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Zhao Y, Zhang Z, Gou D, Li P, Yang T, Niu Z, Simon JP, Guan X, Li X, He C, Dong S. Intrathecal administration of MCRT produced potent antinociception in chronic inflammatory pain models via μ-δ heterodimer with limited side effects. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 179:117389. [PMID: 39243426 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
An important goal in the opioid field is to discover effective analgesic drugs with minimal side effects. MCRT demonstrated potent antinociceptive effects with limited side effects, making it a promising candidate. However, its pharmacological properties and how it minimizes side effects remain unknown. Various mouse pain and opioid side effect models were used to evaluate the antinociceptive properties and safety at the spinal level. The targets of MCRT were identified through cAMP measurement, isolated tissue assays, and pharmacological experiments. Immunofluorescence was employed to visualize protein expression. MCRT displayed distinct antinociceptive effects between acute and chronic inflammatory pain models due to its multifunctional properties at the μ opioid receptor (MOR), µ-δ heterodimer (MDOR), and neuropeptide FF receptor 2 (NPFFR2). Activation of NPFFR2 reduced MOR-mediated antinociception, leading to bell-shaped response curves in acute pain models. However, activation of MDOR produced more effective antinociception in chronic inflammatory pain models. MCRT showed limited tolerance and opioid-induced hyperalgesia in both acute and chronic pain models and did not develop cross-tolerance to morphine. Additionally, MCRT did not exhibit addictive properties, gastrointestinal inhibition, and effects on motor coordination. Mechanistically, peripheral chronic inflammation or repeated administration of morphine and MCRT induced an increase in MDOR in the spinal cord. Chronic administration of MCRT had no apparent effect on microglial activation in the spinal cord. These findings suggest that MCRT is a versatile compound that provides potent antinociception with minimal opioid-related side effects. MDOR could be a promising target for managing chronic inflammatory pain and addressing the opioid crisis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Injections, Spinal
- Chronic Pain/drug therapy
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Mice
- Male
- Inflammation/drug therapy
- Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage
- Analgesics, Opioid/adverse effects
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Receptors, Neuropeptide/metabolism
- Receptors, Neuropeptide/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Analgesics/pharmacology
- Analgesics/administration & dosage
- Morphine/administration & dosage
- Morphine/pharmacology
- Spinal Cord/drug effects
- Spinal Cord/metabolism
- Hyperalgesia/drug therapy
- Humans
- Oligopeptides/administration & dosage
- Oligopeptides/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaofeng Zhao
- Department of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhonghua Zhang
- Department of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Dingnian Gou
- Department of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Pengtao Li
- Department of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tong Yang
- Department of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhanyu Niu
- Department of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jerine Peter Simon
- Department of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xuyan Guan
- Cuiying Honors College, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Cuiying Honors College, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Chunbo He
- Department of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shouliang Dong
- Department of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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Myšková A, Sýkora D, Kuneš J, Maletínská L. Lipidization as a tool toward peptide therapeutics. Drug Deliv 2023; 30:2284685. [PMID: 38010881 PMCID: PMC10987053 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2023.2284685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptides, as potential therapeutics continue to gain importance in the search for active substances for the treatment of numerous human diseases, some of which are, to this day, incurable. As potential therapeutic drugs, peptides have many favorable chemical and pharmacological properties, starting with their great diversity, through their high affinity for binding to all sort of natural receptors, and ending with the various pathways of their breakdown, which produces nothing but amino acids that are nontoxic to the body. Despite these and other advantages, however, they also have their pitfalls. One of these disadvantages is the very low stability of natural peptides. They have a short half-life and tend to be cleared from the organism very quickly. Their instability in the gastrointestinal tract, makes it impossible to administer peptidic drugs orally. To achieve the best pharmacologic effect, it is desirable to look for ways of modifying peptides that enable the use of these substances as pharmaceuticals. There are many ways to modify peptides. Herein we summarize the approaches that are currently in use, including lipidization, PEGylation, glycosylation and others, focusing on lipidization. We describe how individual types of lipidization are achieved and describe their advantages and drawbacks. Peptide modifications are performed with the goal of reaching a longer half-life, reducing immunogenicity and improving bioavailability. In the case of neuropeptides, lipidization aids their activity in the central nervous system after the peripheral administration. At the end of our review, we summarize all lipidized peptide-based drugs that are currently on the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Myšková
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Science of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Sýkora
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Kuneš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Science of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Maletínská
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Science of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
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3
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Nguyen T, Marusich J, Li JX, Zhang Y. Neuropeptide FF and Its Receptors: Therapeutic Applications and Ligand Development. J Med Chem 2020; 63:12387-12402. [PMID: 32673481 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The endogenous neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and its two cognate G protein-coupled receptors, Neuropeptide FF Receptors 1 and 2 (NPFFR1 and NPFFR2), represent a relatively new target system for many therapeutic applications including pain regulation, modulation of opioid side effects, drug reward, anxiety, cardiovascular conditions, and other peripheral effects. Since the cloning of NPFFR1 and NPFFR2 in 2000, significant progress has been made to understand their pharmacological roles and interactions with other receptor systems, notably the opioid receptors. A variety of NPFFR ligands with different mechanisms of action (agonists or antagonists) have been discovered although with limited subtype selectivities. Differential pharmacological effects have been observed for many of these NPFFR ligands, depending on assays/models employed and routes of administration. In this Perspective, we highlight the therapeutic potentials, current knowledge gaps, and latest updates of the development of peptidic and small molecule NPFFR ligands as tool compounds and therapeutic candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Julie Marusich
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Jun-Xu Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14203, United States
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
