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Xu K, Zhang M, Chen D, Xu B, Hu X, Zhang Q, Zhang R, Zhang N, Li N, Fang Q. Conorphin-66 produces peripherally restricted antinociception via the kappa-opioid receptor with limited side effects. Neuropharmacology 2024; 261:110157. [PMID: 39276862 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110157] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
With the current unmet demand for effective pain relief, analgesics without major central adverse effects are highly appealing, such as peripherally restricted kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) agonists. In this study, Conorphin-66, an analog of the selective KOR peptide agonist Conorphin T, was pharmacologically characterized in a series of experiments, with CR845 serving as the reference compound. Firstly, in vitro functional assay indicated that Conorphin-66 selectively activates KOR and exhibits weak β-arrestin2 signaling bias (-1.54 versus -4.35 for CR845). Additionally, subcutaneous Conorphin-66 produced potent antinociception in mouse pain models with ED50 values ranged from 0.02 to 3.28 μmol/kg, including tail-flick test, post-operative pain, formalin pain, and acetic acid-induced visceral pain. Similarly, CR845 exert potent antinociception in mouse pain models ranged from 0.15 to 1.47 μmol/kg. Notably, antagonism studies revealed that the analgesic effects of Conorphin-66 were mainly mediated by the peripheral KOR. Furthermore, Conorphin-66 produced non-tolerance-forming antinociception over 8 days. Unlike CR845, subcutaneous Conorphin-66 did not promote the sedation, anxiogenic effects, depressive-like effects, but did exhibit diuretic activity. Further study showed that Conorphin-66 does not have apparent antipruritic effects in an acute itch model. Overall, Conorphin-66 emerges as a novel peripherally restricted KOR agonist that produced potent antinociception with reduced side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangtai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Mengna Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Dan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Biao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Xuanran Hu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Qinqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Run Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Ning Li
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Quan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, and Institute of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
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Rehrauer KJ, Cunningham CW. IUPHAR Review - Bivalent and bifunctional opioid receptor ligands as novel analgesics. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106966. [PMID: 37865129 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Though efficacious in managing chronic, severe pain, opioid analgesics are accompanied by significant adverse effects including constipation, tolerance, dependence, and respiratory depression. The life-threatening risks associated with µ opioid receptor agonist-based analgesics challenges their use in clinic. A rational approach to combatting these adverse effects is to develop agents that incorporate activity at a second pharmacologic target in addition to µ opioid receptor activation. The promise of such bivalent or bifunctional ligands is the development of an analgesic with an improved side effect profile. In this review, we highlight ongoing efforts in the development of bivalent and bifunctional analgesics that combine µ agonism with efficacy at κ and δ opioid receptors, the nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor, σ receptors, and cannabinoid receptors. Several examples of bifunctional analgesics in preclinical and clinical development are highlighted, as are strategies being employed toward the rational design of novel agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Rehrauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53092, USA
| | - Christopher W Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53092, USA; CUW Center for Structure-Based Drug Discovery and Development, Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53092, USA.
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Cebranopadol as a Novel Promising Agent for the Treatment of Pain. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27133987. [PMID: 35807228 PMCID: PMC9268744 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27133987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids are used to treat pain, but despite their effectiveness, they possess several side effects such as respiratory depression, tolerance and physical dependence. Cebranopadol has been evaluated as a solution to this problem. The compound acts on the mu opioid receptor and the nociceptin/orphanin receptor and these receptors co-activation can reduce opioid side-effects without compromising analgesia. In the present review, we have compiled information on the effects of cebranopadol, its pharmacokinetics, and clinical trials involving cebranopadol, to further explore its promise in pain management.
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Paton KF, Atigari DV, Kaska S, Prisinzano T, Kivell BM. Strategies for Developing κ Opioid Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Pain with Fewer Side Effects. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 375:332-348. [PMID: 32913006 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.120.000134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is significant need to find effective, nonaddictive pain medications. κ Opioid receptor (KOPr) agonists have been studied for decades but have recently received increased attention because of their analgesic effects and lack of abuse potential. However, a range of side effects have limited the clinical development of these drugs. There are several strategies currently used to develop safer and more effective KOPr agonists. These strategies include identifying G-protein-biased agonists, developing peripherally restricted KOPr agonists without centrally mediated side effects, and developing mixed opioid agonists, which target multiple receptors at specific ratios to balance side-effect profiles and reduce tolerance. Here, we review the latest developments in research related to KOPr agonists for the treatment of pain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review discusses strategies for developing safer κ opioid receptor (KOPr) agonists with therapeutic potential for the treatment of pain. Although one strategy is to modify selective KOPr agonists to create peripherally restricted or G-protein-biased structures, another approach is to combine KOPr agonists with μ, δ, or nociceptin opioid receptor activation to obtain mixed opioid receptor agonists, therefore negating the adverse effects and retaining the therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly F Paton
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand (K.P., D.V.A., B.M.K.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (S.K., T.P.)
| | - Diana V Atigari
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand (K.P., D.V.A., B.M.K.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (S.K., T.P.)
| | - Sophia Kaska
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand (K.P., D.V.A., B.M.K.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (S.K., T.P.)
| | - Thomas Prisinzano
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand (K.P., D.V.A., B.M.K.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (S.K., T.P.)
| | - Bronwyn M Kivell
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand (K.P., D.V.A., B.M.K.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (S.K., T.P.)
