FMRF-NH2-like mammalian octapeptide: possible role in opiate dependence and abstinence

Changes in CNS neuropeptide FF-like material, pain sensitivity, and opiate dependence following chronic morphine treatment

Tolerance and dependence to opiates may be an adaptive process that limits excessive effects of morphine on the CNS. Because no consistent opiate receptor reduction in chronically treated rats seems to underlie the hyposensitivity to morphine, an alternative hypothesis has postulated a role of "antiopioid" peptides. It is possible to speculate that the administration of morphine stimulates antiopioid systems such as neuropeptide FF (NPFF), as part of an homeostatic mechanism contributing to the development of tolerance. To test this hypothesis, pain sensitivity, opiate dependence, and CNS NPFF-IR levels were estimated at different times after implantation of morphine pellets (2 x 75 mg; NIDA). Three hours after morphine pellet treatment the analgesic effect was maximum and it decreased rapidly during the following 12 h. Naloxone-precipitated withdrawal syndrome was detected as soon as 3 h after morphine pellet implantation and was maximal after 24 h. NPFF-IR levels were measured in the spinal cord, brain stem, and hypothalamus. A significant decrease of NPFF-IR was observed 1 h after morphine pellet implantation (-25% to -45% depending on the structures) followed by a drastic increase of NPFF-IR levels (+60 to +140%) between 3 and 6 h. NPFF-IR levels rapidly returned to baseline after 24-36 h. It is suggested that the activity of these NPFF-IR neurones may increase gradually as a consequence of the continuous stimulation of opiate receptors and be part of an adaptive process that is able to counteract morphine effects and to induce dependence and tolerance to the analgesic effects of opiates.

Modulation of neuropeptide FF release from rat spinal cord slices by glutamate. Involvement of NMDA receptors

This study examined the effects of glutamate receptor agonists on the release of neuropeptide FF-like immunoreactivity from rat spinal dorsal half slices. Glutamate (10 microM) only induced release in Mg(2+)-free medium enriched with glycine (1 microM) and with slight depolarization (15 mM K+). This effect was abolished by the NMDA receptor antagonist, 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (100 microM), suggesting major participation of NMDA receptors. The quisqualate and metabotropic receptor agonists, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) and trans-1-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (t-ACPD) respectively, had no effect at 10 microM. In contrast, NMDA dose dependently stimulated neuropeptide FF release, even in the presence of the Na+ channel blocker, tetrodotoxin (1 microM), suggesting that NMDA receptors involved in the release of neuropeptide FF are mainly located on nerve terminals. The NMDA receptor antagonists, 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate or (+)-5-methyl-10-11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo [a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine (MK-801) (100 microM), blocked the 10 microM NMDA effect. Furthermore, neuropeptide FF-like material inhibited binding of [125I]Y8Fa, a radioiodinated analog of neuropeptide FF, to spinal membranes, suggesting physiological relevance of NMDA-induced release. Taken together, these results suggest a relationship between neuropeptide FF and NMDA receptors in the spinal cord.

Ontogeny of neuropeptide FF pharmacology and receptors in mouse brain

The postnatal ontogeny of neuropeptide FF (NPFF) receptors in mouse brain was mapped by quantitative autoradiography using [125I](1DME)Y8Famide as selective radioligand. By day 14, the adult distribution of NPFF sites was established in almost all brain areas. The density of NPFF receptors reached adult levels between 14 and 28 days after birth, earlier than did mu or delta opioid receptors. During ontogeny, morphine analgesia was measured in hindpaw, forepaw and tail immersion tests (57 degrees C). An antinociceptive effect of morphine in the forepaw and tail immersion test was evident in 14-day-old but not in 7-day-old mice. In 14 and 21 day-old mice, the influence of (1DME)Y8Famide on morphine analgesia depended on the dose and on the particular test. A low dose of (1DME)Y8Famide inhibited morphine analgesia in the tail or hindpaw test, whereas a higher dose had either no effect (tail test) or increased morphine activity (hindpaw test). In adult mice, only the inhibition of morphine antinociception by (1DME)Y8Famide was observed. These observations revealed the establishment of an equilibrium between NPFF and opioid functions during ontogeny.

Neuron-glia interactions in the release of oxytocin and vasopressin from the rat neural lobe: the role of opioids, other neuropeptides and their receptors

The release of the neurohormones oxytocin and vasopressin from the neural lobe into the circulation is regulated in a complex manner, which has only been partly elucidated. At the level of the neural lobe, regulation of release can occur by various endogenous compounds that act on specific receptors present on the nerve terminals themselves. In addition, release may be modulated by an alternative pathway in which the local glia cells, the pituicytes, are involved. It is especially the latter pathway that is discussed in detail in this commentary.

