Antagonism by acetyl-RYYRIK-NH2 of G protein activation in rat brain preparations and of chronotropic effect on rat cardiomyocytes evoked by nociceptin/orphanin FQ

Potential of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Peptide Analogs for Drug Development

Nociceptin receptor (NOP) belongs to the family of opioid receptors but was discovered and characterized much later than the so called classical opioid receptors, μ, δ and κ (or MOP, DOP and KOP, resp.). Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is the endogenous ligand of this receptor and it controls numerous important functions in the central nervous system and in the periphery, so its analogs may be developed as innovative drugs for the treatment of a variety of conditions and pathological states. Availability of potent and selective ligands with high affinity to NOP receptor is essential to fully understand the role of NOP-N/OFQ system in the body, which in turn may lead to designing novel therapeutics. Here, we have focused on reviewing the structure of potent peptide-based agonists, antagonists, biased analogs and bivalent ligands that target NOP receptor.

Biochemical and pharmacological characterization of three opioid-nociceptin hybrid peptide ligands reveals substantially differing modes of their actions

In an attempt to design opioid-nociceptin hybrid peptides, three novel bivalent ligands, H-YGGFGGGRYYRIK-NH2, H-YGGFRYYRIK-NH2 and Ac-RYYRIKGGGYGGFL-OH were synthesized and studied by biochemical, pharmacological, biophysical and molecular modelling tools. These chimeric molecules consist of YGGF sequence, a crucial motif in the N-terminus of natural opioid peptides, and Ac-RYYRIK-NH2, which was isolated from a combinatorial peptide library as an antagonist or partial agonist that inhibits the biological activity of the endogenously occurring heptadecapeptide nociceptin. Solution structures for the peptides were studied by analysing their circular dichroism spectra. Receptor binding affinities were measured by equilibrium competition experiments using four highly selective radioligands. G-protein activating properties of the multitarget peptides were estimated in [35S]GTPγS binding tests. The three compounds were also measured in electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens (MVD) bioassay. H-YGGFGGGRYYRIK-NH2 (BA55), carrying N-terminal opioid and C-terminal nociceptin-like sequences interconnected with GGG tripeptide spacer displayed a tendency of having either unordered or β-sheet structures, was moderately potent in MVD and possessed a NOP/KOP receptor preference. A similar peptide without spacer H-YGGFRYYRIK-NH2 (BA62) exhibited the weakest effect in MVD, more α-helical periodicity was present in its structure and it exhibited the most efficacious agonist actions in the G-protein stimulation assays. The third hybrid peptide Ac-RYYRIKGGGYGGFL-OH (BA61) unexpectedly displayed opioid receptor affinities, because the opioid message motif is hidden within the C-terminus. The designed chimeric peptide ligands presented in this study accommodate well into a group of multitarget opioid compounds that include opioid-non-opioid peptide dimer analogues, dual non-peptide dimers and mixed peptide- non-peptide bifunctional ligands.

Bifunctional Peptide-Based Opioid Agonist-Nociceptin Antagonist Ligands for Dual Treatment of Acute and Neuropathic Pain

Herein, the opioid pharmacophore H-Dmt-d-Arg-Aba-β-Ala-NH2 (7) was linked to peptide ligands for the nociceptin receptor. Combination of 7 and NOP ligands (e.g., H-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Ile-Lys-NH2) led to binding affinities in the low nanomolar domain. In vitro, the hybrids behaved as agonists at the opioid receptors and antagonists at the nociceptin receptor. Intravenous administration of hybrid 13a (H-Dmt-d-Arg-Aba-β-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Ile-Lys-NH2) to mice resulted in potent and long lasting antinociception in the tail-flick test, indicating that 13a was able to permeate the BBB. This was further supported by a cell-based BBB model. All hybrids alleviated allodynia and hyperalgesia in neuropathic pain models. Especially with respect to hyperalgesia, they showed to be more effective than the parent compounds. Hybrid 13a did not result in significant respiratory depression, in contrast to an equipotent analgesic dose of morphine. These hybrids hence represent a promising avenue toward analgesics for the dual treatment of acute and neuropathic pain.

Synthesis and biological activity of small peptides as NOP and opioid receptors' ligands: view on current developments

The heptadecapeptide nociceptin, also called orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), is the endogenous agonist of the N/OFQ peptide receptor (NOP receptor) and is involved in several central nervous system pathways, such as nociception, reward, tolerance, and feeding. The discovery of small molecule ligands for NOP is being actively pursued for several therapeutic applications. This review presents overview of the several recently reported NOP ligands (agonists and antagonists), with an emphasis of the structural features that may be important for modulating the intrinsic activity of these ligands. In addition, a brief account on the characterization of newly synthesized ligands of NOP receptor with aminophosphonate moiety and β-tryptophan analogues will be presented.

