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Caminski ES, Antunes FTT, Souza IA, Dallegrave E, Zamponi GW. Regulation of N-type calcium channels by nociceptin receptors and its possible role in neurological disorders. Mol Brain 2022; 15:95. [PMID: 36434658 PMCID: PMC9700961 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00982-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of nociceptin opioid peptide receptors (NOP, a.k.a. opioid-like receptor-1, ORL-1) by the ligand nociceptin/orphanin FQ, leads to G protein-dependent regulation of Cav2.2 (N-type) voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). This typically causes a reduction in calcium currents, triggering changes in presynaptic calcium levels and thus neurotransmission. Because of the widespread expression patterns of NOP and VGCCs across multiple brain regions, the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, and the dorsal root ganglia, this results in the alteration of numerous neurophysiological features. Here we review the regulation of N-type calcium channels by the NOP-nociceptin system in the context of neurological conditions such as anxiety, addiction, and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuelle Sistherenn Caminski
- grid.412344.40000 0004 0444 6202Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Laboratory of Research in Toxicology (LAPETOX), Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS Brazil
| | - Flavia Tasmin Techera Antunes
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Ivana Assis Souza
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Eliane Dallegrave
- grid.412344.40000 0004 0444 6202Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Laboratory of Research in Toxicology (LAPETOX), Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS Brazil
| | - Gerald W. Zamponi
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
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Li Z, Xiao X, Xue Y, Zhou H, Huang C, Zhu M, Zhuang T, Chen Y, Huang L. Discovery of a novel class of benzoxazole derivatives as histamine H 3 receptor ligands for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Bioorg Chem 2022; 127:106039. [PMID: 35872397 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
To discover effective analgesics, we summarize the synthesis, optimization, and pharmacological anti-nociceptive effects of a novel series of benzoxazole derivatives targeting H3 receptor (H3R). The new benzoxazoles were assayed in vitro for histamine H3R and H1R binding affinity. The best compound 8d (2-methyl-6-(3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)propoxy)benzo[d]oxazole) exhibited high affinity for H3R (Ki = 19.7 nM), high selectivity for ten other off-target receptors, and negligible effects on human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG, cardiac ion channel). In rodent animals, compound 8d dose-dependently reversed formalin-evoked pain (Phase I, ED50 = 6.0 mg/kg; Phase II, ED50 = 7.8 mg/kg) and CCI-induced neuropathic pain (chronic constriction injury, ED50 = 15.6 mg/kg). Furthermore, compound 8d showed an excellent safety profile in acute toxicity test (LD50 > 2000 mg/kg) with a therapeutic index (TI = LD50/ED50) > 250 and showed a desirable drug-like pharmacokinetic profile. Above characteristics indicate that compound 8d represents a promising candidate analgesic for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Li
- Jiangsu Institute of Marine Resources Development, Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Xinyi Xiao
- Jiangsu Institute of Marine Resources Development, Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Yulin Xue
- Jiangsu Institute of Marine Resources Development, Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Huiling Zhou
- Jiangsu Institute of Marine Resources Development, Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Chaonan Huang
- Jiangsu Institute of Marine Resources Development, Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Mo Zhu
- Grand Life Sciences (Wuhan) Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430040, China
| | - Tao Zhuang
- Jiangsu Institute of Marine Resources Development, Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China.
| | - Yin Chen
- Jiangsu Institute of Marine Resources Development, Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China.
| | - Ling Huang
- Jiangsu Institute of Marine Resources Development, Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; Grand Life Sciences (Wuhan) Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430040, China.
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Li YL, Chang XR, Ma JT, Zhao X, Yin LT, Yan LJ, Guo JH, Zhang C, Yang XR. Activation of peripheral group III metabotropic glutamate receptors suppressed formalin-induced nociception. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2021; 49:319-326. [PMID: 34657305 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Intraplantar injection of formalin produces persistent spontaneous nociception and hyperalgesia. The underlying mechanism, however, remains unclear. The present study was, therefore, designed to determine the roles of peripheral group III metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in formalin-evoked spontaneous nociception. Pre-treatment with intraplantar injections of L-serine-O-phosphate (L-SOP), a group III mGluRs agonist, significantly inhibited formalin-induced nociceptive behaviours and decreased Fos production in the spinal dorsal horn. The inhibitory effects of L-SOP were abolished completely by pre-treatment with the group III mGluR antagonist (RS)-a-methylserine-O-phosphate (M-SOP). These data suggest that the activation of group III mGluRs in the periphery may play a differential role in formalin-induced nociception. In addition, L-SOP decreased the formalin-induced upregulation of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as well as interleukine-1β (IL-1β) expression in the spinal cord, suggesting that activation of peripheral group III mGluRs reduces formalin-induced nociception through inhibition of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in the spinal cord. Therefore, the agonists acting peripheral group III mGluRs possess therapeutic effectiveness in chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Li Li
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, P.R.China
| | - Xin-Rui Chang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, The Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, P.R.China
| | - Jin-Teng Ma
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, The Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, P.R.China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, The Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, P.R.China
| | - Li-Tian Yin
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, The Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, P.R.China
| | - Liang-Jun Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Jun-Hong Guo
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, P.R.China
| | - Ce Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, The Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, P.R.China
| | - Xiao-Rong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology in Shanxi Province, The Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, P.R.China
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Liao Z, Long H, Song Z, He Y, Lai W. Behavioral Responses and Expression of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ and Its Receptor (N/OFQ-NOP System) during Experimental Tooth Movement in Rats. Pain Res Manag 2021; 2021:9981732. [PMID: 34336071 PMCID: PMC8318770 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9981732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective To determine behavioral testing after experimental tooth movement in rats and to explore the role of nociceptin/orphanin FQ and its receptor (the N/OFQ-NOP system) in pain induced by experimental tooth movement. Design The mouth-wiping behavior of rats was assessed by studying behavioral responses after experimental tooth movement. The distribution of N/OFQ in the periodontal ligament, the trigeminal ganglion (TG), and the caudal one-third of the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The variations in N/OFQ expression in the TG and Vc were measured by Western blotting. The ongoing changes in the gene expression of the prepronociceptin gene and opioid receptor-like 1 receptor were assessed in the TG and Vc by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results Overall, the mouth-wiping behavior increased significantly. The behavior first increased and then gradually decreased to a low level, showing cyclical variation. N/OFQ immunoreactivity increased in the periodontal ligament after tooth movement. ppN/OFQ mRNA and protein levels showed a time-dependent increase in the TG and were positively correlated with pain stimulus. NOP gene levels showed large fluctuations. In the Vc, the expression and changes in the N/OFQ-NOP system showed the opposite trend as those noted in TG and the periodontal membrane. Conclusion The N/OFQ system may have a complex regulatory function in the pain induced by tooth movement and may be related to inflammation caused by orthodontic tooth movement and periodontal damage. The specific mechanism remains to be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu Liao
- The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanchang University, The Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Jiangxi Province, Department of Orthodontics, Nanchang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Ren Min South Road, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hu Long
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Ren Min South Road, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiping Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuwei He
- Department of Orthodontics, Beiping Dental Clinic, Dazhou, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wenli Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Ren Min South Road, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
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Kiguchi N, Ding H, Kishioka S, Ko MC. Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Peptide Receptor-Related Ligands as Novel Analgesics. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 20:2878-2888. [PMID: 32384033 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200508082615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite similar distribution patterns and intracellular events observed in the nociceptin/ orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor and other opioid receptors, NOP receptor activation displays unique pharmacological profiles. Several researchers have identified a variety of peptide and nonpeptide ligands to determine the functional roles of NOP receptor activation and observed that NOP receptor- related ligands exhibit pain modality-dependent pain processing. Importantly, NOP receptor activation results in anti-nociception and anti-hypersensitivity at the spinal and supraspinal levels regardless of the experimental settings in non-human primates (NHPs). Given that the NOP receptor agonists synergistically enhance mu-opioid peptide (MOP) receptor agonist-induced anti-nociception, it has been hypothesized that dual NOP and MOP receptor agonists may display promising functional properties as analgesics. Accumulating evidence indicates that the mixed NOP/opioid receptor agonists demonstrate favorable functional profiles. In NHP studies, bifunctional NOP/MOP partial agonists (e.g., AT-121, BU08028, and BU10038) exerted potent anti-nociception via NOP and MOP receptor activation; however, dose-limiting adverse effects associated with the MOP receptor activation, including respiratory depression, itch sensation, physical dependence, and abuse liability, were not observed. Moreover, a mixed NOP/opioid receptor agonist, cebranopadol, presented promising outcomes in clinical trials as a novel analgesic. Collectively, the dual agonistic actions on NOP and MOP receptors, with appropriate binding affinities and efficacies, may be a viable strategy to develop innovative and safe analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
| | - Shiroh Kishioka
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
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Toll L, Cippitelli A, Ozawa A. The NOP Receptor System in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders: Discrepancies, Peculiarities and Clinical Progress in Developing Targeted Therapies. CNS Drugs 2021; 35:591-607. [PMID: 34057709 PMCID: PMC8279133 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-021-00821-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor and its endogenous ligand nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) are the fourth members of the opioid receptor and opioid peptide families. Although they have considerable sequence homology to the other family members, they are not considered opioid per se because they do not have pharmacological profiles similar to the other family members. The number of NOP receptors in the brain is higher than the other family members, and NOP receptors can be found throughout the brain. Because of the widespread distribution of NOP receptors, N/OFQ and other peptide and small molecule agonists and antagonists have extensive CNS activities. Originally thought to be anti-opioid, NOP receptor agonists block some opioid activities, potentiate others, and modulate other activities not affected by traditional opiates. Because the effect of receptor activation can be dependent upon site of administration, state of the animal, and other variables, the study of NOP receptors has been fraught with contradictions and inconsistencies. In this article, the actions and controversies pertaining to NOP receptor activation and inhibition are discussed with respect to CNS disorders including pain (acute, chronic, and migraine), drug abuse, anxiety and depression. In addition, progress towards clinical use of NOP receptor-directed compounds is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Toll
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA.