The effects of exercise on the oral consumption of morphine and methadone in rats

Endogenous opioid peptides have been hypothesised to play a regulatory role in exogenous opiate agonist dependence. It was hypothesised that exercised rats would demonstrate increased beta-endorphin (beta EP) levels and decreased exogenous opiate intake. After providing morphine or methadone as their sole liquid, drug preference levels were determined by amounts of exogenous opiate consumed when rats were offered a choice between drugged and nondrugged solutions. Treatment animals were exercised in a treadmill and were found to consume significantly less exogenous opiate than control animals. Plasma, pituitary, and whole brain beta EP levels were nonsignificantly higher in exercised animals. Differences were observed in the drug ingestion patterns of morphine- and methadone-exposed rats.

Low affinity of FMRFamide and four FaRPs (FMRFamide-related peptides), including the mammalian-derived FaRPs F-8-Famide (NPFF) and A-18-Famide, for opioid mu, delta, kappa 1, kappa 2a, or kappa 2b receptors

The binding affinities at opioid receptor subtypes in rat or guinea pig brain membranes were determined for the neuropeptide FMRFamide (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2), the two mammalian-derived FMRFamide-related peptides F-8-Famide (NPFF; Phe-Leu-Phe-Gln-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe- NH2) and A-18-Famide (Ala-Gly-Glu-Gly-Leu-Ser-Ser-Pro-Phe-Trp-Ser-Leu-Ala-Ala-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe -NH2), and the two other FMRFamide-related peptides Tyr-Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2 (Tyr-FMRFamide) and Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe-NH2 (Pro-Gln-RFamide). The mu and delta sites were labeled in rat brain membranes using tritiated [D-Ala2, N-MePhe4,Gly-ol5] enkephalin ([3H]DAMGO) and [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin ([3H]DADLE), respectively. The kappa sites were labeled in guinea pig brain using [3H]U-69,593 after treatment with BIT and FIT for kappa 1 and [3H]bremazocine after pretreatment with BIT and FIT for kappa 1 and [3H]bremazocine after pretreatment with BIT and FIT for kappa 2. The kappa 2a binding sites were assayed using [Leu5]enkephalin to block kappa 2b sites and the kappa 2b sites were assayed using (-)-(1S,2S)-U50,488 to block kappa 2a sites. Neither FMRFamide nor any of the FMRFamide-related peptides (up to 61.0 microM) displayed significant affinity at any of the subtypes of opioid receptor. Hence, the known ability of FMRFamide and FaRPs to interact with the opioid system does not appear to be related to direct binding to these opioid receptors.

Chronic intracerebroventricular infusion of the antiopioid peptide, Phe-Leu-Phe-Gln-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe-NH2 (NPFF), downregulates mu opioid binding sites in rat brain

Phe-Leu-Phe-Gln-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe-NH2 (NPFF), an endogenous mammalian antiopioid peptide, has been shown by other laboratories to attenuate the acute antinociceptive effects of morphine, the development of morphine tolerance, and naloxone-induced withdrawal in morphine-dependent rats. The present study determined the effect of chronic NPFF on mu opioid receptors and mRNA for the endogenous opioids dynorphin and enkephalin. Rats received ICV infusions of either saline or NPFF (5 micrograms/h) for 13 days via Alzet 2002 osmotic minipumps. Homogenate binding studies, which used whole brain membranes, demonstrated that NPFF decreased the Bmax of mu binding sites (labeled by [3H][D-Ala2-MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin) from 262 +/- 12 to 192 +/- 12 fmolmg protein, and increased the Kd from 1.1 to 2.3 nM. Quantitative receptor autoradiography and in situ hybridization experiments were conducted with sections collected at the level of the striatum. The density of mu opioid binding sites labeled by [3H][D-Ala2-MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin was decreased in all brain areas measured except the corpus callosum, and there was no change in dynorphin mRNA or enkephalin mRNA in the caudate, the nucleus accumbens, or the ventral pallidum. Rats chronically administered ICV morphine sulfate (20 micrograms/h) for 14 days developed tolerance to morphine and a low degree of dependence, as measured by naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. Chronic administration of NPFF concurrently with morphine sulfate did not significantly alter naloxone-induced withdrawal signs or the development of morphine tolerance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immunocytochemical localization of neuropeptide FF (FMRF amide-like peptide) in the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system of Wistar and Brattleboro rats by light and electron microscopy