Assessment of nociceptin/orphanin FQ and micro-opioid receptor mRNA in the human right atrium

BACKGROUND

The expression of micro (mu: MOP) and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptors in the human myocardium is controversial. In this polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based study using human right atrial biopsies, we have (i) probed for mRNA encoding NOP receptor and its endogenous peptide precursor, ppN/OFQ, and mRNA encoding MOP and (ii) attempted to correlate expression with cardiac function.

METHODS

mRNA encoding MOP, NOP, and the precursor for NOP (ppN/OFQ) was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR) using validated TaqMan primers and compared with a housekeeper (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, GAPDH). Q-PCR data are expressed as the difference in cycle threshold (DeltaC(t)=C(tGene of interest)-C(tGAPDH): high value, low expression) and patients were grouped according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

RESULTS

Forty patients were recruited; NOP, MOP, and ppN/OFQ mRNA were measured in 38, 29, and 10 patients, respectively. DeltaC(t) (median and range) values for NOP and MOP were 10.9 (7.8-13.7) and 16.0 (12.3-18.9), respectively, representing low expression of MOP and approximately 34-fold more NOP. MOP mRNA was not detected in seven samples and with DeltaC(t) values of approximately 20, ppN/OFQ was considered absent. When patients were grouped into normal (>50%) and impaired (<50%) LVEF, there was no difference between the groups for either NOP or MOP. In some patients, intraoperative LVEF was estimated using transoesophageal echocardiography, and there was no correlation with either NOP or MOP.

CONCLUSIONS

The human right atrium of patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure expresses mRNA encoding NOP and possibly low levels of MOP. This does not correlate with degree of cardiac dysfunction. In addition, the atrium does not express ppN/OFQ mRNA.

Comparative biochemical and pharmacological characterization of a novel, NOP receptor selective hexapeptide, Ac-RYYRIR-ol

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is an endogenous neuropeptide, which is widely distributed in central and peripheral nervous system. Some N/OFQ sequence unrelated hexapeptides can effectively bind to the N/OFQ peptide (NOP) receptor and they were used as template for structure-activity studies that lead to discovery of the new NOP selective ligands. In the present study, the pharmacological profile of the novel hexapeptide Ac-RYYRIR-ol was investigated using various in vitro assays including receptor binding and G-protein activation in rat brain membranes, mouse and rat vas deferens, guinea pig ileum, mouse colon and Ca(2+) mobilization assay in chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells co-expressing the human recombinant NOP receptor and the C-terminally modified Galpha(qi5) protein. In rat brain membranes Ac-RYYRIR-ol displaced both [(3)H]nociceptin/OFQ and [(3)H]Ac-RYYRIK-ol with high affinity (pK(i) 9.35 and 8.81, respectively) and stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding showing however lower maximal effects than N/OFQ (alpha=0.28). The stimulatory effect of Ac-RYYRIR-ol was antagonized by the selective NOP receptor antagonist UFP-101. In the electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens Ac-RYYRIR-ol displayed negligible agonist activity while antagonizing in a competitive manner (pA(2) 7.99) the inhibitory effects of N/OFQ. Similar results were obtained in the rat vas deferens. In the mouse colon Ac-RYYRIR-ol produced concentration dependent contractile effects with similar potency and maximal effects as N/OFQ. Finally, in the Ca(2+) mobilization assay performed with CHO-hNOP-Galpha(qi5) cells Ac-RYYRIR-ol displayed lower potency and maximal effects (alpha=0.87) compared with N/OFQ. In conclusion, the novel NOP receptor selective hexapeptide Ac-RYYRIR-ol has been shown to have fine selectivity, high potency, furthermore agonist and antagonist effects toward the NOP receptors were measured in various assays; this is likely due to its partial agonist pharmacological activity.

Further studies on the pharmacological features of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor ligand ZP120

