LP1 and LP2: Dual-Target MOPr/DOPr Ligands as Drug Candidates for Persistent Pain Relief

Although persistent pain is estimated to affect about 20% of the adult population, current treatments have poor results. Polypharmacology, which is the administration of more than one drug targeting on two or more different sites of action, represents a prominent therapeutic approach for the clinical management of persistent pain. Thus, in the drug discovery process the "one-molecule-multiple targets" strategy nowadays is highly recognized. Indeed, multitarget ligands displaying a better antinociceptive activity with fewer side effects, combined with favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics, have already been shown. Multitarget ligands possessing non-opioid/opioid and opioid/opioid mechanisms of action are considered as potential drug candidates for the management of various pain conditions. In particular, dual-target MOPr (mu opioid peptide receptor)/DOPr (delta opioid peptide receptor) ligands exhibit an improved antinociceptive profile associated with a reduced tolerance-inducing capability. The benzomorphan-based compounds LP1 and LP2 belong to this class of dual-target MOPr/DOPr ligands. In the present manuscript, the structure-activity relationships and the pharmacological fingerprint of LP1 and LP2 compounds as suitable drug candidates for persistent pain relief is described.

Exploiting the Power of Stereochemistry in Drug Action: 3-[(2S,6S,11S)-8-Hydroxy-6,11-dimethyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2,6-methano-3-benzazocin-3(2H)-yl]-N-phenylpropanamide as Potent Sigma-1 Receptor Antagonist

(+)-(2S,6S,11S)- and (-)-(2R,6R,11R)-Benzomorphan derivatives have a different binding affinity for sigma-1 (σ1R) and opioid receptors, respectively. In this study, we describe the synthesis of the (+)-enantiomer [(+)-LP1] of the benzomorphan MOR agonist/DOR antagonist LP1 [(-)-LP1]. The binding affinity of both (+)-LP1 and (-)-LP1 for σ1R and sigma-2 receptor (σ2R) was tested. Moreover, (+)-LP1 opioid receptor binding affinity was also investigated. Finally, (+)-LP1 was tested in a mouse model of inflammatory pain. Our results showed a nanomolar σ1R and binding affinity for (+)-LP1. Both (+)-LP1 and (-)-LP1 elicited a significant analgesic effect in a formalin test. Differently from (-)-LP1, the analgesic effect of (+)-LP1 was not reversed by naloxone, suggesting a σ1R antagonist profile. Furthermore, σ1R agonist PRE-084 was able to unmask the σ1R antagonistic component of the benzomorphan compound. (+)-LP1 could constitute an useful lead compound to develop new analgesics based on mechanisms of action alternative to opioid receptor activation.

Benzomorphan skeleton, a versatile scaffold for different targets: A comprehensive review

Despite the fact that the benzomorphan skeleton has mainly been employed in medicinal chemistry for the development of opioid analgesics, it is a versatile structure. Its stereochemistry, as well as opportune modifications at the phenolic hydroxyl group and at the basic nitrogen, play a pivotal role addressing the benzomorphan-based compounds to a specific target. In this review, we describe the structure activity-relationships (SARs) of benzomorphan-based compounds acting at sigma 1 receptor (σ1R), sigma 2 receptor (σ2R), voltage-dependent sodium channel, N-Methyl-d-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor-channel complex and other targets. Collectively, the SARs data have highlighted that the benzomorphan nucleus could be regarded as a useful template for the synthesis of drug candidates for different targets.

Norbenzomorphan Framework as a Novel Scaffold for Generating Sigma 2 Receptor/PGRMC1 Subtype-Selective Ligands

A novel structural class with high affinity and subtype selectivity for the sigma 2 receptor has been discovered. Preliminary structure-affinity relationship data are presented showing that 8-substituted 1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-methanobenzazepine (norbenzomorphan) derivatives elicit modest to high selectivity for the sigma 2 over the sigma 1 receptor subtype. Indeed, piperazine analogue 8-(4-(3-ethoxy-3-oxopropyl)piperazin-1-yl)-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-methanobenzazepine-2-carboxylate (SAS-1121) is 574-fold selective for the sigma 2 over the sigma 1 receptor, thereby establishing it as one of the more subtype-selective sigma 2 binding ligands reported to date. Emerging evidence has implicated the sigma 2 receptor in multiple health disorders, so the drug-like characteristics of many of the selective sigma 2 receptor ligands disclosed herein, coupled with their structural similarity to frameworks found in known drugs, suggest that norbenzomorphan analogues may be promising candidates for further development into drug leads.

The mu-opioid receptor agonist morphine, but not agonists at delta- or kappa-opioid receptors, induces peripheral antinociception mediated by cannabinoid receptors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although participation of opioids in antinociception induced by cannabinoids has been documented, there is little information regarding the participation of cannabinoids in the antinociceptive mechanisms of opioids. The aim of the present study was to determine whether endocannabinoids could be involved in peripheral antinociception induced by activation of mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid receptors.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Nociceptive thresholds to mechanical stimulation of rat paws treated with intraplantar prostaglandin E2 (PGE2, 2 microg) to induce hyperalgesia were measured 3 h after injection using an algesimetric apparatus. Opioid agonists morphine (200 microg), (+)-4-[(alphaR)-alpha-((2S,5R)-4-Allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-methoxybenzyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide (SNC80) (80 microg), bremazocine (50 microg); cannabinoid receptor antagonists N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (AM251) (20-80 microg), 6-iodo-2-methyl-1-[2-(4-morpholinyl)ethyl]-1H-indol-3-yl(4-methoxyphenyl) methanone (AM630) (12.5-100 microg); and an inhibitor of methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (MAFP) (1-4 microg) were also injected in the paw.

KEY RESULTS

The CB1-selective cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM251 completely reversed the peripheral antinociception induced by morphine in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, the CB2-selective cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM630 elicited partial antagonism of this effect. In addition, the administration of the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor, MAFP, enhanced the antinociception induced by morphine. The cannabinoid receptor antagonists AM251 and AM630 did not modify the antinociceptive effect of SNC80 or bremazocine. The antagonists alone did not cause any hyperalgesic or antinociceptive effect.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our results provide evidence for the involvement of endocannabinoids, in the peripheral antinociception induced by the mu-opioid receptor agonist morphine. The release of cannabinoids appears not to be involved in the peripheral antinociceptive effect induced by kappa- and delta-opioid receptor agonists.

New benzomorphan derivatives of MPCB as MOP and KOP receptor ligands

There is considerable interest in developing KOP Opioid receptor ligands as clinically useful analgesics. Moreover, compounds with mixed KOP receptor and mu-opioid peptide (MOP) receptor agonist/antagonist properties could have a better therapeutic potential. The benzomorphan-based synthetic ligands MPCB and CCB have been shown to bind KOP receptors with high affinity and selectivity. We report here a series of compounds synthesized to perform structure-affinity relationship (SAR) studies on MPCB. The aim of this study was to optimise KOP receptor-ligand interaction and to modulate MOP receptor selectivity. In the benzylamide analogue of MPCB (compound 9) the presence of a third aromatic nucleus, at an appropriate distance and conformation with respect to aromatic pharmacophoric residues, increased KOP receptor affinity by about 6-fold compared to MPCB (Ki = 35 nM and Ki = 240 nM, respectively). Instead, compound 28 with a tertiary amino group in the nitrogen substituent displayed a comparable KOP receptor affinity (Ki = 179 nM) but also high MOP receptor affinity (Ki = 45 nM). Thus, the present study shows that in benzomorphan-based ligands the presence of different functional groups in the nitrogen substituent, ranging from a positive charged amine to an additional aromatic ring, is able to promote the correct aligment of aromatic pharmacophoric residues with MOP and KOP receptor types. Evaluation of docking simulations of compounds 9 and 28 into the KOP and MOP receptor displayed selective ligand interactions with the important amino acid residues Tyr320 (TMVII) and Trp318 (TMVII), respectively.

NIH 11082 produces anti-depressant-like activity in the mouse tail-suspension test through a delta-opioid receptor mechanism of action

The present study examined the effects of NIH 11082 ((-)-(1R,5R,9R)-5,9-dimethyl-2'-hydroxy-2-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-6,7-benzomorphan hydrochloride), a benzomorphan analogue, in the mouse tail-suspension, an assay used to detect anti-depressant agents. NIH 11082 significantly decreased immobility time during tail-suspension, with a comparable magnitude as the tricyclic anti-depressant desipramine. Importantly, NIH 11082 failed to elicit convulsions or other overt behavioral signs of toxicity. The delta-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole (AD50=2.0 mg/kg), but not the non-selective mu-opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone or the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-BNI, blocked the effects of NIH 11082 in the tail-suspension test. These results reinforce the notion that delta-opioid receptor agonists can produce significant effects in a behavioral model used to screen anti-depressant drugs.

