Behavioural characterization of substance P-induced nociceptive response in mice

Advanced Dynamic Weight Bearing as an Observer-independent Measure of Hyperacute Hypersensitivity in Mice

Background

Standard methods assessing pain in rodents are often observer dependent, potentially resulting in biased outcomes. Advanced dynamic weight bearing (ADWB) offers an observer-independent approach that can provide objective, reliable data in preclinical pain research.

Aims

The aim of this study was to characterize the use of ADWB in assessing murine responses to allyl isothiocyanate (AITC)-induced hyperacute hypersensitivity and identify best practices for use of the device.

Methods

Male C57BL/6J mice received intraplantar injections of saline or 0.1% AITC solution and were assessed using the ADWB system; simultaneous observer-dependent durations of paw licking and biting were measured. ADWB data were analyzed using the proprietary software from Bioseb and correlated to observer-dependent results, with parameters assessed to optimize data collected.

Results

ADWB detected pain-directed changes in weight and surface area distribution in AITC-treated mice, with paw weight and surface area placement correlating to paw licking and biting. Optimization of adjustable threshold parameters allowed for reduced coefficients of variability and increased duration of validated data.

Conclusions

The ADWB assay provides an efficient and unbiased measure of chemical-induced hyperacute hypersensitivity in mice. ADWB detection parameters influence amount of validated data and variability, a consideration for data analysis in future studies.

Neurokinin receptor mechanisms in forebrain medial septum modulate nociception in the formalin model of inflammatory pain

The present study has explored the hypothesis that neurokinin1 receptors (NK1Rs) in medial septum (MS) modulate nociception evoked on hind paw injection of formalin. Indeed, the NK1Rs in MS are localized on cholinergic neurons which have been implicated in nociception. In anaesthetized rat, microinjection of L-733,060, an antagonist at NK1Rs, into MS antagonized the suppression of CA1 population spike (PS) evoked on peripheral injection of formalin or on intraseptal microinjection of substance P (SP), an agonist at NK1Rs. The CA1 PS reflects the synaptic excitability of pyramidal cells in the region. Furthermore, microinjection of L-733,060 into MS, but not LS, attenuated formalin-induced theta activation in both anaesthetized and awake rat, where theta reflects an oscillatory information processing by hippocampal neurons. The effects of L-733,060 on microinjection into MS were nociceptive selective as the antagonist did not block septo-hippocampal response to direct MS stimulation by the cholinergic receptor agonist, carbachol, in anaesthetized animal or on exploration in awake animal. Interestingly, microinjection of L-733,060 into both MS and LS attenuated formalin-induced nociceptive flinches. Collectively, the foregoing novel findings highlight that transmission at NK1R provide an affective valence to septo-hippocampal information processing and that peptidergic transmission in the septum modulates nociceptive behaviours.

ISSLS Prize in Basic science 2019: Physical activity attenuates fibrotic alterations to the multifidus muscle associated with intervertebral disc degeneration

PURPOSE

Chronic low back pain causes structural remodelling and inflammation in the multifidus muscle. Collagen expression is increased in the multifidus of humans with lumbar disc degeneration. However, the extent and mechanisms underlying the increased fibrotic activity in the multifidus are unknown. Physical activity reduces local inflammation that precedes multifidus fibrosis during intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), but its effect on amelioration of fibrosis is unknown. This study aimed to assess the development of fibrosis and its underlying genetic network during IDD and the impact of physical activity.

METHODS

Wild-type and SPARC-null mice were either sedentary or housed with a running wheel, to allow voluntary physical activity. At 12 months of age, IDD was assessed with MRI, and multifidus muscle samples were harvested from L2 to L6. In SPARC-null mice, the L1/2 and L3/4 discs had low and high levels of IDD, respectively. Thus, multifidus samples from L2 and L4 were allocated to low- and high-IDD groups compared to assess the effects of IDD and physical activity on connective tissue and fibrotic genes.

RESULTS

High IDD was associated with greater connective tissue thickness and dysregulation of collagen-III, fibronectin, CTGF, substance P, TIMP1 and TIMP2 in the multifidus muscle. Physical activity attenuated the IDD-dependent increased connective tissue thickness and reduced the expression of collagen-I, fibronectin, CTGF, substance P, MMP2 and TIMP2 in SPARC-null animals and wild-type mice. Collagen-III and TIMP1 were only reduced in wild-type animals.

CONCLUSIONS

These data reveal the fibrotic networks that promote fibrosis in the multifidus muscle during chronic IDD. Furthermore, physical activity is shown to reduce fibrosis and regulate the fibrotic gene network. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of Pronetupitant, a prodrug of the neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist Netupitant

The aim of the present study was to investigate the pharmacological activity of Pronetupitant, a novel compound designed to act as prodrug of the NK1 antagonist Netupitant. In receptor binding experiments Pronetupitant displayed high selectivity for the NK1 receptor. In a calcium mobilization assay performed on CHONK1 cells Pronetupitant (100 nM, 15 min preincubation) behaved as an NK1 antagonist more potent than Netupitant (pK(B) 8.72 and 7.54, respectively). In the guinea pig ileum bioassay Pronetupitant antagonized the contractile effect of SP showing a similar potency as Netupitant (pK(B)≈9). Similar results were obtained with 5 min preincubation time while at 2 min only Pronetupitant produced significant effects. In vivo in mice the intrathecal injection of 0.1 nmol SP elicited the typical scratching, biting and licking (SBL) nociceptive response. This effect of SP was dose dependently (0.1-10 mg/kg) antagonized by Pronetupitant given intravenously 2 h before the peptide. Superimposable results were obtained using Netupitant. Pharmacokinetic studies performed in rats demonstrate that Pronetupitant, after i.v. administration, is quickly (few minutes) and completely converted to Netupitant. Collectively the present results indicated that Pronetupitant acts in vitro as selective NK1 antagonist more potent than Netupitant. However based on the short half-life measured for Pronetupitant in rats, the in vivo action of Pronetupitant can be entirely interpreted as due to its conversion to Netupitant.

Pharmacological characterization of tachykinin tetrabranched derivatives

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Peptide welding technology (PWT) is a novel chemical strategy that allows the synthesis of multibranched peptides with high yield, purity and reproducibility. Using this technique, we have synthesized and pharmacologically characterized the tetrabranched derivatives of the tachykinins, substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and B (NKB).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The following in vitro assays were used: calcium mobilization in cells expressing human recombinant NK receptors, BRET studies of G-protein - NK1 receptor interaction, guinea pig ileum and rat urinary bladder bioassays. Nociceptive behavioural response experiments were performed in mice following intrathecal injection of PWT2-SP.