ZP120 is a nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide receptor (NOP) ligand. In previous studies, the effects of ZP120 were found to be sensitive to J-113397 in mouse tissues while resistant to UFP-101 in rat tissues. The aim of this study was to further investigate the ZP120 pharmacological profile using mouse and rat preparations, J-113397 and UFP-101, as well as NOP receptor knockout (NOP(-/-)) mice. Electrically stimulated mouse and rat vas deferens were used to characterize the pharmacology of ZP120 in vitro. For in vivo studies the tail-withdrawal assay was performed in wild type (NOP(+/+)) and NOP knockout (NOP(-/-)) mice. In the mouse and rat vas deferens ZP120 mimicked the effects of N/OFQ showing higher potency but lower maximal effects. In both preparations, J-113397 antagonized N/OFQ and ZP120 effects showing similar pK(B) values ( approximately 7.8). UFP-101 antagonized the actions of N/OFQ (pK(B) values approximately 7.3) but did not modify the effects of ZP120. The inhibitory effects of N/OFQ and ZP120 were no longer evident in vas deferens tissues taken from NOP(-/-) mice. In NOP(+/+) mice subjected to the tail-withdrawal assay, ZP120 (1 nmol) mimicked the pronociceptive action of N/OFQ (10 nmol), producing longer lasting effects. The effects of both peptides were absent in NOP(-/-) animals. The NOP receptor ligand ZP120 is a high potency NOP selective partial agonist able to evoke long-lasting effects; its diverse antagonist sensitivity in comparison with N/OFQ may derive from different modality of binding to the NOP receptor.

Receptor binding properties and antinociceptive effects of chimeric peptides consisting of a micro-opioid receptor agonist and an ORL1 receptor antagonist

Receptor binding properties and antinociceptive activities of chimeric peptides linked by spacers were investigated. The peptides consisted of the micro-opioid receptor ligand dermorphin (Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH(2)) or its analog YRFB (Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-betaAla-NH(2)) linked to the ORL1 receptor ligand Ac-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Ile-Lys-NH(2) (Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2)). All chimeric peptides were found to possess high receptor binding affinities for both micro-opioid and ORL1 receptors in mouse brain membranes although their binding affinities for both receptors in spinal membranes were significantly lower. Among them, chimeric peptide 2, which consists of dermorphin and Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) connected by a long spacer, had the highest binding affinity towards both receptors. In the tail-flick test following intrathecal (i.t.) administration to mice, all chimeric peptides showed potent and dose-dependent antinociceptive activities with an ED(50) of 1.34-4.51 (pmol/mouse), nearly comparable to dermorphin alone (ED(50); 1.08 pmol/mouse). In contrast to their micro-opioid receptor binding profiles, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of the chimeric peptides resulted in much less potent antinociceptive activity (ED(50) 5.55-100< pmol/mouse) than when administered i.t. (ED(50): 1.34-4.51 pmol/mouse). These results suggest the involvement of nociceptin-like agonistic effects of the Ac-RYYRIK pharmacophore in the peptides, and the regulation of mu-opioid receptor-mediated antinociception in brain. The present chimeric peptides may be useful as pharmacological tools for studies on micro-opioid receptor/ORL1 receptor heterodimers.

Opioid receptor-like 1 (ORL1) receptor binding and the biological properties of Ac-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Ile-Arg-NH2 and its analogs

Hexapeptides such as Ac-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Ile-Lys-NH(2) and Ac-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Trp-Arg-NH(2) have been isolated from a combinatorial peptide library as small peptide ligands for the opioid peptide-like 1 (ORL1) receptor. To investigate the detailed structural requirements of hexapeptides, 25 analogs of these hexapeptides, based on the novel analog Ac-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Ile-Arg-NH(2) (1), were synthesized and tested for their ORL1 receptor affinity and agonist/antagonist activity on mouse vas deferens (MVD) tissues. Analog 1 and its Cit(6)-analog (10) were found to possess high affinity to the ORL1 receptor, comparable to that of nociceptin/orphanin FQ, and exhibited potent antagonist activity (pA(2) values of 7.77 for 1 and 7.51 for 10, which are higher than that of [NPhe(1)]nociceptin(1-13)-NH(2) (6.90) on MVD assay. It was also found that the amino acid residue in position 5 plays a key role in agonist/antagonist activity, i.e. an L-configuration aliphatic amino acid is required for potent antagonist activity, while a nonchiral or D-configuration residue produces potent agonist activity. These lines of evidence may provide insight into the mechanisms controlling agonist/antagonist switching in the ORL1 receptor, and may also serve to help developing more potent ORL1 agonists and antagonists.