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Wang Q, Long Y, Hang A, Zan GY, Shu XH, Wang YJ, Liu JG. The anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of ATPM-ET, a novel κ agonist and μ partial agonist, in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:2411-8. [PMID: 27113225 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4292-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Opioid receptors are implicated in the regulation of motivation and emotion. However, animal studies show that activation of κ opioid receptor produces contrasting mood-altering effects in models of anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors, and consequently, the role of κ receptor in mood control remains unsettled. The effect of κ/μ opioid combination in emotion regulation was unexplored. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of (-)-3-N-ethylaminothiazolo [5,4-b]-N-cyclopropylmethylmorphinan hydrochloride (ATPM-ET), a novel κ agonist and μ partial agonist, in regulating emotional responses. METHODS The emotional responses of ATPM-ET were detected in the elevated plus maze (EPM), open field test (OFT), forced swim test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST). Selective κ antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) and μ antagonist β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA) were applied to determine the type of receptor involved. The conditioned place aversion model was used to evaluate the effects on aversive emotion. RESULTS In the EPM and OFT, ATPM-ET (1 and 2 mg/kg, s.c.) significantly increased the time spent in the open arm and in the central area, respectively. In the FST and TST, ATPM-ET (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, s.c.) significantly reduced the duration of immobility. These effects were prevented by nor-BNI (10 mg/kg, i.p., -24 h), but not by β-FNA (10 and20 mg/kg, i.p., -24 h) pretreatment. At the dose of 2 mg/kg, ATPM-ET did not induce conditioned place aversion. CONCLUSIONS ATPM-ET, at doses from 0.5 to 2 mg/kg, produced anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects without inducing aversive emotion. These effects were more closely mediated by activation of κ receptor than μ receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Yu Long
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Ai Hang
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Gui-Ying Zan
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Shu
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
| | - Yu-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jing-Gen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
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Zhang LS, Wang J, Chen JC, Tao YM, Wang YH, Xu XJ, Chen J, Xu YG, Xi T, Hu XW, Wang YJ, Liu JG. Novel κ-opioid receptor agonist MB-1C-OH produces potent analgesia with less depression and sedation. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2015; 36:565-71. [PMID: 25816912 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2014.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To characterize the pharmacological profiles of a novel κ-opioid receptor agonist MB-1C-OH. METHODS [(3)H]diprenorphine binding and [(35)S]GTPγS binding assays were performed to determine the agonistic properties of MB-1C-OH. Hot plate, tail flick, acetic acid-induced writhing, and formalin tests were conducted in mice to evaluate the antinociceptive actions. Forced swimming and rotarod tests of mice were used to assess the sedation and depression actions. RESULTS In [(3)H]diprenorphine binding assay, MB-1C-OH did not bind to μ- and δ-opioid receptors at the concentration of 100 μmol/L, but showed a high affinity for κ-opioid receptor (Ki=35 nmol/L). In [(35)S]GTPγS binding assay, the compound had an Emax of 98% and an EC50 of 16.7 nmol/L for κ-opioid receptor. Subcutaneous injection of MB-1C-OH had no effects in both hot plate and tail flick tests, but produced potent antinociception in the acetic acid-induced writhing test (ED50=0.39 mg/kg), which was antagonized by pretreatment with a selective κ-opioid receptor antagonist Nor-BNI. In the formalin test, subcutaneous injection of MB-1C-OH did not affect the flinching behavior in the first phase, but significantly inhibited that in the second phase (ED50=0.87 mg/kg). In addition, the sedation or depression actions of MB-1C-OH were about 3-fold weaker than those of the classical κ agonist (-)U50,488H. CONCLUSION MB-1C-OH is a novel κ-opioid receptor agonist that produces potent antinociception causing less sedation and depression.
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Pharmacological characterization and therapeutic potential for the treatment of opioid abuse with ATPM-ET, an N-ethyl substituted aminothiazolomorphinan with κ agonist and μ agonist/antagonist activity. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 740:455-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Provencher BA, Sromek AW, Li W, Russell S, Chartoff E, Knapp BI, Bidlack JM, Neumeyer JL. Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of aminothiazolomorphinans at the mu and kappa opioid receptors. J Med Chem 2013; 56:8872-8. [PMID: 24107104 DOI: 10.1021/jm401290y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies with aminothiazolomorphinans suggested that this class of opioid ligands may be useful as a potential pharmacotherapeutic to decrease drug abuse. Novel aminothiazole derivatives of cyclorphan were prepared to evaluate a series of aminothiazolomorphinans with varying pharmacological properties at the κ opioid receptor (KOR) and μ opioid receptor (MOR). This study was focused on exploring the regioisomeric analogs with the aminothiazole on the C-ring of the morphinan skeleton. Receptor binding and [(35)S]GTPγS binding assays were used to characterize the affinity and pharmacological properties of the aminothiazolomorphinans. Intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) was used to compare the effects of a representative aminothiazolomorphinan with the morphinan mixed-KOR/MOR agonist butorphan (MCL-101) on brain-stimulation reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Provencher
- Alcohol & Drug Abuse Research Center, ‡Mailman Research Center, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School , 115 Mill Street, Belmont, Massachusetts 02478, United States
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-third consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2010 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, USA.
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