Neuropeptide FF (F8Famide, FMRFamide-like, or morphine modulating peptide) immunoreactivity was localized by light and electron microscopy in the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system of Wistar and Brattleboro rats. In Wistar rats neuropeptide FF was present in part of the magnocellular neurones of the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei in which it was coexpressed with vasopressin. Neuropeptide FF containing fibres were present in the paraventricular and the supraoptic nuclei, and in the central part of the neural lobe. At the electron microscopic level, neuropeptide FF containing nerve terminals in the neural lobe formed synaptoid contacts exclusively with pituicytes. No neuropeptide FF containing neurovascular contacts or contacts with other neuronal structures were observed. In contrast with Wistar rats, neuropeptide FF was almost completely absent in cell bodies of the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, and in fibres of the neural lobe in Brattleboro rats. Only a few solitary cells could be observed in these structures. The present results demonstrate that neuropeptide FF coexists with vasopressin within the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system. As we did not observe neuropeptide FF containing neurovascular contacts, neuropeptide FF containing nerve terminals probably have a local function within the neural lobe. Neuropeptide FF may be involved in the modulation of oxytocin and vasopressin release, with the pituicyte as an intermediate cell.

Distribution and characterization of neuropeptide FF-like immunoreactivity in the rat nervous system with a monoclonal antibody

Monoclonal antibodies against neuropeptide FF were produced and characterized. The antibodies are directed and highly specific to neuropeptide FF, and reactivity requires the C-terminal dipeptide of neuropeptide FF (Arg-Phe-NH2). Tissue extracts from bovine spinal cord, rat spinal cord and hypothalamus were analysed by high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with radioimmunoassay using the characterized monoclonal antibody. Only one immunoreactive peptide was detected and it coeluted with authentic neuropeptide FF. Using this highly specific monoclonal antibody, the distribution of neuropeptide FF-like immunoreactivity was further studied by indirect immunohistochemistry. Immunoreactivity was seen in two major cell groups in the rat brain. The largest cell group was located in the medial hypothalamus between the dorsomedial and ventromedial nuclei. The other one was found in the nucleus of the solitary tract. Fibres immunoreactive for neuropeptide FF were located in the lateral septal nucleus, amygdala, different hypothalamic areas, nucleus of the solitary tract, ventral medulla, trigeminal complex and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Spinal and sympathetic ganglia were non-reactive. No neuropeptide FF immunoreactivity was seen in the gut autonomic nervous system or endocrine cells. The results show that neuropeptide FF-like immunoreactivity has a clearly more limited distribution in the nervous system than typical brain-gut peptides.

Biphasic effect on nociception and antiopiate activity of the neuropeptide FF (FLFQPQRFamide) in the rat

The purpose of the present study was to systematically investigate the effects of the mammalian neuropeptide Phe-Leu-Phe-Gln-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe-NH2 (NPFF) on nociception, using the tail-flick test. We report that ICV administration of NPFF induces a rapid and short-lasting hyperesthesic effect during day or night, for doses ranging from 10 ng to 10 micrograms. During the night, this hyperesthesic effect is followed by a long-lasting analgesic effect, the magnitude of which is related to the magnitude of the hyperesthesic effect. In addition to this intrinsic effect of NPFF, we report that NPFF reverses morphine-induced analgesia and that the magnitude of the response elicited by NPFF increases as a function of morphine-induced analgesia.

NPFF, a FMRF-NH2-like peptide, blocks opiate effects on ileum contractions

We studied the ability of NPFF, a FMRFamide-like peptide with certain antiopiate properties, to affect the inhibitory effect of morphine on the electrically induced contraction of guinea pig ileum. Neuropeptide FF had no effect when administered alone but reduced morphine inhibition in a noncompetitive manner. Neuropeptide FF also altered the inhibitory effect of opioid peptides as released by an intense electrical stimulation at 10 Hz. These results suggest that NPFF receptors exist in guinea pig ileum in association with opiate receptors, and that endogenous NPFF may play a role in the diarrhea observed in the morphine withdrawal syndrome.