Orphanin FQ/nociceptin is a physiological regulator of prolactin secretion in female rats

Orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N), the most recently identified endogenous opioid peptide, stimulates prolactin secretion in both male and female rats. OFQ/N, however, did not elicit this stimulatory effect through the mu-, delta-, or kappa-opiate receptor subtype. The role OFQ/N plays in prolactin regulation under physiological conditions and its mechanism of action are not known. The purpose of these studies was to determine the physiological significance and pharmacological specificity of the prolactin secretory response to OFQ/N. In addition, the role of the tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons in mediating this response was examined. Opioid receptor-like-1 (ORL-1) receptors were blocked by pretreatment with compound B (Comp B), a purported OFQ/N antagonist, or receptor synthesis was disrupted by pretreatment with ORL-1 receptor antisense oligonucleotides. The prolactin secretory response to OFQ/N administration in diestrous females was measured. Furthermore, the suckling-induced prolactin response was also determined after Comp B pretreatment. TIDA neuronal activity was quantified in diestrous female rats to determine whether OFQ/N stimulates prolactin release by inhibiting TIDA neurons. OFQ/N significantly inhibited the TIDA neurons by 1 min, preceding the prolactin secretory response. Both Comp B and antisense pretreatment blocked the stimulatory effects of OFQ/N on prolactin release, and Comp B abolished the suckling-induced prolactin response. These studies indicate that OFQ/N is a potent stimulus for prolactin secretion in female rats and that it mediates this effect by rapid and transient inhibition of TIDA neuronal activity. Furthermore, OFQ/N plays a physiologically significant role in the regulation of prolactin secretion during lactation, and it mediates its effects via actions at the ORL-1 receptor subtype.

Synthesis and receptor binding properties of chimeric peptides containing a mu-opioid receptor ligand and nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor ligand Ac-RYYRIK-amide

Four chimera peptides composed of ORL1 receptor ligand Ac-RYYRIK-NH2 and a mu-opioid receptor agonist dermorphin YAFGYPS-NH2 or YRFB-NH2, with a spacer linking the two pharmacophores, were synthesized and tested for their receptor binding properties. Chimera peptides with long spacers (a Lys and five or eight Gly residues) showed synergistically improved affinity for both the mu-opioid receptor and ORL1 receptor, while the chimera peptides with short spacers (Lys residue only) showed decreased or similar affinity compared to the monomeric receptor ligands. Chimera peptides containing long spacers may prove to be useful tools for studying ORL1 receptor/mu-opioid receptor heterodimers.

Lack of involvement of dopamine and serotonin during the orphanin FQ/Nociceptin (OFQ/N)-induced prolactin secretory response

The purpose of these studies was to examine possible mechanisms of Orphanin FQ/Nociceptin (OFQ/N)-induced prolactin release. We investigated the involvement of the dopaminergic neurons by quantifying DOPAC:DA levels in the median eminence and neurointermediate lobe following central administration of OFQ/N to female Sprague-Dawley rats. To specifically determine the involvement of the tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons, immunocytochemical studies were conducted to visualize c-fos protein expression in the arcuate nucleus following central administration of OFQ/N. In addition, the role of serotonergic activation was examined in dose response studies using the selective serotonin antagonist ritansarin and the nonselective antagonist metergoline. Finally, the pharmacological specificity of the prolactin response was examined by pretreating animals with [Nphe1] NC (1-13)NH2, a drug reported to antagonize OFQ/N effects. The results of these studies indicate that the increase in prolactin release following central administration of OFQ/N does not inhibit tuberoinfundibular, tuberohypophyseal or periventricular hypophysial dopaminergic neuronal activity at 10 min after drug administration, a time when prolactin levels were significantly elevated. Furthermore, serotonergic activation is not involved since pharmacological blockade of serotonergic receptors did not alter the prolactin secretory response to OFQ/N. NC (1-13)NH2 did not antagonize the stimulatory effects of OFQ/N on prolactin secretion. The neural effects of OFQ/N on dopaminergic neuronal activity may occur following a different time course than that of the prolactin increase.

[Nphe1,Arg14,Lys15]N/OFQ-NH2 is a competitive antagonist of NOP receptors in the periaqueductal gray

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and N/OFQ peptide (NOP) receptors are implicated in many physiological functions including pain regulation. This study quantitatively investigated the interaction of a novel NOP receptor antagonist, UFP-101 ([Nphe1,Arg14,Lys15]N/OFQ-NH2), with N/OFQ in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray, a crucial midbrain area for pain regulation. N/OFQ concentration-dependently activated G-protein coupled inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels in ventrolateral neurons of periaqueductal gray slices. UFP-101 antagonized N/OFQ-induced GIRK channel activation in a concentration-dependent manner and produced a parallel shift of the concentration-response curve of N/OFQ. The pA2 value estimated from Schild plot is 6.92+/-0.06. At concentrations up to 1 microM, UFP-101 had no effect on membrane current per se and did not affect the GIRK current activated by [d-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Gly-ol5]-enkephalin, a mu-opioid receptor agonist. It is concluded that UFP-101 is a potent and competitive peptide antagonist of NOP receptors that mediate GIRK channel activation in ventrolateral periaqueductal gray neurons.