KEY RESULTS

In calcium mobilization studies, PWT tachykinin derivatives behaved as full agonists at NK receptors with a selectivity profile similar to that of the natural peptides. NK receptor antagonists display similar potency values when tested against PWT2 derivatives and natural peptides. In BRET and bioassay experiments PWT2-SP mimicked the effects of SP with similar potency, maximal effects and sensitivity to aprepitant. After intrathecal administration in mice, PWT2-SP mimicked the nociceptive effects of SP, but with higher potency and a longer-lasting action. Aprepitant counteracted the effects of PWT2-SP in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The present study has shown that the PWT technology can be successfully applied to the peptide sequence of tachykinins to generate tetrabranched derivatives characterized with a pharmacological profile similar to the native peptides. In vivo, PWT2-SP displayed higher potency and a marked prolongation of action, compared with SP.

In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of the novel NK₁ receptor selective antagonist Netupitant

The novel NK(1) receptor ligand Netupitant has been characterized in vitro and in vivo. In calcium mobilization studies CHO cells expressing the human NK receptors responded to a panel of agonists with the expected order of potency. In CHO NK(1) cells Netupitant concentration-dependently antagonized the stimulatory effects of substance P (SP) showing insurmountable antagonism (pK(B) 8.87). In cells expressing NK(2) or NK(3) receptors Netupitant was inactive. In the guinea pig ileum Netupitant concentration-dependently depressed the maximal response to SP (pK(B) 7.85) and, in functional washout experiments, displayed persistent (up to 5h) antagonist effects. In mice the intrathecal injection of SP elicited the typical scratching, biting and licking response that was dose-dependently inhibited by Netupitant given intraperitoneally in the 1-10mg/kg dose range. In gerbils, foot tapping behavior evoked by the intracerebroventricular injection of a NK(1) agonist was dose-dependently counteracted by Netupitant given intraperitoneally (ID(50) 1.5mg/kg) or orally (ID(50) 0.5mg/kg). In time course experiments in gerbils Netupitant displayed long lasting effects. In all the assays Aprepitant elicited similar effects as Netupitant. These results suggest that Netupitant behaves as a brain penetrant, orally active, potent and selective NK(1) antagonist. Thus this molecule can be useful for investigating the NK(1) receptor role in the control of central and peripheral functions. Netupitant has clinical potential in conditions such as chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, in which the blockade of NK(1) receptors has been demonstrated valuable for patients.

Mechanisms of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-mediated spinal nociception

Human and animal studies suggest that estrogens are involved in the processing of nociceptive sensory information and analgesic responses in the central nervous system. Rapid pronociceptive estrogenic effects have been reported, some of which likely involve G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) activation. Membrane depolarization and increases in cytosolic calcium and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels are markers of neuronal activation, underlying pain sensitization in the spinal cord. Using behavioral, electrophysiological, and fluorescent imaging studies, we evaluated GPER involvement in spinal nociceptive processing. Intrathecal challenging of mice with the GPER agonist G-1 results in pain-related behaviors. GPER antagonism with G15 reduces the G-1-induced response. Electrophysiological recordings from superficial dorsal horn neurons indicate neuronal membrane depolarization with G-1 application, which is G15 sensitive. In cultured spinal sensory neurons, G-1 increases intracellular calcium concentration and induces mitochondrial and cytosolic ROS accumulation. In the presence of G15, G-1 does not elicit the calcium and ROS responses, confirming specific GPER involvement in this process. Cytosolic calcium concentration elevates faster and with higher amplitude following G-1 intracellular microinjections compared to extracellular exposure, suggesting subcellular GPER functionality. Thus, GPER activation results in spinal nociception, and the downstream mechanisms involve cytosolic calcium increase, ROS accumulation, and neuronal membrane depolarization.

PERSPECTIVE

Our results suggest that GPER modulates pain processing in spinal sensory neurons via cytosolic calcium increase and ROS accumulation. These findings extend the current knowledge on GPER involvement in physiology and disease, providing the first evidence of its pronociceptive effects at central levels and characterizing some of the underlying mechanisms.

Non-opioid nociceptive activity of human dynorphin mutants that cause neurodegenerative disorder spinocerebellar ataxia type 23

We previously identified four missense mutations in the prodynorphin gene that cause human neurodegenerative disorder spinocerebellar ataxia type 23 (SCA23). Three mutations substitute Leu(5), Arg(6), and Arg(9) to Ser (L5S), Trp (R6W) and Cys (R9C) in dynorphin A(1-17) (Dyn A), a peptide with both opioid activities and non-opioid neurodegenerative actions. It has been reported that Dyn A administered intrathecally (i.t.) in femtomolar doses into mice produces nociceptive behaviors consisting of hindlimb scratching along with biting and licking of the hindpaw and tail (SBL responses) through a non-opioid mechanism. We here evaluated the potential of the three mutant peptides to produce similar behaviors. Compared to the wild type (WT)-peptide, the relative potency of Dyn A R6W, L5S and R9C peptides for SBL responses was 50-, 33- and 2-fold higher, and Dyn A R6W and L5S induced the SBL responses at a 10-30-fold lower doses. Dyn A R6W was the most potent peptide. The SBL responses induced by Dyn A R6W were dose dependently inhibited by morphine (i.p.; 0.1-1 mg/kg) or MK-801, an NMDA ion channel blocker (i.t. co-administration; 5-7.5 nmol). CP-99,994, a tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist (i.t. co-administration; 2 nmol) and naloxone (i.p.; 5 mg/kg) failed to block effects of Dyn A R6W. Thus, similarly to Dyn A WT, the SBL responses induced by Dyn A R6W may involve the NMDA receptor but are not mediated through the opioid and tachykinin NK1 receptors. Enhanced non-opioid excitatory activities of Dyn A mutants may underlie in part development of SCA23.

Characterization of intrathecally administered hemokinin-1-induced nociceptive behaviors in mice

Hemokinin-1 is a novel mammalian tachykinin cloned from mouse bone marrow. At present, pharmacological profile and physiological role of hemokinin-1 are still unclear. In the present study, we found that intrathecal (i.t.) administration of hemokinin-1 (0.00625-1.6 nmol) induced nociceptive responses consisting of scratching, biting and licking, which resemble substance P-induced behavioral responses in mice. The behaviors evoked by low-dose of hemokinin-1 (0.0125 nmol) were dose-dependently inhibited by i.t. co-administration of CP-99,994, a non-peptidic tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonist, whereas high-dose of hemokinin-1 (0.1 nmol)-induced behaviors were not affected. Moreover, sendide, a peptidic tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonist, failed to reduce the behavioral responses of both low- and high-dose of hemokinin-1. In contrast, substance P-induced behaviors were completely suppressed by both CP-99,994 and sendide. These results suggest that hemokinin-1 plays an important role in pain transmission at spinal cord. Moreover, the mechanism of hemokinin-1-induced nociceptive behaviors may be dose-dependent, and distinct from substance P-induced nociceptive behaviors.

