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Vu O, Bender BJ, Pankewitz L, Huster D, Beck-Sickinger AG, Meiler J. The Structural Basis of Peptide Binding at Class A G Protein-Coupled Receptors. Molecules 2021; 27:molecules27010210. [PMID: 35011444 PMCID: PMC8746363 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest membrane protein family and a significant target class for therapeutics. Receptors from GPCRs’ largest class, class A, influence virtually every aspect of human physiology. About 45% of the members of this family endogenously bind flexible peptides or peptides segments within larger protein ligands. While many of these peptides have been structurally characterized in their solution state, the few studies of peptides in their receptor-bound state suggest that these peptides interact with a shared set of residues and undergo significant conformational changes. For the purpose of understanding binding dynamics and the development of peptidomimetic drug compounds, further studies should investigate the peptide ligands that are complexed to their cognate receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oanh Vu
- Deparment of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA;
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (B.J.B.); (L.P.)
| | - Brian Joseph Bender
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (B.J.B.); (L.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Lisa Pankewitz
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (B.J.B.); (L.P.)
| | - Daniel Huster
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Department, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16–18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Annette G. Beck-Sickinger
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Jens Meiler
- Deparment of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA;
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (B.J.B.); (L.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Leipzig University Medical Center, Institute for Drug Discovery, Departments of Chemistry and Computer Science, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Correspondence:
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2
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Chartier M, Desgagné M, Sousbie M, Rumsby C, Chevillard L, Théroux L, Haroune L, Côté J, Longpré JM, Boudreault PL, Marsault É, Sarret P. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles of a neurotensin receptor type 2 (NTS2) analgesic macrocyclic analog. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 141:111861. [PMID: 34229249 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The current opioid crisis highlights the urgent need to develop safe and effective pain medications. Thus, neurotensin (NT) compounds represent a promising approach, as the antinociceptive effects of NT are mediated by activation of the two G protein-coupled receptor subtypes (i.e., NTS1 and NTS2) and produce potent opioid-independent analgesia. Here, we describe the synthesis and pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of the first constrained NTS2 macrocyclic NT(8-13) analog. The Tyr11 residue of NT(8-13) was replaced with a Trp residue to achieve NTS2 selectivity, and a rationally designed side-chain to side-chain macrocyclization reaction was applied between Lys8 and Trp11 to constrain the peptide in an active binding conformation and limit its recognition by proteolytic enzymes. The resulting macrocyclic peptide, CR-01-64, exhibited high-affinity for NTS2 (Ki 7.0 nM), with a more than 125-fold selectivity over NTS1, as well as an improved plasma stability profile (t1/2 > 24 h) compared with NT (t1/2 ~ 2 min). Following intrathecal administration, CR-01-64 exerted dose-dependent and long-lasting analgesic effects in acute (ED50 = 4.6 µg/kg) and tonic (ED50 = 7.1 µg/kg) pain models as well as strong mechanical anti-allodynic effects in the CFA-induced chronic inflammatory pain model. Of particular importance, this constrained NTS2 analog exerted potent nonopioid antinociceptive effects and potentiated opioid-induced analgesia when combined with morphine. At high doses, CR-01-64 did not cause hypothermia or ileum relaxation, although it did induce mild and short-term hypotension, all of which are physiological effects associated with NTS1 activation. Overall, these results demonstrate the strong therapeutic potential of NTS2-selective analogs for the management of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Chartier
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Michael Desgagné
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Marc Sousbie
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Charles Rumsby
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | | | - Léa Théroux
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Lounès Haroune
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Jérôme Côté
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Jean-Michel Longpré
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Pierre-Luc Boudreault
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Éric Marsault
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
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3
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Chartier M, Desgagné M, Sousbie M, Côté J, Longpré JM, Marsault E, Sarret P. Design, Structural Optimization, and Characterization of the First Selective Macrocyclic Neurotensin Receptor Type 2 Non-opioid Analgesic. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2110-2124. [PMID: 33538583 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurotensin (NT) receptor type 2 (NTS2) represents an attractive target for the development of new NT-based analgesics. Here, we report the synthesis and functional in vivo characterization of the first constrained NTS2-selective macrocyclic NT analog. While most chemical optimization studies rely on the NT(8-13) fragment, we focused on NT(7-12) as a scaffold to design NTS2-selective macrocyclic peptides. Replacement of Ile12 by Leu, and Pro7/Pro10 by allylglycine residues followed by cyclization via ring-closing metathesis led to macrocycle 4, which exhibits good affinity for NTS2 (50 nM), high selectivity over NTS1 (>100 μM), and improved stability compared to NT(8-13). In vivo profiling in rats reveals that macrocycle 4 produces potent analgesia in three distinct rodent pain models, without causing the undesired effects associated with NTS1 activation. We further provide evidence of its non-opioid antinociceptive activity, therefore highlighting the strong therapeutic potential of NTS2-selective analogs for the management of acute and chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Chartier
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Michael Desgagné
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Marc Sousbie
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Jérôme Côté
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Longpré
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Eric Marsault
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
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4
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Sousbie M, Vivancos M, Brouillette RL, Besserer-Offroy É, Longpré JM, Leduc R, Sarret P, Marsault É. Structural Optimization and Characterization of Potent Analgesic Macrocyclic Analogues of Neurotensin (8–13). J Med Chem 2018; 61:7103-7115. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Sousbie
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Mélanie Vivancos
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Rebecca L. Brouillette
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Élie Besserer-Offroy
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Longpré