| | - Andrea Cippitelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| | - Akihiko Ozawa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
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Yan X, Han H, Zhang S, Lu Y, Ren L, Tang Y, Li X, Jian F, Wang Y, Long H, Lai W. N/OFQ modulates orofacial pain induced by tooth movement through CGRP-dependent pathways. BMC Neurosci 2021; 22:25. [PMID: 33836649 PMCID: PMC8034138 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-021-00632-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) has been revealed to play bidirectional roles in orofacial pain modulation. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a well-known pro-nociceptive molecule that participates in the modulation of orofacial pain. We aimed to determine the effects of N/OFQ on the modulation of orofacial pain and on the release of CGRP. METHODS Orofacial pain model was established by ligating springs between incisors and molars in rats for the simulation of tooth movement. The expression level of N/OFQ was determined and pain level was scored in response to orofacial pain. Both agonist and antagonist of N/OFQ receptor were administered to examine their effects on pain and the expression of CGRP in trigeminal ganglia (TG). Moreover, gene therapy based on the overexpression of N/OFQ was delivered to validate the modulatory role of N/OFQ on pain and CGRP expression. RESULTS Tooth movement elicited orofacial pain and an elevation in N/OFQ expression. N/OFQ exacerbated orofacial pain and upregulated CGRP expression in TG, while UFP-101 alleviated pain and downregulated CGRP expression. N/OFQ-based gene therapy was successful in overexpressing N/OFQ in TG, which resulted in pain exacerbation and elevation of CGRP expression in TG. CONCLUSIONS N/OFQ exacerbated orofacial pain possibly through upregulating CGRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Yan
- Department of Orthodontics, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Center for Oral Research, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Ren Min Nan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Han Han
- Department of Orthodontics, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Center for Oral Research, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Ren Min Nan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shizhen Zhang
- Department of Orthodontics, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Center for Oral Research, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Ren Min Nan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yanzhu Lu
- Department of Orthodontics, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Center for Oral Research, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Ren Min Nan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Linghuan Ren
- Department of Orthodontics, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Center for Oral Research, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Ren Min Nan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yufei Tang
- Department of Orthodontics, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Center for Oral Research, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Ren Min Nan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaolong Li
- Department of Orthodontics, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Center for Oral Research, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Ren Min Nan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Fan Jian
- Department of Orthodontics, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Center for Oral Research, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Ren Min Nan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Orthodontics, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Center for Oral Research, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Ren Min Nan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hu Long
- Department of Orthodontics, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Center for Oral Research, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Ren Min Nan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Wenli Lai
- Department of Orthodontics, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Center for Oral Research, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Ren Min Nan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Azevedo Neto J, Ruzza C, Sturaro C, Malfacini D, Pacifico S, Zaveri NT, Calò G. Functional Selectivity Does Not Predict Antinociceptive/Locomotor Impairing Potencies of NOP Receptor Agonists. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:657153. [PMID: 33859548 PMCID: PMC8042269 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.657153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ controls several functions, including pain transmission, via stimulation of the N/OFQ peptide (NOP) receptor. Here we tested the hypothesis that NOP biased agonism may be instrumental for identifying innovative analgesics. In vitro experiments were performed with the dynamic mass redistribution label free assay and the NOP non-peptide agonists Ro 65-6570, AT-403 and MCOPPB. In vivo studies were performed in wild type and β-arrestin 2 knockout mice using the formalin, rotarod and locomotor activity tests. In vitro all compounds mimicked the effects of N/OFQ behaving as potent NOP full agonists. In vivo Ro 65-6570 demonstrated a slightly higher therapeutic index (antinociceptive vs. motor impairment effects) in knockout mice. However, all NOP agonists displayed very similar therapeutic index in normal mice despite significant differences in G protein biased agonism. In conclusion the different ability of inducing G protein vs. β-arrestin 2 recruitment of a NOP agonist cannot be applied to predict its antinociceptive vs. motor impairment properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Azevedo Neto
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Sturaro
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Kiguchi N, Kishioka S, Ko MC. [Therapeutic potentials of safe opioid analgesics targeting nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2021; 156:139-144. [PMID: 33952840 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.20106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
After the identification of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) and its cognate receptor, the unique functional profiles of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system have been uncovered. NOP receptors are distributed in the key regions that regulate pain and reward processing in the central nervous system. In non-human primates (NHPs), activation of the NOP receptor causes antinociception and anti-hypersensitivity via spinal and supraspinal effects. Moreover, activation of the NOP receptor attenuates dopaminergic transmission and potentiates mu-opioid peptide (MOP) receptor-mediated analgesia. Here, we highlight the functional profiles of bifunctional NOP and MOP receptor agonists based on their promising effects for the treatment of pain and drug abuse. Bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor "partial" agonists, such as AT-121, BU08028, and BU10038, exert potent analgesic effects without MOP receptor-related side effects such as abuse liability, respiratory depression, physical dependence, and itching in NHPs. These novel NOP/MOP receptor agonists reduce rewarding and the reinforcing effects of abused drugs. Furthermore, a mixed NOP/opioid receptor "full" agonist, cebranopadol, is undergoing several clinical trials, and the therapeutic advantage of the coactivation of NOP and MOP receptors has also been confirmed in humans. Therefore, this class of drugs that coactivate NOP and MOP receptors proposes a wide therapeutic range with fewer side effects, indicating a greater potential for the development of novel safer opioid analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shiroh Kishioka
- Faculty of Wakayama Health Care Sciences, Takarazuka University of Medical and Health Care
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine
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10
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Mohamed E, Paisley CE, Meyer LC, Bigbee JW, Sato-Bigbee C. Endogenous opioid peptides and brain development: Endomorphin-1 and Nociceptin play a sex-specific role in the control of oligodendrocyte maturation and brain myelination. Glia 2020; 68:1513-1530. [PMID: 32065429 PMCID: PMC11006003 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The generation of fully functional oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the central nervous system, is preceded by a complex maturational process. We previously showed that the timing of oligodendrocyte differentiation and rat brain myelination were altered by perinatal exposure to buprenorphine and methadone, opioid analogs used for the management of pregnant addicts. Those observations suggested the involvement of the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) and the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOR). However, it remained to be determined if these receptors and their endogenous ligands could indeed control the timing of myelination under normal physiological conditions of brain development. We now found that the endogenous MOR ligand endomorphin-1 (EM-1) exerts a striking stimulatory action on cellular and morphological maturation of rat pre-oligodendrocytes, but unexpectedly, these effects appear to be restricted to the cells from the female pups. Critically, this stimulation is abolished by coincubation with the endogenous NOR ligand nociceptin. Furthermore, NOR antagonist treatment of 9-day-old female pups results in accelerated brain myelination. Interestingly, the lack of sex-dependent differences in developmental brain levels of EM-1 and nociceptin, or oligodendroglial expression of MOR and NOR, suggests that the observed sex-specific responses may be highly dependent on important intrinsic differences between the male and female oligodendrocytes. The discovery of a significant effect of EM-1 and nociceptin in the developing female oligodendrocytes and brain myelination, underscores the need for further studies investigating brain sex-related differences and their implications in opioid use and abuse, pain control, and susceptibility and remyelinating capacity in demyelinating disease as multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Caitlin E Paisley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Logan C Meyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - John W Bigbee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Carmen Sato-Bigbee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Kiguchi N, Ding H, Ko MC. Therapeutic potentials of NOP and MOP receptor coactivation for the treatment of pain and opioid abuse. J Neurosci Res 2020; 100:191-202. [PMID: 32255240 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Following the identification of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) as an endogenous ligand for the NOP receptor, ample evidence has revealed unique functional profiles of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system. NOP receptors are expressed in key neural substrates involved in pain and reward modulation. In nonhuman primates (NHPs), NOP receptor activation effectively exerts antinociception and anti-hypersensitivity at the spinal and supraspinal levels. Moreover, NOP receptor activation inhibits dopaminergic transmission and synergistically enhances mu-opioid peptide (MOP) receptor-mediated analgesia. In this article, we have discussed the functional profiles of ligands with dual NOP and MOP receptor agonist activities and highlight their optimal functional efficacy for pain relief and drug abuse treatment. Through coactivation of NOP and MOP receptors, bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor "partial" agonists (e.g., AT-121, BU08028, and BU10038) reveal a wider therapeutic window with fewer side effects. These newly developed ligands potently induce antinociception without MOP receptor agonist-associated side effects such as abuse potential, respiratory depression, itching sensation, and physical dependence. In addition, in both rodent and NHP models, bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor agonists can attenuate reward processing and/or the reinforcing effects of opioids and other abused drugs. While a mixed NOP/opioid receptor "full" agonist cebranopadol is undergoing clinical trials, bifunctional NOP/MOP "partial" agonists exhibit promising therapeutic profiles in translational NHP models for the treatment of pain and opioid abuse. This class of drugs demonstrates the therapeutic advantage of NOP and MOP receptor coactivation, indicating a greater potential for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,W.G. Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salisbury, NC, USA
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12
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Zhao C, Quan X, He J, Zhao R, Zhang Y, Li X, Sun S, Ma R, Zhang Q. Identification of significant gene biomarkers of low back pain caused by changes in the osmotic pressure of nucleus pulposus cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3708. [PMID: 32111963 PMCID: PMC7048739 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60714-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration disease, caused by changes in the osmotic pressure of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, increases with age. In general, low back pain is associated with IVD degeneration. However, the mechanism and molecular target of low back pain have not been elucidated, and there are no data suggesting specific biomarkers of low back pain. Therefore, the research aims to identify and verify the significant gene biomarkers of low back pain. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and the identification and analysis of significant gene biomarkers were also performed with various bioinformatics programs. A total of 120 patients with low back pain were recruited. Before surgery, the degree of pain was measured by the numeric rating scale (NRS), which enables comparison of the pain scores from individuals. After surgery, IVD tissues were obtained, and NP cells were isolated. The NP cells were cultured in two various osmotic media, including iso-osmotic media (293 mOsm/kg H2O) to account for the morbid environment of NP cells in IVD degeneration disease and hyper-osmotic media (450 mOsm/kg H2O) to account for the normal condition of NP cells in healthy individuals. The relative mRNA expression levels of CCL5, OPRL1, CXCL13, and SST were measured by quantitative real-time PCR in the in vitro analysis of the osmotic pressure experiments. Finally, correlation analysis and a neural network module were employed to explore the linkage between significant gene biomarkers and pain. A total of 371 DEGs were identified, including 128 downregulated genes and 243 upregulated genes. Furthermore, the four genes (CCL5, OPRL1, SST, and CXCL13) were identified as significant gene biomarkers of low back pain (P < 0.001) based on univariate linear regression, and CCL5 (odds ratio, 34.667; P = 0.003) and OPRL1 (odds ratio, 19.875; P < 0.001) were significantly related to low back pain through multivariate logistic regression. The expression of CCL5 and OPRL1 might be correlated with low back pain in patients with IVD degeneration disease caused by changes in the osmotic pressure of NP cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsong Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Xuemin Quan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Rugang Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100015, Beijing, China.