Enhanced antiopiate activity and enzyme resistance in peptidomimetics of FMRFamide containing (E)-2,3-methanomethionine

FMRFamide is a molluscan peptide that has shown antiopiate activity in a number of mammalian test systems. The current study determined the antiopiate potency of FMRFamide and two conformationally constrained peptidomimetics of FMRFamide containing stereoisomers of (E)-2,3-methanomethionine. Morphine abstinence signs were observed after varying doses (0.25-25.0 microgram) of these substances were injected into the third ventricle of morphine-dependent rats. Both peptidomimetics were far more potent than FMRFamide itself. In addition, although both peptidomimetics bound with lower affinity than FMRFamide to rat spinal cord receptors for NPFF (the mammalian FMRFamide-like peptide), they were far more resistant than FMRFamide to enzymatic degradation by leucine aminopeptidase.

Antinociceptive effects of intrathecally administered F8Famide and FMRFamide in the rat

The effects of intrathecal injections of F8Famide (Phe-Leu-Phe-Gln-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe-NH2, 0.05-17.5 nmol) and FMRF-amide (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2, 0.002-25 nmol), known as anti-opioid agents, were investigated by using noxious thermal (tail flick) and mechanical (paw pressure) tests in the rat. Both peptides produced significant long-lasting (24-48 h) analgesia in both tests without causing detectable motor dysfunction. Pretreatment with systemic naloxone (5.5 mumol/kg i.p.) attenuated the initial antinociceptive effects (first hour) induced by both peptides (8.8 nmol) in the tail flick test and only by FMRFamide in the paw pressure test. A subeffective dose of F8Famide (0.05 nmol) enhanced both the intensity and the duration of spinal morphine (6.6 nmol) analgesia in both tests. In contrast, a subanalgesic dose of FMRFamide (0.002 nmol) decreased the intensity and enhanced the duration of the effect of morphine. These results show that, besides acting as antinociceptive agents in the spinal cord, F8Famide and FMRFamide could differentially modulate spinal opioid functions.

Modulation of neuropeptide FF receptors by guanine nucleotides and cations in membranes of rat brain and spinal cord

Using a radioligand binding assay, we examined ionic modulation and G protein coupling of neuropeptide FF (NPFF) receptors in membranes of rat brain and spinal cord. We found that NaCl (but not KCl or LiCl) and MgCl2 increased specific 125I-YLFQPQRFamide (125I-Y8Fa) binding to NPFF receptors in both tissues in a dose-dependent manner, with optimal conditions being 60 mM NaCl and 1 mM MgCl2. Guanine nucleotides dose-dependently inhibited specific 125I-Y8Fa binding to rat brain and spinal cord membranes with maximal effects of 64 +/- 6 and 71 +/- 2%, respectively. The order of potency was nonhydrolyzable GTP analogues > GTP > or = GDP >> GMP, ATP. The guanine nucleotide inhibition was observed in the absence and presence of NaCl and MgCl2. The mechanism of inhibition in spinal cord membranes appeared to be a reduction in the number of NPFF receptors; in one experiment, control KD and Bmax values were 0.068 nM and 7.2 fmol/mg of protein, respectively, and with 0.1 microM guanylylimidodiphosphate the respective values were 0.081 nM and 4.9 fmol/mg, a 32% reduction in receptor number. Similar results were obtained with guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate). Our data suggest that 125I-Y8Fa binding sites in rat CNS are G protein-coupled NPFF receptors regulated by GTP and cations.

A review of the role of anti-opioid peptides in morphine tolerance and dependence

Studies on the mechanisms of tolerance and dependence have mostly focused on changes at the receptor level. These experiments, conducted with model systems ranging from clonal cell lines to whole animals, have identified a number of important adaptive mechanisms which occur at the receptor level. However, none of these adaptive mechanisms can completely account for the phenomena which serve to define the state of morphine tolerance and dependence, especially the observation that as an animal becomes more tolerant to morphine, less naloxone is required to trigger withdrawal. The data reviewed in this paper provide strong support for the hypothesis that the brain synthesizes and secretes neuropeptides which act as part of a homeostatic system to attenuate the effects of morphine and endogenous opioid peptides. According to this model, administration of morphine releases anti-opioid peptides (AOP), which then attenuate the effects of morphine. As more morphine is given, more AOP are released, thereby producing tolerance to the effects of morphine. Cessation of morphine administration, or administration of naloxone, produces a relative excess of anti-opioid, which is in part responsible for the withdrawal syndrome. Since endogenous and exogenous antagonists might together produce synergistic effects, less naloxone might be required to trigger withdrawal in the presence of higher levels of AOPs. Although the study of AOP is in its infancy, a deeper understanding of the central nervous system (CNS) anti-opioid systems may lead to new treatments for chronic pain, substance abuse, and psychiatric disorders.