Pharmacological studies with a nonpeptidic, delta-opioid (-)-(1R,5R,9R)-5,9-dimethyl-2'-hydroxy-2-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-6,7-benzomorphan hydrochloride ((-)-NIH 11082)

In the search for a selective delta-opioid receptor agonist, (-)-(1R,5R,9R)-5,9-dimethyl-2'-hydroxy-2-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-6,7-benzomorphan hydrochloride ((-)-NIH 11082) and the (+)-enantiomer were synthesized and tested. (-)-NIH 11082 displayed antinociceptive activity in the paraphenylquinone test (PPQ test) in male ICR mice [ED50=1.9 (0.7-5.3) mg/kg, s.c.] and showed little, if any, activity in the tail-flick and hot-plate assays. The (+)-enantiomer was essentially inactive indicating stereoselectivity. Opioid receptor subtype characterization studies indicated that naltrindole, a delta-opioid receptor antagonist, was potent versus the ED80 of (-)-NIH 11082 in the PPQ test [AD50=0.75 (0.26-2.20) mg/kg, s.c]. beta-Funaltrexamine and nor-binaltorphimine, selective mu- and kappa-receptor antagonists, respectively, were inactive versus the ED80 of (-)-NIH 11082. In rats with inflammation-induced pain, (-)-NIH 11082 produced antihyperalgesic effects that were attenuated by naltrindole. In morphine-dependent rhesus monkeys of both sexes, (-)-NIH 11082 neither substituted for morphine nor exacerbated withdrawal signs in the dose range of 4.0 to 32.0 mg/kg, s.c. Neither convulsions nor other overt behavioral signs were observed in any of the species tested. The results indicate that (-)-NIH 11082 has delta-opioid receptor properties.

Aqueous humor dynamics in monkeys in response to the kappa opioid agonist bremazocine

PURPOSE

To determine the effects of the kappa opioid agonist, bremazocine (BRE), on intraocular pressure (IOP) and aqueous humor dynamics in normotensive cynomolgus monkeys.

METHODS

IOP, pupil diameter, refraction, aqueous humor flow, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured following unilateral topical application of 1 to 100 microg BRE. IOP and MAP responses to 100 microg BRE were repeated during intravenous infusion of angiotensin II (ATII). IOP and MAP responses to BRE were also measured following pretreatment with the opioid receptor antagonists norbinaltorphimine (nor-BNI) or naloxone. Outflow facility was measured following unilateral intracameral exchange with 0.01 to 100 microg/mL BRE. IOP, aqueous humor flow, pupil, and MAP were measured after unilateral intracameral bolus injection of 1 microg of BRE.

RESULTS

Unilateral topical BRE caused a dose-related reduction in IOP and aqueous humor flow in both eyes and in MAP. Pupil miosis occurred at the 100-microg dose. There was no effect on refraction. IOP and MAP decreases after 100 microg of BRE were eliminated by ATII infusion. Differential IOP effects after 10-microg topical BRE doses were not eliminated by nor-BNI or naloxone. Unilateral intracameral bolus injection of BRE decreased IOP in both eyes but had no effect on MAP or aqueous humor flow. Outflow facility was unchanged after intracameral exchange with BRE.

CONCLUSIONS

The IOP response to high doses of BRE in monkeys can be attributed to peripheral or central effects on MAP. The IOP-lowering response to topical BRE is due to aqueous humor flow suppression via non-opioid receptor stimulation. Some components of the IOP response are mediated by unknown mechanisms.

Bremazocine: a kappa-opioid agonist with potent analgesic and other pharmacologic properties

Bremazocine is a kappa-opioid receptor agonist with potent analgesic and diuretic activities. As an analgesic it is three- to four-times more potent than morphine, as determined in both hot plate and tail flick tests. Bremazocine and other benzomorphan analogs were synthesized in an effort to produce opiates with greater kappa-opioid receptor selectivity and with minimal morphine-like side effects. Unlike morphine bremazocine is devoid of physical and psychological dependence liability in animal models and produces little or no respiratory depression. While bremazocine does not produce the characteristic euphoria associated with morphine and its abuse, it has been shown to induce dysphoria, a property that limits its clinical usefulness. Similarly to morphine, repeated administration of bremazocine leads to tolerance to its analgesic effect. It has been demonstrated that the marked diuretic effect of bremazocine is mediated primarily by the central nervous system. Because of its psychotomimetic side effects (disturbance in the perception of space and time, abnormal visual experience, disturbance in body image perception, de-personalization, de-realization and loss of self control) bremazocine has limited potential as a clinical analgesic. However, its possible utility for the therapy of alcohol and drug addiction warrants further consideration because of its ability to decrease ethanol and cocaine self-administration in non-human primates. In addition, the ability of bremazocine-like drugs to lower intraocular pressure and to minimize ischemic damage in animal models suggests their possible use in the therapy of glaucoma and cardiovascular disease.

Analysis of human Nav1.8 expressed in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

The tetrodotoxin-resistant voltage-gated sodium channel alpha-subunit Nav1.8 is expressed in nociceptors and has been implicated in chronic pain. Difficulties of heterologous expression have so far precluded analysis of the pharmacological properties of human Nav1.8. To address this we have introduced human Nav1.8 in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Voltage-clamp analysis showed that human Nav1.8 generated an inward tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium current with an activating threshold around -50 mV, half maximal activation at -11+/-3 mV and a reversal potential of 67+/-4 mV. These properties closely match those of the endogenous rat tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium current in dorsal root ganglia suggesting that the expressed human channel is in a near physiological conformation. Human Nav1.8 was resistant to tetrodotoxin and activated by the pyrethroid toxin deltamethrin. Both voltage-activated and deltamethrin-activated human Nav1.8 were inhibited by the sodium channel blockers BIII 890 CL, NW-1029, and mexiletine. Inhibition of Nav1.8 by these compounds may underlie their known analgesic effects in animal models.

Characterization of Opioid-Binding Sites in Zebrafish Brain

The pharmacological profile of opioid-binding sites in zebrafish brain homogenates has been studied using radiolabeled binding techniques. The nonselective antagonist [(3)H]diprenorphine binds with high affinity (K(D) = 0.27 +/- 0.08 nM and a B(max) = 212 +/- 14.3 fmol/mg protein), displaying two different binding sites with affinities of K(D1) = 0.08 +/- 0.02 nM and K(D2) = 17.8 +/- 9.18 nM. The nonselective agonist [(3)H]bremazocine also binds with high affinity to zebrafish brain membranes but only displays one single binding site with a K(D) = 1.1 +/- 0.09 nM and a B(max) = 705 +/- 19.3 fmol/mg protein. Competition binding assays using [(3)H]diprenorphine and several unlabeled ligands were performed. The synthetic selective agonists for mammalian opioid receptors DPDPE ([DPen(2),D-Pen(5)]-enkephalin), DAMGO ([D-Ala(2),NMe-Phe(4),Gly(5)-ol]-enkephalin), and U69,593 [(5alpha,7alpha,8beta)-(+)-N-methyl-N-[7-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-oxaspiro[4.5]dec-8-yl]-benzeneacetamide] failed to effectively displace [(3)H]diprenorphine binding, whereas nonselective ligands and the endogenous opioid peptides such as dynorphin A showed good affinities in the nanomolar range, although several of the endogenous peptides only displaced approximately 50% of the specifically bound [(3)H]diprenorphine. Our results provide evidence that, although the selective synthetic compounds for mammalian receptors do not fully recognize the opioid-binding sites in zebrafish brain, the activity of the endogenous zebrafish opioid system might not significantly differ from that displayed by the mammalian opioid system. Hence, the study of zebrafish opioid activity may contribute to an understanding of endogenous opioid systems in higher vertebrates.

BU74, a complex oripavine derivative with potent kappa opioid receptor agonism and delayed opioid antagonism

In the search for opioid agonists with delayed antagonist actions as potential treatments for substance abuse, the bridged morphinan BU74 (17-cyclopropylmethyl-3-hydroxy-[5beta,7beta,3',5']-pyrrolidino-2'[S]-phenyl-7alpha-methyl-6,14-endoetheno morphinan) (3f) was synthesized. In isolated tissue and [35S]GTPgammaS opioid receptor functional assays BU74 was shown to be a potent long-lasting kappa opioid receptor agonist, delta opioid receptor partial agonist and mu opioid receptor antagonist. In antinociceptive tests in the mouse, BU74 showed high efficacy and potent kappa opioid receptor agonism. When its agonist action had waned BU74 became an antagonist of kappa and mu opioid receptor agonists in the tail flick assay and of delta, kappa and mu opioid receptor agonists in the acetic acid writhing assay. The slow onset, long-duration kappa opioid receptor agonist effects of BU74 suggests that it could be a lead compound for the discovery of a treatment for cocaine abuse.