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13
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Abstract
Opioids are very potent and efficacious drugs, traditionally used for both acute and chronic pain conditions. However, the use of opioids is frequently associated with the occurrence of adverse effects or clinical problems. Other than adverse effects and dependence, the development of tolerance is a significant problem, as it requires increased opioid drug doses to achieve the same effect. Mechanisms of opioid tolerance include drug-induced adaptations or allostatic changes at the cellular, circuitry, and system levels. Dose escalation in long-term opioid therapy might cause opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), which is a state of hypersensitivity to painful stimuli associated with opioid therapy, resulting in exacerbation of pain sensation rather than relief of pain. Various strategies may provide extra-opioid analgesia. There are drugs that may produce independent analgesic effects. A tailored treatment provided by skilled personnel, in accordance with the individual condition, is mandatory. Any treatment aimed at reducing opioid consumption may be indicated in these circumstances. Interventional techniques able to decrease the pain input may allow a decrease in the opioid dose, thus reverting the mechanisms producing tolerance of OIH. Intrathecal therapy with local anesthetics and a sympathetic block are the most common techniques utilized in these circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano Mercadante
- Main Regional Center of Supportive/Palliative Care, La Maddalena Cancer Center, Palermo, Italy. .,Palliative/Supportive Care and Rehabilitation, MD Anderson, Houston, TX, USA.
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14
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Dagnino APA, da Silva RBM, Chagastelles PC, Pereira TCB, Venturin GT, Greggio S, Costa da Costa J, Bogo MR, Campos MM. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor modulates painful and fatigue symptoms in a mouse model of fibromyalgia. Pain 2019; 160:1383-1401. [PMID: 30720581 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Generalized pain and fatigue are both hallmarks of fibromyalgia, a syndrome with an indefinite etiology. The treatment options for fibromyalgia are currently limited, probably because of its intricate pathophysiology. Thus, further basic and clinical research on this condition is currently needed. This study investigated the effects of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptor (NOPr) ligands and the modulation of the NOP system in the preclinical mouse model of reserpine-induced fibromyalgia. The effects of administration of the natural agonist N/OFQ and the selective NOPr antagonists (UFP-101 and SB-612111) were evaluated in fibromyalgia-related symptoms in reserpine-treated mice. The expression of prepronociceptin/orphanin FQ and NOPr was assessed in central and peripheral sites at different time points after reserpine administration. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ displayed dual effects in the behavioral changes in the reserpine-elicited fibromyalgia model. The peptide NOPr antagonist UFP-101 produced analgesic and antifatigue effects, by preventing alterations in brain activity and skeletal muscle metabolism, secondary to fibromyalgia induction. The nonpeptide NOPr antagonist SB-612111 mirrored the favorable effects of UFP-101 in painful and fatigue alterations induced by reserpine. A time-related up- or downregulation of prepronociceptin/orphanin FQ and NOPr was observed in supraspinal, spinal, and peripheral sites of reserpine-treated mice. Our data shed new lights on the mechanisms underlying the fibromyalgia pathogenesis, supporting a role for N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in this syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Aquistapase Dagnino
- Escola de Ciências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Escola de Ciências da Saúde, Centro de Pesquisa em Toxicologia e Farmacologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Braccini Madeira da Silva
- Escola de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Pedro Cesar Chagastelles
- Escola de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Talita Carneiro Brandão Pereira
- Escola de Ciências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Escola de Ciências, Laboratório de Biologia Genômica e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gianina Teribele Venturin
- Centro de Pesquisa Pré-Clínica, Instituto do Cérebro do Rio Grande do Sul, Brain Institute (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Samuel Greggio
- Centro de Pesquisa Pré-Clínica, Instituto do Cérebro do Rio Grande do Sul, Brain Institute (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Escola de Ciências da Saúde, Curso de Graduação em Biomedicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jaderson Costa da Costa
- Centro de Pesquisa Pré-Clínica, Instituto do Cérebro do Rio Grande do Sul, Brain Institute (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maurício Reis Bogo
- Escola de Ciências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Escola de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Escola de Ciências, Laboratório de Biologia Genômica e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Martha Campos
- Escola de Ciências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Escola de Ciências da Saúde, Centro de Pesquisa em Toxicologia e Farmacologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Escola de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Escola de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Odontologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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15
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Abstract
Since the discovery of the NOP receptor and N/OFQ as the endogenous ligand, evidence has appeared demonstrating the involvement of this receptor system in pain. This was not surprising for members of the opioid receptor and peptide families, particularly since both the receptor and N/OFQ are highly expressed in brain regions involved in pain, spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia. What has been surprising is the complicated picture that has emerged from 25 years of research. The original finding that N/OFQ decreased tail flick and hotplate latency, when administered i.c.v., led to the hypothesis that NOP receptor antagonists could have analgesic activity without abuse liability. However, as data accumulated, it became clear that not only the potency but the activity per se was different when N/OFQ or small molecule NOP agonists were administered in the brain versus the spinal cord and it also depended upon the pain assay used. When administered systemically, NOP receptor agonists are generally ineffective in attenuating heat pain but are antinociceptive in an acute inflammatory pain model. Most antagonists administered systemically have no antinociceptive activity of their own, even though selective peptide NOP antagonists have potent antinociceptive activity when administered i.c.v. Chronic pain models provide different results as well, as small molecule NOP receptor agonists have potent anti-allodynic and anti-hyperalgesic activity after systemic administration. A considerable number of electrophysiological and anatomical experiments, in particular with NOP-eGFP mice, have been conducted in an attempt to explain the complicated profile resulting from NOP receptor modulation, to examine receptor plasticity, and to elucidate mechanisms by which selective NOP agonists, bifunctional NOP/mu agonists, or NOP receptor antagonists modulate acute and chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Toll
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
| | - Akihiko Ozawa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Andrea Cippitelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
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16
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Sałat K, Furgała A, Sałat R. Evaluation of cebranopadol, a dually acting nociceptin/orphanin FQ and opioid receptor agonist in mouse models of acute, tonic, and chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Inflammopharmacology 2018; 26:361-374. [PMID: 29071457 PMCID: PMC5859690 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-017-0405-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cebranopadol (a.k.a. GRT-6005) is a dually acting nociceptin/orphanin FQ and opioid receptor agonist that has been recently developed in Phase 2 clinical trials for painful diabetic neuropathy or cancer pain. It also showed analgesic properties in various rat models of pain and had a better safety profile as compared to equi-analgesic doses of morphine. Since antinociceptive properties of cebranopadol have been studied mainly in rat models, in the present study, we assessed analgesic activity of subcutaneous cebranopadol (10 mg/kg) in various mouse pain models. METHODS We used models of acute, tonic, and chronic pain induced by thermal and chemical stimuli, with a particular emphasis on pharmacoresistant chronic neuropathic pain evoked by oxaliplatin in which cebranopadol was used alone or in combination with simvastatin. KEY RESULTS As shown in the hot plate test, the analgesic activity of cebranopadol developed more slowly as compared to morphine (90-120 min vs. 60 min). Cebranopadol displayed a significant antinociceptive activity in acute pain models, i.e., the hot plate, writhing, and capsaicin tests. It attenuated nocifensive responses in both phases of the formalin test and reduced cold allodynia in oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain model. Its efficacy was similar to that of morphine. Used in combination and administered simultaneously, 4 or 6 h after simvastatin, cebranopadol did not potentiate antiallodynic activity of this cholesterol-lowering drug. Cebranopadol did not induce any motor deficits in the rotarod test. CONCLUSION Cebranopadol may have significant potential for the treatment of various pain types, including inflammatory and chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Sałat
- Chair of Pharmacodynamics, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna St, 30-688, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Anna Furgała
- Chair of Pharmacodynamics, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna St, 30-688, Krakow, Poland
| | - Robert Sałat
- Faculty of Production Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 164 Nowoursynowska St, 02-787, Warsaw, Poland
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17