Organoselenium (Sel-Plex diet) decreases amyloid burden and RNA and DNA oxidative damage in APP/PS1 mice

To evaluate potential antioxidant characteristics of organic selenium (Se), double knock-in transgenic mice expressing human mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and human presenilin-1 (PS1) were provided a Se-deficient diet, a Se-enriched diet (Sel-Plex), or a control diet from 4 to 9 months of age followed by a control diet until 12 months of age. Levels of DNA, RNA, and protein oxidation as well as lipid peroxidation markers were determined in all mice and amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) plaques were quantified. APP/PS1 mice provided Sel-Plex showed significantly (P<0.05) lower levels of Abeta plaque deposition and significantly decreased levels of DNA and RNA oxidation. Sel-Plex-treated mice showed no significant differences in levels of lipid peroxidation or protein oxidation compared to APP/PS1 mice on a control diet. To determine if diminished oxidative damage was associated with increased antioxidant enzyme activities, brain glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase, and glutathione transferase activities were measured. Sel-Plex-treated mice showed a modest but significant increase in GSH-Px activity compared to mice on a normal diet (P<0.5). Overall, these data suggest that organic Se can reduce Abeta burden and minimize DNA and RNA oxidation and support a role for it as a potential therapeutic agent in neurologic disorders with increased oxidative stress.

Involvement of NMDA receptor in nociceptive effects elicited by intrathecal [Tyr6] gamma2-MSH(6-12), and the interaction with nociceptin/orphanin FQ in pain modulation in mice

The mas-related genes (Mrgs, also known as sensory neuron-specific receptors, SNSRs) are specifically expressed in small diameter sensory neurons in the trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia, suggesting an important role of the receptors in pain transmission. The present study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of the nociceptive effects after activation of MrgC, and the interaction between MrgC and N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in modulation of nociception in mice. Intrathecal (i.t.) administration of [Tyr(6)] gamma2-MSH(6-12), the most potent agonist for MrgC receptor, produced a significant hyperalgesic response as assayed by tail withdrawal test and a series of characteristic nociceptive responses, including biting, licking and scratching, in a dose-dependent manner (0.01-10 pmol and 0.01-10 nmol, respectively) in mice. These pronociceptive effects induced by [Tyr(6)] gamma2-MSH(6-12) were inhibited dose-dependently by co-injection of competitive NMDA receptor antagonist D-APV, non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801, and nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor L-NAME. However, the tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonist L-703,606, and tachykinin NK(2) receptor antagonist MEN-10,376, had no influence on pronociceptive effects elicited by [Tyr(6)] gamma2-MSH(6-12). In other groups, [Tyr(6)] gamma2-MSH(6-12)-induced nociceptive responses were bidirectionally regulated by the co-injection of N/OFQ. N/OFQ inhibited nociceptive responses at high doses (0.01-1 nmol), but potentiated the behaviors at low doses (1 fmol-3 pmol). Furthermore, both hyperalgesia and nociceptive responses were enhanced after the co-administration with NOP receptor antagonist [Nphe(1)]N/OFQ(1-13)-NH(2). These results suggest that intrathecal [Tyr(6)] gamma2-MSH(6-12)-induced pronociceptive effects may be mediated through NMDA receptor-NO system in the spinal cord, and demonstrate the interaction between MrgC and N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in pain transmission.

Abnormal heat and pain perception in remitted heroin dependence months after detoxification from methadone-maintenance

Patients receiving methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) for opiate dependence have altered nociception, complicating analgesic treatment. Increasing numbers of patients are choosing opiate-free treatment programs, yet data on the course of this abnormality months after detoxification from methadone is contradictory and based exclusively on cold pressor experiments. Heat and pain thresholds were measured by quantitative sensory testing (QST) in 23 subjects with heroin dependence in full, sustained remission months after detoxification from methadone and 27 healthy non-drug using controls. Self reports of pain intensity and unpleasantness were also collected. Test scores were compared across groups and correlated with measures of drug use history. There were significant differences between remitted opiate-dependent subjects and controls on the measures of heat threshold (38.83 vs. 35.96; Mann-Whitney U=177.5, p=0.006), and the measure of pain threshold (48.73 vs. 47.62; Mann-Whitney U=217.5, p=0.043). There was no correlation of any measure of drug use history with the heat or pain experience. Abstinent, formerly opioid-dependent patients continue to demonstrate abnormal noxious perception months after detoxification from methadone.

Seleno-L-methionine protects against beta-amyloid and iron/hydrogen peroxide-mediated neuron death

Increasing evidence suggests a role for oxidative stress in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), and that selenium compounds may function as antioxidants. To evaluate the antioxidant mechanism of selenium, primary rat hippocampal neurons were pretreated with seleno-L-methionine (SeMet) for 16 h prior to treatment with iron/hydrogen peroxide (Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2)) or amyloid beta peptide (Abeta(2535)); free radical generation was assessed using laser confocal microscopy and CM-H(2)DCFDA and APF. Treatment with Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2) or Abeta significantly decreased cell survival and increased free radical generation compared to cultures treated with vehicle alone. In contrast, cultures pretreated with SeMet showed significantly (p < 0.05) increased survival and significantly lower CM-H(2)DCFDA and APF fluorescence compared to Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2) or Abeta treated cultures. To determine if SeMet protection was mediated by glutathione peroxidase (GPx), levels of GPx protein and activity were measured using confocal microscopy and a selenium-dependent GPx specific antibody and an activity assay. Pretreatment with SeMet significantly (p < 0.05) increased GPx protein and activity in Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2)- and Abeta-treated cultures compared to cultures treated with Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2) or Abeta alone. These data suggest that SeMet can decrease free radical generation induced by Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2) or Abeta through modulation of GPx and may be suitable as a potential therapeutic agent in neurodegenerative diseases where there is increased oxidative stress.

S-(+)-fenfluramine-induced nociceptive behavior in mice: Involvement of interactions between spinal serotonin and substance P systems

Intrathecal (i.t.) administration into mice of S-(+)-fenfluramine (0.01-0.1nmol), a serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) releaser, produced a behavioral response consisting of scratching, biting and licking. Here, we report the behavioral characteristics and the involvement of interactions between 5-HT and substance P (SP) systems in the S-(+)-fenfluramine-induced behavioral response. The S-(+)-fenfluramine-induced behavioral response peaked at 5-15min and almost disappeared at 20min after injection. The behavior induced by S-(+)-fenfluramine (0.1nmol) was dose-dependently inhibited by an intraperitoneal injection of morphine (0.02-0.5mg/kg), suggesting that the behavioral response is related to nociception. The S-(+)-fenfluramine-induced nociceptive behavior was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with 5-HT antiserum and co-administration of ketanserin, a selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonist. However, WAY-100635, a selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, and ramosetron, a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, were not active. On the other hand, SP antiserum and RP67580, a selective neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist, significantly inhibited S-(+)-fenfluramine-induced nociceptive behavior. These results suggest that i.t.-administered S-(+)-fenfluramine releases SP through the activation of 5-HT2 receptors subsequent to 5-HT release, and, as a result, produces nociceptive behavior.