Study of the involvement of K+ channels in the peripheral antinociception of the kappa-opioid receptor agonist bremazocine

The involvement of the nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic GMP pathway in the molecular mechanisms of antinociceptive drugs like morphine has been previously shown by our group. Additionally, it is known that the desensitisation of nociceptors by K(+) channel opening should be the final target for several analgesic drugs including nitric oxide donors and exogenous micro-opioid receptor agonists. In our previous study, we demonstrated that bremazocine, a kappa-opioid receptor agonist, induces peripheral antinociception by activating nitric oxide/cyclic GMP pathway. In the current study, we assessed whether bremazocine is capable to activate K(+) channels eliciting antinociception. Bremazocine (20, 40 and 50 microg) dose-dependently reversed the hyperalgesia induced in the rat paw by local injection of carrageenan (250 microg) or prostaglandin E(2) (2 microg), measured by the paw pressure test. Using the selective kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (Nor-BNI, 200 microg/paw), it was confirmed that bremazocine (50 microg/paw) acts specifically on the kappa-opioid receptors present at peripheral sites. Prior treatment with the ATP-sensitive K(+) channel blockers glibenclamide (40, 80 and 160 microg) and tolbutamide (40, 80 and 160 microg) did not antagonise the antinociceptive effect of bremazocine (50 microg). The same results were obtained when we used prostaglandin E(2) (2 microg) as the hyperalgesic stimulus. The supposed participation of other types of K(+) channels was tested using the Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel blockers dequalinium (12.5, 25 and 50 microg) and charybdotoxin (0.5, 1 and 2 microg) and different types of the non-selective K(+) channel blockers tetraethylammonium (25, 50 and 100 microg) and 4-aminopyridine (10, 25 and 50 microg). None of the K(+) channel blockers reversed the antinociceptive effect of bremazocine. On the basis of these results, we suggest that K(+) channels are not involved in the peripheral antinociceptive effect of bremazocine, although this opioid receptor agonist induces nitric oxide/cGMP pathway activation.

Reciprocal regulation of agonist and inverse agonist signaling efficacy upon short-term treatment of the human delta-opioid receptor with an inverse agonist

Rapid regulation of receptor signaling by agonist ligands is widely accepted, whereas short-term adaptation to inverse agonists has been little documented. In the present study, guanosine 5'-O-(3-[(35)S]thio)triphosphate ([(35)S]GTPgammaS) binding and cAMP accumulation assays were used to assess the consequences of 30-min exposure to the inverse agonist N,N-diallyl-Tyr-Aib-Aib-Phe-Leu-OH (ICI174864) (1 microM) on delta-opioid receptor signaling efficacy. ICI174864 pretreatment increased maximal effect (E(max)) for the partial agonist Tyr-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-Phe-Phe-OH (TIPP) at the two levels of the signaling cascade, whereas E(max) values for more efficacious agonists like (+)-4-[(alphaR)-alpha-((2S,5R)-4-allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-methoxybenzyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide (SNC-80) and bremazocine were increased in [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding but not in cAMP accumulation assays. Pre-exposure to ICI174864 also induced a shift to the left in dose-response curves for bremazocine and TIPP. On the other hand, E(max) for the inverse agonist H-Tyr-TicPsi[CH(2)NH]Cha-Phe-OH was reduced in both assays, but no changes in potency were observed. For the weaker inverse agonist naloxone, E(max) in [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding was drastically modified because the drug turned from inverse agonist to agonist after ICI174864 pretreatment. Likewise, ICI174864 turned from inverse agonist to agonist when tested in cAMP accumulation assays. In both cases, inversion of efficacy was concomitant with marked increase in potency for agonist effects. Together with functional changes, short-term treatment with ICI174864 reduced basal receptor phosphorylation and increased immunoreactivity for Galpha(i3) in membrane preparations. Functional consequences of ICI174864 pretreatment were simulated in the cubic ternary complex model by increasing receptor/G protein coupling or G protein amount available for interaction with the receptor. Taken together, these data show that inverse agonists may induce rapid regulation in receptor signaling efficacy.

Kappa-opioid receptors are differentially labeled by arylacetamides and benzomorphans

Using Chinese Hamster Ovary cell membranes that stably expressed the human kappa-opioid receptor, we investigated the hypothesis that kappa(1)- and kappa(2)-opioid receptors, historically defined by their pharmacological selectivity for either arylacetamides or benzomorphans are, in fact, different affinity states or binding sites on the same kappa-opioid receptors. Receptor binding studies showed that GTP gamma S potently inhibited [3H](5 alpha,7 alpha,8 beta)-(+)-N-methyl-N-(7-[1-pyrrolidinyl]-1-oxaspiro [4.5]dec-8-yl)-benzeneacetamide (U69,593) binding, compared to virtually no inhibition of [3H]bremazocine binding. Saturation binding experiments showed a three-fold decrease in [3H]U69,593 affinity in the presence of GTP gamma S, but GTP gamma S had no effect on [3H]bremazocine affinity. The kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine had a four-fold higher affinity for [3H]U69,593-labeled receptors than for [3H]bremazocine-labeled receptors. Functional selectivity studies, measuring the stimulation of [35S]GTP gamma S agonist-induced binding, showed a significantly higher U69,593-induced G protein-receptor activation in comparison to the stimulation observed with bremazocine. These results suggest that pharmacologically defined 1 kappa-opioid receptor subtypes may be different affinity states of the same receptor.

2-aminothiazole-derived opioids. Bioisosteric replacement of phenols

A series of aminothiazole-derived morphinans, benzomorphans, and morphine were synthesized. Although their affinities were somewhat lower than their phenol prototypes, one compound (9a, ATPM) has been identified possessing high affinity and selectivity at the kappa receptor. Functional assays showed that 9a was a full kappa but partial mu agonist; the efficacy at kappa was significantly greater than at mu receptors. This novel compound may be valuable for the development of long-acting analgesics and drug abuse medication.

Differential effects of bremazocine on oral phencyclidine (PCP) self-administration in male and female rhesus monkeys

Sex differences exist in many phases of drug abuse, but few studies have focused on sex differences in drug abuse treatment. In this study, the effects of bremazocine, a kappa-opioid receptor agonist, were compared in age-matched male and female rhesus monkeys self-administering orally delivered phencyclidine (PCP). Bremazocine (0.00032. 0.001, and 0.0025 mg/kg, intramuscular) was administered for 5 consecutive days. 15 min prior to daily 3-hr sessions when PCP (0.25 mg/ml) and water were available under concurrent fixed-ratio schedules. Bremazocine dose-dependently decreased PCP-maintained responding and consumption (mg/kg) in males and females, and these measures were suppressed at a lower bremazocine dose in females than in males. The percentage reduction in PCP-maintained responding and intake (mg/kg) was significantly greater in females than it was in males at the low and middle doses of bremazocine, suggesting that females may be more responsive to kappa agonist treatment than males.

Purification and mass spectrometric analysis of the mu opioid receptor

A mouse mu opioid receptor was engineered to contain a FLAG epitope at the amino-terminus and a hexahistidine tag at the carboxyl-terminus to facilitate purification. Selection of transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells yielded a cell line that expressed the receptor with a B(max) of 10 pmol/mg protein. 3[H]Bremazocine exhibited high affinity binding to the epitope-tagged mu opioid receptor with a KD of 1.0 nM. The agonists [D-Ala(2),N-Me-Phe(4),Gly(5)-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO), morphine and [D-Ala(2),D-Leu(5)]enkephalin (DADL) competitively inhibited bremazocine binding to the tagged mu receptor with KI's of 3.5, 17 and 70 nM, respectively. Chronic treatment of cells expressing the epitope-tagged mu receptor with DAMGO resulted in down-regulation of the receptor, indicating that the tagged receptor retained the capacity to mediate signal transduction. The mu receptor was solubilized from HEK 293 cell membranes with n-dodecyl-beta-D-maltoside in an active form that maintained high affinity bremazocine binding. Sequential use of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)-agarose chromatography, Sephacryl S300 gel filtration chromatography, immobilized metal affinity chromatography, immunoaffinity chromatography, and sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS/PAGE) permitted purification of the receptor. The purified mu opioid receptor was a glycoprotein that migrated on SDS/PAGE with an apparent molecular mass of 80 kDa. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry was used to identify and characterize peptides derived from the mu opioid receptor following in-gel digestion with trypsin or chymotrypsin, and precursor-derived tandem mass spectrometry (ms/ms) confirmed the identity of several peptides derived from enzymatic digestion of the mu opioid receptor.

