Orphanin FQ/nociceptin analgesia in the rat

Roles of neuronal toll-like receptors in neuropathic pain and central nervous system injuries and diseases

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are innate immune receptors that are expressed in immune cells as well as glia and neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems. They are best known for their role in the host defense in response to pathogens and for the induction of inflammation in infectious and non-infectious diseases. In the central nervous system (CNS), TLRs modulate glial and neuronal functions as well as innate immunity and neuroinflammation under physiological or pathophysiological conditions. The majority of the studies on TLRs in CNS pathologies investigated their overall contribution without focusing on a particular cell type, or they analyzed TLRs in glia and infiltrating immune cells in the context of neuroinflammation and cellular activation. The role of neuronal TLRs in CNS diseases and injuries has received little attention and remains underappreciated. The primary goal of this review is to summarize findings demonstrating the pivotal and unique roles of neuronal TLRs in neuropathic pain, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and CNS injuries. We discuss how the current findings warrant future investigations to better define the specific contributions of neuronal TLRs to these pathologies. We underline the paucity of information regarding the role of neuronal TLRs in other neurodegenerative, demyelinating, and psychiatric diseases. We draw attention to the importance of broadening research on neuronal TLRs in view of emerging evidence demonstrating their distinctive functional properties.

Lack of effect of the nociceptin opioid peptide agonist Ro 64-6198 on pain-depressed behavior and heroin choice in rats

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE

One objective of the National Institutes of Health Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) initiative is to accelerate research on safer and more effective medications for both pain and opioid use disorder. Ligands that activate the nociceptin opioid peptide receptor (NOP) constitute one class of candidate drugs for both applications. The present preclinical study determined the effectiveness of the NOP agonist Ro 64-6198 to produce antinociception in a pain-depressed behavior procedure and attenuate opioid self-administration in a heroin-vs-food choice procedure.

METHODS

In Experiment 1, Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were equipped with microelectrodes and trained to respond for electrical brain stimulation in an intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) procedure. The potency, time course, and receptor mechanism of effects produced by R0 64-6198 alone (0.32-3.2 mg/kg) on ICSS were examined, followed by evaluation of 0.32-1.0 mg/kg Ro 64-6198 effectiveness to block lactic acid-induced depression of ICSS. In Experiment 2, rats self-administered heroin under a heroin-vs-food choice procedure during a regimen of repeated, daily intraperitoneal administration of vehicle or Ro 64-6198 (1-3.2 mg/kg/day).

RESULTS

Ro 64-6198 produced dose- and time-dependent ICSS depression that was blocked by the selective NOP antagonist SB612111 but not by naltrexone. Ro 64-6198 failed to block acid-induced depression of ICSS. Repeated Ro 64-6198 pretreatment also failed to attenuate heroin-vs-food choice up to doses that significantly decreased operant behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

These results do not support the utility of Ro 64-6198 as a stand-alone medication for either acute pain or opioid use disorder.

Interactive Mechanisms of Supraspinal Sites of Opioid Analgesic Action: A Festschrift to Dr. Gavril W. Pasternak

Almost a half century of research has elaborated the discoveries of the central mechanisms governing the analgesic responses of opiates, including their receptors, endogenous peptides, genes and their putative spinal and supraspinal sites of action. One of the central tenets of "gate-control theories of pain" was the activation of descending supraspinal sites by opiate drugs and opioid peptides thereby controlling further noxious input. This review in the Special Issue dedicated to the research of Dr. Gavril Pasternak indicates his contributions to the understanding of supraspinal mediation of opioid analgesic action within the context of the large body of work over this period. This review will examine (a) the relevant supraspinal sites mediating opioid analgesia, (b) the opioid receptor subtypes and opioid peptides involved, (c) supraspinal site analgesic interactions and their underlying neurophysiology, (d) molecular (particularly AS) tools identifying opioid receptor actions, and (e) relevant physiological variables affecting site-specific opioid analgesia. This review will build on classic initial studies, specify the contributions that Gavril Pasternak and his colleagues did in this specific area, and follow through with studies up to the present.

IDE Degrades Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ through an Insulin Regulated Mechanism

Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) was applied to catalyze hydrolysis of Nociceptin/Orphanin 1-16 (OFQ/N) to show the involvement of the enzyme in degradation of neuropeptides engaged in pain transmission. Moreover, IDE degradative action towards insulin (Ins) was inhibited by the OFQ/N fragments, suggesting a possible regulatory mechanism in the central nervous system. It has been found that OFQ/N and Ins affect each other degradation by IDE, although in a different manner. Indeed, while the digestion of OFQ/N is significantly affected by the presence of Ins, the kinetic profile of the Ins hydrolysis is not affected by the presence of OFQ/N. However, the main hydrolytic fragments of OFQ/N produced by IDE exert inhibitory activity towards the IDE-mediated Ins degradation. Here, we present the results indicating that, besides Ins, IDE cleaves neuropeptides and their released fragments act as inhibitors of IDE activity toward Ins. Having in mind that IDE is present in the brain, which also contains Ins receptors, it cannot be excluded that this enzyme indirectly participates in neural communication of pain signals and that neuropeptides involved in pain transmission may contribute to the regulation of IDE activity. Finally, preliminary results on the metabolism of OFQ/N, carried out in the rat spinal cord homogenate in the presence of various inhibitors specific for different classes of proteases, show that OFQ/N proteolysis in rat spinal cord could be due, besides IDE, also to a cysteine protease not yet identified.

