Structure-activity relationship of biphalin. The synthesis and biological activities of new analogues with modifications in positions 3 and 4

Analgesic Peptides: From Natural Diversity to Rational Design

Pain affects one-third of the global population and is a significant public health issue. The use of opioid drugs, which are the strongest painkillers, is associated with several side effects, such as tolerance, addiction, overdose, and even death. An increasing demand for novel, safer analgesic agents is a driving force for exploring natural sources of bioactive peptides with antinociceptive activity. Since the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a crucial role in pain modulation, the discovery of new peptide ligands for GPCRs is a significant challenge for novel drug development. The aim of this review is to present peptides of human and animal origin with antinociceptive potential and to show the possibilities of their modification, as well as the design of novel structures. The study presents the current knowledge on structure-activity relationship in the design of peptide-based biomimetic compounds, the modification strategies directed at increasing the antinociceptive activity, and improvement of metabolic stability and pharmacodynamic profile. The procedures employed in prolonged drug delivery of emerging compounds are also discussed. The work summarizes the conditions leading to the development of potential morphine replacements.

Biphalin-A Potent Opioid Agonist-As a Panacea for Opioid System-Dependent Pathophysiological Diseases?

Biphalin, one of the opioid agonists, is a dimeric analog of enkephalin with a high affinity for opioid receptors. Opioid receptors are widespread in the central nervous system and in peripheral neuronal and non-neuronal tissues. Hence, these receptors and their agonists, which play an important role in pain blocking, may also be involved in the regulation of other physiological functions. Biphalin was designed and synthesized in 1982 by Lipkowski as an analgesic peptide. Extensive further research in various laboratories on the antinociceptive effects of biphalin has shown its excellent properties. It has been demonstrated that biphalin exhibits an analgesic effect in acute, neuropathic, and chronic animal pain models, and is 1000 times more potent than morphine when administered intrathecally. In the course of the broad conducted research devoted primarily to the antinociceptive effect of this compound, it has been found that biphalin may also potentially participate in the regulation of other opioid system-dependent functions. Nearly 40 years of research on the properties of biphalin have shown that it may play a beneficial role as an antiviral, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agent, and may also affect many physiological functions. This integral review analyzes the literature on the multidirectional biological effects of biphalin and its potential in the treatment of many opioid system-dependent pathophysiological diseases.

Antinociceptive and Cytotoxic Activity of Opioid Peptides with Hydrazone and Hydrazide Moieties at the C-Terminus

In the present contribution, we analyze the influence that C-terminal extension of short opioid peptide sequences by organic fragments has on receptor affinity, in vivo analgesic activity, and antimelanoma properties. The considered fragments were based on either N-acylhydrazone (NAH) or N'-acylhydrazide motifs combined with the 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl moiety. Eleven novel compounds were synthesized and subject to biological evaluation. The analyzed compounds exhibit a diversified range of affinities for the µ opioid receptor (MOR), rather low δ opioid receptor (DOR) affinities, and no appreciable neurokinin-1 receptor binding. In three out of four pairs, N-acylhydrazone-based derivatives bind MOR better than their N'-acylhydrazide counterparts. The best of the novel derivatives have similar low nanomolar MOR binding affinity as the reference opioids, such as morphine and biphalin. The obtained order of MOR affinities was compared to the results of molecular docking. In vivo, four tested compounds turned out to be relatively strong analgesics. Finally, the NAH-based analogues reduce the number of melanoma cells in cell culture, while their N'-acylhydrazide counterparts do not. The antimelanoma properties are roughly correlated to the lipophilicity of the compounds.

Solution Phase Peptide Synthesis: The Case of Biphalin

Solution phase synthesis was the first developed and the only method for peptide synthesis until the solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) introduced by Merrifield revolutionized the way peptides and their analogues are prepared nowadays. However, some peptides because of their chemical structure cannot be synthetized by SPPS, and the "old school" technique is still favorable to make them. Biphalin is a good example. It was first synthesized by Lipkowski almost 40 years ago as a dimeric analogue of enkephalin in which two tetra-amino acid fragments (Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-) are joined tail to tail by a hydrazide bridge. The synthesis of this octapeptide (Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-NH-NH ← Phe ← Gly ← D-Ala ← Tyr) and its analogues requires synthesis in solution because routine synthesis on a polymeric support is not possible. Biphalin shows high affinity at both μ and δ opioid receptors and produces a more robust spinal analgesia than morphine after intrathecal administration. Although biphalin and its analogues have been already deeply investigated, a complete description for its analgesic activity is not yet available.Here, we present a detailed procedure for the solution phase synthesis of biphalin.