Studies on the cellular uptake of substance P and lysine-rich, KLA-derived model peptides

In the last decade many peptides have been shown to be internalized into various cell types by different, poorly characterized mechanisms. This review focuses on uptake studies with substance P (SP) aimed at unravelling the mechanism of peptide-induced mast cell degranulation, and on the characterization of the cellular uptake of designed KLA-derived model peptides. Studies on structure-activity relationships and receptor autoradiography failed to detect specific peptide receptors for the undecapeptide SP on mast cells. In view of these findings, a direct interaction of cationic peptides with heterotrimeric G proteins without the participation of a receptor has been proposed. Such a process would require insertion into and translocation of peptides across the plasma membrane. In order to clarify whether a transport of cationic peptides into rat peritoneal mast cells is possible, transport studies were performed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) using fluorescence-labeled Arg(3),Orn(7)-SP and its D-amino acid analog, all-D-Arg(3),Orn(7)-SP, as well as by electron microscopic autoradiography using (3)H-labelled SP and (125)I-labelled all-D-SP. The results obtained by CLSM directly showed translocation of SP peptides into pertussis toxin-treated cells. Kinetic experiments indicated that the translocation process was rapid, occurring within a few seconds. Mast cell degranulation induced by analog of magainin 2 amide, neuropeptide Y and the model peptide acetyl-KLALKLALKALKAALKLA-amide was also found to be very fast, pointing to an extensive translocation of the peptides. In order to learn more about structural requirements for the cellular uptake of peptides, the translocation behavior of a set of systematically modified KLA-based model peptides has been studied in detail. By two different protocols for determining the amount of internalized peptide, evidence was found that the structure of the peptides only marginally affects their uptake, whereas the efflux of cationic, amphipathic peptides is strikingly diminished, thus allowing their enrichment within the cells. Although the mechanism of cellular uptake, consisting of energy-dependent and -independent contributions, is not well understood, KLA-derived peptides have been shown to deliver various cargos (PNAs, peptides) into cells. The results obtained with SP- and KLA-derived peptides are discussed in the context of the current literature.

Nociceptin antagonism: probing the receptor by N-acetyl oligopeptides

In search for effective antagonist structures for the nociceptin (NOP) receptor, a number of N-acylated oligopeptides, including N-acyl tetra- and pentapeptides selective for the kappa-opioid receptor, as well as N-acyl hexapeptides bearing the Ac-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Ile-Lys (Ac-RYYRIK) core sequence originally isolated from combinatorial chemical libraries, were synthesized and studied in radioreceptor binding assays, [(35)S]GTPgammaS functional tests and in mouse vas deferens (MVD) bioassays. The properties of the novel antagonist candidates were compared to known antagonists. A new antagonist structure with a reduced, primer alcohol C-terminus, Ac-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Ile-lysinol (Ac-RYYRIK-ol) was described in the mouse vas deferens tests, showing an equilibrium inhibitory constant value (K(e)) of 2.44 nM, and no agonist effect at 10 microM ligand concentration. Schild-analysis indicated a clearly competitive interaction at the NOP receptor, whereas the peptide did not affect the action of the delta-opioid receptor agonist [D-Ala(2),D-Leu(5)]enkephalin. Ac-RYYRIK-ol also exhibited a high affinity in [(3)H]nociceptin-NH(2) binding competition assays using rat brain membranes. Agonist-induced G-protein activation via NOP receptors was studied in [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding stimulation assays by the use of both native brain tissue preparations and membranes from cultured CHO cells expressing recombinant nociceptin receptors. Ac-RYYRIK-ol displayed only weak intrinsic agonist activity, whereas it effectively inhibited the stimulation generated by nociceptin. The results support the high potency and antagonist nature of Ac-RYYRIK-ol and reveal important roles for both the N- and the C-terminal region of the molecule.

Structure-activity studies on high affinity NOP-active hexapeptides

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is a 17 amino acid peptide that is the endogenous ligand for the G-protein coupled receptor ORL1 (NOP), a member of the opioid receptor family. Although it is clear that this receptor system is involved in a variety of physiologic functions, including analgesia, the precise actions of N/OFQ remain largely uncharacterized. One reason for this has been limited number of high-affinity ligands to NOP, and particularly the lack of availability of useful specific antagonists. Herein, we describe the pharmacologic activity of a series of modified amino acid containing modifications of the hexapeptide Ac-RYYRWR-NH2, with high affinity for NOP. These compounds were tested for binding affinity using [3H]N/OFQ binding to human NOP in CHO cells, and functional activity by measuring stimulation of [35S]GTPgammaS-binding in CHO cell membranes. These studies suggest that each Arg of the hexapeptide is required to maintain high-binding affinity. The peptide maintains high affinity if the Tyr2 or Tyr3 are modified, but at least one of these residues must maintain its hydroxyl group or there is a large decrease in intrinsic activity of the peptide.