The role of orphanin FQ/nociceptin in neuroplasticity: relationship to stress, anxiety and neuroinflammation

The neuropeptide, orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N or simply, nociceptin), is expressed in both neuronal and non-neuronal tissue, including the immune system. In the brain, OFQ/N has been investigated in relation to stress, anxiety, learning and memory, and addiction. More recently, it has also been found that OFQ/N influences glial cell functions, including oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglial cells. However, this latter research is relatively small, but potentially important, when observations regarding the relationship of OFQ/N to stress and emotional functions is taken into consideration and integrated with the growing evidence for its involvement in cells that mediate inflammatory events. This review will first provide an overview and understanding of how OFQ/N has been implicated in the HPA axis response to stress, followed by an understanding of its influence on natural and learned anxiety-like behavior. What emerges from an examination of the literature is a neuropeptide that appears to counteract anxiogenic influences, but paradoxically, without attenuating HPA axis responses generated in response to stress. Studies utilized both central administration of OFQ/N, which was shown to activate the HPA axis, as well as antagonism of NOP-R, the OFQ/N receptor. In contrast, antagonist or transgenic OFQ/N or NOP-R knockout studies, showed augmentation of HPA axis responses to stress, suggesting that OFQ/N may be needed to control the magnitude of the HPA axis response to stress. Investigations of behavior in standard exploratory tests of anxiogenic behavior (eg., elevated plus maze) or learned fear responses have suggested that OFQ/N is needed to attenuate fear or anxiety-like behavior. However, some discrepant observations, in particular, those that involve appetitive behaviors, suggest a failure of NOP-R deletion to increase anxiety. However, it is also suggested that OFQ/N may operate in an anxiolytic manner when initial anxiogenic triggers (eg., the neuropeptide CRH) are initiated. Finally, the regulatory functions of OFQ/N in relation to emotion-related behaviors may serve to counteract potential neuroinflammatory events in the brain. This appears to be evident within the glial cell environment of the brain, since OFQ/N has been shown to reduce the production of proinflammatory cellular and cytokine events. Given that both OFQ/N and glial cells are activated in response to stress, it is possible that there is a possible convergence of these two systems that has important repercussions for behavior and neuroplasticity.

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ modulates cortical activity and trigeminal nociception

BACKGROUND

Alterations in the levels of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) have been reported in patients with primary headaches, including migraines and cluster headaches. These clinical observations suggest that N/OFQ is involved in the pathogenesis of primary headaches.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was conducted to determine the role of N/OFQ in the control of trigeminal nociception and cortical excitation.

METHODS

Cortical spreading depression (CSD) was elicited in Wistar rats by cortical application of potassium chloride, and electrocorticograms were recorded. N/OFQ was administered via an intracisternal injection. The presence of CSD-evoked trigeminal nociception was determined with Fos and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) immunoreactivity.

RESULTS

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ produced a biphasic effect on CSD generation, characterized by an initial attenuation followed by delayed potentiation. The amplitude of CSD waves were lower in the initial period but increased in the later period. The total number of CSD waves recorded in 1 hour was greater in the N/OFQ-treated group. Exposure to N/OFQ significantly increased the number of Fos-immunoreactive cells in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis and the number of TRPV1-immunoreactive cells in the trigeminal ganglia, indicating the enhancement of trigeminal nociception.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that N/OFQ can lead to biphasic effect characterized by an initial inhibition, and delay potentiation that eventually intensify CSD-evoked trigeminal nociception.

Medial forebrain stimulation enhances intracranial nociception and attenuates morphine analgesia suggesting the existence of an endogenous opioid antagonist

The purpose of this experiment was to test in the rat the hypotheses that activation of the brain reward system would attenuate the effects of intracranial nociceptive stimulation and would potentiate the antinociceptive effects of morphine. In this experiment pain (nociception) was generated by electrical stimulation of a brain pain pathway, the mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF) of the rat. Reward pathway stimulation was to the medial forebrain bundle at the level of the lateral hypothalamus (MFB-LH). Current thresholds for escape from MRF stimulation were determined using a modification of the psychophysical methods of limits. MRF stimulation was delivered concurrently with different intensities of non-contingent MFB-LH stimulation. The effects of morphine and saline were determined under all stimulation conditions. Contrary to expectation MFB-LH stimulation significantly lowered MRF stimulation escape thresholds. Morphine administration elevated MRF thresholds in the absence of MFB-LH stimulation. However, this effect was blocked by concurrent MFB-LH stimulation. These findings, which mimic the effects of the opiate antagonist naloxone, i.e., potentiating of pain and antagonism of morphine's analgesic effects, suggest the presence of an endogenous opiate receptor antagonist.

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ causes non-quantal slowing of respiratory rhythm in brainstem-spinal cord preparation from newborn rat

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is the endogenous agonist of the N/OFQ peptide receptor, an inhibitory G protein-coupled receptor. N/OFQ acts as a neuromodulator to depress respiratory rhythm in the brainstem. Although the mechanisms of respiratory rhythm generation remain poorly understood, the pre-inspiratory neuron (Pre-I) and the pre-Bötzinger complex (preBötC) inspiratory neuron (Insp) network in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) have been proposed to be essential for respiratory rhythm generation. Opioids presumably cause quantal slowing via selective depression of preBötC Insps. However, it is unclear whether N/OFQ depresses respiratory rhythm via the same mechanism. In this study, using in vitro newborn rat en bloc preparations, we examined the slowing pattern of N/OFQ (quantal or non-quantal) and the effects of N/OFQ on the extracellularly recorded discharge of Pre-Is and Insps in the RVLM. N/OFQ caused non-quantal slowing with a synchronous decrease in burst rates of Insps and of C4 discharge whereas the intraburst spike number in Insps remained unchanged. It also caused a significant decrease in burst rates and intraburst spike numbers in Pre-Is, while the 1:1 coupling of Pre-Is bursts to C4 bursts was preserved. When superfusate K(+) was elevated from 6.2 to 11.2mM, Pre-I activity was increasingly uncoupled from C4 bursts. After the application of N/OFQ in a high [K(+)] superfusate, the 1:1 coupling of Pre-Is to C4 bursts was restored. We conclude that N/OFQ suppresses burst and spike generation of Pre-Is, and that suppression of Pre-Is activity with synchronous coupling to the Insps network contributes to N/OFQ-induced non-quantal slowing.