Naloxone precipitates nicotine abstinence syndrome in the rat

Recently, a rodent model of nicotine abstinence syndrome has been developed based on continuous subcutaneous infusion of nicotine tartrate and observing the frequency of spontaneous behavioral signs following termination of infusion. The observed signs closely resemble those commonly seen in rat opiate abstinence syndrome, raising the possibility that there is an endogenous opioid component in nicotine dependence. The present study demonstrates that the opiate antagonist naloxone can precipitate an abstinence syndrome in nicotine-dependent rats. Fourteen rats were infused for 7 days with 9 mg/kg/day nicotine tartrate in saline via an Alzet osmotic minipump. Fourteen rats were sham-operated and remained nicotine-naive. Half of each group received 4.5 mg/kg naloxone SC immediately before a "blind" 15-min observation, while the other half received saline alone. ANOVA revealed significant nicotine infusion, naloxone injection and interaction effects. Post-hoc analysis showed that the nicotine-infused rats injected with naloxone had significantly more signs than all other groups (P < 0.01). In a second experiment, 2 mg/kg morphine sulfate SC produced a significant (P < 0.01) 91.2% reduction of spontaneous abstinence signs observed 21 h after termination of nicotine infusion. These results are consistent with the hypothesized endogenous opioid component in nicotine dependence and abstinence syndrome.

Enhanced antiopiate activity in peptidomimetics of FMRFamide containing Z-2,3-methanomethionine

FMRFa is a molluscan peptide that has shown antiopiate activity in a number of mammalian test systems. The current study determined the antiopiate potency of FMRFa and two conformationally constrained peptidomimetics of FMRFa containing stereoisomers of Z-2,3-methanomethionine. Morphine abstinence signs were observed after varying doses (0.25-25.0 micrograms) of these substances were injected into the third ventricle of morphine-dependent rats. Although both peptidomimetics were far more potent than FMRFa itself, they bound with lower affinity than FMRFa to rat spinal cord receptors for the mammalian FMRFa-like peptide, NPFF.

Morphine physical dependence in the hibernator: central nervous system mechanisms underlying the development of dependence remain functional during depression induced by pentobarbital anesthesia

Earlier work suggested that adaptive mechanisms of the hibernating brain may also block the development of morphine physical dependence. To test an alternate view that CNS depression itself might be the major factor in the failure of dependence to develop, we compared the strength of dependence produced by morphine (two 75-mg pellets, s.c.) given for 12 hr in the presence, versus in the absence, of continuous pentobarbital anesthesia in nonhibernating ground squirrels (Citellus lateralis) and, in addition, in rats. Dependence was measured by the naloxone (5 mg/kg, s.c.) evoked abstinence syndrome in the awake state. The results demonstrated that pentobarbital-induced general anesthesia does not significantly reduce the development of morphine dependence in either species. We conclude that CNS depression alone does not account for the hibernation-related reduction in morphine physical dependence.

Subcutaneous injection of an analog of neuropeptide FF precipitates morphine abstinence syndrome

Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) has been shown to exert various antiopiate actions, including precipitation of opiate abstinence syndrome by third ventricle injection in morphine dependent rats. In the present study, dansyl-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe-amide, a lipophilic analog of NPFF, was injected into morphine dependent rats and appropriate sham controls at a dose of 9 mg/kg s.c. Comparison groups were injected with ethanol/water vehicle alone. The NPFF analog precipitated a vigorous opiate abstinence syndrome in morphine dependent rats, but not in sham controls.

Lack of physical dependence in mice after repeated systemic administration of the mixed inhibitor prodrug of enkephalin-degrading enzymes, RB101

Development of physical dependence is observed after treatment with opioid agonists, but not after chronic i.c.v. administration of mixed inhibitors of enkephalin-degrading enzymes. The aim of this study was to investigate further this promising result of repeated administration of the systemically active mixed inhibitor prodrug RB101, N-[(R,S)-2-benzyl-3[(S)(2-amino-4-methylthio)butyldithio]-1-oxopro pyl]- L-phenylalanine benzyl ester. In a comparative study, the naloxone-evoked withdrawal syndrome was quantified in mice chronically treated with i.p. administered morphine or RB101 (6 and 160 mg/kg, respectively) for 5 days, twice daily. After administration of naloxone (5 mg/kg s.c.) on the sixth day, large behavioral changes (jumps, paw shakes, wet-dog shakes, tremor, teeth chattering) and body weight losses occurred in the morphine-treated mice. In contrast, no significant behavioral signs of physical dependence, or body weight changes were observed in the RB101-treated mice. The difference between morphine and RB101 could be partially due to a very low tonic release of enkephalins in the locus coeruleus, a brain region critically involved in the development of physical dependence. These results confirm the potential of mixed inhibitors of enkephalin-degrading enzymes as new non-addictive analgesics.