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Meyer LC, Paisley CE, Mohamed E, Bigbee JW, Kordula T, Richard H, Lutfy K, Sato-Bigbee C. Novel role of the nociceptin system as a regulator of glutamate transporter expression in developing astrocytes. Glia 2017; 65:2003-2023. [PMID: 28906039 PMCID: PMC5766282 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Our previous results showed that oligodendrocyte development is regulated by both nociceptin and its G-protein coupled receptor, the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOR). The present in vitro and in vivo findings show that nociceptin plays a crucial conserved role regulating the levels of the glutamate/aspartate transporter GLAST/EAAT1 in both human and rodent brain astrocytes. This nociceptin-mediated response takes place during a critical developmental window that coincides with the early stages of astrocyte maturation. GLAST/EAAT1 upregulation by nociceptin is mediated by NOR and the downstream participation of a complex signaling cascade that involves the interaction of several kinase systems, including PI-3K/AKT, mTOR, and JAK. Because GLAST is the main glutamate transporter during brain maturation, these novel findings suggest that nociceptin plays a crucial role in regulating the function of early astrocytes and their capacity to support glutamate homeostasis in the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan C Meyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Caitlin E Paisley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Esraa Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - John W Bigbee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Tomasz Kordula
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Hope Richard
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Kabirullah Lutfy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| | - Carmen Sato-Bigbee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
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18
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Rizzi A, Ruzza C, Bianco S, Trapella C, Calo' G. Antinociceptive action of NOP and opioid receptor agonists in the mouse orofacial formalin test. Peptides 2017; 94:71-77. [PMID: 28697954 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) modulates several biological functions, including pain transmission via selective activation of a specific receptor named NOP. The aim of this study was the investigation of the antinociceptive properties of NOP agonists and their interaction with opioids in the trigeminal territory. The orofacial formalin (OFF) test in mice was used to investigate the antinociceptive potential associated to the activation of NOP and opioid receptors. Mice subjected to OFF test displayed the typical biphasic nociceptive response and sensitivity to opioid and NSAID drugs. Mice knockout for the NOP gene displayed a robust pronociceptive phenotype. The NOP selective agonist Ro 65-6570 (0.1-1mgkg-1) and morphine (0.1-10mgkg-1) elicited dose dependent antinociceptive effects in the OFF with the alkaloid showing larger effects; the isobologram analysis of their actions demonstrated an additive type of interaction. The mixed NOP/opioid receptor agonist cebranopadol elicited potent (0.01-0.1mgkg-1) and robust antinociceptive effects. In the investigated dose range, all drugs did not modify the motor performance of the mice in the rotarod test. Collectively the results of this study demonstrated that selective NOP agonists and particularly mixed NOP/opioid agonists are worthy of development as innovative drugs to treat painful conditions of the trigeminal territory.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rizzi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - S Bianco
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - G Calo'
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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19
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Rizzi A, Cerlesi MC, Ruzza C, Malfacini D, Ferrari F, Bianco S, Costa T, Guerrini R, Trapella C, Calo' G. Pharmacological characterization of cebranopadol a novel analgesic acting as mixed nociceptin/orphanin FQ and opioid receptor agonist. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2016; 4:e00247. [PMID: 28116100 PMCID: PMC5242173 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological profile of cebranopadol, a novel agonist for opioid and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptors (NOP). In vitro cebranopadol was assayed in calcium mobilization studies in cells coexpressing NOP or opioid receptors and chimeric G‐proteins and in a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay for studying receptor interaction with G‐protein and β‐arrestin 2. The mouse tail withdrawal and formalin tests were used for investigating cebranopadol antinociceptive properties. In calcium mobilization studies cebranopadol showed the following rank order of potency NOP = mu > kappa ≥ delta. In BRET studies, cebranopadol promoted NOP and mu receptors interaction with G‐protein with similar high potency and efficacy. However, cebranopadol did not stimulated NOP–β‐arrestin 2 interactions and displayed reduced potency at mu/β‐arrestin 2. In vivo, cebranopadol exhibits highly potent and extremely long‐lasting antinociceptive effects. The effects of cebranopadol in the tail withdrawal assay were sensitive to both SB‐612111 and naloxone. Collectively the present results confirm and extend previous finding demonstrating that cebranopadol, by acting as mixed NOP/opioid receptor agonist, elicits robust analgesic effects in different pain models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rizzi
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Sara Bianco
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Tommaso Costa
- Department of Pharmacology Istituto Superiore di Sanita' Rome Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Medical Sciences Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
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20
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Roeckel LA, Le Coz GM, Gavériaux-Ruff C, Simonin F. Opioid-induced hyperalgesia: Cellular and molecular mechanisms. Neuroscience 2016; 338:160-182. [PMID: 27346146 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Opioids produce strong analgesia but their use is limited by a paradoxical hypersensitivity named opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) that may be associated to analgesic tolerance. In the last decades, a significant number of preclinical studies have investigated the factors that modulate OIH development as well as the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying OIH. Several factors have been shown to influence OIH including the genetic background and sex differences of experimental animals as well as the opioid regimen. Mu opioid receptor (MOR) variants and interactions of MOR with different proteins were shown important. Furthermore, at the cellular level, both neurons and glia play a major role in OIH development. Several neuronal processes contribute to OIH, like activation of neuroexcitatory mechanisms, long-term potentiation (LTP) and descending pain facilitation. Increased nociception is also mediated by neuroinflammation induced by the activation of microglia and astrocytes. Neurons and glial cells exert synergistic effects, which contribute to OIH. The molecular actors identified include the Toll-like receptor 4 and the anti-opioid systems as well as some other excitatory molecules, receptors, channels, chemokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines or lipids. This review summarizes the intracellular and intercellular pathways involved in OIH and highlights some mechanisms that may be challenged to limit OIH in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie-Anne Roeckel
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France; Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France
| | - Glenn-Marie Le Coz
- Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, UMR 7242 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Claire Gavériaux-Ruff
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France; Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France; Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Frédéric Simonin
- Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, UMR 7242 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France.
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21
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide an overview on drug targets and emerging pharmacological treatment options for chronic pain. RECENT FINDINGS Chronic pain poses an enormous socioeconomic burden for the more than 30% of people who suffer from it, costing over $600 billion per year in the USA. In recent years, there has been a surge in preclinical and clinical research endeavors to try to stem this epidemic. Preclinical studies have identified a wide array of potential targets, with some of the most promising translational research being performed on novel opioid receptors, cannabinoid receptors, selective ion channel blockers, cytokine inhibitors, nerve growth factor inhibitors, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists, glial cell inhibitors, and bisphosphonates. SUMMARY There are many obstacles for the development of effective medications to treat chronic pain, including the inherent challenges in identifying pathophysiological mechanisms, the overlap and multiplicity of pain pathways, and off-target adverse effects stemming from the ubiquity of drug target receptor sites and the lack of highly selective receptor ligands. Despite these barriers, the number and diversity of potential therapies have continued to grow, to include disease-modifying and individualized drug treatments.
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Shan D, He Y, Long H, Zhou Y, Liu H, Xu R, Huang R, Lai W. The effects of blocking N/OFQ receptors on orofacial pain following experimental tooth movement in rats. AUSTRALASIAN ORTHODONTIC JOURNAL 2016. [DOI: 10.21307/aoj-2020-129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor (N/OFQ receptor) antagonist on orofacial pain induced by experimental tooth movement in rats.
Methods
A total of 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200–300 g were divided into six groups: a control group, force group, force+saline intraperitoneal group, force+saline periodontal group, force+UFP-101 ([Nphe1,Arg14,Lys15]N/OFQ-NH2; antagonist for N/OFQ receptor) intraperitoneal group, and force+UFP-101 periodontal group. Closed coil springs were ligated between the upper incisors and first molar to exert an orthodontic force (40 g) between the teeth. Injectable administration dosages were 30 μl saline or 30 μl saline containing 0.03 mg/kg UFP-101. Following the injections, orofacial pain levels were assessed through directed face grooming (mouth wiping). Statistical analyses were performed in SPSS 17.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) and p values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.
Results
Orofacial pain levels were significantly higher in the force group than in the control group. Orofacial pain levels differed significantly between the force group, force+saline periodontal group and force+UFP-101 periodontal group, but were similar between the control group, force+UFP-101 intraperitoneal group and force+saline intraperitoneal group. Moreover, orofacial pain levels did not differ between the force group, force+saline intraperitoneal group and force+UFP-101 intraperitoneal group.