Role of nociceptin/orphanin FQ and the pseudopeptide [Phe1Psi(CH2NH)Gly2]-nociceptin(1-13)-NH2 and their interaction with classic opioids in the modulation of thermonociception in the land snail Helix aspersa

The role in nociception of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor, the opioid receptor-like 1 (NOP), remains unclear because this peptide has been implicated in both suppression and enhancement of nociception. The present work characterises the effects of N/OFQ and the NOP receptor antagonist, the pseudopeptide [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)NH)Gly(2)]-nociceptin(1-13)-NH(2) (Phe(1)Psi), on thermonociception in the snail Helix aspersa using the hot plate assay. Additionally, the possible interaction of each of these compounds with morphine or dynorphin A(1-17) and naloxone was studied. Compounds were administered into the hemocoel cavity of H. aspersa and the latency to the aversive withdrawal behaviour recorded. Dose-response and time course curves were done. N/OFQ and naloxone produced a similar dose-dependent pronociceptive effect; however, N/OFQ reached its peak effect earlier and was 30 times more potent than naloxone. [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)NH)Gly(2)]-nociceptin(1-13)-NH(2) and the opioid agonists, morphine and dynorphin A(1-17) produced antinociception with a similar efficacy, but [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)NH)Gly(2)]-nociceptin(1-13)-NH(2) reached its peak effect more rapidly and lasted longer than that of dynorphin A(1-17) and morphine. [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)NH)Gly(2)]-nociceptin(1-13)-NH(2) was 50 times less potent than dynorphin A(1-17), but 30 times more potent than morphine. N/OFQ significantly reduced morphine and dynorphin A(1-17)-induced antinociception. Combined administration of low doses of [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)NH)Gly(2)]-nociceptin(1-13)-NH(2) and morphine or dynorphin A(1-17) produced a potent antinociceptive effect. Sub-effective doses of naloxone and N/OFQ also synergised to produce pronociception. Data suggest that these two opioid classes regulate nociception through parallel systems. The H. aspersa model appears as a valuable experimental preparation to continue the study of these opioid receptor systems.

The relaxant effect of nociceptin on porcine coronary arterial ring segments

Nociceptin (NC), alias orphanin FQ, has been identified as the endogenous ligand of the opioid receptor-like 1 receptor (ORL1). The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of nociceptin on porcine coronary arteries and to investigate the mechanism of its action, if any. Rings of coronary arteries from porcine hearts were suspended in baths containing Krebs solution, and isometric tension was measured. The response to nociceptin (10(-1)2-10(-5) mol/L) was investigated in porcine coronary arterial rings and also in such rings contracted with prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha). The effects of endothelium, nitroxide (NO), methylene blue, cyclic GMP (cGMP), naloxone, [Nphe1]NC(1-13)NH2, and propranolol on nociceptin-induced relaxation were also assessed. Our study showed nociceptin relaxed the porcine coronary arterial rings and inhibited the vasocontractivity to PGF2alpha. The relaxing response of nociceptin in coronary arteries was significantly reduced by removal of endothelium and by the presence of L-NNA, cGMP, and [Nphe1]NC(1-13)NH2, the selective nociceptin receptor antagonist, but not by naloxone, the nonselestive opioid receptor blocker or propranolol, which blocks the adrenergic beta-receptor. Our results suggest that nociceptin induces relaxation of isolated coronary artery through NO, cGMP, and ORL1.

The rostral ventromedial medulla mediates the facilitatory effect of microinjected orphanin FQ in the periaqueductal gray on spinal nociceptive transmission in rats

Single unit extracellular recordings from spinal dorsal horn neurons were obtained with glass micropipettes in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats. A total of 50 wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons were studied in 25 rats. Microinjection of orphanin FQ (OFQ, 0.1 microg/0.1 microl) (a potent endogenous ligand of the opioid receptor-like receptor (ORL-1)) into the ipsilateral ventrolateral parts of periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) significantly increased C-response and post-discharge activity in most of the WDR neurons. Pre-microinjection of lidocaine (4%) into the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) (0.5 microl), ipsilateral nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis (NGC) (0.6 microl), or nucleus gigantocellularis pars alpha (NGCalpha) and nucleus reticularis paragigantocellularis lateralis (NPGL) (0.5 microl) markedly reduced intra-vlPAG microinjection of OFQ-induced facilitatory effects on nociceptive responses of WDR neurons. Furthermore, if the NRM and ipsilateral NGC were simultaneously pre-microinjected with lidocaine, the intra-vlPAG microinjection of OFQ-induced facilitation on nociceptive responses of WDR neurons was eliminated. Also, a similar effect was observed when all the NRM, ipsilateral NGC, NGCalpha and NPGL were blocked with lidocaine. No significant effect on nociceptive responses of WDR neurons per se was found after blocking the NRM, ipsilateral NGC, NGCalpha/NPGL, or all the NRM, ipsilateral NGC, and NGCalpha/NPGL with lidocaine. These results indicate that (1) the facilitatory effect evoked by microinjection of OFQ into the vlPAG on nociceptive responses of WDR neurons in the spinal dorsal horn is primarily mediated by the NRM and ipsilateral NGC; (2) the NRM, ipsilateral NGC, and NGCalpha/NPGL do not mediate tonic descending inhibition of the spinal dorsal horn neurons.

Roles of nociceptin/orphanin FQ and nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor in respiratory rhythm generation in the medulla oblongata: an in vitro study

BACKGROUND

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is the endogenous agonist of the orphan opioid receptor-like receptor (NOP receptor, previously termed ORL1), a novel member of the opioid receptor family. The aim of the present study, using in vitro newborn rat preparations, was to elucidate the roles N/OFQ and the NOP receptor play in medullary generation of respiratory rhythm.