Analog of neuropeptide FF attenuates morphine tolerance

Previous studies suggest that neuropeptide FF (NPFF) plays a role in opiate dependence and subsequent abstinence syndrome. Endogenous NPFF also appears to play a role in opiate tolerance since third ventricle injection of IgG from NPFF antiserum selectively restores morphine sensitivity in morphine-tolerant rats. The NPFF analog, desamino YFLFQPQRamide (daY8Ra) has previously antagonized behavioral effects of NPFF and has attenuated morphine dependence. The present study assessed whether daY8Ra could similarly attenuate morphine tolerance. Third ventricle (i.c.v.) injection of daY8Ra restored the analgesic response to i.c.v. morphine in morphine-tolerant rats (radiant heat tail flick test). Saline injection failed to produce this effect. In opiate-naive rats, however, the same treatment with daY8Ra did not affect the analgesic response to i.c.v. morphine. Thus, daY8Ra appears to selectively restore morphine sensitivity in opiate-tolerant animals. These results further support the hypothesis that endogenous NPFF contributes to opiate tolerance.

Analogues of F8Famide resistant to degradation, with high affinity and in vivo effects

Four analogues of Phe-Leu-Phe-Gln-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe-NH2, a mammalian FMRFamide-like peptide with antiopiate properties, were synthesized with N-terminus modifications and were shown to have high affinity for F8Famide binding sites. The degradation rate of these analogues in mouse brain slices was 3 times lower than that of the natural peptide. One analogue, (2DME)Y8Fa (D.Tyr-D.Leu-[N-Me]Phe-Gln-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe-NH2), produced a clear hyperalgic effect and inhibited morphine analgesia in the mouse tail-flick test at lower doses than did the parent compound. (3D)Y8Fa (D.Tyr-D.Leu-D.Phe-Gln-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe-NH2) and (2D)Y8Fa (D.Tyr-D.Leu-Phe-Gln-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe-NH2) in contrast did not decrease morphine analgesia but were analgesic alone. The analgesic effects of 22 nmol (2D)Y8Fa and (3D)Y8Fa were decreased by (1DME)Y8Fa (D.Tyr-Leu-[N-Me]Phe-Gln-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe-NH2) or (2DME)Y8Fa and were reversed by naloxone. These results indicate opioid modulating properties of F8Famide. These analogues may prove to be useful tools for studying the modulation of pain by F8Famide.

Rodent model of nicotine abstinence syndrome

Few animals models are currently in use for the recognized clinical problem of nicotine dependence and abstinence. This study introduces a rapid and convenient model using the rat. Sixteen male rats were rendered nicotine dependent by 7 days of continuous subcutaneous infusion of either 3 mg/kg/day (n = 8) or 9 mg/kg/day (n = 8) nicotine tartrate salt; 8 control rats were infused with saline alone. Rats were observed for 15 min before, during, and after the drug infusion period using a tally sheet modified from a standard checklist of opiate abstinence signs. There were few signs observed in any group at baseline and at the end of the infusion period. However, nicotine-infused rats showed a significant, dose-related increase over the control group at 16 h after the end of infusion, largely subsiding by 40 h. The most frequently observed signs during withdrawals included: teeth-chattering/chews, writhes/gasps, ptosis, tremors/shakes, and yawns. A significant drop in locomotor activity and increase in weight gain following termination of nicotine infusion provided additional evidence of an abstinence syndrome. This syndrome was alleviated by SC administration of 0.4 mg/kg nicotine tartrate.