Brain Delivery of a Potent Opioid Receptor Agonist, Biphalin during Ischemic Stroke: Role of Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide (OATP)

Transporters (expressed) at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) can play an essential role in the treatment of brain injury by transporting neuroprotective substance to the central nervous system. The goal of this study was to understand the role of organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP1; OATP1A2 in humans and oatp1a4 in rodents) in the transport of a potent opioid receptor agonist, biphalin, across the BBB during ischemic stroke. Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) that were differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were used in the present study. The effect of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and reperfusion on the OATP1 expression, uptake, and transport of biphalin was measured in induced pluripotent stem cells differentiated brain microvascular endothelial cells (iPSC–BMECs) in the presence and absence of an OATP1 substrate, estrone-3-sulfate (E3S). Biphalin brain permeability was quantified while using a highly sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. It was found that iPSC-BMECs expressed OATP1. In vitro studies showed that biphalin BBB uptake and transport decreased in the presence of an OATP1 specific substrate. It was also observed that OGD and reperfusion modulate the expression and function of OATP1 in BMECs. This study strongly demonstrates that OATP1 contributes to the transport of biphalin across the BBB and increased expression of OATP1 during OGD-reperfusion could provide a novel target for improving ischemic brain drug delivery of biphalin or other potential neurotherapeutics that have affinity to this BBB transporter.

Novel peptide inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (Tyr-Pro-D-Ala-NH2) with anti-inflammatory activity in the mouse models of colitis

Protease inhibition has become a new possible approach in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) therapy. A serine exopeptidase, dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) is responsible for inactivation of incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2), a potent stimulator of intestinal epithelium regeneration and growth. Recently we showed that the novel peptide analog of endomorphin-2, EMDB-1 (Tyr-Pro-D-ClPhe-Phe-NH₂) is a potent blocker of DPP IV and exhibits an anti-inflammatory activity in vivo. The aim of this study was to design, synthesize and characterize the therapeutic activity and mechanism of action of a series of novel EMDB-1 analogs. The inhibitory potential of all peptides was evaluated using the fluorometric screening assay employing Gly-Pro-Aminomethylcoumarin (AMC) to measure DPP IV activity. Consequently, one compound, namely DI-1 was selected and its therapeutic activity evaluated using mouse models of experimental colitis (induced by TNBS and DSS). Macro- and microscopic score, ulcer score, colonic wall thickness as well as myeloperoxidase activity were measured. We showed that DI-1 blocks DPP IV in vitro (IC₅₀ = 0.76 ± 0.04 nM) and attenuates acute, semichronic and relapsing TNBS- as well as DSS-induced colitis in mice after topical administration. Its anti-inflammatory action is associated with the increase of colonic GLP-2 but not GLP2 receptor or DPP IV expression. Our results validate DPP IV as a pharmacological target for the anti-IBD drugs and its inhibitors, such as DI-1, have the potential to become valuable anti-inflammatory therapeutics.

Different blood pressure responses to opioids in 3 rat hypertension models: role of the baseline status of sympathetic and renin-angiotensin systems

Opioids interact with sympathetic and renin-angiotensin systems in control of mean arterial pressure (MAP). Our earlier finding that biphalin, a synthetic enkephalin analogue, decreased MAP in anaesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) prompted us to further explore this action, to get new insights into pathogenesis of various forms of hypertension. Biphalin effects were studied in SHR, uninephrectomized rats on a high-salt diet (HS/UNX), and rats with angiotensin-induced hypertension (Ang-iH). Besides MAP, renal and iliac blood flows (RBF, IBF) and vascular resistances were measured. In anaesthetized and conscious SHR, biphalin (300 μg·h^-1·kg^-1 i.v.) decreased MAP by ∼10 and ∼20 mm Hg, respectively (P < 0.001). In anaesthetized HS/UNX and normotensive rats, MAP increased by ∼6-7 mm Hg (P < 0.02); without anaesthesia, only transient decreases occurred. MAP never changed in Ang-iH rats. Morphine (1.5 mg·h^-1·kg^-1 i.v.) decreased MAP in HS/UNX but only transiently so without anaesthesia; such anaesthesia dependence of response was also seen in normotensive rats. Ang-iH rats never responded to morphine. Hypotensive effect in SHR only depends primarily on the reduction by biphalin of vascular responsiveness to increased sympathetic stimulation; such increase is well documented for SHR. No MAP response to biphalin or morphine in Ang-iH could depend on angiotensin-induced alterations of the vascular wall morphology and function.