METHODS

The brainstem-spinal cord from 3-day-old Wistar rats was isolated and perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (27.5 degrees C) equilibrated with oxygen 95% and carbon dioxide 5% at pH 7.4. Respiratory activity was recorded from the C4/C5 ventral roots. The effects of N/OFQ (10 nM, 30 nM, 100 nM) on respiratory frequency (fR) (bursts min(-1)) was measured. Drugs were administered through the recording chamber by means of a perfusion system. In addition, the effects of pretreatment with the classical non-selective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone 1 microM, and the selective NOP antagonist CompB 10 microM, were evaluated. Statistical significance was evaluated using ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test (P<0.05).

RESULTS

N/OFQ reduced fR in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment with CompB 10 microM prevented the N/OFQ 10 nM-induced fR reduction, whereas CompB itself was inactive. Pretreatment with naloxone did not prevent the N/OFQ-induced fR reduction.

CONCLUSION

N/OFQ acts as a neuromodulator to reduce fR in the respiratory rhythm- generating centre of the medulla oblongata, and this action of N/OFQ is mediated by NOP receptors.

Reciprocal interactions between the amygdala and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray in mediating of Q/N(1-17)-induced analgesia in the rat

The opioid peptide, Orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N(1-17))(,) its active fragments, and a related precursor peptide each produce analgesia following microinjection into the amygdala of rats. OFQ/N(1-17)-induced analgesia elicited from the amygdala is blocked by amygdala pretreatment of either general, mu, kappa, or delta-opioid antagonists even though OFQ/N(1-17) binds poorly to these receptor subtypes, and the antagonists bind poorly to the ORL-1/KOR-3 receptor. Agonists at mu and kappa opioid receptors as well as beta-endorphin each produce analgesia elicited from the amygdala that is blocked by opioid antagonist pretreatment in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) of rats. The present study examined whether pretreatment of general and selective opioid antagonists in the vlPAG blocked OFQ/N(1-17)-induced analgesia on the tail-flick test elicited from the amygdala, and whether pretreatment of general and selective opioid antagonists in the amygdala blocked OFQ/N(1-17)-induced analgesia elicited from the vlPAG of rats. OFQ/N(1-17)-induced analgesia elicited from the amygdala was significantly and markedly reduced following vlPAG pretreatment with a dose range of either naltrexone, beta-funaltrexamine (beta-FNA, mu), nor-binaltorphamine (NBNI, kappa) or naltrindole (NTI, delta). In contrast, opioid antagonists administered into misplaced mesencephalic control placements ventral and lateral to the vlPAG actually enhanced OFQ/N(1-17)-induced analgesia elicited from the amygdala. OFQ/N(1-17)-induced analgesia elicited from the vlPAG was significantly and markedly reduced following amygdala pretreatment with naltrexone and NBNI, to a lesser degree by NTI, and was unaffected by beta-FNA. Yet, opioid antagonists administered into misplaced amygdala control placements were generally ineffective in altering OFQ/N(1-17)-induced analgesia elicited from the vlPAG. Latencies were transiently increased by general, but not selective opioid antagonist treatment alone in the amygdala, but not the vlPAG. These data indicate reciprocal and regional interactions between the amygdala and vlPAG in the mediation of OFQ/N(1-17) by classic opioid receptor subtype antagonists in rats.

Orphanin FQ/nociceptin: from neural circuitry to behavior

Orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N), the endogenous ligand for the "orphan" opioid receptor ORL-1 (NOP(1)) was first identified in 1995. In the years since its discovery, a large body of evidence has accumulated showing that OFQ/N and its receptor are widely distributed in the nervous system, and showing that OFQ/N has potent and indiscriminate inhibitory actions on neurons in many regions. However, numerous studies investigating the functional role of OFQ/N in physiology or behavior have failed to provide a coherent view. Pain and analgesia have been the best studied, and administration of OFQ/N is reported to have no effect, to produce hyperalgesia, analgesia or anti-hyperalgesia. Effects of OFQ/N receptor antagonists have proved similarly contentious. In an attempt to resolve this controversy, we investigated the actions of OFQ/N on the activity of physiologically characterized neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla, a region with a well-documented role in pain modulation(Heinricher et al., 1997). The results of those experiments demonstrate that this peptide is neither "anti-opioid" or "anti-hyperalgesic". It is simply inhibitory. For this reason, the effects seen in functional studies will only be fully understood when examined in the context of identified neural circuits.

Orphanin FQ/nociceptin blocks chronic morphine-induced tyrosine hydroxylase upregulation

The recently discovered endogenous peptide orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N) activates the opioid receptor-like 1 (ORL1) receptor and produces diverse effects on pain perception. In addition to producing spinal analgesia, OFQ/N also exhibits an 'anti-opioid activity' against functional (supraspinal analgesia) and behavioral (conditioned place preference and withdrawal) properties of morphine. One manifestation of the behavioral changes resulting from chronic use of morphine is the upregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH, the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis), which contributes to the dramatic increases in catecholamine release in the target regions of the locus coeruleus (LC) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The present study sought to determine the molecular mechanism(s) by which OFQ/N modulates the chronic actions of morphine by utilizing human neuroblastoma cell lines [BE(2)-C and SH-SY5Y] that endogenously express TH, and mu and ORL1 receptors. Activation of mu or ORL1 receptors in these cells in turn activates extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERKs), ERK1 and ERK2. Chronic activation of mu, but not ORL1, receptors upregulated TH levels in these cells as previously reported in rat brain. Morphine-induced TH upregulation was blocked upon inclusion of a MEK-1 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-1) inhibitor (PD98059), confirming the role for ERKs in this adaptive response to morphine. Inclusion of OFQ/N during chronic morphine exposure also blocked morphine-induced TH upregulation. Furthermore, chronic OFQ/N exposure increased levels of the TH gene repressor, Oct-2, irrespective of the presence or absence of morphine. This report suggests a potential role for Oct-2 in mediating the anti-opioid actions of OFQ/N against the behavioral manifestations resulting from chronic use of morphine.