Enhancement of intracellular concentration and biological activity of PNA after conjugation with a cell-penetrating synthetic model peptide

In order to evaluate the ability of the cell-penetrating alpha-helical amphipathic model peptide KLALKLALKALKAALKLA-NH(2) (MAP) to deliver peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) into mammalian cells, MAP was covalently linked to the 12-mer PNA 5'-GGAGCAGGAAAG-3' directed against the mRNA of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor. The cellular uptake of both the naked PNA and its MAP-conjugate was studied by means of capillary electrophoresis combined with laser-induced fluorescence detection, confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Incubation with the fluorescein-labelled PNA-peptide conjugate led to three- and eightfold higher intracellular concentrations in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and CHO cells, respectively, than found after exposure of the cells to the naked PNA. Correspondingly, pretreatment of spontaneously-beating neonatal rat cardiomyocytes with the PNA-peptide conjugate and the naked PNA slowed down the positive chronotropic effect elicited by the neuropeptide nociceptin by 10- and twofold, respectively. The main reasons for the higher bioavailability of the PNA-peptide conjugate were found to be a more rapid cellular uptake in combination with a lowered re-export and resistance against influences of serum.

N-terminal modifications leading to peptide ORL1 partial agonists and antagonists

Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is a 17 amino acid peptide that is the endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor (opioid receptor like 1, ORL1), a member of the opioid receptor family. Although it is clear that this receptor system is involved in a variety of physiological functions, including analgesia, the precise actions of N/OFQ remain largely uncharacterized. One reason for this has been limited high affinity ligands to ORL1, and particularly the lack of availability of useful specific antagonists. Herein we describe the pharmacological activity of a series of N-terminally modified hexapeptides with high affinity for ORL1. These compounds were tested for binding affinity using [3H]N/OFQ binding to human ORL1 in CHO cells, and functional activity by measuring stimulation of [35S]GTPgammaS binding in CHO cell membranes. The N-terminal modifications have produced compounds that maintained very high receptor affinity, but led to significant changes in intrinsic activity. One compound, pentanoyl-RYYRWR-NH2, with barely measurable agonist activity was tested in vivo. It was found to possess modest analgesic activity, but it was unable to block the morphine modulatory activity of N/OFQ.

Acetyl-RYYRIK-NH2, a purported orphanin FQ antagonist, does not block the orphanin FQ-induced prolactin secretory response in female rats

Acetyl-RYYRIK-NH2, a drug reported to act as an orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N) receptor antagonist, did not block the OFQ/N-induced prolactin increase in female rats. Indeed, Acetyl-RYYRIK-NH2 pretreatment increased the magnitude and duration of the prolactin secretory response. Furthermore, by 15 min after the Acetyl-RYYRIK-NH2 pretreatment, and prior to any OFQ/N administration, circulating levels of prolactin were significantly increased in a dose-related manner, providing further evidence that this drug exhibits agonist activity. In contrast, neither drug affected basal levels of luteinizing hormone nor had any effect on tail flick latency in rats. These results indicate that Acetyl-RYYRIK-NH2 does not antagonize the prolactin secretory activity of OFQ/N.

Inhibition of striatal and retinal dopamine release via nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptors

1. We determined the effects of nociceptin/orphanin FQ and the NOP receptor ligands acetyl-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Ile-Lys-NH(2) (Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2)) and naloxone benzoylhydrazone on transmitter release in vitro. 2. The electrically evoked tritium overflow from guinea-pig and mouse striatal slices and guinea-pig retinal discs preincubated with [(3)H]-dopamine was inhibited by nociceptin/orphanin FQ (pEC(50) 7.9, 7.6 and 8.6; E(max) 30, 50 and 55%). Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) 0.032 microM and naloxone benzoylhydrazone 5 microM antagonized the effect of nociceptin/orphanin FQ in striatal slices of the guinea-pig (apparent pA(2) 9.1 and 6.8) and the mouse (apparent pA(2) 9.2 and 7.5) and strongly attenuated the effect of nociceptin/orphanin FQ 0.1 microM in guinea-pig retinal discs. Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) 0.032 microM did not affect the evoked overflow by itself whereas naloxone benzoylhydrazone 5 microM inhibited it in each tissue. 3. The electrically evoked tritium overflow from mouse brain cortex slices preincubated with [(3)H]-noradrenaline was inhibited by nociceptin/orphanin FQ (pEC(50) 7.9, E(max) 85%), Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) (pEC(50) 8.3, E(max) 47%) but not affected by naloxone benzoylhydrazone 5 microM. Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) and naloxone benzoylhydrazone showed apparent pA(2) values of 8.6 and 6.9. 4. In conclusion, the inhibitory effect of nociceptin/orphanin FQ on dopamine release in the striatum and retina and on noradrenaline release in the cerebral cortex is mediated via NOP receptors. Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) behaves as an extremely potent NOP receptor antagonist in the striatum and retina and as a partial agonist in the cortex.