Release of neuropeptide FF (FLFQPQRF-NH2) from rat spinal cord

Neuropeptide FF (FLFQPQRF-NH2), originally isolated from bovine brain, is an FMRF-NH2-like peptide with morphine-modulating activity. Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) is highly localized in the dorsal spinal cords where there are also specific NPFF binding sites. Furthermore, there have been studies indicating that NPFF may participate in the regulation of pain threshold in the spinal cord. However, whether NPFF can be released from the spinal cord is not known. The present experiments, using an in vitro superfusion of an isolated whole rat spinal cord, demonstrated that high concentrations of KCl or substance P caused a release of NPFF immunoreactive material (IR) from the spinal cord into the perfusion medium in a calcium-dependent manner. Substance P (1-11) also produced a detectable release of NPFF-IR in vivo although the response was quite variable. The released NPFF-IR was analyzed by an HPLC study and found to consist of NPFF and other minor immunoreactive peptides. Further studies with substance P-related peptides showed that the in vitro release of NPFF-IR could also be induced by substance P (1-7) but not by [pGlu5,Me-Phe8,Sar9]-substance P (5-11) or substance K. These results suggest that the specific substance P receptor (SP-N), which is recognized by both substance P (1-11) and substance P (1-7) rather than the tachykinin receptor, is involved in NPFF secretion from the spinal cord. In view of the role of substance P (1-11) and substance P (1-7) in sensory transmission, the results of this study further support the role of NPFF in the modulation of antinociception in the spinal cord.

Autoradiographic distribution of receptors to FLFQPQRFamide, a morphine-modulating peptide, in rat central nervous system

The neuropeptide FLFQPQRFamide is a structure related to FMRFamide which is able to inhibit the effects of both endogenous and exogenous opiates. This morphine-modulating activity is mediated via the stimulation of specific FLFQPQRFamide receptors, different from opiate receptors. In vitro quantitative receptor autoradiography was performed on frozen sections of rat central nervous system to characterize binding properties and visualize FLFQPQRFamide receptors using the specific ligand [125I]YLFQPQRFamide, a radio-iodinated analogue of FLFQPQRFamide. [125I]YLFQPQRFamide appeared to interact reversibly with a single class of binding sites (KD = 0.2 nM). The specific binding represented 80% of the total binding at 0.05 nM, the FLFQPQRFamide concentration used in this mapping study. Sites labelled with [125I]YLFQPQRFamide were distributed heterogeneously within the brain and spinal cord. A high density of FLFQPQRFamide binding sites was detected in the most external layers of the dorsal horn of spinal cord and various nuclei of pons and medulla including trigeminal, dorsal tegmental and reticular nuclei. Nucleus of solitary tract, parabrachial, ambiguous and facial nuclei are also intensively labelled. Some structures of mesencephalon and diencephalon exhibited a high density of FLFQPQRFamide binding sites: central gray, raphe nuclei and thalamic nuclei such as parafascicular, laterodorsal, central median, paratenial and paraventricular nuclei. Suprachiasmatic and mammillary nuclei, lateral, posterior and anterior areas of hypothalamus and medial preoptic area exhibited high labelling. FLFQPQRFamide binding sites were also seen in some structures of the dopaminergic meso-cortico-limbic system including ventral tegmental area, cingulate cortex, lateral septum and the head of the caudate-putamen. Dense labelling appeared in the presubiculum of hippocampus. The dissimilar mapping of FLFQPQRFamide and opiate brain receptors confirms our previous pharmacological findings in FLFQPQRFamide binding studies on rat spinal cord membranes, showing that FLFQPQRFamide receptors are different from opiate receptors. There was a good correspondence between localization of binding sites and that of the putative endogenous peptide. Both occur in brain areas previously associated with analgesic action of opiates. However, the mapping of FLFQPQRFamide receptors in the central nervous system suggests that the FLFQPQRFamide system could be implicated in other physiological functions.

Modulation of human lymphocyte proliferation by FLFQPQRFamide, a FMRFamide-like peptide with anti-opiate properties

The octapeptide Phe-Leu-Phe-Gln-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe-NH2 (F8Fa), originally detected in mammalian brain by antisera raised against the invertebrate peptide Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2 (FMRFamide) is a neuropeptide able to antagonize the actions of both endogenous and exogenous opiates. Since it is well accepted that lymphocytes are targets for opiates, we have tested the effect of F8Fa on T cell proliferation from normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Our study shows that F8Fa exerts a concentration-dependent diphasic modulation of human T lymphocyte proliferation. Thus, despite a great variability between individuals, 10(-13) M F8Fa was found to enhance the proliferation of T cells induced by phytohemagglutinin or anti-CD2 monoclonal antibodies, while 10(-7) M F8Fa inhibited T cell proliferation, without affecting cell viability. When F8Fa was tested on monocyte-depleted cell preparations, only the inhibitory effect was observed. These results indicate that F8Fa may stimulate T cells via monocytes, but may also directly inhibit T lymphocyte proliferation. Given the presence of F8Fa-like peptide in human plasma, we suggest that F8Fa may act as a neurohormone in the control of the immune system.