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4
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Nourbakhsh F, Atabaki R, Roohbakhsh A. The role of orphan G protein-coupled receptors in the modulation of pain: A review. Life Sci 2018; 212:59-69. [PMID: 30236869 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise a large number of receptors. Orphan GPCRs are divided into six families. These groups contain orphan receptors for which the endogenous ligands are unclear. They have various physiological effects in the body and have the potential to be used in the treatment of different diseases. Considering their important role in the central and peripheral nervous system, their role in the treatment of pain has been the subject of some recent studies. At present, there are effective therapeutics for the treatment of pain including opioid medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, the side effects of these drugs and the risks of tolerance and dependence remain a major problem. In addition, neuropathic pain is a condition that does not respond to currently available analgesic medications well. In the present review article, we aimed to review the most recent findings regarding the role of orphan GPCRs in the treatment of pain. Accordingly, based on the preclinical findings, the role of GPR3, GPR7, GPR8, GPR18, GPR30, GPR35, GPR40, GPR55, GPR74, and GPR147 in the treatment of pain was discussed. The present study highlights the role of orphan GPCRs in the modulation of pain and implies that these receptors are potential new targets for finding better and more efficient therapeutics for the management of pain particularly neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Nourbakhsh
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Rabi Atabaki
- Rayan Center for Neuroscience & Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Roohbakhsh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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5
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Malin DH, Henceroth MM, Elayoubi J, Campbell JR, Anderson A, Goyarzu P, Izygon J, Madison CA, Ward CP, Burstein ES. A subtype-specific neuropeptide FF receptor antagonist attenuates morphine and nicotine withdrawal syndrome in the rat. Neurosci Lett 2018; 684:98-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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7
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Elhabazi K, Humbert JP, Bertin I, Quillet R, Utard V, Schneider S, Schmitt M, Bourguignon JJ, Laboureyras E, Ben Boujema M, Simonnet G, Ancel C, Simonneaux V, Beltramo M, Bucher B, Sorg T, Meziane H, Schneider E, Petit-Demoulière B, Ilien B, Bihel F, Simonin F. RF313, an orally bioavailable neuropeptide FF receptor antagonist, opposes effects of RF-amide-related peptide-3 and opioid-induced hyperalgesia in rodents. Neuropharmacology 2017; 118:188-198. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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8
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Lin Y, Kao S, Day Y, Chang C, Chen J. Altered nociception and morphine tolerance in neuropeptide FF receptor type 2 over-expressing mice. Eur J Pain 2015; 20:895-906. [DOI: 10.1002/ejp.814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Y.T. Lin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences; Chang Gung University; Tao-Yuan Taiwan
| | - S.C. Kao
- Department of Anesthesiology; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; Tao-Yuan Taiwan
| | - Y.J. Day
- Department of Anesthesiology; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; Tao-Yuan Taiwan
| | - C.C. Chang
- Department of Chemistry; Fu Jen Catholic University; New Taipei City Taiwan
| | - J.C. Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences; Chang Gung University; Tao-Yuan Taiwan
- Healthy Aging Research Center; Chang Gung University; Tao-Yuan Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; Tao-Yuan Taiwan
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9
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Reversal of morphine tolerance by a compound with NPFF receptor subtype-selective actions. Neurosci Lett 2015; 584:141-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2014.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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10
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Journigan VB, Mésangeau C, Vyas N, Eans SO, Cutler SJ, McLaughlin JP, Mollereau C, McCurdy CR. Nonpeptide small molecule agonist and antagonist original leads for neuropeptide FF1 and FF2 receptors. J Med Chem 2014; 57:8903-27. [PMID: 25268943 PMCID: PMC4234442 DOI: 10.1021/jm500989n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptide FF1 and FF2 receptors (NPFF1-R and NPFF2-R), and their endogenous ligand NPFF, are one of only several systems responsible for mediating opioid-induced hyperalgesia, tolerance, and dependence. Currently, no small molecules displaying good affinity or selectivity for either subtype have been reported, to decipher the role of NPFF2-R as it relates to opioid-mediated analgesia, for further exploration of NPFF1-R, or for medication development for either subtype. We report the first nonpeptide small molecule scaffold for NPFF1,2-R, the guanidino-piperidines, and SAR studies resulting in the discovery of a NPFF1 agonist (7b, K(i) = 487 ± 117 nM), a NPFF1 antagonist (46, K(i) = 81 ± 17 nM), and a NPFF2 partial antagonist (53a, K(i) = 30 ± 5 nM), which serve as leads for the development of pharmacological probes and potential therapeutic agents. Testing of 46 alone was without effect in the mouse 48 °C warm-water tail-withdrawal test, but pretreatment with 46 prevented NPFF-induced hyperalgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Blair Journigan
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi , University, Mississippi 38677, United States
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11
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Ayachi S, Simonin F. Involvement of Mammalian RF-Amide Peptides and Their Receptors in the Modulation of Nociception in Rodents. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:158. [PMID: 25324831 PMCID: PMC4183120 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian RF-amide peptides, which all share a conserved carboxyl-terminal Arg-Phe-NH2 sequence, constitute a family of five groups of neuropeptides that are encoded by five different genes. They act through five G-protein-coupled receptors and each group of peptide binds to and activates mostly one receptor: RF-amide related peptide group binds to NPFFR1, neuropeptide FF group to NPFFR2, pyroglutamylated RF-amide peptide group to QRFPR, prolactin-releasing peptide group to prolactin-releasing peptide receptor, and kisspeptin group to Kiss1R. These peptides and their receptors have been involved in the modulation of several functions including reproduction, feeding, and cardiovascular regulation. Data from the literature now provide emerging evidence that all RF-amide peptides and their receptors are also involved in the modulation of nociception. This review will present the current knowledge on the involvement in rodents of the different mammalian RF-amide peptides and their receptors in the modulation of nociception in basal and chronic pain conditions as well as their modulatory effects on the analgesic effects of opiates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safia Ayachi
- UMR 7242 CNRS, Laboratory of Excellence Medalis, Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Frédéric Simonin
- UMR 7242 CNRS, Laboratory of Excellence Medalis, Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- *Correspondence: Frédéric Simonin, UMR 7242 CNRS, Laboratory of Excellence Medalis, Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, 300 Boulevard Sébastien Brant, Illkirch 67412, France e-mail:
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Moulédous L, Mollereau C, Zajac JM. Opioid-modulating properties of the neuropeptide FF system. Biofactors 2010; 36:423-9. [PMID: 20803521 DOI: 10.1002/biof.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2010] [Accepted: 06/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Opioid receptors are involved in the control of pain perception in the central nervous system together with endogenous neuropeptides, termed opioid-modulating peptides, participating in a homeostatic system. Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and related peptides possess anti-opioid properties, the cellular mechanisms of which are still unclear. The purpose of this review is to detail the phenomenon of cross-talk taking place between opioid and NPFF systems at the in vivo pharmacological level and to propose cellular and molecular models of functioning. A better knowledge of the mechanisms underlying opioid-modulating properties of NPFF has potential therapeutic interest for the control of opioid functions, notably for alleviating pain and/or for the treatment of opioid abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Moulédous
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, CNRS UMR5089, Université de Toulouse, 205 route de Narbonne, Toulouse CEDEX 04, France
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Lameh J, Bertozzi F, Kelly N, Jacobi PM, Nguyen D, Bajpai A, Gaubert G, Olsson R, Gardell LR. Neuropeptide FF receptors have opposing modulatory effects on nociception. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2010; 334:244-54. [PMID: 20354177 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.109.164384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and its analogs in pain modulation is ambiguous. Although NPFF was first characterized as an antiopioid peptide, both antinociceptive and pronociceptive effects have been reported, depending on the route of administration. Currently, two NPFF receptors, termed FF1 and FF2, have been identified and cloned, but their roles in pain modulation remain elusive because of the lack of availability of selective compounds suitable for systemic administration in in vivo models. Ligand-binding studies confirm ubiquitous expression of both subtypes in brain, whereas only FF2 receptors are expressed spinally. This disparity in localization has served as the foundation of the hypothesis that FF1 receptors mediate the pronociceptive actions of NPFF. We have identified novel small molecule NPFF receptor agonists and antagonists with varying degrees of FF2/FF1 functional selectivity. Using these pharmacological tools in vivo has allowed us to define the roles of NPFF receptor subtypes as pertains to the modulation of nociception. We demonstrate that selective FF2 agonism does not modulate acute pain but instead ameliorates inflammatory and neuropathic pains. Treatment with a nonselective FF1/FF2 agonist potentiates allodynia in neuropathic rats and increases sensitivity to noxious thermal and to non-noxious mechanical stimuli in normal rats in an FF1 antagonist-reversible manner. Treatment with FF1 antagonists reversed established mechanical allodynia, indicating the possibility of increased NPFF tone through FF1 receptors. In conclusion, we provide evidence for the opposing roles of NPFF receptors and highlight selective FF2 agonism and/or selective FF1 antagonism as potential targets warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelveh Lameh
- ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
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Yang HYT, Tao T, Iadarola MJ. Modulatory role of neuropeptide FF system in nociception and opiate analgesia. Neuropeptides 2008; 42:1-18. [PMID: 17854890 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2007.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2007] [Accepted: 06/14/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The tetra-peptide FMRF-NH(2) is a cardioexcitatory peptide in the clam. Using the antibody against this peptide, FMRF-NH(2)-like immunoreactive material was detected in mammalian CNS. Subsequently, mammalian FMRF-NH(2) immunoreactive peptides were isolated from bovine brain and characterized to be FLFQPQRF-NH(2) (NPFF) and AGEGLSSPFWSLAAPQRF-NH(2) (NPAF). The genes encoding NPFF precursor proteins and NPFF receptors 1 and 2 are expressed in all vertebrate species examined to date and are highly conserved. Among many biological roles suggested for the NPFF system, the possible modulatory role of NPFF in nocicetion and opiate analgesia has been most widely investigated. Pharmacologically, NPFF-related peptides were found to exhibit analgesia and also potentiate the analgesic activity of opiates when administered intrathecally but attenuate the opiate induced analgesia when administered intracerebroventricularly. RF-NH(2) peptides including NPFF-related peptides were found to delay the rate of acid sensing ion channels (ASIC) desensitization resulting in enhancing acid gated currents, raising the possibility that NPFF also may have a pain modulatory role through ASIC. The genes for NPFF as well as NPFF-R2, preferred receptor for NPFF, are highly unevenly expressed in the rat CNS with the highest levels localized to the superficial layers of the dorsal spinal cord. These two genes are also present in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), though at low levels in normal rats. NPFF and NPFF-R2 mRNAs were found to be coordinately up-regulated in spinal cord and DRG of rats with peripheral inflammation. In addition, NPFF-R2 immunoreactivity in the primary afferents was increased by peripheral inflammation. The findings from the early studies on the analgesic and morphine modulating activities suggested a role for NPFF in pain modulation and this possibility is further supported by the distribution of NPFF and its receptor and the regulation of the NPFF system in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Ying T Yang
- Neurobiology and Pain Therapeutics Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-4410, USA.
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Yang HYT, Iadarola MJ. Modulatory roles of the NPFF system in pain mechanisms at the spinal level. Peptides 2006; 27:943-52. [PMID: 16443306 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2005] [Accepted: 06/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The possible roles of the NPFF system in pain processing are summarized from the viewpoints of (1) biological activities of NPFF, (2) anatomical distribution of NPFF and its receptor(s) and (3) the regulation of NPFF and receptor(s) in animal models of pain. NPFF and NPFF analogues were found to have analgesic, pronociceptive and morphine modulating activities. Since the isolation of NPFF, several other RF-NH2 peptides have been identified and some of them were found to have nociceptive or morphine modulating activity. Depending on the pharmacological doses and locations of administration, NPFF may exhibit the biological activities of other structurally related RF-NH2 peptides thus complicating NPFF bioactivity studies and their interpretation. Acid sensing ion channels were found to respond to RF-NH2 peptides including NPFF, raising the possibility that interaction of NPFF and acid sensing ion channels can modulate nociceptive activity. NPFF and NPFF receptor mRNAs are highly expressed and localized in the superficial layers of the dorsal cord, the two genes are also in dorsal root ganglia though at much lower level. The spinal NPFF system is up-regulated by peripheral inflammation in the rat. Furthermore, immunohistochemically, NPFF receptor 2-protein was demonstrated to be increased in the primary afferents in the spinal cord of rats with peripheral inflammation. Regulation and localization of spinal NPFF systems, taken together with the analgesic bioactivity of intrathecally administered NPFF, strongly suggest involvement of spinal NPFF system in pain processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Ying T Yang
- Neuronal Gene Expression Section, Pain and Neurosensory Mechanisms Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4410, USA.