Bremazocine increases C-type natriuretic peptide levels in aqueous humor and enhances outflow facility

A relatively selective agonist of kappa opioid receptors (KOR), bremazocine (BRE), lowers intraocular pressure in rabbits, in part, by increasing natriuretic peptide levels in aqueous humor and by enhancing total outflow facility (TOF). Natriuretic peptide (NP) levels [atrial NP (ANP), brain NP (BNP), and C-type NP (CNP)] were measured in aqueous humor of rabbits either by radioimmunoassay or enzyme immunoassay. TOF was determined in rabbits by two-level constant pressure perfusion of the anterior chamber. Experimental regimens included topical treatment with BRE in the presence or absence of KOR antagonist (norbinaltorphimine), protein kinase C inhibitor (chelerythrine), and natriuretic peptide receptor antagonist (isatin). The rank order of basal NP levels in aqueous humor of rabbits was BNP CNP > ANP. Topical administration of BRE (1-100 microg) caused dose-related elevations of CNP levels in aqueous humor that were inhibited by topical pretreatment with either norbinaltorphimine (100 microg, bilaterally) or chelerythrine (10 microg, bilaterally). Topically administered BRE (100 microg) also elevated levels of ANP and BNP in aqueous humor and evoked an 80% increase in TOF. The increase in TOF was antagonized by topical pretreatment with either norbinaltorphimine (100 microg, bilaterally) or isatin (100 microg, bilaterally). Bremazocine induced an increase in NP (ANP, BNP, and CNP) levels and TOF in rabbits by activating KOR. The increase in CNP levels elicited by BRE was inhibited by norbinaltorphimine and chelerythrine; therefore, this event is most likely mediated by a KOR-linked activation of protein kinase C. These data provide evidence that the increase in TOF elicited by BRE was mediated by a KOR-activated paracrine effect of NPs on tissues within ocular outflow tract(s).

Efficacy as a Vector: the Relative Prevalence and Paucity of Inverse Agonism

This article describes the expected phenotypic behavior of all types of ligands in constitutively active receptor systems and, in particular, the molecular mechanisms of inverse agonism. The possible physiological relevance of inverse agonism also is discussed. Competitive antagonists with the molecular property of negative efficacy demonstrate inverse agonism in constitutively active receptor systems. This is a phenotypic behavior that can only be observed in the appropriate assay; a lack of observed inverse agonism is evidence that the ligand does not possess negative efficacy only if it can be shown that constitutive receptor activity is present. In the absence of constitutive activity, inverse agonists behave as simple competitive antagonists. A survey of 105 articles on the activity of 380 antagonists on 73 biological G-protein-coupled receptor targets indicates that, in this sample dataset, 322 are inverse agonists and 58 (15%) are neutral antagonists. The predominance of inverse agonism agrees with theoretical predictions which indicate that neutral antagonists are the minority species in pharmacological space.

Variable modulation of opioid brain uptake by P-glycoprotein in mice

The efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an important component of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) that limits accumulation of many compounds in brain. Some opioids have been shown to interact with P-gp in vitro and in vivo. Genetic or chemical disruption of P-gp has been shown to enhance the antinociceptive and/or toxic effects of some opioids, although the extent of this phenomenon has yet to be understood. The purpose of this study was to assess quantitatively the influence of mdr1a P-gp on initial brain uptake of chemically diverse opioids in mice. The brain uptake of opioids selective for the mu (fentanyl, loperamide, meperidine, methadone, and morphine), delta (deltorphin II, DPDPE, naltrindole, SNC 121) and kappa (bremazocine and U-69593) receptor subtypes was determined in P-gp-competent (wild-type) and P-gp-deficient [mdr1a(-/-)] mice with an in situ brain perfusion model. BBB permeability of the opioids varied by several orders of magnitude in both mouse strains. The difference in brain uptake between P-gp-competent and P-gp-deficient mice ranged from no detectable effect (meperidine) to >/=8-fold increase in uptake (DPDPE, loperamide, and SNC 121). In addition, loperamide efflux at the BBB was inhibited by quinidine. These results demonstrate that P-gp modulation of opioid brain uptake varies substantially within this class of compounds, regardless of receptor subtype. P-gp-mediated efflux of opioids at the BBB may influence the onset, magnitude, and duration of analgesic response. The variable influence of P-gp on opioid brain distribution may be an important issue in the context of pharmacologic pain control and drug interactions.

Protein kinase C-dependent potentiation of intracellular calcium influx by sigma1 receptor agonists in rat hippocampal neurons

Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) plays a major role in neuronal excitability, especially that triggered by the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive glutamatergic receptor. We have previously shown that sigma1 receptor agonists potentiate NMDA receptor-mediated neuronal activity in the hippocampus and recruit Ca2+-dependent second messenger cascades (e.g., protein kinase C; PKC) in brainstem motor structures. The present study therefore assessed whether the potentiating action of sigma1 agonists on the NMDA response observed in the hippocampus involves the regulation of [Ca2+]i and PKC. For this purpose, [Ca2+]i changes after NMDA receptor activation were monitored in primary cultures of embryonic rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons using microspectrofluorometry of the Ca2+-sensitive indicator Fura-2/acetoxymethyl ester in the presence of sigma1 agonists and PKC inhibitors. We show that successive activations of the sigma1 receptor by 1-min pulses of (+)-benzomorphans or (+)-N-cyclopropylmethyl-N-methyl-1,4-diphenyl-1-ethyl-but-3-en-1-ylamine hydrochloride (JO-1784) concomitantly with glutamate time dependently potentiated before inconstantly inhibiting the NMDA receptor-mediated increase of [Ca2+]i, whereas 1,3-di-o-tolyl-guanidine, a mixed sigma1/sigma2 agonist, did not significantly modify the glutamate response. Both potentiation and inhibition were prevented by the selective sigma1 antagonist N,N-dipropyl-2-[4-methoxy-3-(211phenylethoxy) phenyl]-ethylamine monohydrochloride (NE-100). Furthermore, only (+)-benzomorphans could induce [Ca2+]i influx by themselves after a brief pulse of glutamate. A pretreatment with the conventional PKC inhibitor 12-(2-cyanoethyl)-6,7,12,13-tetrahydro-13-methyl-5-oxo-5H-indolo [2,3-a] pyrrolo [3,4-c] carbazole (Gö-6976) prevented the potentiating effect of (+)-benzomorphans on the glutamate response. Our results provide further support for a general mechanism for the intracellular sigma1 receptor to regulate Ca2+-dependent signal transduction and protein phosphorylation.

Opioid interactions in rhesus monkeys: effects of delta + mu and delta + kappa agonists on schedule-controlled responding and thermal nociception

Agonists at delta, mu, and kappa opioid receptors produce interacting effects in rodents and nonhuman primates. To further evaluate the determinants of these interactions, this study examined the effects of mixtures of delta + mu and delta + kappa agonists in rhesus monkeys (n = 4-5) using two behavioral procedures, an assay of schedule-controlled responding for food reinforcement and an assay of thermal nociception. Results were analyzed using dose-addition analysis. In the assay of schedule-controlled responding, the delta agonist (+)-4-[(alphaR)-alpha-((2S,5R)-4-allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-methoxy-benzyl]-N,N-diethyl-benzamide (SNC80); the mu agonists methadone, fentanyl, morphine, and nalbuphine; and the kappa agonists (5alpha,7alpha,8beta)-(-)-N-methyl-N-(7-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-oxaspiro(4,5)dec-8-yl) benzeneacetamide (U69,593) and bremazocine all dose dependently decreased rates of food-maintained responding when administered alone. Fixed ratio mixtures of SNC80 + mu agonists produced additive or subadditive effects, whereas SNC80 + kappa agonist mixtures produced only additive effects. In the assay of thermal nociception, SNC80 produced no measurable effects when administered alone, whereas mu and kappa agonists produced dose-dependent antinociception. SNC80 + mu agonist mixtures produced superadditive effects manifested as leftward shifts in mu agonist dose-effect curves. This synergism was antagonized by the delta-selective antagonist naltrindole, suggesting that SNC80-induced enhancement of mu agonist antinociception was delta receptor-mediated. SNC80 did not enhance the antinociceptive effects of the highly selective kappa agonist U69,593, and it produced only a marginal enhancement of antinociception produced by the less selective kappa agonist bremazocine. These results suggest that delta agonists may selectively enhance the antinociceptive effects of mu agonists in rhesus monkeys. These results also confirm that opioid agonist interactions may depend on the receptor selectivity and relative doses of the agonists and on the experimental endpoint.

Synthesis and pharmacology of 8-amino-3-[(tetrahydro-2-furanyl)methyl] benzomorphan

AIM

To design and synthesize new chiral 8-(substituted) amino-analogues of 3-[(tetrahydro-2-furanyl)methyl] benzomorphans, to expand knowledge of the structure-activity relationship (SAR) for 8-aminobenzomorphan.

METHODS

Target compounds were synthesized from the 8-triflate of the optically active 3-[(tetrahydro-2-furanyl)methyl]-2,6-methano-benzomorphans using Pd-catalyzed aminations. Opioid receptor binding experiments were performed to evaluate their biological activities.

RESULTS

Both 8-amino and 8-phenylamino analogues showed lower binding affinity for mu, delta and kappa receptors than corresponding 8-hydroxy-3-[(tetrahydro-2-furanyl)methyl]-2,6-methano-benzomorphan in vitro.