Conclusions
Periodontal, but not intraperitoneal, administration of UFP-101 could alleviate orofacial pain induced by experimental tooth movement in rats, suggesting that periodontal N/OFQ receptors participate in orofacial pain induced by experimental tooth movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases , Department of Orthodontics , West China Hospital of Stomatology , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Yuwei He
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases , Department of Orthodontics , West China Hospital of Stomatology , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Hu Long
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases , Department of Orthodontics , West China Hospital of Stomatology , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases , Department of Orthodontics , West China Hospital of Stomatology , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - He Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases , Department of Orthodontics , West China Hospital of Stomatology , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Rui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases , Department of Orthodontics , West China Hospital of Stomatology , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Renhuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases , Department of Orthodontics , West China Hospital of Stomatology , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Wenli Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases , Department of Orthodontics , West China Hospital of Stomatology , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
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Kiguchi N, Ding H, Ko MC. Central N/OFQ-NOP Receptor System in Pain Modulation. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2015; 75:217-43. [PMID: 26920014 PMCID: PMC4944813 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Two decades have passed since the peptide, nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), and its cognate (NOP) receptor were discovered. Although NOP receptor activation causes a similar pattern of intracellular actions as mu-opioid (MOP) receptors, NOP receptor-mediated pain modulation in rodents are more complicated than MOP receptor activation. This review highlights the functional evidence of spinal, supraspinal, and systemic actions of NOP receptor agonists for regulating pain. In rodents, effects of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in spinal and supraspinal sites for modulating pain are bidirectional depending on the doses, assays, and pain modalities. The net effect of systemically administered NOP receptor agonists may depend on relative contribution of spinal and supraspinal actions of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor signaling in rodents under different pain states. In stark contrast, NOP receptor agonists produce only antinociception and antihypersensitivity in spinal and supraspinal regions of nonhuman primates regardless of doses and assays. More importantly, NOP receptor agonists and a few bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor agonists do not exhibit reinforcing effects (abuse liability), respiratory depression, itch pruritus, nor do they delay the gastrointestinal transit function (constipation) in nonhuman primates. Depending upon their intrinsic efficacies for activating NOP and MOP receptors, bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor agonists warrant additional investigation in primates regarding their side effect profiles. Nevertheless, NOP receptor-related agonists display a much wider therapeutic window as compared to that of MOP receptor agonists in primates. Both selective NOP receptor agonists and bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor agonists hold great potential as effective and safe analgesics without typical opioid-associated side effects in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
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Wang Y, Long H, Jian F, Li X, Yang X, Zhao Z, Lai W. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ up-regulates P2X3receptors in primary cultures of neonatal rat trigeminal ganglion neurons. Eur J Oral Sci 2015; 123:409-15. [PMID: 26607208 DOI: 10.1111/eos.12228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Hu Long
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Fan Jian
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases; West China School of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Xin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Zhihe Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Wenli Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Department of Orthodontics; West China Hospital of Stomatology; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
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Ruzza C, Rizzi A, Malfacini D, Molinari S, Giuliano C, Lovati E, Pietra C, Calo' G. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of Pronetupitant, a prodrug of the neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist Netupitant. Peptides 2015; 69:26-32. [PMID: 25843024 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Rizzi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Molinari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Giuliano
- Preclinical Research and Development Department, Helsinn Healthcare SA, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Emanuela Lovati
- Preclinical Research and Development Department, Helsinn Healthcare SA, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Pietra
- Preclinical Research and Development Department, Helsinn Healthcare SA, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
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Ruzza C, Rizzi A, Malfacini D, Cerlesi MC, Ferrari F, Marzola E, Ambrosio C, Gro C, Severo S, Costa T, Calo G, Guerrini R. Pharmacological characterization of tachykinin tetrabranched derivatives. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:4125-37. [PMID: 24758475 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Schröder W, Lambert DG, Ko MC, Koch T. Functional plasticity of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system determines analgesic properties of NOP receptor agonists. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:3777-800. [PMID: 24762001 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite high sequence similarity between NOP (nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid peptide) and opioid receptors, marked differences in endogenous ligand selectivity, signal transduction, phosphorylation, desensitization, internalization and trafficking have been identified; underscoring the evolutionary difference between NOP and opioid receptors. Activation of NOP receptors affects nociceptive transmission in a site-specific manner, with antinociceptive effects prevailing after peripheral and spinal activation, and pronociceptive effects after supraspinal activation in rodents. The net effect of systemically administered NOP receptor agonists on nociception is proposed to depend on the relative contribution of peripheral, spinal and supraspinal activation, and this may depend on experimental conditions. Functional expression and regulation of NOP receptors at peripheral and central sites of the nociceptive pathway exhibits a high degree of plasticity under conditions of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. In rodents, systemically administered NOP receptor agonists exerted antihypersensitive effects in models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. However, they were largely ineffective in acute pain while concomitantly evoking severe motor side effects. In contrast, systemic administration of NOP receptor agonists to non-human primates (NHPs) exerted potent and efficacious antinociception in the absence of motor and sedative side effects. The reason for this species difference with respect to antinociceptive efficacy and tolerability is not clear. Moreover, co-activation of NOP and μ-opioid peptide (MOP) receptors synergistically produced antinociception in NHPs. Hence, both selective NOP receptor as well as NOP/MOP receptor agonists may hold potential for clinical use as analgesics effective in conditions of acute and chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Schröder
- Department of Translational Science, Global Innovation, Grünenthal GmbH, Aachen, Germany
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28
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Bourinet E, Altier C, Hildebrand ME, Trang T, Salter MW, Zamponi GW. Calcium-permeable ion channels in pain signaling. Physiol Rev 2014; 94:81-140. [PMID: 24382884 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00023.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection and processing of painful stimuli in afferent sensory neurons is critically dependent on a wide range of different types of voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels, including sodium, calcium, and TRP channels, to name a few. The functions of these channels include the detection of mechanical and chemical insults, the generation of action potentials and regulation of neuronal firing patterns, the initiation of neurotransmitter release at dorsal horn synapses, and the ensuing activation of spinal cord neurons that project to pain centers in the brain. Long-term changes in ion channel expression and function are thought to contribute to chronic pain states. Many of the channels involved in the afferent pain pathway are permeable to calcium ions, suggesting a role in cell signaling beyond the mere generation of electrical activity. In this article, we provide a broad overview of different calcium-permeable ion channels in the afferent pain pathway and their role in pain pathophysiology.
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Gear RW, Bogen O, Ferrari LF, Green PG, Levine JD. NOP receptor mediates anti-analgesia induced by agonist-antagonist opioids. Neuroscience 2014; 257:139-48. [PMID: 24188792 PMCID: PMC3947912 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.10.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Clinical studies have shown that agonist-antagonist opioid analgesics that produce their analgesic effect via action on the kappa-opioid receptor, produce a delayed-onset anti-analgesia in men but not women, an effect blocked by co-administration of a low dose of naloxone. We now report the same time-dependent anti-analgesia and its underlying mechanism in an animal model. Using the Randall-Selitto paw-withdrawal assay in male rats, we found that nalbuphine, pentazocine, and butorphanol each produced analgesia during the first hour followed by anti-analgesia starting at ∼90min after administration in males but not females, closely mimicking its clinical effects. As observed in humans, co-administration of nalbuphine with naloxone in a dose ratio of 12.5:1 blocked anti-analgesia but not analgesia. Administration of the highly selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist U69593 produced analgesia without subsequent anti-analgesia, and confirmed by the failure of the selective kappa antagonist nor-binaltorphimine to block nalbuphine-induced anti-analgesia, indicating that anti-analgesia is not mediated by kappa-opioid receptors. We therefore tested the role of other receptors in nalbuphine anti-analgesia. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) and sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptors were chosen on the basis of their known anti-analgesic effects and receptor binding studies. The selective NOP receptor antagonists, JTC801, and J-113397, but not the sigma receptor antagonist, BD 1047, antagonized nalbuphine anti-analgesia. Furthermore, the NOP receptor agonist NNC 63-0532 produced anti-analgesia with the same delay in onset observed with the three agonist-antagonists, but without producing preceding analgesia and this anti-analgesia was also blocked by naloxone. These results strongly support the suggestion that clinically used agonist-antagonists act at the NOP receptor to produce anti-analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- R W Gear
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0440, United States
| | - O Bogen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0440, United States
| | - L F Ferrari
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0440, United States
| | - P G Green
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0440, United States
| | - J D Levine
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0440, United States; Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0120, United States.
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Liao L, Hua X, Long H, Ye N, Zhou Y, Wang S, Lai W. Expression patterns of nociceptin in rats following experimental tooth movement. Angle Orthod 2013; 83:1022-6. [PMID: 23650934 PMCID: PMC8722828 DOI: 10.2319/020913-119.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the expression levels of nociceptin following experimental tooth movement. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: sham and experimental groups. For the experimental group, closed coil springs were used to mimic orthodontic force (80 g) between upper incisors and first molars, and the rats were killed at 0 hours, 4 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, and 14 days. All of these procedures were similar for the sham group, except for that no force was applied. The four rats killed at 0 hours without any intervention were used as the baseline control in each group. Trigeminal nucleus caudalis from both the ipsilateral and contralateral sides of force applications were obtained for immunostaining. RESULTS Nociceptin was expressed in both the ipsilateral and contralateral sides of each group. Its expression levels started to increase on day 2, peaked on day 7, and returned to baseline on day 10 in the experimental group, while expression levels started to decrease on day 1 and returned to baseline on day 10 in the sham group. Moreover, the expression levels were similar between the ipsilateral and contralateral sides in each group. CONCLUSION The expression levels of nociceptin were elevated following experimental tooth movement. The anesthetic agent used in this study (chloral hydrate) may have an antagonism with nociceptin. Due to bilateral innervation of anterior teeth and bilateral projection of nerve fibers, the expression levels of nociceptin were similar between ipsilateral and contralateral sides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Liao
- PhD Graduate Student, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaochuan Hua
- Masters Graduate Student, Huiying Dental Clinic, 55# Huashan Nan Road, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hu Long
- PhD Graduate Student, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Niansong Ye
- PhD Graduate Student, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Masters Graduate Student, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- PhD Graduate Student, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenli Lai
- Professor, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Gavioli EC, Calo' G. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor antagonists as innovative antidepressant drugs. Pharmacol Ther 2013; 140:10-25. [PMID: 23711793 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor (NOP) were identified in the mid 90s as a novel peptidergic system structurally related to opioids. A growing body of preclinical evidence suggests that blockade of NOP receptors evokes antidepressant-like actions. These have been explored using a range of compounds (peptide and non peptide antagonists), across different species (rat and mouse) and assays (behavioral despair and chronic mild stress) suggesting a robust and consistent antidepressant-like effect. Moreover, rats and mice knockout for the NOP receptor gene display an antidepressant-like phenotype in behavioral despair assays. Electrophysiological, immunohistochemical and neurochemical studies point to an important role played by monoaminergic systems, particularly 5-HTergic, in mediating the antidepressant-like properties of NOP antagonists. However other putative mechanisms of action, including modulation of the CRF system, circadian rhythm and a possible neuroendocrine-immune control might be involved. A close relationship between the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system and stress responses is well described in the literature. Stressful situations also alter endocrine, behavioral and neurochemical parameters in rats and chronic administration of a NOP antagonist restored these alterations. Interestingly, clinical findings showed that plasma N/OFQ levels were significantly altered in major and post-partum depression, and bipolar disease patients. Collectively, data in the literature support the notion that blockade of NOP receptor signaling could be a novel and interesting strategy for the development of innovative antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Cristina Gavioli
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, 59078-970 Natal-RN, Brazil.