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Chen JC, Lee WH, Chen PC, Tseng CP, Huang EYK. Rat NPFF(1) receptor-mediated signaling: functional comparison of neuropeptide FF (NPFF), FMRFamide and PFR(Tic)amide. Peptides 2006; 27:1005-14. [PMID: 16490283 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2005] [Accepted: 09/14/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) participates in many physiological functions associated with opioids in the mammalian CNS. We established a pheochromocytoma PC-12 cell line clone stably expressing rat NPFF1 receptors. Both NPFF and FMRFamide activated NPFF1 receptors to couple with Gi/o protein and inhibited adenylyl cyclase activity in PC-12/rNPFF1 cells, but there were no effects on MAPKs (ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK) or PI3K/Akt pathway. FMRFamide also inhibited DARPP-32/Thr34 phosphorylation in the presence of forskolin. Similarly, PFR(Tic)amide, a 'super-agonist' of NPFF receptors, inhibited the production of cAMP and slightly decreased DARPP-32/Thr34 phosphorylation in PC-12/rNPFF1 cells. Intracerebroventricular injections of PFR(Tic)amide blocked behavioral sensitization of locomotor activity to amphetamine, and intrathecal injection of PFR(Tic)amide caused a dose-dependent antinociception in vivo in rats. Thus, "over-activation" of NPFF receptors by PFR(Tic)amide induced different bio-effects from those induced by NPFF in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Chung Chen
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Chang-Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Road, Tao-Yuan, Kwei-Shan, 333, Taiwan, ROC
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Li JJ, Zhou X, Yu LC. Involvement of neuropeptide Y and Y1 receptor in antinociception in the arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus, an immunohistochemical and pharmacological study in intact rats and rats with inflammation. Pain 2005; 118:232-42. [PMID: 16216414 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2005.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2005] [Revised: 08/04/2005] [Accepted: 08/18/2005] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) plays an important role in pain modulation at different levels in the central nervous system. In the brain, NPY and NPY receptors distribute abundantly in the arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus (ARC), a structure involved in pain processing. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of NPY in nociceptive modulation in the ARC of intact rats and rats with carrageenan-induced inflammation. Intra-ARC administration of NPY induced dose-dependent increases in hindpaw withdrawal latencies (HWLs) to thermal and mechanical stimulation in intact rats, which was attenuated by the Y1 receptor antagonist NPY28-36. Intra-ARC administration of NPY also induced dose-dependent increases in HWLs to noxious stimulation in rats with inflammation. Furthermore, intra-ARC injection of either the antiserum against NPY or NPY28-36 induced decreases in HWLs in rats with inflammation, while both of them produced no effects in intact ones. Additionally, there were marked increases of Y1 receptor in the bilateral ARC of rats with inflammation tested by immunohistochemistry, while no significant changes of NPY were observed, implicating that the increased Y1 receptor has an important effect in the NPY-induced antinociception. We also found that intra-ARC injection of Y2 receptor agonist NPY3-36 produced no significant antinociception in either intact rats or rats with inflammation. Together, we demonstrate that NPY exerts an antinociceptive effect in the ARC of intact rats and rats with inflammation. Both Y1 receptor and endogenous released NPY in the ARC are involved in the nociceptive modulation during inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ju Li
- Neurobiology Laboratory and National Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
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18
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Änkö ML, Panula P. Functional modulation of human delta opioid receptor by neuropeptide FF. BMC Neurosci 2005; 6:21. [PMID: 15804369 PMCID: PMC1079869 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-6-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2004] [Accepted: 04/04/2005] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) plays a role in physiological pain sensation and opioid analgesia. For example, NPFF potentiates opiate-induced analgesia and the delta opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole inhibits NPFF-induced antinociception. The nature of the interactions between NPFF and opioid receptors seems to be complex and the molecular mechanisms behind the observed physiological effects are not known. Results We used a stable Chinese hamster ovary cell line expressing c-MYC-tagged human delta opioid receptor to study the interactions at the molecular level. Our results imply that NPFF can directly modulate the activation of delta opioid receptor in the absence of NPFF receptors. The modulatory effect, though only moderate, was consistently detected with several methods. The agonist-induced receptor trafficking was changed in the presence of (1DMe)NPYF, a stable NPFF-analogue. (1DMe)NPYF enhanced the receptor activation and recovery; opioid antagonists inhibited the effects, indicating that they were delta opioid receptor-mediated. The binding experiments with a novel ligand, Terbium-labeled deltorphin I, showed that (1DMe)NPYF modulated the binding of delta opioid receptor ligands. The levels of phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase and intracellular cAMP were studied to clarify the effects of NPFF on the opioid signaling mechanisms. Application of (1DMe)NPYF together with a delta opioid receptor agonist enhanced the signaling via both pathways studied. Concomitantly to the receptor trafficking, the time-course of the activation of the signaling was altered. Conclusion In addition to working via indirect mechanisms on the opioid systems, NPFF may exert a direct modulatory effect on the delta opioid receptor. NPFF may be a multi-functional neuropeptide that regulates several neuronal systems depending on the site of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minna-Liisa Änkö
- Department of Biology, Åbo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6A, 2nd floor, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Pertti Panula
- Department of Biology, Åbo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6A, 2nd floor, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Neuroscience Center and Institute of Biomedicine/Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
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19
