by opioid muagonist [D-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4,Gly-ol5]-enkephalin, delta-agonist deltorphin II, and kappa-agonist U50,488H. It is concluded that low doses (0.009-0.3 nmol) of morphine given i.t. activate an antianalgesic system to attenuate opioid mu-, delta-, and kappa-agonist-produced analgesia. The morphine-induced antianalgesia is not mediated by the stimulation of opioid mu-, delta-, or kappa-receptors or NMDA receptors. Neuropeptides such as dynorphin A(1-17), [Leu]-enkephalin, [Met]-enkephalin, beta-endorphin, cholecystokinin, and substance P are not involved in this low-dose morphine-induced antianalgesia.

Differential involvement of μ1-opioid receptors in dermorphin tetrapeptide analogues-induced antinociception

The involvement of putative mu(1)-opioid receptors in the antinociception induced by the dermorphin tetrapeptide analogues Try-D-Arg-Phe-beta-Ala (TAPA) and Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-beta-Ala-NH(2) (TAPA-NH(2)) was determined in mice, using a tail-pressure test and a formalin test. TAPA and TAPA-NH(2) injected i.c.v. and i.t. produced dose-dependent antinociception in both assays. In the tail-pressure test, the antinociception induced by i.c.v. or i.t. injected TAPA, but not TAPA-NH(2), was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with naloxonazine, a selective antagonist for putative mu(1)-opioid receptors. Moreover, naloxonazine also significantly attenuated the antinociception induced by i.c.v. injected TAPA, but not TAPA-NH(2), in the formalin test. In contrast, the antinociception induced by both TAPA and TAPA-NH(2) given i.t. was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with naloxonazine in the formalin test. The present results suggest that TAPA and TAPA-NH(2) should be considered selective agonists for putative mu(1)- and mu(2)-opioid receptors, respectively. The C-terminal amidation of TAPA-NH(2) may be critical for distinguishing between putative mu(1)- and mu(2)-opioid receptors.

Dynorphinergic Mechanism Mediating Endomorphin-2-Induced Antianalgesia in the Mouse Spinal Cord

We have previously demonstrated that both endomorphin-1 (EM-1) and endomorphin-2 (EM-2) at high doses (1.75-35 nmol) given intrathecally (i.t.) or intracerebroventricularly produce antinociception by stimulation of mu-opioid receptors. Now, we report that EM-2 at small doses (0.05-1.75 nmol), which injected alone did not produce antinociception, produces anti-analgesia against opioid agonist-induced antinociception. The tail-flick (TF) response was used to test the antinociception in male CD-1 mice. Intrathecal pretreatment with EM-2 (0.02-1.75 nmol) 45 min before i.t. morphine (3.0 nmol) injection dose dependently attenuated morphine-induced TF inhibition. On the other hand, a similar dose of EM-1 (1.64 nmol) failed to produce any antianalgesic effect. The EM-2 (1.75 nmol)-produced anti-analgesia against morphine-induced TF inhibition was blocked by i.t. pretreatment with the mu-opioid antagonist naloxone or 3-methoxynaltrexone, but not delta-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole, kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine, or N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801. The EM-2-induced antianalgesic effect against morphine-induced TF inhibition was blocked by i.t. pretreatment with antiserum against dynorphin A(1-17), but not beta-endorphin, [Met]-enkephalin, [Leu]-enkephalin, or cholecystokinin antiserum (200 microg each). The i.t. EM-2 pretreatment also attenuated the TF inhibition induced by other mu-opioid agonists, [d-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly-ol5]-enkephalin, EM-1 and EM-2, delta-opioid agonist deltorphin II, and kappa-opioid agonist (trans)-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl]benzeneacetamide methane-sulfonate hydrate (U50,488H). It is concluded that EM-2 at subanalgesic doses presumably stimulates a subtype of mu-opioid receptor and subsequently induces the release of dynorphin A(1-17) to produce antianalgesic effects against mu-, delta-, or kappa-agonists-induced antinociception. The EM-2-induced antianalgesia is not mediated by the release of [Met]-enkephalin, [Leu]-enkephalin, beta-endorphin, or cholecystokinin, nor does it involve kappa- or delta-opioid or NMDA receptors in the spinal cord.