Neuromedin U receptor 2-deficient mice display differential responses in sensory perception, stress, and feeding

Neuromedin U (NMU) is a highly conserved neuropeptide with a variety of physiological functions mediated by two receptors, peripheral NMUR1 and central nervous system NMUR2. Here we report the generation and phenotypic characterization of mice deficient in the central nervous system receptor NMUR2. We show that behavioral effects, such as suppression of food intake, enhanced pain response, and excessive grooming induced by intracerebroventricular NMU administration were abolished in the NMUR2 knockout (KO) mice, establishing a causal role for NMUR2 in mediating NMU's central effects on these behaviors. In contrast to the NMU peptide-deficient mice, NMUR2 KO mice appeared normal with regard to stress, anxiety, body weight regulation, and food consumption. However, the NMUR2 KO mice showed reduced pain sensitivity in both the hot plate and formalin tests. Furthermore, facilitated excitatory synaptic transmission in spinal dorsal horn neurons, a mechanism by which NMU stimulates pain, did not occur in NMUR2 KO mice. These results provide significant insights into a functional dissection of the differential contribution of peripherally or centrally acting NMU system. They suggest that NMUR2 plays a more significant role in central pain processing than other brain functions including stress/anxiety and regulation of feeding.

Mechanisms of Nociception Evoked by Intrathecal High-dose Morphine

Morphine is recommended by WHO as the analgesic of choice for effective treatment of moderate to severe cancer pain . Indeed spinally administered morphine at small doses injected intrathecally (i.t.) or intracerebroventricularly into animals produces a profound antinociception at both spinal and supraspinal sites. Conversely, high doses of spinally administered morphine elicit a series of scratching, biting and licking in mice, and vocalization and agitation in rats, indicative of a spontaneous nociceptive behavioural response. Hyperalgesia and allodynia are also induced by such morphine treatment in humans as well as animals. These behaviours are not an opioid receptor-mediated event. This article will review the potential mechanisms of spinally mediated nociceptive behaviour evoked by i.t. morphine at high concentrations. We will discuss a possible presynaptic release of nociceptive neurotransmitters/neuromodulators (e.g., substance P, glutamate and dynorphin) in the primary afferent fibers following i.t. high-dose morphine. There must be an intimate interaction of i.t. high-dose morphine with tachykinin neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors and multiple sites on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor complex in the dorsal spinal cord. Since the effect of NMDA receptor activation and the associated Ca2+ influx results in production of nitric oxide (NO) by activation of NO synthase, it seems that spinal NO also plays an important role in nociception evoked by i.t. high-dose morphine. Morphine-3-glucuronide, one of the major metabolites of morphine, has been found to evoke nociceptive behaviour similar to that of i.t. high-dose morphine. It is plausible that morphine-3-glucuronide may be responsible for nociception seen after i.t. high-dose morphine treatment. The demonstration of neural mechanism underlying morphine-induced nociception provides a pharmacological basis for improved pain management with morphine at high doses.

Pro-nociceptive effects of neuromedin U in rat

The neuropeptide neuromedin U (NMU) has been shown to have significant effects on cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and CNS functions. The peptide was first isolated from the porcine spinal cord and later shown to be present in spinal cords of other species. Little is known about the distribution of neuromedin U receptors (NMURs) in the spinal cord and the spinal action of the peptide. Here we report on the expression of NMURs and a potential role in nociception in the rat spinal cord using a combination of behavioral and electrophysiological studies. Receptor autoradiography showed that NMU-23 binding was restricted to the superficial layers of spinal cord, a region known to be involved in the control of nociception. In situ hybridization analysis indicated the mRNA of NMUR2 was located in the same region (laminae I and IIo) as NMU-23 binding, while the mRNA for NMU receptor 1 was observed in a subpopulation of small diameter neurons of dorsal root ganglia. Intrathecal (i.t.) administration of neuromedin U-23 (0.4-4.0 nmol/10 microl) dose-dependently decreased both the mechanical threshold to von Frey hair stimulation and the withdrawal latency to a noxious thermal stimulus. Mechanical allodynia was observed between 10 and 120 min, peaking at 30 min and heat hyperalgesia was observed 10-30 min after i.t. administration of NMU-23. A similar mechanical allodynia was also observed following i.t. administration of NMU-8 (0.4-4 nmol/10 microl). A significant enhancement of the excitability of flexor reflex was induced by intrathecal administration of NMU-23 (4 nmol/10 microl). Evoked responses to touch and pinch stimuli were increased by 439+/-94% and 188+/-36% (P<0.01, n=6) respectively. The behavioral and electrophysiological data demonstrate, for the first time, a pro-nociceptive action of NMU. The restricted distribution of NMU receptors to a region of the spinal cord involved in nociception suggests that this peptide receptor system may play a role in nociception.

Intrathecal histamine induces spinally mediated behavioral responses through tachykinin NK1 receptors

Intrathecal injection of histamine elicited a behavioral response consisting of scratching, biting and licking in conscious mice. Here, we have examined the involvement of substance P (SP) by using intrathecal injection of tachykinin neurokinin (NK)(1) receptor antagonists and SP antiserum. Histamine-induced behavioral response was evoked significantly 5-10 min after intrathecal injection and reached a maximum at 10-15 min. Dose-dependency of the induced response showed a bell-shaped pattern from 200 to 3200 pmol, and maximum effect was observed at 800-1000 pmol. The H(1) receptor antagonist, d-chlorpheniramine and pyrilamine but not the H(2) receptor antagonists, ranitidine and zolantidine, inhibited histamine-induced behavioral response. The NK(1) receptor antagonists, CP-99,994, RP-67580 and sendide, inhibited histamine-induced behavioral response in a dose-dependent manner. A significant antagonistic effect of [D-Phe(7), D-His(9)]SP (6-11), a selective antagonist for SP receptors, was observed against histamine-induced response. The NK(2) receptor antagonist, MEN-10376, had no effect on the response elicited by histamine. Pretreatment with SP antiserum resulted in a significant reduction of the response to histamine. No significant reduction of histamine-induced response was detected in mice pretreated with NK A antiserum. The present results suggest that elicitation of scratching, biting and licking behavior induced by intrathecal injection of histamine may be largely mediated by NK(1) receptors via H(1) receptors in the spinal cord.