CONCLUSION

The relative poor binding affinity of the target compounds did not warrant conducting the in vivo studies to determine if they have the profile(kappa agonist/mu antagonist) that will be potentially useful in the treatment of drug addiction. Further study is in progress.

Ultra-long antagonism of kappa opioid agonist-induced diuresis by intracisternal nor-binaltorphimine in monkeys

Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists such as U-50488H and bremazocine are analgesics and diuretics. In monkeys, the selective KOR antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI), produces a long-lasting antagonism of the antinociceptive effects of U-50488H but not those of bremazocine, suggesting that KOR-mediated antinociception may occur through two distinct KORs. The aim of this study was to characterize the antagonist effect of nor-BNI against the diuretic effects of U-50488H and bremazocine in monkeys. Urine outputs were collected over 3 h subsequent to i.m. administration of KOR agonists. Both U-50488H (0.032-1 mg/kg) and bremazocine (0.00032-0.01 mg/kg) dose-dependently increased urine output and the diuretic effect reached a plateau at higher doses. The maximum effect of either U-50488H or bremazocine was approximately 15 ml/kg/3 h of urine. Pretreatment with intracisternal nor-BNI 0.32 mg significantly blocked both U-50488H (0.18 mg/kg)- and bremazocine (0.0032 mg/kg)-induced diuresis for 20 weeks. However, the same dose of nor-BNI 0.32 mg given subcutaneously was not effective. These results demonstrate that central KOR mediate KOR agonist-induced diuresis in monkeys. More important, this study provides functional evidence for a homogenous population of KOR underlying KOR-mediated diuresis and illustrates a unique pharmacological profile of nor-BNI-induced ultra-long KOR antagonism in vivo.

Involvement of glutamate and gamma-amino-butyric acid receptor systems on gastric acid secretion induced by activation of kappa-opioid receptors in the central nervous system in rats

1. Various neurotransmitters in the brain regulate gastric acid secretion. Previously, we reported that the central injection of kappa-opioid receptor agonists stimulated this secretion in rats. Although the existence of kappa(1)-kappa(3)-opioid receptor subtypes has been proposed, the character is not defined. We investigated the interactions between kappa-opioid receptor subtypes and glutamate, gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) or 5-hydroxy tryptamine (5-HT) receptors in the rat brain. 2. Gastric acid secretion induced by the injection of U69593 (8.41 nmol, a putative kappa(1)-opioid receptor agonist) into the lateral cerebroventricle was completely inhibited by the central injection of 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX, 10.9 nmol, an antagonist for non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (non-NMDA) receptors) and by bicuculline infusion (222 micro g kg(-1) per 10 min, i.v., GABA(A) receptor antagonist). The secretion induced by bremazocine (8.52 nmol, a putative kappa(2)-opioid receptor agonist) was inhibited by bicuculline infusion, but not by CNQX. The secretion induced by naloxone benzoylhydrazone (224 nmol, a putative kappa(3)-opioid receptor agonist) was slightly and partially inhibited by CNQX and bicuculline. 3. Treatment with CNQX and bicuculline inhibited gastric acid secretion induced by the injection of dynorphin A-(1-17) into the lateral, but not the fourth, cerebroventricle. Antagonists for NMDA, GABA(B) and 5-HT(2/1C) receptors did not inhibit the secretions by kappa-opioid receptor agonists. 4. In rat brain regions close to the lateral cerebroventricle, kappa-opioid receptor systems (kappa(1)>kappa(3)>>kappa(2)) are regulated by the non-NMDA type of glutamate receptor system, and kappa(1)- and kappa(2)-opioid receptor systems are regulated by the GABA(A) receptor system. The present findings show pharmacological evidence for kappa-opioid receptor subtypes that regulate gastric acid secretion in the rat brain.

Possible mechanism involved in the anticonvulsant action of butorphanol in mice

The study was designed to examine the effect of butorphanol, a classical opioid on convulsive behaviour using maximal electroshock (MES) test. An attempt was also made to investigate the role of possible receptor mechanisms involved. MES seizures were induced in mice via transauricular electrodes (60 mA, 0.2 s). Seizure severity was assessed by the duration of tonic hindlimb extensor phase and mortality due to convulsions. Intraperitoneal administration of butorphanol produced a dose-dependent (0.25-2 mg/kg) protection against hindlimb extensor phase. The anticonvulsant effect of butorphanol was antagonized by all the three opioid receptor antagonists (i.e., naloxone [mu], MR2266 [kappa], and naltrindole [delta], respectively). Coadministration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic drugs (diazepam, GABA, muscimol, and baclofen) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, dizocilpine (MK801), with butorphanol augmented the anticonvulsant action of the latter drug. In contrast, flumazenil, a central benzodiazepine (BZD) receptor antagonist, reversed the facilitatory effect of diazepam on the anti-MES effect of butorphanol. Similarly, delta-aminovaleric acid (DAVA), a GABA(B) receptor antagonist, antagonized the facilitatory effect of baclofen, a GABA(B) agonist on anti-MES action of butorphanol. These BZD-GABAergic antagonists, flumazenil or DAVA, per se also counteracted the anti-MES effect of butorphanol given alone. These data exemplify the benefits of using the MES test, which is sensitive to opioidergic compounds and distinguished convulsive behavioural changes associated with GABAergic and NMDAergic effects. Taken together, the results implicate a role for multitude of neurotransmitter systems, i.e., opioid (mu, kappa, delta), NMDA channel, BZD-GABA(A) chloride channel complex, and GABA(B) receptors in the anti-MES action of butorphanol.

BIII-890-CL. Boehringer Ingelheim

BIII-890-CL is a non-orally active sodium channel blocker under development by Boehringer Ingelheim Corp for the potential treatment of thromboembolic stroke. By April 2001, the compound was in phase II clinical trials for this indication, with trials ongoing in June 2002. The compound is also under investigation for its potential use in the treatment of pain.

Autoradiography of opioid and ORL1 ligands in opioid receptor triple knockout mice

Three genes for the opioid receptors ( micro, delta and kappa) and a gene coding for a related receptor (ORL1) have been cloned but pharmacological studies suggest that further subtypes exist that remain poorly understood. To determine if there are other classically defined opioid binding sites we have carried out homogenate binding and section autoradiography with [3H]naloxone in mice that lack all three opioid genes and are hyperalgesic in a thermal nociceptive test. We have also examined [3H]bremazocine labelling in triple knockout brain and spinal cord as this ligand has been proposed to label novel kappa-receptors. No receptor labelling for either ligand was detected in the brains or spinal cord of knockout mice demonstrating that all binding is the product of the three known receptors and that there is no cross-labelling of the ORL1 receptor. Nociceptin (1 micro m) caused marked displacement of [3H]bremazocine in wild-type brains indicating that nociceptin at high concentrations can displace classical opioid binding. As a number of studies have proposed a close association between the classical opioid receptors and the ORL1 system we also hypothesized that loss of all of the classical opioid receptors might lead to compensatory changes in ORL1 receptors. Labelling of the ORL1 receptor with [3H]nociceptin showed region-dependent quantitative increases in triple knockout brains indicating a close relationship between the two systems in specific brain areas.

The kappa-opioid agonist (+/-)-bremazocine elicits peripheral antinociception by activation of the L-arginine/nitric oxide/cyclic GMP pathway

In view of the scarce information about the analgesic mechanism of kappa-opioid receptor agonists, the objective of the present study was to determine whether nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the peripheral antinociception of bremazocine, a kappa-opioid receptor agonist. Three drugs all interfering with the L-arginine/NO/cyclic GMP pathway were tested using the rat paw model of carrageenan-induced (250 microg) hyperalgesia: (a) N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (a nonselective NO-synthase inhibitor), (b) methylene blue (a guanylate cyclase inhibitor), and (c) zaprinast (a cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor). Intraplantar administration of bremazocine (20, 40 and 50 microg) caused a dose-dependent peripheral antihyperalgesia against carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia. The possibility of the higher dose of bremazocine (50 microg) having central or systemic effect was excluded since administration of the drug into the left paw did not elicit antinociception in the contralateral paw. However, when the dose of bremazocine was increased to 100 microg, a significant increase in the nociceptive threshold was observed, as measured in the hyperalgesic contralateral paw. Peripheral antihyperalgesia induced by bremazocine (50 microg) was significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner when N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (6, 9, 12 and 25 microg) or methylene blue (250, 375 and 500 microg) was injected before. Previous treatment with 50 microg of zaprinast (which had no effect when administered alone) potentiated the antihyperalgesic effect of bremazocine (20 microg). Our data suggest that bremazocine elicits peripheral antinociception by activation of the L-arginine/NO/cyclic GMP pathway and that nitric oxide is an intermediary in this mechanism, forming cyclic GMP.