An antihypertensive opioid: Biphalin, a synthetic non-addictive enkephalin analog decreases blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats

BACKGROUND

Endogenous opioid systems may be engaged in the control of arterial pressure (MAP), however, given the risk of addiction, opioid receptor agonists are not used in antihypertensive therapy. We examined cardiovascular effects of biphalin, a potentially non-addictive dimeric enkephalin analog, an agonist of opioid μ and δ receptors.

METHODS

Biphalin was infused iv at 150μg/kg/h to anesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Along with MAP and heart rate (HR), renal blood flow (RBF) and iliac blood flow (IBF, a measure of hind limb perfusion) were measured using Transonic probes on renal and iliac artery, respectively. The effects of biphalin were compared with those of intravenous morphine (1.5mg/kg/h).

RESULTS

In two SHR groups biphalin decreased MAP from 143±2 to 130±2 and from 177±4 to 167±3mmHg (p<0.001) while HR did not change or modestly decreased. The renal blood flow (RBF) increased modestly and both renal and hind limb vascular resistances decreased significantly (p<0.001). The responses were blocked by inhibition of peripheral opioid receptors with naloxone methiodide. Unlike in SHR, in WKY rats biphalin did not change MAP or vascular resistances. Morphine infusion decreased MAP in SHR from 169±6 to 150±6mmHg (less decrease in WKY) and significantly decreased RBF and IBF.

CONCLUSION

Since biphalin, a non-addictive synthetic opioid, lowers MAP in SHR, a model of hypertension with pronounced neurogenic component, such analogs might find therapeutic application in human stress-induced hypertensive states. Biphalin's advantage is no associated reduction of renal perfusion.

Biphalin analogs containing β(3)-homo-amino acids at the 4,4' positions: Synthesis and opioid activity profiles

Biphalin, a synthetic opioid octapeptide with a palindromic sequence has high analgesic activity. Biphalin displays a strong affinity for μ and δ-opioid receptors, and a significant to κ-receptor. The paper reports the synthesis of novel analogs of biphalin containing β(3)-homo-amino acid residues at the 4,4' positions and a hydrazine or 1,2-phenylenediamine linker. The potency and selectivity of the peptides were evaluated by a competitive receptor-binding assay in rat brain homogenate using [(3)H]DAMGO (a μ ligand) and [(3)H]DELT (a δ ligand). Analogs with β(3)-h-p-NO2Phe in positions 4 and 4' are the most active compounds. Selectivity depends on the degree of freedom between the two pharmacophore moieties. Analogs with a hydrazine linker show noticeable binding selectivity to μ receptors (IC50(μ)=0.72nM; IC50(δ)=4.66nM), while the peptides with a 1,2-phenylenediamine linker show slight δ selectivity (IC50(μ)=10.97nM; IC50(δ)=1.99nM). Tyr-d-Ala-Gly-β(3)-h-p-NO2PheNHNH-β(3)-h-p-NO2Phe (1) and (Tyr-d-Ala-Gly-β(3)-h-p-NO2PheNH)2 (2) produced greater antinociceptive effect compared to morphine after i.t. administration.

Pharmacological traits of delta opioid receptors: pitfalls or opportunities?

RATIONALE

Delta opioid receptors (DORs) have been considered as a potential target to relieve pain as well as treat depression and anxiety disorders and are known to modulate other physiological responses, including ethanol and food consumption. A small number of DOR-selective drugs are in clinical trials, but no DOR-selective drugs have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration and some candidates have failed in phase II clinical trials, highlighting current difficulties producing effective delta opioid-based therapies. Recent studies have provided new insights into the pharmacology of the DOR, which is often complex and at times paradoxical.

OBJECTIVE

This review will discuss the existing literature focusing on four aspects: (1) Two DOR subtypes have been postulated based on differences in pharmacological effects of existing DOR-selective ligands. (2) DORs are expressed ubiquitously throughout the body and central nervous system and are, thus, positioned to play a role in a multitude of diseases. (3) DOR expression is often dynamic, with many reports of increased expression during exposure to chronic stimuli, such as stress, inflammation, neuropathy, morphine, or changes in endogenous opioid tone. (4) A large structural variety in DOR ligands implies potential different mechanisms of activating the receptor.