Does nociceptin play a role in pain disorders in man?

Nociceptin-immunoreactive cellbodies were detected in the human trigeminal ganglion, while no such fibers were identified in the temporal artery or in dermal tissue from the neck region. In four healthy subjects receiving nociceptin into the temporal muscle in an open labeled design no pain was detected. In 10 healthy subjects who received 200pmol of nociceptin into tender non-dominant trapezius muscles in a placebo-controlled, randomized, balanced, and double-blinded design local tenderness increased (P=0.025) while no pain was noted. Thus, the action of nociceptin should be searched for in the trigeminal ganglion and/or in the central nervous system (CNS).

Nociceptin, OP4 receptor ligand in different models of experimental epilepsy

The anticonvulsive activity of nociceptin, endogenous OP4 receptors agonist was investigated in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), N-methyl D-aspartic acid (NMDA), bicucculine (BCC) and electrically evoked seizure models of experimental epilepsy. Nociceptin, at the dose of 10 nmol, suppressed the clonic seizures induced by PTZ, NMDA and BCC. [Phe1(psi)(CH2-NH)Gly2]nociceptin-(1-13)-NH2 which has been proposed to be selective antagonist OP4 receptors, did not prevent the action of nociceptin. The effect of [Phe1(psi)(CH2-NH)Gly2]nociceptin-(1-13)-NH2 on seizures induced by PTZ, NMDA and BCC was very similar to that of nociceptin. These data support the hypothesis that it possesses agonistic properties. Naloxone did not reverse the anticonvulsive action of nociceptin as well as [Phe1(psi)(CH2-NH)Gly2]nociceptin-(1-13)-NH2 which excludes the participation of opioid receptor in this action. On the other hand in the electroconvulsive model of generalized seizures, nociceptin as well as [Phe1(psi)(CH2-NH)Gly2]nociceptin-(1-13)-NH2 influenced neither the electroconvulsive threshold nor the maximal electroshock test. The data suggest that nociceptin and [Phe1(psi)(CH2-NH)Gly2]nociceptin-(1-13)-NH2 can exert anticonvulsive action. These properties depend on OP4 but not opioid receptors activation.

Analgesia elicited by OFQ/nociceptin and its fragments from the amygdala in rats

The heptadecapeptide, orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N), binds with high affinity to the ORL-1/KOR-3 opioid receptor clone, yet binds poorly with traditional opioid receptors. OFQ/N has a complex functional profile with relation to nociceptive processing, displaying pro-nociceptive properties in some studies, acting as an inhibitor of stress-induced analgesia in others, yet producing both spinal and supraspinal antinociceptive actions in other studies. Among the intracerebral sites at which OFQ/N might produce one or more of these actions is the amygdala which has been intimately implicated in both antinociceptive and stress-related responses. Therefore, the present study assessed whether microinjections into the amygdala of equimolar doses of OFQ/N(1-17) or its shorter-chained active fragments, OFQ/N(1-11) or OFQ/N(1-7), would produce analgesia as measured by either reactivity to high-intensity radiant heat or reactivity to electric shock, and produce hyperalgesia as measured by reactivity to lower-intensity radiant heat. OFQ/N(1-17) in the amygdala produced a dose-dependent and time-dependent increase in high-intensity tail-flick latencies with maximal effects observed at a dose range of 0.75-3 nmol, and lesser effects at lower (0.015-0.15 nmol) and higher (5.5-30 nmol) doses. Both OFQ/N(1-11) and OFQ/N(1-7) in the amygdala displayed lower magnitudes of analgesia than OFQ/N(1-17) on this measure, with OFQ/N(1-11) displaying maximal effects at higher (15-30 nmol) doses and OFQ/N(1-7) displaying maximal effects at lower (0.15-1.5 nmol) doses. In contrast to traditional mu and kappa opioids and beta-endorphin, none of the OFQ/N fragments in the amygdala exhibited any analgesic responses on the jump test. Finally, using a low-intensity radiant heat assay capable of detecting hyperalgesic responses, each of the OFQ/N fragments in the amygdala increased tail-flick latencies on this measure. Therefore, OFQ/N fragments appear to exert only analgesic responses in the amygdala with quantitative and qualitative differences relative to traditional opioid agonists.

Distinct effect of orphanin FQ in nucleus raphe magnus and nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis on the rat tail flick reflex

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of orphanin FQ (OFQ) microinjected into the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) and the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis (NGC) on pain modulation. The tail-flick latency (TFL) was used as a behavioral index of nociceptive responsiveness. The result showed microinjection of OFQ into the NRM significantly increased the TFL, whereas microinjection of OFQ into the NGC decreased the TFL, suggesting the analgesic effect of OFQ in the NRM and the hyperalgesic effect of OFQ in the NGC. As there are three classes of putative pain modulating neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM), the hyperalgesic or analgesic effect of OFQ in the RVM might depend upon the different class of the neurons being acted.

C-Terminal glycine is crucial for hyperalgesic activity of nociceptin/orphanin FQ-(1-6)

A C-terminal analog of the hexapeptide orphanin FQ/nociceptin-(1-6), [Ala(6)]-orphanin FQ/nociceptin-(1-6), and a pentapeptide orphanin FQ/nociceptin-(1-5) were tested in vivo for their analgesic/hyperalgesic activity in the hot-plate test with rats. Replacement of the C-terminal glycine by L-alanine (Phe-Gly-Gly-Phe-Thr-Ala) in orphanin FQ/nociceptin-(1-6) abolished the hyperalgesic potency of native orphanin FQ/nociceptin-(1-6) (Phe-Gly-Gly-Phe-Thr-Gly), but analgesic activity was retained and was diminished by naloxone. Removal of the C-terminal amino acid (glycine or alanine) from orphanin FQ/nociceptin-(1-6) caused a significant loss of analgesic activity. It is anticipated that glycine plays a crucial role in the biphasic activity of orphanin FQ/nociceptin-(1-6). This may suggest the existence of a mechanism for terminating the biological action of orphanin FQ/nociceptin.