Effect of bremazocine, a kappa-opioid receptor agonist, on inositol phosphate formation in isolated iris-ciliary bodies

The goal of the current study was to examine the effect of the kappa-opioid agonist, bremazocine (BRE), on inositol phosphate (IP) formation in the rabbit iris-ciliary body (ICB). Concentrations of BRE (10(-7) to 10(-5) M) augmented levels of IP. Incubation of ICBs with BRE (10(-6) M) produced a time-dependent increase in IP levels that peaked at 60 s and declined to basal levels by 5 min. The increase in IP levels produced by BRE (10(-6) M) was inhibited by the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI, 10(-7) to 10(-5) M) and by activation of PKC with PDBu (10(-7) M). These results demonstrate that kappa-opioid receptor activation by BRE in the rabbit ICB is linked to IP production. Thus, opioid agonist-induced increases in IP activity could play a role in BRE-induced increases in atrial natriuretic peptide release and alterations in aqueous humor dynamics.

Effects of U-50,488H, a kappa-opioid receptor agonist, on the learned helplessness model of depression in mice

We investigated the effects of U-50,488H, a kappa-opioid receptor agonist, on the learned helplessness model of depression in mice. Mice pre-exposed to inescapable electric footshock were treated with U-50,488H. Stimulation of the kappa-opioid receptor by U-50,488H (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) attenuated the escape failure induced by pre-exposure to shock. This attenuation by U-50,488H was blocked by MR2266 (10 mg/kg/day, s.c.), an opioid receptor antagonist. These results suggest that the kappa-opioid system plays an important role in the learned helplessness depression in mice.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 6,7-benzomorphan derivatives as use-dependent sodium channel blockers for the treatment of stroke

We have synthesized a series of 6,7-benzomorphan derivatives and determined their ability to bind to voltage-dependent sodium channels. We have also compared the functional consequences of this blockade in vitro and in vivo. The ability of the compounds to displace [(3)H]batrachotoxin from voltage-dependent sodium channels was compared with their ability to inhibit [(3)H]glutamate release in rat brain slices and block convulsions in the maximal electroshock test in mice. We found that the hydroxyl function in the 4'-position is crucial for improving the sodium channel blocking properties. Moreover, the stereochemistry and the topology of the N-linked side chain also influence this interaction. Indeed, the affinity is improved by an aromatic substitution in the side chain. By modifying the N substituent and the substitution pattern of the hydroxyl function, we were able to discover (2R)-[2alpha,3(S),6alpha]-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-6,11,11-tri-methyl-3-[2-(phenylmethoxy)propyl]-2,6-methano-3-benzazocin-10-ol hydrochloride. This compound was chosen as the best candidate for further pharmacological investigations.

Effects of bremazocine on self-administration of smoked cocaine base and orally delivered ethanol, phencyclidine, saccharin, and food in rhesus monkeys: a behavioral economic analysis

There is increasing evidence that kappa-opioid receptor agonists modulate cocaine-maintained behavior, and limited findings implicate the involvement of kappa-opioid receptors in ethanol-maintained behaviors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of bremazocine, a kappa-opioid agonist, on the self-administration of smoked cocaine base and oral ethanol in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). To determine the selectivity of bremazocine, the effects of bremazocine pretreatment on the oral self-administration of phencyclidine (PCP), saccharin, and food were also examined. Adult male rhesus monkeys were trained to self-administer oral ethanol, PCP, saccharin (n = 8), food (n = 6), or smoked cocaine base (n = 6) and water during daily sessions. Bremazocine (0.00032-, 0.001-, and 0.0025-mg/kg i.m.) injections were given 15 min before session. The 4 days of stable behavior before pretreatment served as baseline. Demand curves (consumption x fixed ratio; FR) were obtained for smoked cocaine base, ethanol, and PCP by varying the cost (FR) of drug deliveries and measuring consumption (deliveries). Bremazocine (0.001 mg/kg) was administered at each FR value in nonsystematic order. Results indicate that bremazocine dose dependently reduced cocaine, ethanol, PCP, and saccharin intake. Food intake was affected less by bremazocine than the other substances in five of the six monkeys. Generally, bremazocine treatment reduced the demand for cocaine, ethanol, and PCP as well as other measures of response strength. These results extend the findings that kappa-agonists reduce the self-administration of drug and nondrug reinforcers to smoked cocaine base and oral ethanol, PCP, and saccharin in rhesus monkeys.

Motivational effects mu- and kappa-opioid agonists following acute and chronic restraint stress: involvement of dopamine D(1) and D(2) receptors

The influence of both acute and chronic restraint stress on the rewarding properties of morphine (1, 2 or 3 mg/kg i.p.) and the aversive effects of naloxone (0.5 mg/kg i.p. x3 or 1.0 mg/kg i.p.) or bremazocine (0.4 mg/kg i.p.) was investigated. An acute (2 h) but not chronic restraint (2 h daily for 7 days) enhanced the morphine place preference, and elicited a place aversion with a subthreshold dose of bremazocine. This enhancing effect on the reinforcing properties induced by the drugs was prevented by either R(+)-SCH-23390 hydrochloride (R(+)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H3-benzazepine, 30 microg/kg i.p.) or (+/-)-sulpiride (60 mg/kg i.p.), 10-20 min prior to the stress session. Naltrexone pretreatment (1 mg/kg i.p.) abolished the stress effect on morphine place preference but not that on bremazocine aversion. Instead, nor-BNI (30 microg/3 microl i.c.v.) abolished the stress's effects on bremazocine aversion, but did not modify those on morphine preference. These results show that: (1) acute stress enhanced the morphine and bremazocine conditioned reinforcing effects meanwhile chronic stress did not modify them; (2) the stimulation of D(1) and D(2) dopamine receptors is necessary for the development of restraint stress-induced sensitization to the conditioned reinforcing effects of drugs; and (3) the stimulation mu/delta- and kappa-opioid receptors seems to be differentially involved.

Sex and rat strain determine sensitivity to kappa opioid-induced antinociception

RATIONALE

Recent studies indicate that sex and rodent strain are determinants of sensitivity to opioid-induced antinociception.

OBJECTIVES

The present study examined the influence of sex and rat strain on kappa opioid-induced antinociception using a series of kappa opioids that vary in their relative effectiveness.

METHODS

In a warm-water (50, 52 and 55C) tail-withdrawal procedure, the antinociceptive effects of kappa opioids were determined in male and female rats of the F344, Lewis and Sprague-Dawley (SD) strains.

RESULTS

In both males and females of each strain, spiradoline produced high levels of antinociception across all nociceptive stimulus intensities, whereas U50,488 produced high levels only at the low and moderate nociceptive stimulus intensities. Sex differences in the potency and effectiveness of these kappa opioids were relatively small and not consistently obtained. Enadoline, bremazocine and nalorphine were less effective than spiradoline in producing antinociception, and at low and moderate nociceptive stimulus intensities these opioids were both more potent and effective in F344 and SD males than their female counterparts. In contrast, in Lewis rats, only bremazocine was more potent and effective in males. In combination tests, bremazocine shifted the spiradoline dose-effect curve leftward and/or upward in males and rightward in females (i.e., antagonized spiradoline). In contrast, in both males and females enadoline shifted the spiradoline dose-effect curve leftward and/or upward.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that kappa opioids were generally more potent and effective as antinociceptive agents in males than females. Similar to data obtained with micro opioids, the magnitude of these sex differences was generally larger with the less effective kappa opioids and determined, in part, by rat strain and nociceptive stimulus intensity.

Differential regulation of preovulatory luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone release by opioids in the proestrous rat

We have investigated the role of mu- and kappa-opioid receptors in the central control of preovulatory LH and FSH release in the proestrous rat. Animals were anesthetized with chloral hydrate at 14:00 h on proestrus day. Following femoral artery cannulation, they were mounted in a stereotaxic apparatus. Morphine and U-50488H (benzene-acetamide methane sulphonate) were infused intracerebroventricularly either alone or in combination with naloxone and MR1452, respectively. Controls received sterile saline alone. Blood samples were obtained at hourly intervals between 15:00 h and 17:00 h. Plasma LH and FSH levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Morphine did not significantly change plasma LH levels at 15:00 h and 16:00 h sampling intervals. A significant increase was observed at 17:00 h compared to the controls (p<0.05). U-50488H significantly increased LH levels at 16:00 h and 17:00 h (p<0.05). The co-administration of naloxone and MR1452 with mu- and kappa-agonist had no significant effect on LH levels at any sampling interval. In all groups, LH levels showed a linear rise over the sampling period between 15:00 h and 17:00 h. None of the treatments significantly altered plasma FSH levels which however, declined towards the end of the afternoon surge. In conclusion, we suggest that the secretion of LH and FSH is differentially regulated by mu- and kappa-opioid receptors. It is thought that in all groups chloral hydrate interfered with the LH surge secretory systems.