Intraventricular administration of substance p increases the dendritic arborisation and the synaptic surfaces of Purkinje cells in rat's cerebellum

Substance P was infused in the lateral ventricles of twenty Lewis rats for twenty days. On the twentieth day the animals were sacrificed and the cerebellar cortex was processed for electron microscopy. The ultrastructural morphometric analysis revealed that the Purkinje cell dendritic arborisation and the number of the synapses between the parallel fibres and the Purkinje cell dendritic spines were much higher than in control animals. Numerous unattached spines of the secondary and tertiary dendritic branches of the Purkinje cells were also seen in the molecular layer either free or surrounded by astrocytic sheath. The increased number of synapses between the Purkinje cell dendrites and the parallel fibres in the animals, which received substance P intraventricularly, in correlation to control animals, supports a neurotrophine-like activity of the substance P in the mammalian cerebellum, enforcing the pre-programmed capability of the Purkinje cells to develop new synaptic surfaces.

Evidence that N-terminal fragments of nociceptin modulate nociceptin-induced scratching, biting and licking in mice

The intrathecal (i.t.) injection of 3.0 fmol nociceptin (orphanin FQ) elicited scratching, biting and licking responses in mice. N-terminal fragments of nociceptin, nociceptin (1-7), nociceptin (1-9) and nociceptin (1-13), induced no characteristic behavioral response. When these N-terminal fragments of nociceptin were injected simultaneously with nociceptin, the behavioral response induced by nociceptin was reduced dose-dependently. Nociceptin (1-13) was much more potent than nociceptin (1-7) and nociceptin (1-9) and antagonized nociceptin-induced response at equimolar doses. No significant effects of the N-terminal fragments were observed against the scratching, biting and licking response elicited by i.t. administration of substance P or N-methyl-D-aspartate. These results suggest that N-terminal fragments formed endogenously in the spinal cord may have an antagonistic effect on nociceptin-induced behavioral responses.

Nociceptin-induced scratching, biting and licking in mice: involvement of spinal NK1 receptors

1. Intrathecal (i.t.) injection of nociceptin at small doses (fmol order) elicited a behavioural response consisting of scratching, biting and licking in conscious mice. Here we have examined the involvement of substance P-containing neurons by using i.t. injection of tachykinin neurokinin (NK)1 receptor antagonists and substance P (SP) antiserum. 2. Nociceptin-induced behavioural response was evoked significantly 5 - 10 min after i.t. injection and reached a maximum at 10 - 15 min. Dose-dependency of the induced response showed a bell-shaped pattern from 0.375 - 30.0 fmol, and the maximum effect was observed at 3.0 fmol. 3. The behavioural response elicited by nociceptin (3.0 fmol) was dose-dependently inhibited by intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of morphine. 4. The NK1 receptor antagonists, CP-96,345, CP-99,994 and sendide, inhibited nociceptin-induced behavioural response in a dose-dependent manner. A significant antagonistic effect of [D-Phe7, D-His9]SP (6 - 11), a selective antagonist for SP receptors, was observed against nociceptin-induced response. The NK2 receptor antagonist, MEN-10376, had no effect on the response elicited by nociceptin. 5. Pretreatment with SP antiserum resulted in a significant reduction of the response to nociceptin. No significant reduction of nociceptin-induced response was detected in mice pretreated with NKA antiserum. 6. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, dizocilpine (MK-801) and D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) (D-APV), and L-NG-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, failed to inhibit nociceptin-induced behavioural response. 7. off present results suggest that SP-containing neurons in the mouse spinal cord may be involved in elicitation of scratching, biting and licking behaviour following i.t. injection of nociceptin.

Opioid activity of sendide, a tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist

Sendide, a tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, was tested for antagonism against scratching, biting and licking responses elicited by intrathecal (i.t.) injections of various tachykinin receptor agonists, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), somatostatin and bombesin, in mice. Tachykinin NK1 receptor agonists, substance P, physalaemin and septide, produced a characteristic behavioural response, consisting of scratching, biting and licking. The substance P-induced response was reduced by small doses (0.0625-1.0 pmol) of sendide in a dose-dependent manner. The behavioural response elicited by other tachykinin NK1 receptor agonists, physalaemin and septide, was also reduced significantly by a small dose (1.0 pmol) of sendide. The inhibitory effect of sendide (1.0 pmol) was not affected by pretreatment with the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone, at doses up to 4.0 mg/kg. Higher doses of sendide were needed to reduce the behavioural response to neurokinin A, a tachykinin NK2 receptor agonist, neurokinin B, a tachykinin NK3 receptor agonist and eledoisin, a tachykinin NK2/NK3 receptor agonist. Pretreatment with naloxone (2.0 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly antagonized sendide (1024 pmol)-induced inhibition of the behavioural responses to neurokinin A, neurokinin B and eledoisin. The behaviours elicited by i.t. injection of NMDA, somatostatin or bombesin were also reduced by a higher dose (1024 pmol) of sendide and this sendide effect was reversed by naloxone. These findings suggest that sendide at higher doses may possess opioid activity in addition to an antagonistic action at tachykinin NK1 receptors in the spinal cord.

Contribution of spinal mu1-opioid receptors to morphine-induced antinociception

To determine the role of mu-opioid receptor subtypes, mu1 and mu2, in antinociception induced by intrathecal (i.t.) or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of morphine, we assessed the effect of naloxonazine, a selective antagonist at mu1-opioid receptors. The antinociceptive effects of morphine were measured using four different nociceptive tests. The selective mu1 antagonist, naloxonazine (35 mg/kg, s.c.), 24 h before testing antagonized the antinociceptive effect of morphine on responses to chemical and thermal stimuli to a greater extent than that on responses to mechanical stimuli, as judged from ED50 values. The present results suggest that the antinociceptive activity of both i.t. and i.c.v. morphine on responses to chemical and thermal stimuli may be mediated through the mu1-opioid receptor subtype (naloxonazine-sensitive sites). These findings may be interpreted as indicative of the existence of mu1-receptor subtypes capable of mediating antinociception not only in supraspinal sites but also in spinal sites.

An antagonist of substance P N-terminal fragments, D-substance P(1-7), reveals that both nociceptive and antinociceptive effects are induced by substance P N-terminal activity during noxious chemical stimulation

Substance P (SP) N-terminal fragments are known to alter nociception when injected intrathecally or when released in response to capsaicin. However, it is not known whether a sufficient concentration of SP N-terminal metabolites accumulate during noxious stimulation to modulate nociception. To test this, we examined the effect of the SP(1-7) antagonist, D-SP(1-7), injected intrathecally in mice, on two nociceptive assays that are differentially affected by exogenous SP(1-7): acetic acid-induced writhing that is inhibited and formalin-induced behaviors that are enhanced by SP(1-7). One nmol of D-SP(1-7) is sufficient to block the acute (30 min) antinociceptive effects of SP(1-7) on writhing. When injected alone at much higher doses (10-100 nmol), D-SP(1-7) inhibited writhing. In the formalin assay, SP(1-7) had no acute effect (30 min) on responses during Phase 1 at any dose tested, but D-SP(1-7) increased responses 5 min after injection of low (2-1000 pmol), but not high doses (10 and 100 nmol). Twenty-four hours after injection of SP(1-7), writhing was inhibited and formalin responses were increased. D-SP(1-7) prevented these effects of SP(1-7) but had no effect when injected alone, indicating that there is no tonic SP N-terminal activity in mice not exposed to noxious stimuli. Thus, acetic acid and formalin each induce endogenous SP N-terminal activity, respectively, producing a pro-nociceptive effect that is relatively insensitive to D-SP(1-7) and antinociception that is very sensitive to inhibition by D-SP(1-7).