Acute antinociceptive tolerance and partial cross-tolerance to endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 given intrathecally in the mouse

The effect of pretreatment with endomorphin-1 (EM-1) or endomorphin-2 (EM-2) given intrathecally (i.t.) on the tail-flick inhibition induced by subsequent i.t. injection of EM-1 or EM-2 was studied in CD-1 mice. Pretreatment with EM-1 (32.7 nM) for 1-3 h, but not 4 h, attenuated the tail-flick inhibition induced by i.t. EM-1 (16.3 nM), while pretreatment with EM-2 (70 nM) for 0.5-1.5 h, but not 2 h, attenuated tail-flick inhibition induced by i.t. EM-2 (35 nM). EM-1 (32.7 nM) pretreatment for 1.5 h produced 5.3- and only 2.4-folds shift to the right of the dose-response curves for EM-1- and EM-2-induced tail-flick inhibition, respectively, while EM-2 (70 nM) pretreatment for 1 h caused 4.3- and 4.5-folds shift to the right for EM-2- and EM-1-induced tail-flick inhibition, respectively. Thus, mice made antinociceptive tolerant to EM-1 were partially cross-tolerant to EM-2 and mice made antinociceptive tolerant to EM-2 were completely cross-tolerant to EM-1. It is proposed that EM-1- and EM-2-induced antinociception are mediated by the stimulation of two different subtypes of mu-opioid receptors in mouse spinal cord; one subtype is stimulated by both EM-1 and EM-2, and another subtype is stimulated by EM-2.

Glycinergic inputs to cardiac vagal neurons in the nucleus ambiguus are inhibited by nociceptin and mu-selective opioids

Most parasympathetic regulation of heart rate originates from preganglionic cardiac vagal neurons within the nucleus ambiguus. Little is known regarding the modulation of glycinergic transmission to these neurons. However, the presence of mu-opioid receptors and opioid-receptor-like (ORL1) receptors within the ambiguus, together with the presence of endogenous ligands for both receptor types in the same area, suggests opioids may modulate synaptic transmission to cardiac vagal neurons. This study therefore examined the effects of endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 (the mu-selective endogenous peptides), DAMGO (a synthetic, mu-selective agonist), and nociceptin (the ORL1-selective endogenous peptide) on spontaneous glycinergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in rat cardiac parasympathetic neurons. All four of the opioids used in this study decreased spontaneous IPSCs. At concentrations of 100 microM, the amplitude of the IPSCs was reduced significantly by nociceptin (-56.6%), DAMGO (-46.5%), endomorphin-1 (-45.1%), and endomorphin-2 (-26%). IPSC frequency was also significantly reduced by nociceptin (-61.1%), DAMGO (-69.9%), and endomorphin-1 (-40.8%) but not endomorphin-2. Lower concentrations of nociceptin and DAMGO (10-30 microM) also effectively decreased IPSC amplitude and frequency. The inhibitory effects of DAMGO were blocked by d-Phe-Cys-Tyr-d-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (C-TOP; 10 microM), a selective mu-receptor antagonist. Neither nociceptin nor DAMGO inhibited the postsynaptic responses evoked by exogenous application of glycine or affected TTX-insensitive glycinergic mini-IPSCs. These results indicate that mu-selective opioids and nociceptin act on preceding neurons to decrease glycinergic inputs to cardiac vagal neurons in the nucleus ambiguus. The resulting decrease in glycinergic transmission would increase parasympathetic activity to the heart and may be a mechanism by which opioids induce bradycardia.

Endogenous opioid peptides contribute to antinociceptive potency of intrathecal [Dmt1]DALDA

[Dmt(1)]DALDA (H-Dmt-d-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH(2); Dmt = 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine) is a dermorphin analog that shows high affinity and selectivity for the mu opioid receptor. The intrathecal potency of [Dmt(1)]DALDA far exceeded its affinity at mu receptors and suggests that other mechanisms must be involved in its action in the spinal cord. The affinity and selectivity of [Dmt(1)]DALDA was determined using cell membranes expressing cloned human mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors. Competitive displacement binding with [(3)H][Dmt(1)]DALDA, [(3)H]DPDPE (H-Tyr-d-Pen-Gly-Phe-d-Pen), and [(3)H]U69,593 [(5alpha,7alpha,8beta)-(+)-N-methyl-N-(7-[1-pyrrolidinyl]-1-oxaspiro[4.5]dec-8-yl)-benzeneacetamide] revealed K(i) of 156 +/- 26 pM for mu opioid receptor (MOR), 1.67 +/- 0.04 microM for delta opioid receptor (DOR), and K(i) of 4.4 +/- 1.7 nM for kappa opioid receptor (KOR), respectively. [Dmt(1)]DALDA increased guanosine 5'-O-(3-[(35)S]thiotriphosphate) binding in MOR, DOR, and KOR membranes, with EC(50) being 17 (8.8-33) nM, 2 (1.2-3.2) microM, and 124 (15-1000) nM, respectively. Intrathecal [Dmt(1)]DALDA inhibited the tail-flick response in mice with ED(50) = 1.22 (0.59-2.34) pmol. Intrathecal administration of an antiserum against dynorphin A(1-17) or [Met(5)]enkephalin significantly attenuated the response to i.t. [Dmt(1)]DALDA, resulting in ED(50) of 6.2 (3.6-12.6) pmol and 6.6 (3.5-19.6) pmol, respectively. Neither antisera had any effect on the response to i.t. morphine. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) [Dmt(1)]DALDA was not affected by previous i.c.v. administration of anti-Dyn or anti-ME. Pretreatment with norbinaltorphimine or naltriben also attenuated the antinociceptive response to i.t., but not i.c.v., [Dmt(1)]DALDA. These data suggest that i.t. [Dmt(1)]DALDA causes the release of dynorphin and [Met(5)]enkephalin-like substances that act at kappa and delta receptors, respectively, to contribute to the extraordinary potency of [Dmt(1)]DALDA.