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Yu Y, Jawa A, Pan W, Kastin AJ. Effects of peptides, with emphasis on feeding, pain, and behavior A 5-year (1999-2003) review of publications in Peptides. Peptides 2004; 25:2257-89. [PMID: 15572212 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2004.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2004] [Accepted: 09/21/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Novel effects of naturally occurring peptides are continuing to be discovered, and their mechanisms of actions as well as interactions with other substances, organs, and systems have been elucidated. Synthetic analogs may have actions similar or antagonistic to the endogenous peptides, and both the native peptides and analogs have potential as drugs or drug targets. The journal Peptides publishes many leading articles on the structure-activity relationship of peptides as well as outstanding reviews on some families of peptides. Complementary to the reviews, here we extract information from the original papers published during the past five years in Peptides (1999-2003) to summarize the effects of different classes of peptides, their modulation by other chemicals and various pathophysiological states, and the mechanisms by which the effects are exerted. Special attention is given to peptides related to feeding, pain, and other behaviors. By presenting in condensed form the effects of peptides which are essential for systems biology, we hope that this summary of existing knowledge will encourage additional novel research to be presented in Peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmei Yu
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
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20
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Gouardères C, Kieffer BL, Zajac JM. Opposite alterations of NPFF1 and NPFF2 neuropeptide FF receptor density in the triple MOR/DOR/KOR-opioid receptor knockout mouse brains. J Chem Neuroanat 2004; 27:119-28. [PMID: 15121216 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2004.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2003] [Revised: 12/01/2003] [Accepted: 01/21/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Mice lacking the mu-delta-kappa-opioid receptor (MOR/DOR/KOR) genes and their corresponding wild-type littermates have been used to quantify NPFF(1) and NPFF(2) (neuropeptide FF) receptors by in vitro autoradiography in the central nervous tissues. Adjacent coronal sections were labelled with [125I]YVP ([125I]YVPNLPQRF-NH(2)) and [125I]EYF ([125I]EYWSLAAPQRF-NH(2)) as specific radioligands for NPFF(1) and NPFF(2) receptors, respectively. NPFF(2) receptors are predominantly expressed in both genotypes, but their density increases significantly in non cortical regions of mutant mice: 64% in the amygdaloid area, 89, 308, 1214 and 49% in the nucleus of the vertical limb of the diagonal band, substantia nigra, the vestibular nucleus and the spinal cord, respectively. In contrast, the density of the NPFF(1) subtype is lower than NPFF(2) in both genotypes and significantly decreased in some brain areas of mutant mice: -99, -90 and -90% in the nucleus of the vertical limb of the diagonal band, substantia nigra and the spinal cord, respectively. This study shows that mice lacking opioid receptors have brain region-dependent increases (NPFF(2)) and decreases (NPFF(1)) in NPFF receptors densities and suggests a different functional participation of each NPFF receptor subtype in the actions of opioids.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Autoradiography
- Brain/anatomy & histology
- Brain/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Receptors, Neuropeptide/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid/deficiency
- Receptors, Opioid/genetics
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/deficiency
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/genetics
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/deficiency
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/genetics
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/deficiency
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Gouardères
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, C.N.R.S. UMR 5089, 205 Route de Narbonne, 31077 Toulouse Cedex, France
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21
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Kalliomäki ML, Pertovaara A, Brandt A, Wei H, Pietilä P, Kalmari J, Xu M, Kalso E, Panula P. Prolactin-releasing peptide affects pain, allodynia and autonomic reflexes through medullary mechanisms. Neuropharmacology 2004; 46:412-24. [PMID: 14975697 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2003.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2003] [Revised: 09/02/2003] [Accepted: 09/24/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) and neuropeptide FF (NPFF) are RF-amide peptides expressed in brain areas involved in pain modulation. NPFF displays multiple effects on acute, inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The potential role of PrRP in pain was addressed by intrathecal and intracerebral injections of PrRP on pain-related responses in both neuropathic and normal rats. Particularly in the dorsal medulla, PrRP produced significant antinociception in normal rats and an antiallodynic effect in neuropathic rats. To understand the basis of PrRP-induced pain modulation, distributions of PrRP, PrRP receptor, and NPFF were compared in the rat central nervous system. PrRP and NPFF mRNA were expressed in different parts of the nucleus of the solitary tract. In the medulla, PrRP receptor mRNA expression was abundant only in area postrema. Of the peptides studied, only NPFF mRNA was found in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve. PrRP-immunoreactivity corresponded to the mRNA distribution. Even if the neuronal groups producing NPFF and PrRP were distinct, the fiber networks immunoreactive for PrRP and NPFF overlapped. The results show that PrRP modulates nociception due to supraspinal rather than spinal action, and that its antinociceptive mechanism differs from that previously characterized for NPFF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija-Liisa Kalliomäki
- Department of Biology, Abo Akademi University, Biocity Artillerigatan 6A, 20520 Turku, SF, Finland
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22
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Zeng Z, McDonald TP, Wang R, Liu Q, Austin CP. Neuropeptide FF receptor 2 (NPFF2) is localized to pain-processing regions in the primate spinal cord and the lower level of the medulla oblongata. J Chem Neuroanat 2003; 25:269-78. [PMID: 12842272 DOI: 10.1016/s0891-0618(03)00038-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Studies have suggested that NPFF-like peptides and their receptors play important roles in physiological and pathological conditions. Here, we show, using multiple expression modalities, that the type 2 NPFF receptor (hNPFF2) is expressed in regions of the primate spinal cord and brainstem mediating pain sensation. In situ hybridization using an NPFF2 riboprobe, and immunohistochemistry using a novel NPFF2 antibody, demonstrated strong NPFF2 expression in the superficial layer of the dorsal horn, and in the spinal trigeminal nucleus of the brainstem of the African green monkey (AGM). In addition, autoradiography using a radiolabeled NPFF analog ([125I]1DMe) revealed dense binding signal in the superficial layer of the dorsal horn in the spinal cord. The distribution pattern of hNPFF2 in the AGM spinal cord and the lower level of the brainstem are consistent with a hypothesized potential role for NPFF peptides in modulation of sensory input, opioid analgesia and morphine tolerance through spinal and supraspinal mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhen Zeng
- Department of Neuroscience, Merck Research Laboratories, WP26A-3000, P.O. Box 4, West Point, PA 19486, USA.