Spinally-mediated behavioural responses evoked by intrathecal high-dose morphine: possible involvement of substance P in the mouse spinal cord

Intrathecal (i.t.) administration of morphine in the spinal subarachnoid space of mice produced a severe hindlimb scratching followed by biting and licking. The onset of the scratching behaviour was observed 60-70 s after i.t. injection of morphine (60 and 90 nmol), and had a duration of 3-4 min. The morphine-induced behaviour was increased additively by i.t. co-administration of substance P (SP). This characteristic behavioural response was inhibited dose-dependently by i.t. co-administration of the tachykinin NK-1 receptor antagonists, sendide and CP-96,345. Significant antagonistic effects of SP (1-7), a putative antagonist for NK-1 receptors and [D-Phe7, D-His9]SP (6-11), a selective antagonist for SP receptors, were observed against the morphine-induced behaviour. Pretreatment with i.t. SP antiserum and i.t. capsaicin resulted in reduction of the response to morphine. I.t. administration of somatostatin (SOM) antiserum, cysteamine, a relatively selective depletor of SOM and cyclo-SOM, a SOM receptor antagonist, produced no inhibitory effect on the morphine-induced behaviour. These results demonstrate that a spinal system of neurones containing SP may be involved in elicitation of the behavioural episode following i.t. injection of morphine in mice.

The neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, sendide, exhibits antinociceptive activity in the formalin test

Sendide is a selective and extremely potent antagonist of neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptors in the mouse spinal cord. The antinociceptive activities of sendide, an antagonist of NK1 receptors, and its analogue, [D-Trp7]sendide have been examined after intrathecal (i.t.) administrations in the mouse paw formalin test. Intrathecal administration of sendide (in pmol) reduced both the early and late phases of the formalin-induced licking response. [D-Trp7]sendide also produced a significant antinociceptive response with less potent activity than sendide. Even highest doses (4000 pmol sendide and 8000 pmol [D-Trp7]sendide) examined, there was no motor paralysis of the hindlimbs. Intrathecal morphine inhibited both the early and late phases of the formalin-induced licking response in a dose-dependent manner. The results indicate that the antinociceptive effects of sendide and [D-Trp7]sendide may be mediated at NK1 receptors in the formalin-induced nociception.

Comparison of antagonistic effects of sendide and CP-96,345 on a spinally mediated behavioural response in mice

Intrathecal administration of the tachykinin NK1 receptor agonists, substance P, physalaemin, septide and [Sar9, Met(O2)11]substance P, elicited a characteristic behavioural response consisting of scratching, biting and licking in mice. The behavioural response induced by substance P was significantly inhibited by simultaneous intrathecal injection of a tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, [Tyr6,D-Phe7,D-His9]substance P-(6-11) (sendide), and a non-peptide antagonist, [(2S,3S)-cis-2-(di-phenylmethyl)-N-[(2- methoxyphenyl)-methyl]-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-3-amine](CP-96,345). The duration of the antagonistic effect of sendide was similar to that of CP-96,345. The antagonistic effect of sendide on the response induced by tachykinin NK1 receptor agonists was approximately 1000 times more potent than that of CP-96,345. Neither antagonist inhibited neurokinin A-, D-septide-, neurokinin B- and eledoisin-induced scratching, biting and licking responses. Sendide was without effect on motor performance as measured by the rotarod test, while motor incoordination was elicited only 2 min after intrathecal injection of CP-96,345. These results indicate that sendide and CP-96,345 are selective antagonists of tachykinin NK1 receptors with a long duration of action.

Differential antinociceptive effects of sendide, a NK1-receptor antagonist, and morphine in the capsaicin test

The peptide NK1-receptor antagonists, sendide and [D-Trp7]sendide, have been evaluated for antinociceptive activity in the capsaicin test. Both peptides, injected intrathecally (i.t.) 5 min prior to intraplantar capsaicin, produced a dose-dependent reduction of the capsaicin-induced paw licking response. Naloxone (4.0 mg/kg) pretreatment did not affect sendide- and [D-Trp7]sendide-induced antinociception, whereas naloxone at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg antagonized the antinociceptive effect of i.t. administered morphine. Conversely, the antinociceptive action induced by both NK1-receptor antagonists was reduced significantly by i.t. co-administration of substance P. Morphine-induced antinociception was not antagonized by co-administration of substance P. These results led us to the understanding of differential action mechanism of NK1-receptor antagonist- and morphine-induced antinociception as assayed by the capsaicin test.

Modulation of substance P-ergic system in the rat spinal cord by an opioid antagonist

Substance P- and opioid peptide-immunoreactive nerve terminals functionally interact in the spinal cord as two opposing systems in the regulation of the nociceptive pathway. In order to determine how SP-ergic system adapts to chronic opioid receptor blockade, the effects of naltrexone on SP level, SP receptor and the second messenger system coupled to the SP receptor were examined in the rat spinal cord. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with naltrexone or vehicle for seven days by constant minipump infusion. Animals were sacrificed on day 8, spinal cords rapidly removed, segmentally sectioned and used to determine SP and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [ins(1,4,5)P3] tissue contents, and to examine the regulation of their respective receptors in in vitro receptor binding assays. Following chronic naltrexone treatment, SP content in the lumbosacral segment of the spinal cord was increased by 53% over matched control values. The binding capacity (Bmax) of SP receptors, determined using [125I]BHSP, in lumbosacral synaptosomal membranes was significantly increased by 92%, but the binding affinity (Kd) remained unchanged. In addition, the concentration of [Sar9, Met(O2)11]SP, an NK-1 receptor-specific agonist, required to inhibit half of [125I]BHSP binding (IC50) in lumbosacral synaptosomal membranes was significantly decreased, but the IC50s for SP, the endogenous ligand for the SP receptor, and [Pro7]NK B, an NK-3 receptor-specific agonist, were unaltered by chronic blockade of opioid receptors. The data suggest that although naltrexone does not directly interact with tachykinin receptors, it acts indirectly on SP-ergic neurons to cause a change in the apparent affinity of NK-1 receptor (as reflected by a change in IC50 value). Formation of cellular ins(1,4,5)P3 in the lumbosacral cord, quantified by a highly sensitive and selective radioreceptor assay, was significantly increased by 34% relative to matched controls. A time course study indicated that increases in ins(1,4,5)P3 contents over the time studied corresponded qualitatively with increases in SP level in the lumbosacral cord. With [3H]ins(1,4,5)P3 as a ligand, Scatchard analyses of the concentration dependent saturation curves showed that the density of intracellular ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors was also increased by 119%, with no change in binding affinity. The data suggest that ins(1,4,5)P3 formation, possibly coupled to functional SP receptor activation, and ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors, which mediate ins(1,4,5)P3-induced alterations in intracellular Ca2+ flux, are increased in the lumbosacral cord by chronic blockade of opioid receptors. Taken together, the data support the concept of a role for endogenous opioids in the regulation of SP receptor activity in the spinal cord.