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Lee H. Effects of co-administration of intrathecal nociceptin/orphanin FQ and opioid antagonists on formalin-induced pain in rats. Yonsei Med J 2013; 54:763-71. [PMID: 23549827 PMCID: PMC3635624 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2013.54.3.763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Revised: 11/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) as an endogeneous hexadecapeptide is known to exert antinociceptive effects spinally. The aims of this study were to demonstrate the antinociceptive effects of i.t. N/OFQ and to investigate the possible interaction between N/OFQ and endogenous opioid systems using selective opioid receptor antagonists in rat formalin tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS I.t. N/OFQ was injected in different doses (1-10 nmol) via a lumbar catheter prior to a 50 μL injection of 5% formalin into the right hindpaw of rats. Flinching responses were measured from 0-10 min (phase I, an initial acute state) and 11-60 min (phase II, a prolonged tonic state). To observe which opioid receptors are involved in the anti-nociceptive effect of i.t. N/OFQ in the rat-formalin tests, naltrindole (5-20 nmol), β-funaltrexamine (1-10 nmol), and norbinaltorphimine (10 nmol), selective δ-, μ- and κ-opioid receptor antagonists, respectively, were administered intrathecally 5 min after i.t. N/OFQ. RESULTS I.t. N/OFQ attenuated the formalin-induced flinching responses in a dose-dependent manner in both phases I and II. I.t. administration of naltrindole and β-funaltrexamine dose-dependently reversed the N/OFQ-induced attenuation of flinching responses in both phases; however, norbinaltorphimine did not. CONCLUSION I.t. N/OFQ exerted an antinociceptive effect in both phases of the rat-formalin test through the nociceptin opioid peptide receptor. In addition, the results suggested that δ- and μ-opioid receptors, but not κ-opioid receptors, are involved in the antinociceptive effects of N/OFQ in the spinal cord of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heeseung Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 1071 Anyangcheon-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul 158-710, Korea.
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Calo’ G, Guerrini R. Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Biological Actions of Peptide Ligands Selective for the Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Receptor. ACS SYMPOSIUM SERIES 2013. [DOI: 10.1021/bk-2013-1131.ch015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Girolamo Calo’
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA (Laboratorio per le Tecnologie delle Terapie Avanzate), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara and National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA (Laboratorio per le Tecnologie delle Terapie Avanzate), University of Ferrara, Italy
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Feng Y, He X, Yang Y, Chao D, Lazarus LH, Xia Y. Current research on opioid receptor function. Curr Drug Targets 2012; 13:230-46. [PMID: 22204322 DOI: 10.2174/138945012799201612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2010] [Revised: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The use of opioid analgesics has a long history in clinical settings, although the comprehensive action of opioid receptors is still less understood. Nonetheless, recent studies have generated fresh insights into opioid receptor-mediated functions and their underlying mechanisms. Three major opioid receptors (μ-opioid receptor, MOR; δ-opioid receptor, DOR; and κ-opioid receptor, KOR) have been cloned in many species. Each opioid receptor is functionally sub-classified into several pharmacological subtypes, although, specific gene corresponding each of these receptor subtypes is still unidentified as only a single gene has been isolated for each opioid receptor. In addition to pain modulation and addiction, opioid receptors are widely involved in various physiological and pathophysiological activities, including the regulation of membrane ionic homeostasis, cell proliferation, emotional response, epileptic seizures, immune function, feeding, obesity, respiratory and cardiovascular control as well as some neurodegenerative disorders. In some species, they play an essential role in hibernation. One of the most exciting findings of the past decade is the opioid-receptor, especially DOR, mediated neuroprotection and cardioprotection. The upregulation of DOR expression and DOR activation increase the neuronal tolerance to hypoxic/ischemic stress. The DOR signal triggers (depending on stress duration and severity) different mechanisms at multiple levels to preserve neuronal survival, including the stabilization of homeostasis and increased pro-survival signaling (e.g., PKC-ERK-Bcl 2) and antioxidative capacity. In the heart, PKC and KATP channels are involved in the opioid receptor-mediated cardioprotection. The DOR-mediated neuroprotection and cardioprotection have the potential to significantly alter the clinical pharmacology in terms of prevention and treatment of life-threatening conditions like stroke and myocardial infarction. The main purpose of this article is to review the recent work done on opioids and their receptor functions. It shall provide an informative reference for better understanding the opioid system and further elucidation of the opioid receptor function from a physiological and pharmacological point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Feng
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Rizzi A, Campi B, Camarda V, Molinari S, Cantoreggi S, Regoli D, Pietra C, Calo' G. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of the novel NK₁ receptor selective antagonist Netupitant. Peptides 2012; 37:86-97. [PMID: 22732666 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Revised: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rizzi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
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36
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Parenti C, Aricò G, Ronsisvalle G, Scoto GM. Supraspinal injection of Substance P attenuates allodynia and hyperalgesia in a rat model of inflammatory pain. Peptides 2012; 34:412-8. [PMID: 22306475 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2011] [Revised: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide Substance P (SP), that has a high affinity for the neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor, is involved in modulation of pain transmission. Although SP is thought to have excitatory actions and promote nociception in the spinal cord, the peptide induces analgesia at the supraspinal level. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of supraspinal SP and the NK1 receptor in inflammatory pain induced by injection of carrageenan in the hind paw of the rat. There are two nociceptive behavioral responses associated with this pain state: mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia. Because the NK1 receptor colocalizes with the MOP receptor in supraspinal sites involved in pain modulation, we also decided to study the possible involvement of the opioid system on SP-induced analgesia. We found that treatment with SP, at doses of 3.5, 5 and 7 μg/5 μl/rat i.c.v., clearly showed inhibition of allodynia and hyperalgesia. Pretreatment with the selective NK1 antagonist L-733,060 (10mg/kg i.p.) blocked the SP-induced analgesia, suggesting the involvement of the NK1 receptor. This SP-induced analgesia was significantly reduced by administration of the opioid antagonist naloxone (3mg/kg s.c.). This reduction occurred when SP was administered either before or after the carrageenan injection. These results suggest a significant antinociceptive role for SP and the NK1 receptor in inflammatory pain at the supraspinal level, possibly through the release of endogenous opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Parenti
- Department of Drug Sciences-Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Catania, v.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
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Liu EH, Li C, Govindasamy M, Neo HJ, Lee TL, Low CM, Tachibana S. Elevated prepronociceptin, nociceptin/orphanin FQ and nocistatin concentrations in rat chronic constriction nerve injury and diabetic neuropathic pain models. Neurosci Lett 2012; 506:104-6. [PMID: 22075222 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.10.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Revised: 10/22/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and nocistatin are derived from the same precursor peptide, prepronociceptin. N/OFQ and nocistatin have been postulated to participate in pain modulation. In this study, we investigated whether the prepronociceptin, N/OFQ and nocistatin concentrations in the brain and spinal cord would be altered in chronic constriction injury and diabetic rat neuropathic pain models. Total brain and spinal cord lysates as well as serum from rats that had undergone chronic constriction injury and streptozocin-induced diabetic neuropathy were used to determine the concentrations of three peptides using competitive radioimmunoassay. We found that N/OFQ and prepronociceptin concentrations were significantly raised in both rat neuropathic pain models. Nocistatin was raised in the brains of post traumatic neuropathy pain rats. Overall, our data have demonstrated for the first time that prepronociceptin, N/OFQ and nocistatin concentrations are significantly altered at different tissues of two rat neuropathy pain models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene H Liu
- Department of Anaesthesia, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore. Eugene Liu
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38
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Marini P, Romanelli L, Valeri D, Cascio MG, Tucci P, Valeri P, Palmery M. Biphasic regulation of the acute μ-withdrawal and CCk-8 contracture responses by the ORL-1 system in guinea pig ileum. Pharmacol Res 2012; 65:100-10. [PMID: 21875667 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2011.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2011] [Revised: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 08/12/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The cloning of the opioid-receptor-like receptor (ORL-1) and the identification of the orphaninFQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N) as its endogenous agonist has revealed a new G-protein-coupled receptor signalling system. The structural and functional homology of ORL-1 to the opioid receptor systems has posed a number of challenges in the understanding the often competing physiological responses elicited by these G-protein-coupled receptors. We had previously shown that in guinea pig ileum (GPI), the acute μ-withdrawal response is under the inhibitory control of several systems. Specifically, we found that the exposure to a μ-opioid receptor agonist activates indirectly the κ-opioid, the A(1)-adenosine and the cannabinoid CB(1) systems, that in turn inhibit the withdrawal response. The indirect activation of these systems is prevented by the peptide cholecystokinin-8 (CCk-8). In the present study, we have investigated whether the ORL-1 system is also involved in the regulation of the acute μ-withdrawal response. Interestingly, we found that in GPI preparation, the ORL-1 system is not indirectly activated by the μ-opioid receptor stimulation, but instead the system is able by itself to directly regulate the acute μ-withdrawal response. Moreover, we have demonstrated that the ORL-1 system behaves both as anti-opioid or opioid-like system based on the level of activation. The same behaviour has also been observed in presence of CCk-8. Furthermore, in GPI, the existence of an endogenous tone of the ORL-1 system has been demonstrated. We concluded that the ORL-1 system acts as a neuromodulatory system, whose action is strictly related to the modulation of excitatory neurotrasmitters released in GPI enteric nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Marini