CONCLUSION

The reviewed features of DOR pharmacology illustrate the potential benefit of designing tailored or biased DOR ligands.

Antinociceptive profile of potent opioid peptide AM94, a fluorinated analogue of biphalin with non-hydrazine linker

AM94 is a fluorinated analog of biphalin with non-hydrazine linker that has an in vitro affinity for μ-opioid and δ-opioid receptors tenfold higher than biphalin. Furthermore, in vivo evaluation in rats showed that AM94 has in hot plate test - after both intracerebroventricular and intravenous administrations - a greater and more durable efficacy than biphalin. Here, the antinociceptive profile of AM94 is further evaluated by following two different administration routes, intrathecal and subcutaneous, and two different animal species, rats and mice. The analgesic potency of AM94 is compared with that of both the parent peptide biphalin and morphine. Results show that in rats (tail flick test) and in mice (formalin test), AM94 has a higher and more durable analgesic effect than biphalin after intrathecal and subcutaneous administrations. Conformational properties of biphalin and AM94 were also investigated by variable-temperature (1)H NMR and energy minimization.

Delta opioid receptors contribute to the cardiorespiratory effects of biphalin in anesthetized rats

Biphalin expresses almost equal affinity for μ- and δ-opioid receptors. The aim of this study was to delineate a possible role of δ-opioid receptors in the cardio-respiratory effects of systemic injection of biphalin in anesthetized, spontaneously breathing rats. In control animals, an intravenous bolus of biphalin (0.3 μmol/kg) evoked apnea, followed by a decreased breathing rate and increased tidal volume, hypotension and bradycardia. Blockade of δ-opioid receptors with naltrindole (4.2 μmol/kg) significantly reduced the duration of apnea, slowdown of respiration, immediate post-challenge hypotension and bradycardia induced by biphalin administration. These results indicate that the activation of δ-opioid receptors adds to the depressive response produced by biphalin.

New potent biphalin analogues containing p-fluoro-L-phenylalanine at the 4,4' positions and non-hydrazine linkers

We report the synthesis and the biological evaluation of two new analogues of the potent dimeric opioid peptide biphalin. The performed modification is based on the replacement of two key structural elements of the native biphalin, namely: the hydrazine bridge which joins the two palindromic moieties and the phenylalanine residues at the 4,4' positions of the backbone. The new analogues 9 and 10 contain 1,2-phenylenediamine and piperazine, respectively, in place of the hydrazidic linker and p-fluoro-L-phenylalanine residues at 4 and 4' positions. Binding values are: Kμ(i)=0.51 nM and Kδ(i)=12.8 nM for compound 9, Kμ(i)=0.09 nM and Kδ(i)=0.11 nM for analogue 10.

Variation in the analgesic activity of opioid peptide fragments in correlation with the amino acidic sequence

Short fragments of typical or atypical opioid peptides, lacking the whole four amino acid sequence of the enkephalin motif, can preserve a significant percentage of the analgesic activity of the original peptides. This paper investigates the importance of the amino-acidic sequence of minimum structure typical opioid peptides for the analgesic activity. Different groups of rats were treated with 1) Gly-Tyr, 0.5 mg/rat i.t., 2) Tyr-Gly, 0.5 mg/rat i.t., 3) Tyr-Gly-Gly, 0.5 mg/rat i.t., 4) Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu, 0.5 mg/rat i.t., 5) Leu-enkephalin, 0.5 mg/rat i.t.. The analgesic effect of the tested substances was appreciated through the nociceptive threshold for thermal (plantar test) and mechanical nociception (algesimetric test). Fragments of typical opioid peptides elicited antinociceptive activity only when a tyrosine residue was present at the N-terminal end of the amino-acidic sequence. The presence of Nterminal tyrosine provides affinity for the opioid receptors and significant analgesic activity. The intensity of the antinociceptive effect was directly proportional with the length of the amino-acidic sequence. The inhibition of the analgesic effect by previous administration of naloxone proves that this effect is mediated through the opioid system.