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23
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Quelven I, Roussin A, Burlet-Schiltz O, Gouardères C, Tafani JAM, Mazarguil H, Zajac JM. Dissociation of pharmacological pro- and anti-opioid effects by neuropeptide FF analogs. Eur J Pharmacol 2002; 449:91-8. [PMID: 12163111 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(02)01983-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and its analog 1DMe ([D-Tyr(1),(NMe)Phe(3)]NPFF) have been shown to reverse or potentiate morphine analgesia in rat depending on the supraspinal or spinal site of injection. The properties, in the mouse tail-flick test, of 1DMe and its related compound Nic-1DMe (Nicotinoyl-Pro-1DMe) were investigated after their local (i.c.v. and i.t.) and systemic administration. Whereas Nic-1DMe and 1DMe exhibit the same affinity and selectivity towards NPFF(1) and NPFF(2) receptors, Nic-1DMe, in contrast to 1DMe, is unable to inhibit morphine-induced analgesia after i.c.v. and i.p. administration. Conversely, after i.t. and i.p. administration, both neuropeptide FF analogs could potentiate morphine analgesia. Differences in disposition parameters between 1DMe and Nic-1DMe are evidenced, suggesting that the two neuropeptide FF analogs could stimulate differentially supraspinal neuropeptide FF receptors. The predominant activation of spinal neuronal pathways by Nic-1DMe could explain the selective pro-opioid action of this compound after i.t., i.c.v. and i.p. administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Quelven
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, CNRS UMR 5089, 205 route de Narbonne, 31077 Toulouse Cedex, France
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24
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Bonnard E, Mazarguil H, Zajac JM. Peptide nucleic acids targeted to the mouse proNPFF(A) reveal an endogenous opioid tonus. Peptides 2002; 23:1107-13. [PMID: 12126738 DOI: 10.1016/s0196-9781(02)00034-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacological studies have implicated the anti-opioid neuropeptide FF (NPFF) in the modulation of pain transmission. Since its physiological role has not yet been fully elucidated, the present study examined whether antisense peptide nucleic acid (PNA) complementary to the NPFF precursor (proNPFF(A)) modified pain sensitivity. Mice received three intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections (10mg/kg) of antisense PNA (As-proNPFF(A)) over a period of 24h. As-proNPFF(A) treatment significantly increased the basal tail withdrawal latency in the tail-flick test. This analgesia persisted during 2 days and was completely reversed by naloxone. Thus, antisense PNAs, by decreasing anti-opioid effects, revealed a basal endogenous opioid activity. Our results evidence a physiological interplay between NPFF and opioid systems and further support the use of PNA as effective antisense agents, for studying gene function in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Bonnard
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, CNRS UMR 5089, 205 route de Narbonne, 31077 Cedex, Toulouse, France
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25
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Ballet S, Braz J, Mauborgne A, Bourgoin S, Zajac JM, Hamon M, Cesselin F. The neuropeptide FF analogue, 1DMe, reduces in vivo dynorphin release from the rat spinal cord. J Neurochem 2002; 81:659-62. [PMID: 12065675 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2002.00914.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Intrathecal infusion of the neuropeptide FF analogue, [D-Tyr1, (NMe)Phe3]neuropeptide FF (1DMe; 0.1 microm-0.1 mm) in anaesthetized rats produced a concentration-dependent decrease in the spinal outflow of dynorphin A (1-8)-like material, which persisted for at least 90 min after treatment with 10 microm-0.1 mm of the compound. Co-administration of d-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (CTOP; 1 microm) to block spinal micro-opioid receptors did not modify this effect, whereas naltrindole (10 microm) totally prevented it and nor-binaltorphimine (10 microm) reduced the post-effect. These data suggest that 1DMe triggers the release of endogenous opioids that stimulate mainly delta-opioid receptors, and secondarily kappa-opioid receptors, thereby exerting a negative influence on dynorphin A (1-8)-like material outflow. Because dynorphin has pronociceptive properties, such a decrease in spinal dynorphin A (1-8)-like material release might underlie the long-lasting antinociceptive effects of intrathecally administered neuropeptide FF and analogues.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Dynorphins/cerebrospinal fluid
- Dynorphins/metabolism
- Injections, Spinal
- Male
- Models, Animal
- Naltrexone/administration & dosage
- Naltrexone/analogs & derivatives
- Narcotic Antagonists/administration & dosage
- Oligopeptides/administration & dosage
- Peptide Fragments/cerebrospinal fluid
- Peptide Fragments/metabolism
- Perfusion
- Radioimmunoassay
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/drug effects
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/drug effects
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/antagonists & inhibitors
- Somatostatin/administration & dosage
- Somatostatin/analogs & derivatives
- Spinal Cord/drug effects
- Spinal Cord/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Ballet
- NeuroPsychoPharmacologie Moléculaire, Cellulaire et Fonctionnelle, INSERM U288, Faculté de Médecine Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
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26
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Abstract
Upon receipt in the dorsal horn (DH) of the spinal cord, nociceptive (pain-signalling) information from the viscera, skin and other organs is subject to extensive processing by a diversity of mechanisms, certain of which enhance, and certain of which inhibit, its transfer to higher centres. In this regard, a network of descending pathways projecting from cerebral structures to the DH plays a complex and crucial role. Specific centrifugal pathways either suppress (descending inhibition) or potentiate (descending facilitation) passage of nociceptive messages to the brain. Engagement of descending inhibition by the opioid analgesic, morphine, fulfils an important role in its pain-relieving properties, while induction of analgesia by the adrenergic agonist, clonidine, reflects actions at alpha(2)-adrenoceptors (alpha(2)-ARs) in the DH normally recruited by descending pathways. However, opioids and adrenergic agents exploit but a tiny fraction of the vast panoply of mechanisms now known to be involved in the induction and/or expression of descending controls. For example, no drug interfering with descending facilitation is currently available for clinical use. The present review focuses on: (1) the organisation of descending pathways and their pathophysiological significance; (2) the role of individual transmitters and specific receptor types in the modulation and expression of mechanisms of descending inhibition and facilitation and (3) the advantages and limitations of established and innovative analgesic strategies which act by manipulation of descending controls. Knowledge of descending pathways has increased exponentially in recent years, so this is an opportune moment to survey their operation and therapeutic relevance to the improved management of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Millan
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Institut de Recherches Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy/Seine, Paris, France.