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
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Scoto GM, Aricò G, Ronsisvalle S, Parenti C. Effects of intraplantar nocistatin and (±)-J 113397 injections on nociceptive behavior in a rat model of inflammation. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2012; 100:639-44. [PMID: 22120202 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2011.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 11/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Nocistatin (NST) and Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) are derived from the same precursor protein, pre-proN/OFQ, and exert opposite effects on the modulation of pain signals. However, the role of the peripheral N/OFQ and the NOP receptor, which is located at the endings of sensory nerves, in inflammatory pain was not ascertained. NST administered intrathecally (i.t.) prevented the nociceptive effects induced by i.t. N/OFQ and PGE₂. Moreover an up regulation of N/OFQ was shown in the rat in response to peripheral inflammation. Here, we investigated the effects of intraplantar (i.pl.) administration of functional N/OFQ and NOP receptor antagonists in a rat model of inflammatory pain. Our findings showed that i.pl. injection of (±)-J 113397, a selective antagonist of the NOP receptor, and NST, the functional N/OFQ antagonist, prior to carrageenan significantly reduced the paw allodynic and thermal hyperalgesic threshold induced by the inflammatory agent. The resulting antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects by co-administering NST and (±)-J 113397 prior to carrageenan were markedly enhanced, and the basal latencies were restored. Thus, it is likely that the peripheral N/OFQ/NOP receptor system contributes to the abnormal pain sensitivity in an inflammatory state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna M Scoto
- Department of Drug Sciences-Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Catania, v.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
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Gerashchenko D, Horvath TL, Xie X(S. Direct inhibition of hypocretin/orexin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus by nociceptin/orphanin FQ blocks stress-induced analgesia in rats. Neuropharmacology 2011; 60:543-9. [PMID: 21195099 PMCID: PMC3031765 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2010.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2010] [Revised: 12/15/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We recently demonstrated that hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt) and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) systems coordinately regulate nociception in a mouse model of stress-induced analgesia (SIA). However, the site of N/OFQ action on modulation of SIA was elusive, since N/OFQ was administered via intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection acting on widely distributed N/OFQ receptors (NOP) in the brain. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that N/OFQ modulates the SIA directly via the inhibition of the Hcrt neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. Using both fluorescent and electron microscopy, we found that N/OFQ-containing neurons are located in the lateral hypothalamus and the N/OFQ-containing fibers make direct contacts with the Hcrt neurons. Paw thermal nociceptive test revealed that the immobilization restraint of the rat increased the thermal pain threshold by 20.5 ± 7.6%. Bilateral microinjection of N/OFQ (9 μg/side) into the rat perifornical area of the lateral hypothalamus, the brain area in which the Hcrt neurons are exclusively located, abolished the SIA. Activity of Hcrt neurons in the same animals was assessed using Fos immunohistochemistry. Percentage of Fos(+)/Hcrt neurons was lower in rats injected with N/OFQ than rats injected with saline, with the difference between groups stronger in the Hcrt neurons located medially to the fornix than in Hcrt neurons located laterally to the fornix. These results suggest that N/OFQ modulation of SIA is mediated by direct inhibition of Hcrt neuronal activity in the perifornical area. The uncovered peptidergic interaction circuitry may have broad implication in coordinated modulation by Hcrt and N/OFQ on other stress adaptive responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tamas L. Horvath
- Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, CT
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Rizzi A, Molinari S, Marti M, Marzola G, Calo' G. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor knockout rats: in vitro and in vivo studies. Neuropharmacology 2011; 60:572-9. [PMID: 21184763 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2010.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2010] [Revised: 12/15/2010] [Accepted: 12/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) regulates several biological functions via selective activation of the N/OFQ peptide (NOP) receptor. Recently knockout rats for the NOP receptor gene (NOP(-/-)) have been generated; these animals were used in the present study to investigate their emotional (open field, elevated plus maze, and forced swimming test), locomotor (drag and rotarod test), and nociceptive (plantar and formalin test) phenotypes in comparison with their NOP(+/+) littermates. In addition, N/OFQ sensitivity has been assessed in electrically stimulated vas deferens tissues taken from NOP(+/+) and NOP(-/-) rats. In the elevated plus maze and forced swimming tests NOP(-/-) rats showed anxiety- and anti-depressant-like phenotype, respectively. No differences were found in the open field test. NOP(-/-) rats outperformed their NOP(+/+) littermates in two motor behaviour assays. Genetic ablation of the NOP receptor gene produced a statistically significant increase in nociceptive behaviour of the mutant rats in the formalin test. Finally, in the electrically stimulated rat vas deferens taken from NOP(+/+) tissues, N/OFQ inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the electrically induced twitches while the peptide was inactive in tissues taken from NOP(-/-) animals. These results, in line with previous findings obtained with selective NOP receptor antagonists in mice and rats and with mouse knockout studies, clearly indicate that endogenous N/OFQ-NOP receptor signalling plays an important role in controlling anxiety- and mood-related behaviours, exercise-driven locomotor activity and nociception. These observations are relevant for defining the therapeutic indications (and contraindications) of NOP receptor antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rizzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Largent-Milnes TM, Vanderah TW. Recently patented and promising ORL-1 ligands: where have we been and where are we going? Expert Opin Ther Pat 2010; 20:291-305. [PMID: 20180617 DOI: 10.1517/13543771003602004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD The interactions of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and the opioid receptor-like receptor 1 (nociceptin opioid peptide--NOP) have been implicated in a variety of systems including cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, and the central and peripheral nervous systems. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW To elucidate the endogenous role of the N/OFQ-NOP system through the use of knockout and knockdown animal preparations, though most advances have been made using a host of synthetic agonists and antagonists. This review gives a brief history of the receptor-ligand discovery, the development of these agonists and antagonists within the last 10 years as published, and the therapeutic indications thereof focusing on pain. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN The use of NOP ligands in pain has been controversial at best; however, there are indications that both agonists and antagonists have a place in the clinical setting for acute and chronic pain. NOP ligands have potential as novel therapeutics, interestingly, when incorporated into a rationally-designed multi-target agent. TAKE HOME MESSAGE The discovery of N/OFQ and NOP opened a new option for the treatment of pain with the potential for a decreased side effect profile. Numerous compounds have been designed to target this system, the most promising of which have mixed profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tally M Largent-Milnes
- University of Arizona, Department of Pharmacology, 1501 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85724-5050, USA
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Ding Z, Raffa RB. Identification of an additional supraspinal component to the analgesic mechanism of action of buprenorphine. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 157:831-43. [PMID: 19422392 PMCID: PMC2721267 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00209.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2008] [Revised: 01/15/2009] [Accepted: 01/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Buprenorphine displays attributes of opioids, but also some features distinct from them. We examined spinal and supraspinal signal transduction of buprenorphine-induced anti-nociception in mice compared with morphine and fentanyl. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The opioid receptor antagonist naloxone, Pertussis toxin (PTX), G(z) protein antisense and nociceptin/orphanin-FQ receptor agonist nociceptin, and antagonist, JTC-801, were injected supraspinally (intracerebroventricular) and spinally (intrathecal). Also the cell-permeable Ser/Thr protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid was given supraspinally. KEY RESULTS Spinal naloxone (20 microg) or PTX (1 microg) attenuated morphine, fentanyl and buprenorphine (s.c.) anti-nociception. Supraspinal naloxone or PTX attenuated morphine and fentanyl, but not buprenorphine anti-nociception. Spinal G(z) protein antisense did not alter buprenorphine, morphine or fentanyl anti-nociception and supraspinal G(z)-antisense did not alter morphine or fentanyl anti-nociception. However, supraspinal G(z)-antisense (not random sense) reduced buprenorphine anti-nociception. Peripheral JTC-801 (1 mgxkg(-1), i.p.) enhanced the ascending (3 mgxkg(-1)) and descending (30 mgxkg(-1)) portions of buprenorphine's dose-response curve, but only spinal, not supraspinal, nociceptin (10 nmolxL(-1)) enhanced buprenorphine anti-nociception. Intracereboventricular okadaic acid (0.001-10 pg) produced a biphasic low-dose attenuation, high-dose enhancement of buprenorphine(3 or 30 mgxkg(-1), s.c.) anti-nociception, but did not affect morphine or fentanyl anti-nociception. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Buprenorphine has an opioid component to its supraspinal mechanism of analgesic action. Our present results reveal an additional supraspinal component insensitive to naloxone, PTX and nociceptin/orphanin-FQ, but involving G(z) protein and Ser/Thr protein phosphatase. These data might help explain the unique preclinical and clinical profiles of buprenorphine.