Molecular cloning of the orphanin FQ receptor gene and differential tissue expression of splice variants in rat

Pharmacological and receptor-ligand binding studies of the cloned orphanin FQ (OFQ) receptor suggest that multiple forms of this receptor may exist. To further characterize the OFQ receptor (OFQR), we attempted to isolate the gene encoding this receptor in rat. The OFQR gene exceeds 10 kb in length and contains six exons ranging from 34 to 524 bp that are interrupted by five introns. The ATG translation initiation codon is located in exon 2, and the open reading frame consists of 1283 bp. Primer extension analysis of the gene revealed two major transcription initiation sites: one in the 5' flanking region and the other in intron 1. The rat OFQR gene appeared to be alternatively spliced to yield multiple mRNAs. Four splice variants deleted for exon 1 were expressed only in brain. In contrast, five isoforms containing exon 1 were expressed in various tissues, such as brain, testes, and gastrointestinal tract. These data suggest that unique regions in intron 1 and in the 5' flanking region of the OFQR gene contribute to the regulation of its expression in different tissues.

Effects of orphanin FQ on central dopaminergic neuronal activities and prolactin secretion

Effects of orphanin FQ (OFQ) on central dopaminergic (DA) neurons and serum prolactin (PRL) were examined in ovariectomized, estrogen-primed Sprague-Dawley rats. The activities of central DA neurons, including the tuberoinfundibular (TI), nigrostriatal, mesolimbic, and incertohypothalamic ones, were determined by measuring the levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), the major metabolite of dopamine, in their projection regions in the brain by HPLC plus electrochemical detection. Intracerebroventricular administration of OFQ lowered DOPAC levels in the median eminence (ME), striatum, nucleus accumbens, and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in a dose (0.01-10 microg)- and time (30-90 min)-dependent manner. In contrast, OFQ increased DOPAC in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and had no effect in the periventricular nucleus. Serum PRL levels exhibited a typical inverse relationship with the activity of TIDA neurons, as determined by DOPAC levels in the ME. In the afternoon, we observed an endogenous decrease of ME DOPAC level accompanied by a PRL surge in estrogen-primed female rats. Although OFQ caused further decrease of ME DOPAC in the afternoon, it failed to augment the PRL surge level. Although pretreatment of an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide against the opioid receptor-like receptor gene had no effect on basal ME DOPAC levels in the morning or afternoon, it attenuated the afternoon PRL surge. Furthermore, it blocked the effects of exogenous OFQ on ME DOPAC and serum PRL levels, whereas the sense or missense oligodeoxynucleotide had no effect. These results indicate that OFQ and its receptors may be involved in the regulation of central DA neuronal activity and PRL secretion.

Blockade of mu-opioid receptors reveals the hyperalgesic effect of orphanin FQ/nociceptin in the rat hot plate test

Orphanin FQ (OFQ, also known as nociceptin) has been proposed to oppose the antinociceptive effect of endogenous opioid peptides in the brain. We sought to determine whether, conversely, the endogenous opioid peptides counteract a pronociceptive action of OFQ. In testing this hypothesis, naloxone, a non-selective opioid receptor antagonist, was used to block the action of endogenous opioid peptides. We then examined whether OFQ would produce hyperalgesia in the absence of such an endogenous opioidergic tone. Neither naloxone (1 mg kg(-1); s.c.) nor OFQ (up to 30 nmol; i.c.v.) alone induced any significant change in mean hot plate latency. However, OFQ dose-dependently produced hyperalgesia in rats pretreated with naloxone, implying that OFQ can indeed produce hyperalgesia once an endogenous opioidergic tone is inhibited. In subsequent studies, we used subtype selective opioid receptor antagonists to determine which class of opioid receptor is involved in this response. The effect of naloxone was reproduced using the selective mu-opioid receptor antagonist CTOP (D-Phe-Cyc-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2), but not by administration of the delta-opioid receptor antagonist, naltrindole (NTI) or the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI). These results suggest that endogenous opioid peptides acting at the mu-, but not kappa- or delta-opioid receptor may be counteracting the hyperalgesic effect of OFQ in rats.

Agonistic effects of the opioid buprenorphine on the nociceptin/OFQ receptor

The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptor (e.g. the human ortholog ORL1) has been shown to be pharmacologically distinct from classic opioid receptors. Recently, we have identified buprenorphine as a full ORL1 agonist using a reporter gene assay. For further functional analysis, buprenorphine's effects on ORL1 receptors were investigated using a K(+) channel (GIRK1) assay in Xenopus oocytes and GTPgammaS assay in CHO-K1 membrane preparations. In both assays, buprenorphine behaved as a partial agonist compared to nociceptin itself. The N/OFQ agonism of buprenorphine might contribute to actions of buprenorphine in pain models in vivo beside its mu- or kappa-opioid receptor mediated effects.

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ metabolism and bioactive metabolites

The endogenous ligand for the orphan NOR receptor (earlier named ORL1) was recently discovered. This ligand, nociceptin/orphanin FQ is involved in a number of pharmacological actions in the CNS, including modulation of pain and cognition. However, its specific physiological role remains to be determined. Two major pathways of metabolism have been identified; the action of aminopeptidase(s) that prominently occurs in plasma, and endopeptidase activity that successively generates the N-terminal 1-13 and 1-9 fragments. Both pathways result in fragments that are inactive at the NOR receptor. However, short N-terminal fragments appear to be active in blocking the release of substance P from primary afferent C-fiber terminals in the dorsal spinal cord. The same endopeptidase(s) may also be involved in the fragmentation of dynorphin A since the inhibitor profile is similar. Enzyme activity is upregulated by morphine using either peptide as substrate that may lead to pharmacological interactions.