Potent Dmt-Tic Pharmacophoric δ- and μ-Opioid Receptor Antagonists

A series of dimeric Dmt-Tic (2',6'-dimethyl-L-tyrosyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid) analogues (8-14, 18-22) were covalently linked through diaminoalkane and symmetric or asymmetric 3,6-diaminoalkyl-2(1H)-pyrazinone moieties. All the compounds exhibited high affinity for both delta-opioid receptors [Ki(delta) = 0.06-1.53 nM] and mu-opioid receptors [Ki(mu) = 1.37-5.72 nM], resulting in moderate delta-receptor selectivity [Ki(mu)/Ki(delta) = 3-46]. Regardless of the type of linker between the Dmt-Tic pharmacophores, delta-opioid-mediated antagonism was extraordinarily high in all analogues (pA2 = 10.42-11.28), while in vitro agonism (MVD and GPI bioassays) was essentially absent (ca. 3 to >10 microM). While an unmodified N-terminus (9, 13, 18) revealed weak mu-opioid antagonism (pA2 = 6.78-6.99), N,N'-dimethylation (21, 22), which negatively impacts on mu-opioid-associated agonism (Balboni et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2003, 11, 5435-5441), markedly enhanced mu-opioid antagonism (pA2 = 8.34 and 7.71 for 21 and 22, respectively) without affecting delta-opioid activity. These data are the first evidence that a single dimeric opioid ligand containing the Dmt-Tic pharmacophore exhibits highly potent delta- and mu-opioid antagonist activities.

Synthesis and biological studies of nociceptin derivatives containing the DTPA chelating group for further labeling with therapeutic radionuclides

Nociceptin is an endogenous anti-opiate heptadecapeptide primarily interacting with the nociceptin (NOP) receptor. This neuropeptide-receptor system is involved in pain regulation, tolerance to and dependence on opiates as well as many other physiological and pathophysiological events. The role and mechanisms of nociceptin in pathological conditions is not clearly known yet. In an attempt to have a radiopharmaceutical labeled either with 99mTc or (111)In, we incorporated diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) as chelator into the structure of [Arg14,Lys15]nociceptin(1-17)-NH2 at the epsilon-amino group of Lys15. Such a radiopeptide may be useful in imaging for diagnostical purposes. Preparation of the peptide ligands was carried out by solid phase synthesis. Two peptides containing DTPA were obtained and purified. The products were [Arg14,Lys(DTPA)15]nociceptin(1-17)-NH2 and its cross-linked dimer on the basis of mass spectrometric analysis. In (115)In3+ binding experiments the conjugates exhibited preserved indium ion chelating properties, indicating the potential use of radiolabeled DTPA-nociceptin derivatives as radiopharmaceutical. Biological properties of these compounds were studied in rat brain membrane preparations by radioligand binding, functional biochemical [35S]GTPgammaS binding assays and mouse vas deferens (MVD) bioassay. Besides the similar in vitro binding characteristics to nociceptin receptor, both of the DTPA-chelated compounds were more potent and efficient than nociceptin in functional biochemical and mouse vas deferens bioassays. Our further aim is to radiolabel these compounds in order to get a radiopharmaceutical which can be used diagnostically.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of new biphalin analogues with non-hydrazine linkers

Biphalin is a potent opioid peptide agonist, with a palandromic structure, composed of two enkephalin-like active fragments connected tail to tail by a hydrazine linker (Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-NH-NH<-Phe<-Gly<-D-Ala<-Tyr). This study presents the synthesis and in vitro bioassays of six new biphalin analogues with three different non-hydrazine linkers, some of which have higher binding affinity and bioactivity than biphalin.

Synthesis and evaluation of derivatives of leucine enkephalin as potential affinity labels for δ opioid receptors

As part of an effort to develop peptide-based affinity labels for opioid receptors, [Leu(5)]enkephalin (LeuEnk) and DTLET (Tyr-D-Thr-Gly-Phe-Leu-Thr), potent agonists for delta receptors, were selected as the parent peptides for further modification. The affinity label derivatives were prepared using standard Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis in conjunction with Fmoc-Phe(p-NHAlloc) (Fmoc: 9-flourenylmethoxycarbonyl;) and selective modification of the p-amino group on this residue. The electrophilic isothiocyanate and bromoacetamide groups were introduced into the para position of Phe(4); the corresponding free amine-containing peptides were also prepared for comparison. The pure peptides were evaluated in radioligand binding assays using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing delta and micro opioid receptors. Modification of Phe(4) in LeuEnk and DTLET significantly decreased delta-receptor binding affinity (40 to >2,000-fold). Among the synthesized analogues, [Phe(p-NH(2))(4)]DTLET showed the highest delta-receptor binding affinity (IC(50) = 39 nM) and enhanced selectivity for delta receptors compared to DTLET while other derivatives exhibited much lower delta receptor affinity. The differences in affinities between the two series of analogues and between the derivatives of LeuEnk and N,N-dibenzyl[Leu(5)]Enk reported previously suggest subtle differences in interactions of Phe(4) with delta receptors depending on other modifications in the sequences.