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Richard Leduc
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Éric Marsault
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
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5
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Sousbie M, Besserer-Offroy É, Brouillette RL, Longpré JM, Leduc R, Sarret P, Marsault É. In Search of the Optimal Macrocyclization Site for Neurotensin. ACS Med Chem Lett 2018. [PMID: 29541365 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.7b00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotensin exerts potent analgesic effects following activation of its cognate GPCRs. In this study, we describe a systematic exploration, using structure-based design, of conformationally constraining neurotensin (8-13) with the help of macrocyclization and the resulting impacts on binding affinity, signaling, and proteolytic stability. This exploratory study led to a macrocyclic scaffold with submicromolar binding affinity, agonist activity, and greatly improved plasma stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Sousbie
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Élie Besserer-Offroy
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Rebecca L. Brouillette
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Longpré
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Richard Leduc
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Éric Marsault
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
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6
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Eberlin M, Mück T, Michel MC. A comprehensive review of the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and clinical effects of the neutral endopeptidase inhibitor racecadotril. Front Pharmacol 2012; 3:93. [PMID: 22661949 PMCID: PMC3362754 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2012.00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 04/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Racecadotril, via its active metabolite thiorphan, is an inhibitor of the enzyme neutral endopeptidase (NEP, EC 3.4.24.11), thereby increasing exposure to NEP substrates including enkephalins and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Upon oral administration racecadotril is rapidly and effectively converted into the active metabolite thiorphan, which does not cross the blood–brain-barrier. Racecadotril has mainly been tested in animal models and patients of three therapeutic areas. As an analgesic the effects of racecadotril across animal models were inconsistent. In cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension or congestive heart failure results from animal studies were promising, probably related to increased exposure to ANP, but clinical results have not shown substantial therapeutic benefit over existing treatment options in cardiovascular disease. In contrast, racecadotril was consistently effective in animal models and patients with various forms of acute diarrhea by inhibiting pathologic (but not basal) secretion from the gut without changing gastro-intestinal transit time or motility. This included studies in both adults and children. In direct comparative studies with loperamide in adults and children, racecadotril was at least as effective but exhibited fewer adverse events in most studies, particularly less rebound constipation. Several guidelines recommend the use of racecadotril as addition to oral rehydration treatment in children with acute diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Eberlin
- Department of Medical Affairs Germany, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG Ingelheim, Germany
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Robertson CR, Flynn SP, White HS, Bulaj G. Anticonvulsant neuropeptides as drug leads for neurological diseases. Nat Prod Rep 2011; 28:741-62. [PMID: 21340067 DOI: 10.1039/c0np00048e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Anticonvulsant neuropeptides are best known for their ability to suppress seizures and modulate pain pathways. Galanin, neuropeptide Y, somatostatin, neurotensin, dynorphin, among others, have been validated as potential first-in-class anti-epileptic or/and analgesic compounds in animal models of epilepsy and pain, but their therapeutic potential extends to other neurological indications, including neurodegenerative and psychatric disorders. Disease-modifying properties of neuropeptides make them even more attractive templates for developing new-generation neurotherapeutics. Arguably, efforts to transform this class of neuropeptides into drugs have been limited compared to those for other bioactive peptides. Key challenges in developing neuropeptide-based anticonvulsants are: to engineer optimal receptor-subtype selectivity, to improve metabolic stability and to enhance their bioavailability, including penetration across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Here, we summarize advances toward developing systemically active and CNS-penetrant neuropeptide analogs. Two main objectives of this review are: (1) to provide an overview of structural and pharmacological properties for selected anticonvulsant neuropeptides and their analogs and (2) to encourage broader efforts to convert these endogenous natural products into drug leads for pain, epilepsy and other neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R Robertson
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, 421 Wakara Way, STE. 360 Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
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Bredeloux P, Cavelier F, Dubuc I, Vivet B, Costentin J, Martinez J. Synthesis and Biological Effects of c(Lys-Lys-Pro-Tyr-Ile-Leu-Lys-Lys-Pro-Tyr-Ile-Leu) (JMV2012), a New Analogue of Neurotensin that Crosses the Blood−Brain Barrier. J Med Chem 2008; 51:1610-6. [DOI: 10.1021/jm700925k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Bredeloux
- CNRS FRE 2735, Unité de Neuropsychopharmacologie de la dépression, IFRMP 23, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 22 Bd Gambetta, 76183 Rouen cedex, France, and CNRS UMR 5247, IBMM, Universités Montpellier 1 & 2, Place E. Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Florine Cavelier
- CNRS FRE 2735, Unité de Neuropsychopharmacologie de la dépression, IFRMP 23, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 22 Bd Gambetta, 76183 Rouen cedex, France, and CNRS UMR 5247, IBMM, Universités Montpellier 1 & 2, Place E. Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Dubuc
- CNRS FRE 2735, Unité de Neuropsychopharmacologie de la dépression, IFRMP 23, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 22 Bd Gambetta, 76183 Rouen cedex, France, and CNRS UMR 5247, IBMM, Universités Montpellier 1 & 2, Place E. Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Bertrand Vivet
- CNRS FRE 2735, Unité de Neuropsychopharmacologie de la dépression, IFRMP 23, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 22 Bd Gambetta, 76183 Rouen cedex, France, and CNRS UMR 5247, IBMM, Universités Montpellier 1 & 2, Place E. Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Jean Costentin
- CNRS FRE 2735, Unité de Neuropsychopharmacologie de la dépression, IFRMP 23, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 22 Bd Gambetta, 76183 Rouen cedex, France, and CNRS UMR 5247, IBMM, Universités Montpellier 1 & 2, Place E. Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Jean Martinez
- CNRS FRE 2735, Unité de Neuropsychopharmacologie de la dépression, IFRMP 23, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 22 Bd Gambetta, 76183 Rouen cedex, France, and CNRS UMR 5247, IBMM, Universités Montpellier 1 & 2, Place E. Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France
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