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27
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Mazarguil H, Gouardères C, Tafani JA, Marcus D, Kotani M, Mollereau C, Roumy M, Zajac JM. Structure-activity relationships of neuropeptide FF: role of C-terminal regions. Peptides 2001; 22:1471-8. [PMID: 11514031 DOI: 10.1016/s0196-9781(01)00468-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A structure-activity study was carried out to determine the importance of the C-terminal amino acids of the octapeptide Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) in binding and agonistic activity. Affinities of NPFF analogues were tested toward NPFF receptors of the rat spinal cord and the human NPFF2 receptors transfected in CHO cells. The activities of these analogues were evaluated by their ability to both inhibit adenylate cyclase in NPFF2 receptor transfected CHO cells and to reverse the effect of nociceptin on acutely dissociated rat dorsal raphe neurons. The substitutions of Phenylalanine8 by a tyrosine, phenylglycine or homophenylalanine were deleterious for high affinity. Similarly, the replacement of Arginine7 by a lysine or D. Arginine induces a loss in affinity. The pharmacological characterization showed that the presence of the amidated Phe8 and Arg7 residues are also extremely critical for activation of anti-opioid effects on dorsal raphe neurons. The sequence of the C-terminal dipeptide seems also to be responsible for the high affinity and the activity on human NPFF2 receptors. The results support the view that a code messaging the molecular interaction toward NPFF-receptors is expressed in the C-terminal region of these peptides but the N-terminal segment is important to gain very high affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Mazarguil
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, CNRS UMR 5089, 205 Route de Narbonne, 31077, Toulouse Cedex, France
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28
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Wei H, Panula P, Pertovaara A. Modulation of pain by [1DMe]NPYF, a stable analogue of neuropeptide FF, in neuropathic rats. Brain Res 2001; 900:234-43. [PMID: 11334803 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(01)02315-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The pain modulatory effects of (D-Tyr)L(Me-Phe)QPQRF-amide ([1DMe]NPYF), a stable analogue of neuropeptide FF were studied in rats with a chronic neuropathy induced by unilateral ligation of two spinal nerves. According to behavioral assessments, intrathecal (i.t.) administration of [1DMe]NPYF induced mechanical antiallodynic and thermal antinociceptive effects in a parallel and dose-dependent fashion, whereas following administration in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) it produced only mechanical antiallodynia. I.t. or PAG administration of FLFQPQRF, a non-amidated form of NPFF, or intraplantar injection of [1DMe]NPYF into the neuropathic paw had no effects. Electrophysiological results indicated that administration of [1DMe]NPYF suppressed responses of nociceptive spinal dorsal horn neurons in a submodality selective way and without an effect on their spontaneous activity; PAG administration predominantly suppressed brush-evoked responses and i.t. administration heat-evoked responses. The descending inhibitory effect by conditioning electrical stimulation of the PAG was enhanced by i.t. administration of [1DMe]NPYF. The reversibility of [1DMe]NPYF-induced effects by naloxone (1 mg/kg subcutaneously) depended on the submodality of test stimulation and the route of drug administration. The amplitude of the innocuous H-reflex was not changed by [1DMe]NPYF administered i.t. in control rats. The present results indicate that [1DMe]NPYF produces a selective attenuation of pain in neuropathic animals due to naloxone-sensitive or -insensitive central mechanisms depending on the submodality of pain and route of drug administration. The amide-group is essential for the [1DMe]NPYF-induced attenuation of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Wei
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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29
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Abstract
A selective delta-opioid antagonist, naltrindole, was used to study the role of the delta-opioid receptor in the antinociceptive actions of a synthetic NPFF analog, (1DMe)NPYF. I.t. (1DMe)NPYF (5 nmol) produced antinociception in the tail flick test and (1DMe)NPYF (0.5 nmol) potentiated the antinociceptive effect of i.t. morphine 7.8 nmol. (1DMe)NPYF (5 nmol) had an antihyperalgesic effect in carrageenan inflammation and it significantly reduced mechanical allodynia in the spinal nerve ligation model. All these effects were prevented or significantly reduced by pretreatment with naltrindole (28 nmol) (P < 0.01-0.001). These data suggest that activation of spinal delta-opioid receptors plays an important role in mediating the spinal antinociceptive effects of (1DMe)NPYF.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
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30
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Altier N, Dray A, Ménard D, Henry JL. Neuropeptide FF attenuates allodynia in models of chronic inflammation and neuropathy following intrathecal or intracerebroventricular administration. Eur J Pharmacol 2000; 407:245-55. [PMID: 11068020 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(00)00668-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Experiments were conducted to explore the effects of Neuropeptide FF acting at spinal and supraspinal sites in models of chronic inflammatory or neuropathic pain and of acute pain. Neuropeptide FF was administered intrathecally (i.t.; 10.0, 25.0 and 50.0 nmol) or intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.; 10.0, 12.5 and 15.0 nmol) either 24 h after inflammation-inducing injections of Freund's Complete Adjuvant in one hind paw or 7 days after unilateral sciatic nerve constriction. Evoked pain was assessed by measuring the withdrawal response threshold (in grams of