Endomorphins and related opioid peptides

Opioid peptides and their G-protein-coupled receptors (delta, kappa, mu) are located in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. The opioid system has been studied to determine the intrinsic mechanism of modulation of pain and to develop uniquely effective pain-control substances with minimal abuse potential and side effects. Two types of endogenous opioid peptides exist, one containing Try-Gly-Gly-Phe as the message domain (enkephalins, endorphins, dynorphins) and the other containing the Tyr-Pro-Phe/Trp sequence (endomorphins-1 and -2). Endomorphin-1 (Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH2), which has high mu receptor affinity (Ki = 0.36 nM) and remarkable selectivity (4000- and 15,000-fold preference over the delta and kappa receptors, respectively), was isolated from bovine and human brain. In addition, endomorphin-2 (Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2), isolated from the same sources, exhibited high mu receptor affinity (Ki = 0.69 nM) and very high selectivity (13,000- and 7500-fold preference relative to delta and kappa receptors, respectively). Both opioids bind to mu-opioid receptors, thereby activating G-proteins, resulting in regulation of gastrointestinal motility, manifestation of antinociception, and effects on the vascular systems and memory. To develop novel analgesics with less addictive properties, evaluation of the structure-activity relationships of the endomorphins led to the design of more potent and stable analgesics. Opioidmimetics and opioid peptides containing the amino acid sequence of the message domain of endomorphins, Tyr-Pro-Phe/Trp, could exhibit unique binding activity and lead to the development of new therapeutic drugs for controlling pain.

Endomorphin analogues containing D-Pro2 discriminate different mu-opioid receptor mediated antinociception in mice

The antagonistic actions of D-Pro(2)-endomorphins on inhibition of the paw withdrawal response by endomorphins were studied in mice. D-Pro(2)-endomorphin-1 and D-Pro(2)-endomorphin-2, injected intrathecally (i.t.), had no significant effect on the nociceptive thermal threshold alone. When D-Pro(2)-endomorphin-1 (0.05-0.1 pmol) was injected simultaneously with i.t. endomorphin-1 (5.0 nmol) or endomorphin-2 (5.0 nmol), antinociception induced by endomoprhin-1 was reduced significantly, whereas endomorphin-2-induced antinociception was not affected by D-Pro(2)-endomorphin-1. Antinociception induced by i.t. endomorphin-2 (5.0 nmol) was reduced significantly by its analogue, D-Pro(2)-endomorphin-2 (100 pmol), but not by D-Pro(2)-endomorphin-1. D-Pro(2)-endomorphin-1. D-Pro(2)-endomorphin-1 also antagonized the antinociceptive effect of i.t. DAMGO, a mu-opioid receptor agonist, whereas D-Pro(2)-endomorphin-2 failed to reduce the effect of DAMGO. These results suggest that endomorphin analogues containing D-Pro(2) are able to discriminate the antinociceptive actions of mu(1)- and mu(2)-opioid receptor agonists at the spinal cord level.