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MESH Headings
- Acetylcholine
- Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists/administration & dosage
- Aminoquinolines/administration & dosage
- Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage
- Anesthetics, Local/administration & dosage
- Animals
- Benzamides/administration & dosage
- Brain/drug effects
- Brain/metabolism
- Buprenorphine/administration & dosage
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Enzyme Inhibitors/administration & dosage
- Fentanyl/administration & dosage
- GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics
- GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Injections, Intraventricular
- Injections, Spinal
- Male
- Mice
- Morphine/administration & dosage
- Naloxone/administration & dosage
- Narcotic Antagonists/administration & dosage
- Okadaic Acid/administration & dosage
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/metabolism
- Opioid Peptides/administration & dosage
- Pain/chemically induced
- Pain/metabolism
- Pain/prevention & control
- Pain Measurement
- Pain Threshold/drug effects
- Pertussis Toxin/administration & dosage
- Phosphoprotein Phosphatases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Phosphoprotein Phosphatases/metabolism
- Piperazines/administration & dosage
- Pyridines/administration & dosage
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid/drug effects
- Receptors, Opioid/metabolism
- Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Antagonists
- Serotonin Antagonists/administration & dosage
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Yohimbine/administration & dosage
- Nociceptin Receptor
- Nociceptin
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Ding
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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Involvement of the Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ-NOP receptor system in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray following mechanical allodynia in chronic pain. Life Sci 2009; 85:206-10. [PMID: 19523963 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2009.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2009] [Revised: 04/28/2009] [Accepted: 05/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS It has been well documented that ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) matter is a crucial component of the descending pain modulatory system in the chronic pain condition. The aim of the present study was to identify the role of the vlPAG Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ/NOP receptor system in allodynia, a nociceptive behavioral response associated with chronic pain. MAIN METHODS We used two animal models of persistent pain: chronic constriction injury (CCI) and inflammation induced by carrageenan. In each, Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ transmission was abolished using UFP-101, a selective NOP receptor antagonist, which was injected into the vlPAG at a dose of 18 microg/1 microl/rat. KEY FINDINGS We found that treatment with the NOP antagonist reversed the decrease in allodynic threshold in CCI rats fourteen days after the ligature, which was the timepoint of the greatest reduction in threshold. Moreover, UFP-101 administered immediately prior to or 2 h after intra plantar (i.pl.) carrageenan injection prevented or reversed, respectively, allodynic behavior in rats with inflammation. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings support the hypothesis that the endogenous Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ/NOP receptor system is tonically active at the vlPAG level during neuropathic states or carrageenan inflammation.
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45
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Chang M, Li W, Peng YL, Gao YH, Yao J, Han RW, Wang R. 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. Brain Res 2009; 1271:36-48. [PMID: 19332041 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2008] [Revised: 03/17/2009] [Accepted: 03/18/2009] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
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46
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Fischetti C, Camarda V, Rizzi A, Pelà M, Trapella C, Guerrini R, McDonald J, Lambert DG, Salvadori S, Regoli D, Calo' G. Pharmacological characterization of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor non peptide antagonist Compound 24. Eur J Pharmacol 2009; 614:50-7. [PMID: 19445927 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2008] [Revised: 04/16/2009] [Accepted: 04/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Compound 24, 1-benzyl-N-[3-[spiroisobenzofuran-1(3H),4'-piperidin-1-yl]propyl] pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide was recently identified as a nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide receptor (NOP) ligand. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological profiles of Compound 24 were investigated. In vitro studies were performed measuring receptor and [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding and calcium mobilization in cells expressing the recombinant NOP receptor as well as using N/OFQ sensitive tissues. In vivo studies were conducted using the tail withdrawal assay in mice. Compound 24 produced a concentration-dependent displacement of [(3)H]N/OFQ binding to CHO(hNOP) cell membranes showing high affinity (pK(i) 9.62) and selectivity (1000 fold) over classical opioid receptors. Compound 24 antagonized with high potency the following in vitro effects of N/OFQ: stimulation of [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding in CHO(hNOP) cell membranes (pA(2) 9.98), calcium mobilization in CHO(hNOP) cells expressing the Galpha(qi5) chimeric protein (pK(B) 8.73), inhibition of electrically evoked twitches in the mouse (pA(2) 8.44) and rat (pK(B) 8.28) vas deferens, and in the guinea pig ileum (pK(B) 9.12). In electrically stimulated tissues, Compound 24 up to 1 microM did not modify the effects of classical opioid receptor agonists. Finally in vivo, in the mouse tail withdrawal assay, Compound 24 at 10 mg/kg antagonized the pronociceptive and antinociceptive effects of 1 nmol N/OFQ given supraspinally and spinally, respectively. Under the same experimental conditions Compound 24 did not affect the antinociceptive action of 3 nmol endomorphin-1 injected intrathecally. The present study demonstrated that Compound 24 is a pure, competitive, and highly potent non-peptide NOP receptor selective antagonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Fischetti
- Department Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Agostini S, Eutamene H, Broccardo M, Improta G, Petrella C, Theodorou V, Bueno L. Peripheral anti-nociceptive effect of nociceptin/orphanin FQ in inflammation and stress-induced colonic hyperalgesia in rats. Pain 2009; 141:292-299. [PMID: 19147291 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2008.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2008] [Revised: 11/03/2008] [Accepted: 12/01/2008] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its NOP receptors are present in the central nervous system and in the periphery playing important roles in the modulation of gastrointestinal functions and pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of central and peripheral N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in the nociceptive response to colorectal distension (CRD) in basal condition and in two models of gut hypersensitivity triggered by both inflammation and stress. Male Wistar rats were tested in basal and in post-inflammatory conditions, i.e., 5 days after IC TNBS instillation (80 mg/Kg) and received N/OFQ (2 nmol/Kg IP), UFP-101 (a selective NOP receptor antagonist, 10 nmol/Kg IP), N/OFQ+UFP-101, N/OFQ (0.5 nmol/rat ICV) or vehicle. Female rats were tested in basal and after partial restraint stress receiving the same pharmacological treatment. CRD was performed using barostat and abdominal contractions were recorded by electromyography. In basal condition, N/OFQ, ICV and IP injected, did not modify basal visceral sensitivity. Both in TNBS and stress-induced hyperalgesia, IP but not ICV injection of N/OFQ significantly decreased the number of abdominal contractions. Peripheral injection of UFP-101 antagonized N/OFQ effect. Moreover, in post-inflammatory colitis, UFP-101, injected alone, exacerbated visceral hyperalgesia to CRD compared with vehicle. These findings indicate that in rats, N/OFQ, only peripherally injected, reduces visceral hypersensitivity triggered by inflammation or stress without affecting basal sensitivity. N/OFQ visceral anti-hyperalgesic effect involves peripheral NOP receptors. In a post-inflammatory, but not in an acute stress colitis model, N/OFQergic system is endogenously activated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Agostini
- INRA, EI-Purpan, UMR 1054 Neuro-Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, 180 Chemin de Tournefeuille - BP3, 31931 Toulouse Cedex 9, Toulouse, France Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Marti M, Viaro R, Guerrini R, Franchi G, Morari M. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ modulates motor behavior and primary motor cortex output through receptors located in substantia nigra reticulata. Neuropsychopharmacology 2009; 34:341-55. [PMID: 18418358 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2008.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This study was set to investigate whether motor effects of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) can be related to changes in primary motor cortex output. N/OFQ injected i.c.v. biphasically modulated motor performance, low doses being facilitating and higher ones inhibitory. These effects were counteracted by the N/OFQ receptor antagonist [Nphe(1) Arg(14),Lys(15)]N/OFQ-NH(2) (UFP-101) confirming the specificity of N/OFQ action. However, UFP-101 alone facilitated motor performance, suggesting that endogenous N/OFQ inhibits motor function. N/OFQ and UFP-101 injected into the substantia nigra reticulata but not motor cortex replicated these effects, suggesting motor responses were mediated by subcortical circuits involving the basal ganglia. Intracortical microstimulation technique showed that i.c.v. N/OFQ also biphasically modulated motor cortex excitability and movement representation. Low N/OFQ doses caused a leftward shift of threshold distribution curve in the forelimb area without affecting the number of effective sites. Conversely, high N/OFQ doses increased unresponsive and reduced excitable (movement) sites in vibrissa but not forelimb area. However, increased threshold currents and rightward shift of threshold distribution curve were observed in both areas, suggesting an overall inhibitory effect on cortical motor output. UFP-101 alone evoked effects similar to low N/OFQ doses, suggesting tonic inhibitory control over forelimb movement by endogenous N/OFQ. As shown in behavioral experiments, these effects were replicated by intranigral, but not intracortical, N/OFQ or UFP-101 injections. We conclude that N/OFQ receptors located in the substantia nigra reticulata mediate N/OFQ biphasic control over motor behavior, possibly through changes of primary motor cortex output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Marti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Chen LY, Huang JX, Yu LC. Involvement of ORL1 receptor and ERK kinase in the orphanin FQ-induced nociception in the nucleus accumbens of rats. REGULATORY PEPTIDES 2008; 151:43-7. [PMID: 18588920 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2008.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2008] [Revised: 04/02/2008] [Accepted: 06/01/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is a heptadecapeptide, which has been identified as an endogenous ligand of the opioid receptor-like (ORL1) receptor. The present study investigated the nociceptive effect of intra-nucleus accumbens (intra-NAc) injection of OFQ, and the involvement of ERK pathway in such effect. Intra-NAc injection of OFQ (0.1, 0.5, 1 nmol) dose-dependently decreased the nociceptive thresholds on the hindpaw withdrawal response to thermal and mechanical stimulation in rats. Moreover, the intra-NAc injection of OFQ-induced decreases in HWLs were antagonized by intra-NAc injection of (Nphe(1))nociceptin(1-13)NH(2), an antagonist of ORL1 receptor, in a dose-dependent way. Furthermore, the OFQ-induced nociception could be attenuated by pretreatment with the mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor 1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis(2-aminopheylthio)butadiene (U0126). Our results demonstrate that OFQ induces nociceptive effects in NAc. The effect was blocked by the antagonist (Nphe(1))nociceptin(1-13)NH(2) and attenuated by U0126, suggesting that the activation of ERK pathways is involved in the OFQ-induced nociceptive effect in the NAc of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ying Chen
- Neurobiology Laboratory and National Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences Peking University, Beijing 100871, PR China
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The nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor: a target with broad therapeutic potential. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2008; 7:694-710. [DOI: 10.1038/nrd2572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 284] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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