Structural requirements of nociceptin antagonist Ac-RYYRIK-NH2 for receptor binding

Ac-RYYRIK-NH2 is a peptide isolated from the peptide library as an antagonist that inhibits the biological activities of nociceptin, a hyperalgesic neuropeptide. In order to clarify the structural requirements of this peptide for binding to the nociceptin receptor ORL1, systematic structure-activity studies were carried out. The result of Ala-scanning indicated that the N-terminal tripeptide RYY(= Arg-Tyr-Tyr) is crucially important for binding to the ORL1 receptor. Residual truncations from the N- or C-terminus revealed the special importance of the N-terminal Arg residue. The removal of protecting groups indicated that the N-terminal acetyl group is essential, but the C-terminal amide group is insignificant. These results indicated the conspicuous importance of acetyl-Arg at position 1 of Ac-RYYRIK-NH2 as a key structure allowing binding to the receptor. To investigate the binding site of this peptide in the ORL1 receptor, we synthesized and assayed a series of analogues of the nociceptin dibasic repeat region, residues 8-13 of RKSARK. None of the derivatives were active. Ac-RYYRIK-NH2 was inactive for the mu opioid receptor to which nociceptin binds with considerable strength. All the results suggested that the mode of binding between Ac-RYYRIK-NH2 and the ORL1 receptor is different to that between the ORL1 receptor and nociceptin, and that it may consist of interaction with the receptor site to which nociceptin(1-7) or -(14-17) binds.

CompB (J-113397), selectively and competitively antagonizes nociceptin activation of inwardly rectifying K(+) channels in rat periaqueductal gray slices

A novel opioid receptor family, the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptors, has been identified to be involved in many physiological functions including pain regulation. CompB (also known as J-113397) is the first non-peptide antagonist of NOP receptors. Using the patch-clamp recording technique in brain slices, we have quantitatively studied the interactions of CompB with N/OFQ at native NOP receptors of ventrolateral neurons of the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG), a crucial region for N/OFQ-induced reversal of opioid analgesia. N/OFQ concentration-dependently activated inwardly rectifying K(+) channels in response to hyperpolarization ramps from -60 to -140 mV. CompB attenuated the magnitude but not the reversal potential of the K(+) current activated by N/OFQ in a concentration-dependent manner. The presence of CompB produced a parallel right-shift of the concentration-response curve to N/OFQ. The Schild plot analysis yielded a pA(2) value of 8.37. At concentrations up to 1 microM, CompB affected neither the membrane current per se nor the inwardly rectifying K(+) current activated by [D-Ala(2), N-Me-Phe(4),Gly-ol(5)]-enkephalin or baclofen, a mu-opioid and GABA(B) receptor agonist, respectively. It appears that CompB, at nanomolar concentrations, is a pure, selective and competitive antagonist of postsynaptic NOP receptors that mediate inwardly rectifying K(+) channel activation in ventrolateral PAG neurons.

[Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]NC(1-13)NH(2) does not antagonize orphaninFQ/nociceptin-induced prolactin release

The specificity of the orphaninFQ (OFQ)/nociceptin (N)-induced prolactin increase was determined in male and female rats by pretreating animals with different doses of [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]NC(1-13)NH(2), a compound originally reported to be a specific OFQ/N antagonist. In addition, the effect of naloxone pretreatment on OFQ/N-induced prolactin release was examined to determine if OFQ/N's effects were mediated by opiate receptors. Furthermore, dose response studies using [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]NC(1-13)NH(2) only were performed to determine potential agonist activity of this drug. Finally, growth hormone (GH) levels were determined as an index of specificity of the prolactin response. Our results confirm previous findings that OFQ/N potently stimulates prolactin release and that a gender difference exists in the magnitude of the response, with females showing a much greater response than male rats. The endocrine response is specific because OFQ/N potently stimulated prolactin, but not GH secretion. The prolactin response is not mediated by actions at opiate receptors because naloxone did not inhibit OFQ/N's effects on prolactin release. However, [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)-NH) Gly2]NC(1-13) NH(2) did not antagonize OFQ/N's effects on prolactin release. Indeed, this drug acted as a potent agonist. Demonstrating pharmacological specificity of OFQ/N's effects on prolactin release awaits the development of more selective, specific antagonists.