Immunomodulation by biphalin, dimeric synthetic opioid peptide, and its analog

The opioid pentapeptides called enkephalins were originally described as the endogenous ligands for the opioid receptors. Although their precise physiological significance still remains elusive, the enkephalins have been reported to exhibit analgesic, antidepressant, antianxiety and anticonvulsant activities. In addition, enkephalins have also been shown to act as immunomodulator. The first generation of dimeric peptides was derived from enkephalins. Biphalin [(Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-NH)2] is a bivalent opioid analog containing two tyrosine residues. We have evaluated the immunomodulatory properties of biphalin and its analogs in various in vitro tests. We report that biphalin and one of its analogs [Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-NH.NH-Phe(p-Cl)-H] stimulate human T cell proliferation, natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity in vitro and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production. Biphalin and its analog also released chemokine like factor in the culture supernatant that was responsible for increased chemotaxis of monocytes. Furthermore, these peptides inhibited tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and nitric oxide (NO) production in mouse macrophage cells, RAW 264.7. Our observations suggest immunomodulatory property of biphalin and its analog.

4-Alkoxy-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (AHB): a versatile aldehyde linker for solid-phase synthesis of C-terminal modified peptides and peptidomimetics

[reaction: see text] A new and versatile 4-alkoxy-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (AHB) linker for solid-phase syntheses is described. Acylation of the polymer-bound secondary amine obtained from reductive amination of the aldehyde in the AHB linker showed good reactivity. Following acylation of the phenolic hydroxyl group, the resulting carboxamide resin was stable to treatment with 95% TFA. The O-acyl functional group was removed with 20% piperidine and the desired compound was cleaved from the resin by TFA treatment.

Conformation-activity relationships of opioid peptides with selective activities at opioid receptors

The discovery of endogenous opioid peptides 25 years ago opened up a new chapter in efforts to understand the origins and control of pain, its relationships to other biological functions, including inflammatory and other immune responses, and the relationships of opioid peptides and their receptors to a variety of undesirable or toxic side effects often associated with the nonpeptide opiates such as morphine including addiction, constipation, a variety of neural toxicities, tolerance, and respiratory depression. For these investigations the need for potent and highly receptor selective agonists and antagonists has been crucial since they in principle allow one to distinguish unequivocally the roles of the different opioid receptors (mu, delta, and kappa) in the various biological and pathological roles of the opioid peptides and their receptors. Conformational and topographical constraint of the linear natural endogenous opioid peptides has played a major role in developing peptide ligands with high selectivity for mu, delta, and kappa receptors, and in understanding the conformational, topographical, and stereoelectronic structural requirements of the opioid peptides for their interactions with opioid receptors. In turn, this had led to insights into the three-dimensional pharmacophore for opioid receptors. In this article we review and discuss some of the developments that have led to potent, selective, and stable peptide and peptidomimetic ligands that are highly potent and selective, and that have delta agonist, mu antagonist, and kappa agonist biological activities (other authors in this issue will discuss the development of other types of activities and selectivities). These have led to ligands that provide unique insight into opioid pharmacophores and the critical roles opioid ligands and receptor scan play in pain, addiction, and other human maladies.

[125I-Tyr1]biphalin binding to opioid receptors of rat brain and NG108-15 cell membranes

Mono iodinated analogues of biphalin [(Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-NH-)2], both nonradioactive [I-Tyr1]biphalin and radioactive [125I-Tyr1]biphalin have been synthesized. The radioligand binding profiles of these compounds for two types of tissues, rat brain membranes, and NG108-15 cell membranes were identical to the parent biphalin. This is additional evidence for the hypothesis that biphalin behaves like a monomeric ligand and that only one intact tyrosine is necessary for high biological activity. The second tyrosine could be used for successful radioiodination which may greatly simplify biochemical and pharmacological studies of biphalin. The results of receptor binding studies show that the binding of both biphalin and [I-Tyr1]biphalin to the delta and mu opioid receptors are not independent. [125I-Tyr1]Biphalin binds to delta receptors as shown in NG108-15 cell membranes. Nevertheless, [125I]biphalin binding to delta receptors in rat brain membranes was hardly evident and mu receptor binding predominated or at least was much more readily detectable in this preparation.