Parallel nociceptive reflex pathways with negative and positive feedback functions to foot extensors in the cat

1. Nociceptive reflex pathways to foot extensors were investigated with particular attention given to those not following a flexor reflex (FRA) or withdrawal pattern. 2. In anaemically decapitated, high spinal paralysed cats nociceptive afferents of the foot pad were activated by noxious radiant heat (48-60 degrees C), while for comparison non-nociceptive afferents were activated by weak mechanical stimulation of the skin or graded electrical nerve stimulation. The reflex action of the afferents on hindlimb motoneurones, innervating plantaris and intrinsic foot extensors (tibial nerve), was investigated by intracellular recording, by monosynaptic reflex testing and by recording of neurograms during fictive locomotion. A possible descending control of the nociceptive and non-nociceptive pathways was tested by application of opioidergic and monoaminergic compounds. 3. Beside the typical FRA pattern evoked in the majority of hindlimb motoneurone pools by nociceptive afferents from different skin areas of the foot, the results revealed parallel excitatory and inhibitory nociceptive reflex pathways from the central pad and partly from the toe pads to foot extensors. The excitatory pathways, which did not follow the FRA pattern, were predominantly to plantaris and intrinsic foot extensors. They were distinctly less depressed by opioids and monoaminergic compounds than FRA pathways. 4. While the nociceptive FRA pathways have a general nocifensive withdrawal function, the nociceptive excitatory non-FRA pathway to the foot extensors causes a movement of the affected area towards the stimulus or at least a resistance against the stimulus, i.e. it mediates a positive feedback.

Elevation of atrial natriuretic peptide levels in aqueous humor of the rabbit by kappa opioid receptor agonists

Following the topical administration of three kappa agonists (bremazocine, spiradoline and ICI 204448) to rabbit eyes, aqueous humor samples were analyzed for levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Bremazocine (BRE) and spiradoline (SPR) elevated aqueous ANP levels in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, ICI had no significant effect on ANP levels in aqueous humor. Nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI), a selective kappa opioid receptor antagonist, was used to assess kappa opioid receptor involvement and glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker, was used to test for the role of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in ANP release. Pretreatment with nor-BNI antagonized the increases in ANP levels observed with both BRE and SPR. Likewise, glibenclamide suppressed the stimulation of ANP secretion by bremazocine. In summary, BRE and SPR increased ANP levels in aqueous humor of rabbits, in part, via activation of K+(ATP) channels that are assumed to be associated with kappa opioid receptors.

Short-term inverse-agonist treatment induces reciprocal changes in delta-opioid agonist and inverse-agonist binding capacity

This study assessed the effects of short-term treatment (30-min) with inverse agonists on receptor protein levels and on the ability of agonists, inverse agonists, and neutral antagonists to bind to the human delta-opioid receptor (h delta OR). Incubation of human embryonic kidney 293s cells stably expressing h delta OR with the inverse agonist ICI174864 (1 microM) induced reciprocal changes in agonist and inverse-agonist binding. The total number of binding sites recognized by the agonists [(3)H]bremazocine and [(3)H][D-Pen(2),D-Pen(5)]-enkephalin was reduced by 33 and 57%, respectively, whereas binding capacity for the radiolabeled inverse-agonist [(3)H]Tyr-TicY[CH(2)NH]Cha-Phe-OH increased by 44%. In contrast, total receptor protein and sites labeled by neutral antagonists [(3)H]naltrindole and [(3)H]Tyr-D-Tic-Phe-Phe-OH remained unchanged. Pertussis toxin (PTX) and 5-guanylylimidodiphosphate (GppNHp) mimicked the outcome of ICI174864 pretreatment in promoting the loss of agonist binding sites. The lack of an additive effect on [(3)H]bremazocine binding when these three agents were combined indicates that inverse agonists may, in part, share the mechanism by which GppNHp and PTX reduce agonist binding capacity. Spontaneous recovery of maximal agonist binding capacity after inverse-agonist treatment was slow, suggesting a decrease in the isomerization rate between agonist- and inverse agonist-preferring conformations. Overall, the data presented are consistent with the idea that h delta ORs exist in multiple states capable of discriminating among ligands of different levels of efficacy and show that, after short-term treatment with an inverse agonist, the receptor ability to adopt conformations preferentially induced by agonist ligands is reduced.

Biphasic alterations of cAMP levels and inhibition of norepinephrine release in iris-ciliary body by bremazocine

Kappa-opioid receptor agonists have been shown to reduce intraocular pressure in rabbits and monkeys. This study was designed to investigate mechanisms in the iris-ciliary body (ICB) that may be involved in bremazocine (BRE)-induced ocular hypotension in New Zealand White rabbits. Using ICBs, BRE and norbinaltorphimine (nor-BNI), relatively selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist and antagonist, respectively, along with pertussis toxin (PTX), were used to evaluate the effect of 1) kappa-opioid receptors on [(3)H]norepinephrine (NE) release from postganglionic sympathetic neurons, and 2) cAMP accumulation. BRE caused dose-related (0.1, 1, and 10 microM) inhibition of electrically stimulated [(3)H]NE release from ICBs to 77, 57, and 36% of the control, respectively. Nor-BNI antagonized the inhibition of [(3)H]NE release by BRE, while PTX pretreatment limited the suppressive effect of BRE (1 and 10 microM). When used alone, BRE (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 microM) caused stimulation of cAMP levels in ICBs, however, similar concentrations caused inhibition of isoproterenol (ISO)-stimulated cAMP production. Pretreatment of ICBs with nor-BNI (10 microM) or PTX (150 ng/ml) antagonized BRE-induced suppression of ISO-stimulated cAMP. These data demonstrate that BRE acts at multiple [prejunctional (neuronal) and postjunctional] sites in the ICB. BRE had a biphasic effect on ISO-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity; enhancing cAMP levels at low concentrations and inhibiting cAMP production at high concentrations. Based on the modifications induced by PTX pretreatment, the kappa-opioid receptors involved in some of the ocular actions of BRE are linked to a G(i/o) protein.

Effects of kappa-opioid receptor agonists on long-term cocaine use and dopamine neurotransmission

kappa-Opioid receptor agonists have been suggested as treatments for cocaine addiction based on studies showing that they block cocaine-related behaviors. To determine the effects of kappa-opioid receptor agonists on long-term behavioral effects associated with cocaine and the neurochemical bases underlying these effects, rats were treated with the selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist U-69593 ((+)(5alpha,7alpha,8beta)-N-methyl-N-[7-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-1 oxaspiro[4.5]dec-8-yl]-benzeneacetamide) alone or in combination with cocaine and locomotor activity was measured daily. In addition, dopamine transporter and dopamine receptor densities were measured using autoradiographic techniques, and tyrosine hydroxylase was measured using immunoautoradiographic techniques. Treatment with U-69593 with or without cocaine decreased locomotor activity. When challenged with cocaine after a 5-day treatment period, the effects of cocaine were markedly reduced in rats initially treated with U-69593 compared to vehicle. When U-69593 was administered five times with 3-day intervals, it alone had no effect on locomotor activity but still reduced activity associated with a cocaine injection. After five daily injections, U-69593 decreased dopamine transporter and dopamine D(2) receptor densities and increased tyrosine hydroxylase levels. These changes were not seen after the 3-day interval regimen, even though cocaine-induced activity was greatly reduced. These findings show that the effects associated with daily U-69593 treatment are attenuated if the drug is administered with a greater interval, while maintaining a blockade of cocaine-induced activity. In addition, U-69593 can block cocaine-induced locomotor effects without major perturbation of the dopamine system.

Kappa opioid agonists alter dopamine markers and cocaine-stimulated locomotor activity

To better understand the influence of kappa-opioid agonists on the effects of cocaine, rats were treated with daily injections of the selective kappa-opioid agonist U-69593 or bremazocine. In combination with 10 mg/kg cocaine, both compounds, at a dose of 0.32 mg/kg, greatly diminished locomotor activity, and these effects were maintained over a period of 5 days. In addition, the response to a challenge injection of 10 mg/kg cocaine several days after the end of kappa-Opioid agonist treatment with or without cocaine was markedly reduced. When naltrexone was given in combination with U-69593, it blocked the reduction in cocaine-induced locomotor activity after U-69593 treatment alone. However, a single injection of either kappa-opioid agonist alone had no effect on cocaine-induced locomotion several days later (i.e. no long-term effects), suggesting that multiple injections of the kappa-opioid agonist are needed to reduce the locomotor activating effects of cocaine other than acutely. In addition, treatment with the kappa-opioid agonist U-69593 (0.32 mg/kg) over a 5-day period decreased dopamine transporter densities in the caudate putamen, and this was also blocked by co-administration of naltrexone.