Effects of supraspinal orphanin FQ/nociceptin

The first reported behavioral action of the endogenous ligand for the "orphan" opioid receptor was a seemingly paradoxical increased sensitivity to nociception (i.e. hyperalgesia) after supraspinal injection into the cerebral ventricles of mice. In the continuing absence of an appropriate in vivo receptor antagonist, studies attempting to define the role of orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N) in pain modulation and other behaviors have also featured central injection of peptide. This article reviews the findings of such studies. There appears to be concordance around the observation of anti-opioid actions of supraspinally injected OFQ/N, whereas the observations of hyperalgesia and/or analgesia are much less clear. A portion of the discrepant data may be explained in terms of methodological issues, stress-induced analgesia accompanying experimental protocols, and genotypic variation among subjects. Clarification of OFQ/N's role in nociception, as with other putative biologic functions, will probably depend upon the availability of a selective receptor antagonist.

Pharmacological characterization of the nociceptin receptor, ORL1. Insight from the inward rectifier activation in the periaqueductal gray

A novel opioid receptor-like orphan receptor (ORL1) was cloned and identified to be homologous to classical opioid receptors but insensitive to traditional opioids. A heptadecapeptide, termed orphanin FQ or nociceptin (OFQ/N), was identified as its endogenous ligand. OFQ/N shares overlapping distribution sites in pain-processing areas and common cellular mechanisms with opioids but exerts diverse effects on nociceptive responses. Of the two reported ORL1 antagonists, [Phe(1)psi(CH(2)-NH)- Gly(2)] nociceptin-(1-13)-NH(2) (Phepsi) and naloxone benzoylhydrazone (NBZ), antagonisms were validated in the activation of inward rectifying K channels induced by OFQ/N, using the patch clamp technique in ventrolateral periaqueductal gray slices. Results showed that Phepsi acted as a partial agonist and NBZ was a weak nonselective antagonist of ORL1. It is comparable with most but not all of the findings from other tissues. Comparing all the reports supports the above inference for these two antagonists. The possible causes for the discrepancy were discussed. A brief review on the putative ORL1 antagonists, acetyl-RYYRIK-NH2, some sigma-ligands and the functional antagonist, nocistatin, is also included. It indicates that a potent and selective ORL1 antagonist is expecting to elucidate the physiological role of OFQ/N.

Nociceptin augments K(+) currents in hippocampal CA1 neurons by both ORL-1 and opiate receptor mechanisms

We previously reported (see also the accompanying paper) that dynorphin A significantly enhanced the voltage-dependent K(+) M-current (I(M)) in CA3 and CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons (HPNs). Because the opioid-receptor-like-1 (ORL-1) receptor shares a high sequence homology with opioid receptors and is expressed in rat hippocampus, we examined the effects of orphanin FQ or nociceptin, the endogenous ligand for the ORL-1 receptor, using the rat hippocampal slice preparation and intracellular voltage-clamp recording. Current-voltage (I-V) relationships from CA1 HPNs revealed that nociceptin superfusion induced an outward current reversing near the equilibrium potential for K(+) ions. Ba(2+) (2 mM) blocked this effect. The nociceptin-induced current was largest at depolarized membrane potentials, where I(M) is largely activated. Nociceptin concentrations of 0.5-1 microM (but not 0.1 microM) significantly increased I(M) relaxation amplitudes with recovery on washout. Interestingly, both the general opiate antagonist naloxone and the kappa receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nBNI) inhibited the nociceptin-induced I(M) increases and outward currents in the depolarized range but not the inward current induced at hyperpolarized potentials. The putative ORL-1 receptor antagonist, [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]NC(1-13)NH(2) (hereafter ORLAn), blocked most of the nociceptin current near rest but not the I(M) increase. However, ORLAn alone had direct effects similar to those of nociceptin, indicating that ORLAn might be a partial agonist. Our results suggest that nociceptin postsynaptically modulates the excitability of HPNs through ORL-1 and kappa-like opiate receptors linked to different K(+) channels.

[Phe1psi(CH2-NH)Gly2]nociceptin-(1 - 13)-NH2 activation of an inward rectifier as a partial agonist of ORL1 receptors in rat periaqueductal gray

1. [Phe1psi(CH2-NH)Gly2]nociceptin-(1 - 13)-NH2 (Phepsi), a tridecapeptide analogue of orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N), was introduced as a competitive antagonist of opioid receptor-like orphan receptor (ORL1) in guinea-pig ileum and mouse vas deferens preparations in vitro but was recently found to act as an agonist in vivo. 2. In the periaqueductal gray, a site enriched with both OFQ/N and ORL1 and involved in OFQ/N-induced hyperalgesia and anti-analgesia, the effects of Phepsi and OFQ/N on the membrane current were studied using whole cell patch clamp recording technique in rat brain slices. 3. OFQ/N (0.01 - 1 microM) activated an inwardly rectifying type of K+ channels in ventrolateral neurons of PAG. Phepsi (0.03 - 1 microM), like OFQ/N, also activated this inward rectifier but had only 30% efficacy of OFQ/N. 4 At maximal effective concentration (1 microM), Phepsi reversed the increment of K+ conductance induced by OFQ/N (300 nM) by 46%. On the other hand, Phepsi also prevented the effect of OFQ/N if pretreated before OFQ/N. 5 It is suggested that Phepsi acts as a partial agonist of ORL1 that mediates the activation of inwardly rectifying K+ channels in ventrolateral neurons of rat periaqueductal gray.