Endomorphin-2 inhibits GABAergic inputs to cardiac parasympathetic neurons in the nucleus ambiguus

The nucleus ambiguus is an area containing cardiac vagal neurons, from which originates most of the parasympathetic control regulating heart rate and cardiac function. GABAergic pathways to these neurons have recently been described, yet modulation of this GABAergic input and its impact upon cardiac vagal neurons is unknown. The nucleus ambiguus has been shown to contain mu-opioid receptors and endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2, the endogenous peptide ligands for the mu-receptor, whilst microinjections of opioids in the ambiguus area evoke bradycardia. The present study therefore examined the effects of endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2 and DAMGO (a synthetic, mu-selective agonist) on spontaneous GABAergic IPSCs in cardiac parasympathetic neurons. Only endomorphin-2 (100 microM) produced a significant inhibition, of both the frequency (-22.8%) and the amplitude (-30.5%) of the spontaneous IPSCs in cardiac vagal neurons. The inhibitory effects of endomorphin-2 were blocked by naloxonazine (10 microM), a selective mu(1) receptor antagonist. Naloxonazine alone (10 microM) had a potentiating effect on the frequency of the GABAergic IPSCs (+161.43%) but not on the amplitude, indicating that GABA release to cardiac vagal neurons may be under tonic control of opioids acting at the mu(1) receptor. Endomorphin-2 did not reduce the responses evoked by exogenous application of GABA. These results indicate that endomorphin-2 acts on mu(1) receptors located on precedent neurons to decrease GABAergic input to cardiac vagal neurons located in the nucleus ambiguus. The subsequent increase in parasympathetic outflow to the heart may be one mechanism by which mu-selective opioids act to induce bradycardia.

Spinal pretreatment with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides against exon-1, -4, or -8 of mu-opioid receptor clone leads to differential loss of spinal endomorphin-1-and endomorphin-2-induced antinociception in the mouse

Intrathecal (i.t.) pretreatments with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS ODNs) against exon-1, -4, or -8 of mu-opioid receptor clone (MOR-1) to knockdown different variants of MOR-1 on the antinociception induced by endomorphin-1, enomorphin-2, or [D-Ala(2),N-Me-Phe(4),Gly(5)-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) given i.t. were investigated in male CD-1 mice. The antinociception was measured with the tail-flick test. AS ODNs against exon-1 (5 microg) given i.t. once daily for 3 days attenuated the antinociception induced by endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 with the dose-response curves shifted to the right by 4.5- and 5.3-fold, respectively. AS ODNs against exon-4 (5 microg) attenuated the antinociception induced by endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 with the dose-response curves shifted to the right by 2.4- and 5.3-fold, respectively. However, AS ODNs against exon-8 (5 microg) attenuated only the antinociception induced by endomorphin-1, but not endomorphin-2 with the dose-response curves shifted to the right by 3.9- and 1.3-fold, respectively. One more day of pretreatment with antisense probes failed to further reduce the antinociception. The antinociception induced by DAMGO was attenuated by i.t. pretreatment with AS ODNs directed against exon-1, and, to a lesser extent, by AS ODNs directed against exon-8. The mismatch AS ODNs against respective exon-1, -4, and -8 failed to exert significant effects. The selective actions of antisense probes directed against different exons of the MOR-1 in attenuating the antinociception induced by endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2, and DAMGO suggest that multiple splice variants of the MOR-1 exist and support the view that different subtypes of mu-opioid receptors are involved in antinociception induced by endomorphin-1, endomorphin-2, and DAMGO.

D-pro(2)-endomorphin-1 and D-pro(2)-endomorphin-2, respectively, attenuate the antinociception induced by endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 given intrathecally in the mouse

First, the antinociception with the tail-flick test of D-Pro(2)-endomorphin-1 and D-Pro(2)-endomorphin-2 given i.t. was compared with that produced by endomorphin-1 and -2 in male CD-1 mice. High doses of D-Pro(2)-endomorphin-1 (0.2-0.4 pmol) and D-Pro(2)-endomorphin-2 (300-800 pmol) given i.t. produced antinociception with low intrinsic activity [about 25% maximum possible effect (MPE)] compared with that of endomorphin-1 (16.4 nmol) and endomorphin-2 (35 nmol) (>90% MPE). Second, coadministration of a low dose of D-Pro(2)-endomorphin-1 (0.1 pmol), which given alone did not affect the tail-flick latencies, markedly attenuated the antinociception induced by endomorphin-1 (16.4 nmol) but not by endomorphin-2 (35 nmol). Similarly, coadministration of a low dose of D-Pro(2)-endomorphin-2 (200 pmol), which given alone did not affect the tail-flick latencies, significantly attenuated the antinociception induced by endomorphin-2 (35 nmol) and, to a much lesser extent, endomorphin-1 (16.4 nmol). It is concluded that D-Pro(2)-endomorphin-1 and D-Pro(2)-endomorphin-2 at high doses were partial opioid receptor agonists to produce antinociception, and at low doses were opioid receptor antagonists to block selectively the antinociception induced by endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2, respectively. Furthermore, our results are consistent with the view that the antinociception induced by endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 is mediated by the stimulation of different subtypes of mu-opioid receptors.