The effect of paracetamol on nociception and dynorphin A levels in the rat brain

Male Wistar rats were administered with naloxone (1 mg/kg i.p.) or MR 2266 (5 mg/kg i.p) 15 min before paracetamol (400 mg/kg i.p.) treatment and the pain threshold was evaluated. Rats were subjected to the hot-plate and formalin tests and immunoreactive dynorphin A (ir-dynorphin A) levels were measured in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, striatum, brainstem, frontal and parietal-temporal cortex by radioimmunoassay. Pretreatment with naloxone abolished paracetamol antinociceptive activity both in hot-plate and in the first phase, but not in the second phase of the formalin test, while MR 2266 pretreatment was able to antagonise paracetamol effect either in the hot-plate test or in both phases of the formalin test. Among different brain areas investigated paracetamol significantly decreased ir-dynorphin A levels only in the frontal cortex. MR 2266 but not naloxone reversed the decrease in ir-dynorphin A levels elicited by paracetamol. Paracetamol seems to exert its antinociceptive effect also through the opioidergic system modulating dynorphin release in the central nervous system (CNS) of the rat, as suggested by the decrease in the peptide levels.

Synthesis and in vitro and in vivo activity of (-)-(1R,5R,9R)- and (+)-(1S,5S,9S)-N-alkenyl-, -N-alkynyl-, and -N-cyanoalkyl-5, 9-dimethyl-2'-hydroxy-6,7-benzomorphan homologues

Two of the synthesized (-)-(1R,5R,9R)-N-homologues (N-but-3-enyl- and N-but-3-ynyl-5,9-dimethyl-2'-hydroxy-6,7-benzomorphan (9, 13)) were found to be about 20 times more potent than morphine in the mouse tail-flick assay (ED(50) = 0.05 mg/kg), and (-)-(1R,5R, 9R)-N-but-2-ynyl-5,9-dimethyl-2'-hydroxy-6,7-benzomorphan ((-)-(1R, 5R,9R)-N-but-2-ynylnormetazocine, 12) was about as potent as the opioid antagonist N-allylnormetazocine (AD(50) in the tail-flick vs morphine assay = 0.3 mg/kg). All of the homologues examined had higher affinity for the kappa-opioid receptor than the mu-receptor except (-)-N-but-2-ynyl-normetazocine (12), which had a kappa/mu ratio = 7.8 and a delta/mu ratio = 118. The (-)-N-2-cyanoethyl (3), -allyl (8), and -but-3-ynyl (13) analogues had good affinity (<10 nM) for delta-opioid receptors. Two homologues in the (+)-(1S,5S,9S)-normetazocine series, N-pent-4-enyl (24) and N-hex-5-enyl (25), were high-affinity and selective sigma(1)-ligands (K(i) = 2 nM, sigma(2)/sigma(1) = 1250, and 1 nM, sigma(2)/sigma(1) = 750, respectively); in contrast, N-allylnormetazocine (22) had relatively poor affinity at sigma(1), and its sigma(1)/sigma(2) ratio was <100.

kappa-Opioid receptor potentiates apoptosis via a phospholipase C pathway in the CNE2 human epithelial tumor cell line

The mechanism by which kappa-opioid receptor (kappaor) modulated apoptosis was investigated in CNE2 human epithelial tumor cells. Induction of these cells to undergo apoptosis with staurosporine was associated with a massive increase in intracellular cAMP level. The inhibition of the increase in cAMP partially inhibited apoptosis as evidenced by a reduction of PARP and caspase-3 cleavage. Accordingly, a low but significant level of apoptosis is induced in these cells by the elevation of cAMP through the addition of forskolin and isobutylmethylxanthine. The existence of a cAMP-dependent and a cAMP-independent apoptotic pathway is therefore suggested. Receptor binding studies, RT-PCR experiments and Western blot analysis demonstrated the presence of type 1 kappaor in the CNE2 cells. Stimulation of kappaor in these cells resulted in the production of inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate, reduction of cAMP level and a marked enhancement of staurosporine-induced apoptosis. The potentiation of apoptosis by kappaor was prevented by inhibition of phospholipase C but was slightly enhanced by the presence of the active cAMP analogues, 8-CPT-cAMP and dibutyryl-cAMP. These data demonstrate for the first time that the phospholipase C pathway activated by type 1 kappaor expressed by cancer cells is involved in the potentiation of apoptosis.

An immortalized myocyte cell line, HL-1, expresses a functional delta -opioid receptor

The present study characterizes opioid receptors in an immortalized myocyte cell line, HL-1. Displacement of [(3)H]bremazocine by selective ligands for the mu (mu), delta (delta), and kappa (kappa) receptors revealed that only the delta -selective ligands could fully displace specific [(3)H]bremazocine binding, indicating the presence of only the delta -receptor in these cells. Saturation binding studies with the delta -antagonist naltrindole afforded a B(max)of 32 fmols/mg protein and a K(D)value for [(3)H]naltrindole of 0.46 n M. The binding affinities of various delta ligands for the receptor in HL-1 cell membranes obtained from competition binding assays were similar to those obtained using membranes from a neuroblastomaxglioma cell line, NG108-15. Finally, various delta -agonists were found to stimulate the binding of [(35)S]GTP gamma S, confirming coupling of the cardiac delta -receptor to G-protein. DADLE (D-Ala-D-Leu-enkephalin) was found to be the most efficacious in this assay, stimulating the binding of [(35)S]GTP gamma S to 27% above basal level. The above results indicate that the HL-1 cell line contains a functionally coupled delta -opioid receptor and therefore provides an in vitro model by which to study the direct effects of opioids on cardiac opioid receptors.

Dose- and time-dependent bimodal effects of kappa-opioid agonists on locomotor activity in mice

The kappa-opioid agonists U50488H, bremazocine, and BRL52537, and the mu-opioid agonist morphine were compared in their ability to modify spontaneous motor activity in male NMRI mice. Higher, analgesic doses of the kappa-agonists reduced rearing, motility, and locomotion in nonhabituated mice. These effects, as well as the analgesic action of U50488H, were blocked by the selective kappa-opioid antagonists nor-binaltorphimine and DIPPA. In contrast, lower, subanalgesic doses (1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg for U50488H; 0.15 and 0.075 mg/kg for bremazocine, and 0.1 mg/kg for BRL52537) time dependently increased motor activity. The stimulatory effects of U50488H and bremazocine were not observed in habituated animals and were reduced by dopamine depletion. Surprisingly, the stimulatory effects of U50488H and bremazocine were not blocked by nor-binaltorphimine and DIPPA but they were completely eliminated by naloxone (0.1 mg/kg). The effects of morphine were dose-dependent; an initial limited suppression was followed by increased motility and locomotion (but not rearing) with a peak effect at 20 mg/kg both in habituated and nonhabituated mice. The selective mu-opioid antagonist beta-funaltrexamine blocked morphine-induced motor stimulation and analgesia but failed to affect the analgesic and motor stimulatory effects of U50488H. The results indicate that kappa-opioid agonists interact with different functional subtypes of opioid receptors. A stimulatory, naloxone-sensitive but nor-binaltorphimine- and DIPPA-insensitive subtype of opioid receptor appears to operate only when the dopamine system is tonically active in nonhabituated animals. At higher doses, kappa-agonists produce analgesia and motor suppression, effects mediated by a "classic" (inhibitory) kappa-opioid receptor.

Pharmacological examination of contractile responses of the guinea-pig isolated ileum produced by mu-opioid receptor antagonists in the presence of, and following exposure to, morphine

We have assessed the potential of several mu-opioid receptor antagonists to elicit a response in the guinea-pig isolated ileum in the presence of, and following overnight exposure to, morphine. Naloxone, D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH(2) (CTOP), (-)-5, 9alpha-diethyl-2-(3-furyl-methyl)-2'-hydroxy-6,7-benzomorphan (MR2266), but not D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH(2) (CTAP), produced a transient inhibition of electrically-evoked contractions of the guinea-pig ileum. The effect of 1 microM CTOP, but not that to MR2266, was inhibited by 1 microM somatostatin. Naloxone (0.3 microM), CTOP (3 microM), CTAP (3 microM) and MR2266 (0.3 microM) antagonized the inhibitory effect of morphine on electrically-evoked contractions of the guinea-pig to a similar degree and, following 60 min exposure to morphine, produced non-sustained contractions. The response to 3 microM CTOP was significantly smaller than that to 3 microM CTAP. None of the antagonists produced a response in the absence of morphine. Following overnight exposure of the ileum to 0.3 microM morphine (4 degrees C), and repeated washing to remove the agonist, all four antagonists elicited non-sustained contractions. However, the responses to 3 microM CTOP and 0.3 microM MR2266 were significantly smaller than those elicited by 0.3 microM naloxone and 3 microM CTAP. Somatostatin (1 microM) significantly reduced naloxone-induced contractions, but not those to CTAP. While all four mu-opioid antagonists elicited contractions in the presence of, and following prolonged exposure to, morphine, differences between them were noted which may be a consequence of non-opioid actions.