Agonistic effect of buprenorphine in a nociceptin/OFQ receptor-triggered reporter gene assay

The role of the opioid-like receptor 1 (ORL1) and its endogenous ligand, nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), in nociception, anxiety, and learning remains to be defined. To allow the rapid identification of agonists and antagonists, a reporter gene assay has been established in which the ORL1 receptor is functionally linked to the cyclic AMP-dependent expression of luciferase. N/OFQ and N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) inhibited the forskolin-induced luciferase gene expression with IC(50) values of 0.81 +/- 0.5 and 0.87 +/- 0.16 nM, respectively. Buprenorphine was identified as a full agonist at the ORL1 receptor with an IC(50) value of 8.4 +/- 2.8 nM. Fentanyl and 7-benzylidenenaltrexone displayed a weak agonistic activity. The ORL1 antagonist [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]N/OFQ((1-13))NH(2) clearly behaved as an agonist in this assay with an IC(50) value of 85 +/- 47 nM. Thus, there is still a need for antagonistic tool compounds that might help to elucidate the neurophysiological role of N/OFQ.

Modulation of vestibular function by nociceptin/orphanin FQ: an in vivo and in vitro study

The effects of nociceptin (orphanin FQ) on medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) neurons in vitro, and on vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) function in vivo, were investigated in order to determine the role of 'opioid-like orphan' (ORL1) receptors in modulating vestibular reflex function in the rat. Nociceptin (100 nM-1 microM) potently inhibited the spontaneous discharge of the majority (86%) of MVN neurons tested in the rat dorsal brainstem slice preparation in vitro. This inhibition was dose-dependent and persisted after blockade of synaptic transmission in low Ca2+/Co2+ medium. The inhibitory effects were insensitive to the opioid antagonist naloxone, but were effectively antagonised by the selective ORL1 receptor antagonist, [Phe1Psi(CH2-NH)Gly2]Nociceptin(1-13)NH2. The majority of MVN neurons ( approximately 70%) were inhibited by both nociceptin and the delta-opioid receptor agonist, [D-ala2, D-leu5]-enkephalin (DADLE), while a minority of cells (approximately 30%) were selectively responsive either to DADLE or to nociceptin, but not both. Co-application of nociceptin and DADLE to neurons that were responsive to both agonists, resulted in an inhibitory response that was the same as or less than the inhibition evoked by either agonist alone. Intracellular whole-cell patch clamp recordings from identified Type A and Type B MVN cells showed that both these cell types are responsive to nociceptin, which induced membrane hyperpolarisation and decrease in input resistance consistent with its known effects on membrane K currents in other cell types. In alert rats, i.c.v. injection of nociceptin caused a significant decrease in the gain of the hVOR and resulted in a prolongation of post-rotatory nystagmus in darkness. The decrease in VOR gain and the increase in the VOR time-constant was significant even at low doses of nociceptin which did not cause other observable behavioural effects. These findings demonstrate that endogenously released nociceptin may have a hitherto unexplored role in the functional modulation of the neural pathways that mediate vestibular reflexes in vivo.

Strain-dependent effects of supraspinal orphanin FQ/nociceptin on thermal nociceptive sensitivity in mice

Despite much study since its discovery in 1995, the effects of orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N), the endogenous ligand of the 'orphan' opioid receptor, on nociceptive sensitivity remain unclear. Different laboratories have variously reported hyperalgesic, analgesic, anti-analgesic or no effect of the peptide on thermal assays following supraspinal injection in rodents. We and others have argued previously that methodological inconsistencies and experimental parameters may explain some of the contradictions in the literature, especially in mice where intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections proceed directly through the skull. We report presently that both the magnitude of stress-induced analgesia (SIA) produced by such i.c.v. injections, and the ability of OFQ/N to antagonize this opioid-mediated SIA, are strain-dependent. Specifically, significant injection-related SIA was observed in four of six strains studied (outbred: CD-1, SW; inbred: AKR/J, BALB/cJ, C3H/HeJ, CBA/J) on the 47.5 degrees C tail-withdrawal assay, and OFQ/N blocked this SIA in two strains. These data suggest that genetic variability among subject populations may underlie the inconsistent findings among researchers, and may in addition provide a promising avenue for future study of this novel neuromodulator.

Biotransformation of nociceptin/orphanin FQ by enzyme activity from morphine-naive and morphine-treated cell cultures

The biotransformation of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOFQ) by enzyme activity isolated from U1690 human lung carcinoma and SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell lines, and from rat brain cortex cells in primary culture was investigated. The identification and quantification of the cleavage products were performed using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry linked to size-exclusion chromatography. The effect of chronic morphine treatment of the cells (5 days) on NOFQ biotransformation was also studied. It was found that major products generated from NOFQ were the amino-terminal peptides N1-9 and N1-13. The pattern of NOFQ biotransformation was quite similar for all three cell cultures. However, different proportions of the formed peptides were noted. The cleavage was inhibited by EDTA, PMSF, Hg2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+. Dynorphin A2-13 inhibited NOFQ cleavage in a manner suggesting competition of the two peptides for the same enzyme. Chronic morphine treatment of the cell cultures resulted in a substantial increase in the enzyme activity, leading to higher levels of the major fragments and accumulation of N1-12 and the shorter peptides N1-5, N1-6. Since the effect of morphine treatment of the cells was blocked by naloxone, it is likely that it was receptor specific. Taken together, the findings suggest that a metallosensitive endopeptidase, the activity of which is increased by chronic morphine treatment of the cells, is responsible for the biotransformation of NOFQ with fragments N1-9 and N1-13 being the major products.

Orphan opioid receptor antisense probes block orphanin FQ-induced hyperphagia

Orphanin FQ/nociceptin binds with high affinity to the orphan opioid receptor-like/K-3 (ORL1/KOR-3) clone, and stimulates feeding. The present study demonstrated that antisense oligodeoxynucleotides directed against either exons 1, 2 or 3 of the ORL1/KOR-3 clone reduced orphanin FQ/nociceptin-induced hyperphagia. A missense probe was ineffective. Naltrexone dose-dependently reduced orphanin FQ/nociceptin-induced hyperphagia. These data suggest that the receptor responsible for orphanin FQ/nociceptin-induced hyperphagia is encoded by the ORL1/KOR-3 clone.