Behavioral activation of neurokinin-1 agonists in relation to enzymatic degradation in the spinal cord

Intrathecal (i.t.) injection of substance P (SP) induced reciprocal hindlimb scratching directed mainly toward the abdominal regions in mice. This behavior pattern appeared within the first minute after i.t. injection of SP. Similar behavioral effects were produced by i.t. injection of neurokinin (NK)-1 agonists, physalaemin (Phy) and [Sar9,Met(O2)11] SP (Sar-SP). The duration of scratching varied among NK-1 agonists; of the NK-1 agonists used, Phy had the most long-lasting duration of scratching in contrast to SP that had a short duration. The rank order of scratching duration was Phy > Sar-SP > SP. SP was rapidly degraded by the solubilized enzyme extracted from the mouse spinal cord as determined by HPLC. Decay of the scratching response to these NK-1 agonists was parallel with the rate of their degradation by the solubilized enzyme. These results suggest that a relatively long-lasting scratching behavior induced by Phy is mainly attributed to the stability against peptidases in the spinal cord.

Antinociceptive effects in the formalin and capsaicin tests after intrathecal administration of substance P analogues in mice

The antinociceptive effect of substance P- and substance P-(6-11) analogues containing D-histidine (D-His) in position 9 was examined in mice in the formalin and capsaicin tests. [D-Arg1,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]substance P (spantide) was used as reference drug. Intrathecal injections of the [D-His9]substance P and substance P-(6-11) analogues at 4.0 nmol resulted in no significant antinociception as measured in the 2.0% formalin test, although spantide was antinociceptive in the early and late phases. The early response induced by 0.0625% formalin was reduced significantly by the [D-His9]substance P and substance P-(6-11) analogues at 4.0 nmol, which were less potent than spantide. The antinociception induced by spantide and a few analogues of substance P and substance P-(6-11) containing D-His was reversed significantly by pretreatment with 2 mg/kg naloxone, an opioid antagonist. The nociceptive response to capsaicin was inhibited significantly by lower doses (2.0 nmol) of the analogues. The antinociception evoked by the analogues was not reversed by naloxone in the capsaicin test. Co-injection of the [D-His9]substance P and substance P-(6-11) analogues at 2.0 nmol selectively decreased substance P-induced licking, biting and scratching without affecting the behavioural responses to NK2 and NK3 receptor agonists. Spantide non-selectively inhibited the behavioural responses produced by not only substance P, but also neurokinin A, D-septide, neurokinin B and eledoisin. The data show that the capsaicin test may be a better method for evaluating neurokinin antagonists than the formalin test.

Possible involvement of the spinal substance P system in pilocarpine-induced scratching in mice

IT administration of pilocarpine in the spinal subarachnoid space of mice produced a dose-related hindlimb scratching. When coadministered with substance P IT, the pilocarpine-induced scratches were enhanced by high doses of substance P but not by subthreshold doses. This characteristic behavioral response was inhibited dose dependently by IT coadministration of spantide [D-Arg1, D-Trp7,9,Leu11] substance P. Significant antagonistic effects of [D-Phe7,D-His9] substance P (6-11), a selective antagonist for substance P receptors, and substance P (1-7), a substance P N-terminal fragment, were observed against the pilocarpine-induced scratching. Pretreatment with substance P antiserum resulted in the reduction of the response to pilocarpine. When coadministered IT with pilocarpine, atropine potently inhibited pilocarpine-induced scratching. These results demonstrate that not only muscarinic receptors but also substance P-containing neurons in the mouse spinal cord may be involved in elicitation of the scratching behavior following IT injection of pilocarpine.

Naloxone-reversible effect of spantide on the spinally mediated behavioural response induced by neurokinin-2 and -3 receptor agonists

[D-Arg1, D-Trp7,9, Leu11]-substance P (spantide) was tested for antagonism against the licking, biting and scratching response induced by various neurokinin (NK) receptor agonists and bombesin (Bom) in mice. When co-administered with substance P (SP) intrathecally, spantide reduced the SP-induced behavioural responses in a dose-dependent manner. The duration of this antagonistic effect was approximately 30 min. Behavioural responses induced by physalaemin (Phy), [pGlu6, L-Pro9]-SP (6-11) (septide), [pGlu6, D-Pro7]-SP (6-11) (D-septide) and eledoisin (Ele) were also dose-dependently decreased by relatively small doses of spantide. Higher doses of spantide were needed to reduce the behavioural responses induced by [Sar9, Met (O2)11]-SP, neurokinin A (NK A) and neurokinin B (NK B). No significant effect of spantide was observed against the behavioural responses elicited by Bom. Pretreatment with naloxone, an opioid antagonist, resulted in a reversible effect on the behavioural reduction of NK-2 and NK-3 receptor agonists produced by spantide. However, the effect of spantide on the NK-1 receptor agonist-induced response was unchanged by naloxone. In homogenates of mouse spinal cord, competition studies confirmed that the binding of the opioid ligand [3H]naloxone was displaced by spantide with a low but measurable affinity. These results suggest that the behavioural response to NK-2 and NK-3 receptor agonists may be partially inhibited by spantide through the activation of opioid system in the mouse spinal cord.

Characterization of intrathecal vasopressin-induced antinociception, scratching behavior, and motor suppression

Intrathecal (IT) administration of vasopressin produces antinociception, scratching behavior, and motor suppression. The present experiments characterized these effects with regards to the following: 1) VP receptor specificity, 2) possible involvement of endogenous opiates, 3) possible involvement of seizure activity, and 4) whether the antinociception is due to direct actions of VP at the spinal cord. These studies showed that IT administration of a V1-specific vasopressin antagonist completely blocked the antinociception, scratching behavior, and motor suppression produced by 25 ng IT vasopressin. Furthermore, IT administration of the vasopressin metabolite, [pGlu4,Cyt6]AVP(4-9), produced none of the effects produced by vasopressin. Systemic administration of the opiate antagonists naloxone (1 mg/kg IP) and naltrexone (10 mg/kg IP) had no significant effect on the antinociception produced by IT vasopressin, whereas naltrexone potentiated the scratching behavior. Neither the IT vasopressin-induced antinociception nor scratching behavior was affected by pretreatment with the anticonvulsant sodium valproate. In addition, IT vasopressin inhibited the tail flick reflex in rats with transected spinal cords, demonstrating direct spinal effects of vasopressin. In conclusion, IT administration of vasopressin produces antinociception, scratching behavior, and motor suppression via activation of VP-specific receptors in the spinal cord.