Endogenous opiates: 1990

This paper, an examination of works published during 1990, is thirteenth in a series of our annual reviews of the research involving the behavioral, nonanalgesic, effects of the endogenous opiate peptides. The specific topics this year include stress; tolerance and dependence, eating; drinking; gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic functions; mental illness; learning, memory, and reward; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; seizures and other neurological disorders; electrical-related activity; locomotor activity; sex, pregnancy, development, and aging; immunological responses; and other behavior.

IgG from neuropeptide FF antiserum reverses morphine tolerance in the rat

Previous studies suggest that neuropeptide FF (NPFF) plays a role in opiate dependence and subsequent abstinence syndrome. The present study assessed the role of NPFF in opiate tolerance. Third ventricular injection of IgG from NPFF antiserum restored the analgesic response to i.c.v. morphine in morphine-tolerant rats (radiant heat tail flick test). IgG from control serum failed to produce this effect. In opiate-naive rats, however, the same treatment with IgG from NPFF antiserum did not affect the analgesic response to i.c.v. morphine. Thus, immunoneutralization of NPFF appears to selectively restore morphine sensitivity in opiate-tolerant animals. These results support the hypothesis that endogenous NPFF contributes to opiate tolerance.

Analog of neuropeptide FF attenuates morphine abstinence syndrome

The octapeptide FLFQPQRFamide (neuropeptide FF or F8Fa) may play a role in opiate dependence and subsequent abstinence syndrome. Previously, NPFF precipitated opiate abstinence syndrome, while IgG from NPFF antiserum attenuated subsequent naloxone-precipitated abstinence signs in dependent rats. The peptide desamino YFLFQPQRamide (daY8Ra) was synthesized as a possible NPFF antagonist. At a dose of 600 ng ICV, daY8Ra significantly attenuated (p less than 0.001) the number of abstinence-like signs subsequently induced by 10 micrograms NPFF ICV, suggesting that daY8Ra does have antagonist activity against NPFF. Pretreatment of morphine-dependent rats with the same dose of daY8Ra also significantly attenuated (p less than 0.001) the abstinence signs subsequently precipitated by 10 micrograms naloxone ICV. Pretreatment with 600 ng of NPFF itself, or of NPFF modified at the N-terminal only (daY9Fa), failed to attenuate subsequent naloxone-precipitated abstinence, suggesting that the C-terminal modification is critical for NPFF antagonist activity. It should be noted, however, that higher doses of daY8Ra (2 micrograms or more) can precipitate some abstinence signs in a manner similar to NPFF.

Upregulation of the opioid receptor complex by the chronic administration of morphine: a biochemical marker related to the development of tolerance and dependence

Studies conducted after the development of the rapid filtration assay for opiate receptors, and before the recognition of multiple opioid receptors, failed to detect changes in opioid receptors induced by chronic morphine. Recent experiments conducted in our laboratories were designed to examine the hypothesis that only one of several opioid receptor types might be altered by chronic morphine. Using binding surface analysis and irreversible ligands to increase the "resolving power" of the ligand binding assay, the results indicated that chronic morphine increased both the Bmax and Kd of the opioid receptor complex, labeled with either [3H][D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin, [3H][D-Ala2-MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin or [3H]6-desoxy-6 beta-fluoronaltreone. In the present study rats were pretreated with drugs known to attenuate the development of tolerance and dependence [the irreversible mu-receptor antagonist, beta-funaltrexamine (beta-FNA), and the inhibitor of tryptophan hydroxylase, para-chlorophenylalanine], prior to subcutaneous implantation of morphine pellets. The results demonstrated that 1) unlike chronic naltrexone, beta-FNA failed to upregulate opioid receptors and 2) both beta-funaltrexamine and PCPA pretreatment attenuated the chronic morphine-induced increase in the Bmax, but not the Kd, of the opioid receptor complex. These results provide evidence that naltrex-one-induced upregulation of the opioid receptor complex might occur indirectly as a consequence of interactions at beta-funaltrexamine-insensitive opioid receptors and that morphine-induced upregulation (increased Bmax) of the opioid receptor complex is a relevant in vitro marker related to the development of tolerance and dependence. These data collectively support the hypothesis that endogenous antiopiate peptides play an important role in the development of tolerance and dependence to morphine.