pressure) to a mechanical stimulus applied to the plantar surface of the injured paw. Neuropeptide FF dose-dependently attenuated the allodynic response (i.e., withdrawal from a normally innocuous stimulus) to mechanical stimulation in the inflammatory and neuropathic model following i.t. (ED50=20.86 nmol and ED50=18.91 nmol, respectively) and i.c.v. (ED50=12.31 nmol and ED50=11.68 nmol, respectively) administration. Pretreatment with naloxone (2.0 mg/kg; s.c.) attenuated the anti-allodynic effect of i.t. or i.c.v. Neuropeptide FF in rats experiencing inflammatory, but not neuropathic pain. In contrast, Neuropeptide FF administered i.t. (10.0, 25.0 and 50.0 nmol) or i.c.v. (10.0, 12.5 and 15.0 nmol) had no effect on the response to acute thermal or mechanical stimulation. Neuropeptide FF injected i.t. or i.c.v. in inflamed or neuropathic rats did not produce any sign of motor dysfunction. These results suggest that Neuropeptide FF acting at spinal and supraspinal sites plays a role in modulating chronic, but not acute pain. Furthermore, the results suggest that the anti-allodynic effect of Neuropeptide FF is mediated indirectly by naloxone-sensitive opioid mechanisms in rats subjected to inflammatory, but not neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Altier
- Department of Pharmacology, AstraZeneca R&D Montreal, 7171 Frédérick-Banting Street, Ville Saint-Laurent, Québec H4S 1Z9, Canada
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31
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Gouardères C, Sutak M, Zajac JM, Jhamandas K. Role of adenosine in the spinal antinociceptive and morphine modulatory actions of neuropeptide FF analogs. Eur J Pharmacol 2000; 406:391-401. [PMID: 11040346 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(00)00716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide FF (Phe-Leu-Phe-Gln-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe-NH(2)) and its synthetic analogs bind to specific receptors in the spinal cord to produce antinociceptive effects that are partially attenuated by opioid antagonists, and at sub-effective doses neuropeptide FF receptor agonists augment spinal opioid antinociception. Since adenosine plays an intermediary role in the production of spinal opioid antinociception, this study investigated whether this purine has a similar role in the expression of spinal effects produced by neuropeptide FF receptor agonists. In rats bearing indwelling spinal catheters, injection of adenosine receptor agonists, N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA, 1.72 nmol) and N-ethylcarboxiamidoadenosine (NECA, 1.95 nmol), as well as morphine (13.2 nmol) elicited antinociception in the tail-flick and paw-pressure tests. Pretreatment with intrathecal 8-phenyltheophylline (5.9 and 11.7 nmol), an adenosine receptor antagonist, blocked the effect of all three agents without influencing baseline responses. Administration of two synthetic neuropeptide FF (NPFF) analogs, [D-Tyr(1),(NMe)Phe(3)]NPFF (1DMe, 0. 86 nmol) and [D-Tyr(1),D-leu(2),D-Phe(3)]NPFF (3D, 8.6 nmol) produced sustained thermal and mechanical antinociception. Pretreatment with doses of intrathecal 8-phenyltheophylline (5.9, 11. 7 and 23.5 nmol), producing adenosine receptor blockade, significantly inhibited the antinociceptive effects of 1DMe or 3D. Injection of a sub-antinociceptive dose of 1DMe (0.009 nmol) significantly augmented the antinociceptive effect of intrathecal morphine (13.2 nmol) in the tail-flick and paw-pressure tests. Intrathecal 8-phenyltheophylline (11.7 nmol) reduced the effect of this combination. Administration of low dose of 1DMe (0.009 nmol) or 3D (0.009 nmol) very markedly potentiated the antinociceptive actions of the adenosine receptor agonist, N6-cyclohexyladenosine (0. 43, 0.86 and 1.72 nmol) in the tail-flick and paw-pressure tests 50 min after injection. The results suggest that the antinociceptive and morphine modulatory effects resulting from activation of spinal NPFF receptors could be due to an increase in the actions or availability of adenosine.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gouardères
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, C.N.R.S., 205 Route de Narbonne, Toulouse, France
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Panula P, Kalso E, Nieminen M, Kontinen VK, Brandt A, Pertovaara A. Neuropeptide FF and modulation of pain. Brain Res 1999; 848:191-6. [PMID: 10612711 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(99)02044-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and the related longer peptide neuropeptide AF (NPAF) derive from a single gene in several mammalian species. The gene product is expressed mainly in the CNS, where the posterior pituitary and dorsal spinal cord contain the highest concentrations. Evidence from biochemical and immunohistochemical studies combined with in situ hybridization using NPFF gene-specific probes suggest that all NPFF-like peptides may not derive from the characterized NPFF gene, but that other genes can exist which give rise to related peptides. Intraventricular NPFF exerts antiopioid effects, but intrathecal NPFF potentiates the analgesic effects of morphine. NPFF mRNA expression is upregulated in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord after carrageenan-induced inflammation in the hind paw of the rat, but not in the neuropathic pain model induced by ligation of the spinal roots. NPFF produces a submodality-selective potentiation of the antinociceptive effect induced by brain stem stimulation in the spinal cord during inflammation, and this effect is independent of naloxone-sensitive opioid receptors. In neuropathic animals, NPFF injected into the periaqueductal grey produces a significant attenuation of tactile allodynia, which is not modulated by naloxone. NPFF thus modulates pain sensation and morphine analgesia under normal and pathological conditions through both spinal and brain mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Panula
- Department of Biology, Abo Akademi University, Biocity, Tykistokatu 6A, 20520, Turku, Finland.
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