Phosphoramidon potentiates mammalian tachykinin-induced biting, licking and scratching behaviour in mice

The effects of peptidase inhibitors were examined upon behavioural responses including scratch, bite and lick produced by intrathecal (IT) injection of substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NK A) in mice. Phosphoramidon (0.002-2.0 nmol), an endopeptidase-24.11 inhibitor, simultaneously injected with SP or NK A, remarkably enhanced and prolonged SP- or NK A-induced behavioural response in a dose-dependent manner. The behavioural response to SP was significantly increased by 2.0 nmol of bestatin, an aminopeptidase inhibitor, but not by 1.0 nmol. Captopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, was without effect on both tachykinin-induced responses. When phosphoramidon was injected together with bestatin and captopril which have no significant effect alone, SP- or NK A-induced behavioral response was significantly increased. These data suggest that endopeptidase-24.11 may be an important enzyme responsible for terminating of SP- or NK A-induced behavioral response at the spinal cord level.

Neurochemical mediators of the behavioural effects of receptor-selective substance P agonists administered intrathecally in the rat

Recently, two compounds have been developed, designated septide and senktide, which are highly selective agonists for the substance P receptor, types NK-1 and NK-3, respectively. Each of these, when injected intrathecally in awake rats, produced a distinct and non-overlapping constellation of sensory and behavioural effects which were subsets of the symptoms evoked by intrathecal administration of substance P. Prior systemic administration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), alpha-adrenergic and opiate receptor antagonists, at doses sufficient to block the behavioural effects of the corresponding receptor agonists, did not alter responses to intrathecally injected septide or senktide. This was so, even for symptoms which suggested inhibitory mediation, hypoalgesia and (transient) motor flaccidity. Septide and senktide, administered by lumbar puncture and by indwelling catheter, produced identical results. Finally, in contrast to some other peptides, flaccid paralysis induced by senktide was not accompanied by spinal necrosis.

The effects of substance P analogues on the scratching, biting and licking response induced by intrathecal injection of N-methyl-D-aspartate in mice

1. Intrathecal (i.t.) administration of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) elicited a dose-dependent behavioural response consisting of licking, biting and scratching in mice. 2. Repeated i.t. injections of 0.4 nmol NMDA, at 5 min intervals, resulted in the rapid development of desensitization to this NMDA-induced behavioural phenomenon. 3. The NMDA-induced response was dose-dependently inhibited by the simultaneous injection of a selective NMDA-receptor antagonist, D-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid. 4. The substance P (SP) analogues [D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9] SP and [D-Arg1, D-Trp7,9, Leu11] SP (spantide) inhibited NMDA-induced behavioural responses in a dose-dependent manner. However, [D-Phe7, D-His9] SP (6-11), a SP analogue selective for neurokinin1 (NK1) receptors, failed to inhibit NMDA-induced responses even at a dose of 4.0 nmol. 5. These results indicate that NMDA-induced behavioural responses are mainly mediated through NMDA receptors without affecting NK1 receptors in the spinal cord.

Substance P analogues containing D-histidine antagonize the behavioural effects of intrathecally co-administered substance P in mice

The antagonistic effect of newly synthesized substance P (SP) analogues containing D-histidine was examined on behavioural responses induced in mice by SP, neurokinin (NK) A, physalaemin, eledoisin, somatostatin and bombesin. [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]SP (DPDT-SP) and [D-Arg1,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]SP (spantide) were used as references for comparison. When co-administered with SP intrathecally, all the SP analogues used decreased the SP-induced response which consists of scratching, biting and licking. DPDT-SP and spantide attenuated non-specifically the SP-like behavioural responses induced by physalaemin, eledoisin, NK A and somatostatin. In general, the introduction of D-histidine in position 9 of the SP molecule resulted in potent antagonistic activity of the SP derivative on the behavioural responses to SP. Of these SP analogues, [D-Arg1,D-Pro2,4,D-Phe7,D-His9]SP attenuated selectively the behavioural responses produced by NK-1 receptor agonists such as SP and physalaemin. Simultaneous injection of [D-Phe7,D-His9]SP-(6-11) selectively inhibited the SP-induced behavioural response without affecting the other peptide-induced behavioral response. The results suggest that the behavioural antagonism induced by [D-Arg1,D-Pro2,4,D-Phe7,D-His9]SP and [D-Phe7,D-His9]SP-(6-11) is probably due to the specific blockade of spinal NK-1 receptors.

Substance P and peripheral inflammatory hyperalgesia

The hyperalgesic effect of substance P (SP) is usually described as presenting short latency. We now report that multiple injections of sub-threshold doses of SP into the foot pad of a hind paw of rats pre-treated with indomethacin induced a long-lasting hyperalgesia, sensitizing the paw to further challenges with small doses of SP, dopamine or prostacyclin. The sensitizing process also occurred after multiple injections of prostacyclin or prostaglandin E2. The sensitizing effect induced by SP, prostaglandin E2 or prostacyclin is inhibited by pre-treatment with the SP antagonist (D-Arg, D-Pro, D-Trp, Leu)-SP. We suggest that SP has an important role as a modulator in peripheral inflammatory pain by sensitizing nociceptors to its own action and to the action of different mediators. This sensitizing process could also be associated with chronic inflammatory pain.

Substance P(1-7) antagonizes substance P-induced aversive behaviour in mice

Substance P (SP) and its fragments were administered intrathecally into awake mice. SP and C-terminal fragments caused dose-dependent reciprocal hindlimb scratching responses. SP(5-11) was more potent than SP not only in inducing scratching response but also in inducing aversive behaviour including licking and biting. SP(1-7) induced no behavioural reactions. However, when low doses of SP(1-7) (1.0-4.0 pmol) were injected simultaneously with SP or SP(5-11) (0.1 nmol), aversive behaviours induced by SP or SP(5-11) were significantly reduced. These results indicate that SP(1-7) formed endogenously could modulate the actions of SP or SP(5-11) in the spinal cord.

Enkephalins interact with substance P-induced aversive behaviour in mice

The effect of the endogenous opioid peptides, methionine-enkephalin (Met-ENK), beta-endorphin (beta-END) and dynorphin-(1-17) (DYN) on the aversive behavior produced by intrathecal (i.t.) administration of substance P (SP) was studied in mice. A low dose of i.t. administered Met-ENK gave a marked reduction of the SP-induced response. In the tail-flick assay, such doses of Met-ENK were ineffective in producing antinociception. At much higher doses, however, Met-ENK obtained antinociceptive activity. In contrast, beta-END and DYN had about the same potency in inhibiting the SP-induced behavioural response and in the tail-flick test, respectively. These results suggest that opioid peptides, particularly enkephalin neurons in the spinal cord influence SP-induced aversive behaviour.