In vitro characterization of Ac-RYYRWK-NH(2), Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) and [Phe1Psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly2] nociceptin(1-13)NH(2) at rat native and recombinant ORL(1) receptors

The pharmacology of ORL(1) compounds, [Phe1Psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly2]nociceptin(1-13)NH(2) (F/GNC13), Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) and Ac-RYYRWK-NH(2) was evaluated at rat ORL(1) receptors in frontal cortex (CTX), transfected chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, vas deferens (VD) and anococcygeus (AC). Ranked affinities for the inhibition of [3H]nociceptin binding to CTX and CHO's were: Ac-RYYRWK-NH(2) identical withAc-RYYRIK-NH(2) identical withnociceptin>F/GNC13>Dynorphin A>naloxone. The full agonist, nociceptin stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding in CTX (E(max)=174%) and CHO's (E(max)=311%); all other ORL(1) peptides acted as partial agonists with the following rank order for E(max) values: Ac-RYYRWK-NH(2) (96% (CTX), 202% (CHO))>F/GNC13 (44% (CTX), 136% (CHO)) identical withAc-RYYRIK-NH(2) (44% (CTX), 115% (CHO)). Schild analysis generated pA(2) values in CTX of 8.59 (F/GNC13) and 9.13 (Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2)). cAMP production in CHO's was inhibited by 77% (nociceptin), 58% (Ac-RYYRWK-NH(2)), 55% (F/GNC13) and 49% (Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2)). Nociceptin inhibited electrically evoked contractions in isolated tissues by 95% (VD) and 98% (AC); partial inhibition was observed with Ac-RYYRWK-NH(2) (72% (VD), 66% (AC)) and Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) (54% (VD); 37%(AC)). Ineffective in the VD, F/GNC13 caused a small inhibition in the AC that was reversed at higher concentrations. Schild analysis gave pA(2) affinities of 7.32(VD) and 7.34(AC) for F/GNC13 and 8.69(AC) for Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2).

Inhibitory action of nociceptin/orphanin FQ on functionally different thalamic neurons in urethane-anaesthetized rats

1. In this study we administered nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NC) ionotophoretically onto neurons located in functionally distinct thalamic structures of urethane-anesthetized rats. Extracellular single unit recordings were made in the medial and lateral ventroposterior nucleus, posterior thalamic nucleus, zona incerta, lateral posterior nucleus, laterodorsal nucleus, ventrolateral nucleus and reticular nucleus. 2. NC decreased the firing rate in 60% of thalamic neurons. This decrease in firing rate was accompanied by a significant reduction in the number of high threshold bursts. 3. In about 20% of the neurons NC increased the firing rate. In most cells NC-induced increases in discharge rate could be blocked by the GABA(A) receptor antagonists bicuculline and SR 95531. 4. The NC receptor ligands [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)] nociceptin(1-13)NH(2), Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) and [Nphe(1)]NC(1-13)NH(2) were also evaluated. All these peptides inhibited NC-induced changes in firing rate. In addition, in some neurons where NC inhibited firing, [Nphe(1)]NC(1-13)NH(2) and Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) elicited per se an increase in firing rate, suggesting the existence of tonic innervation of thalamic neurons by NC-containing fibres. 5. In NC-inhibited neurons nocistatin induced a significant increase in firing rate. 6. The present study demonstrated that NC regulates various thalamic nuclei related not only to somatosensory, but also to the visual and motor functions.

Acetyl-RYYRIK-NH(2) is a highly efficacious OP(4) receptor agonist in the cardiovascular system of anesthetized rats

Nociceptin, the endogenous ligand of the OP(4) or ORL(1) (opioid receptor-like(1)) receptor, decreases blood pressure and heart rate in anesthetized rats. Since the OP(4) receptor antagonist [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]-nociceptin(1-13)NH(2) possesses an agonistic effect in this model, we examined whether other purported OP(4) receptor antagonists, acetyl-RYYRIK-NH(2) and naloxone benzoylhydrazone, antagonize the depressant effects of nociceptin. Acetyl-RYYRIK-NH(2), like nociceptin and [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]-nociceptin(1-13)NH(2) and unlike naloxone benzoylhydrazone, decreased diastolic blood pressure and heart rate (rank order of potencies: nociceptin approximately equal to acetyl-RYYRIK-NH(2) >> [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]-nociceptin(1-13)NH(2)). The depressant effects were insensitive to the OP(1-3) receptor antagonist naloxone but diminished by naloxone benzoylhydrazone. In conclusion, the hypotensive and bradycardic effects of nociceptin in the anesthetized rat are mediated via OP(4) receptors, at which acetyl-RYYRIK-NH(2) is a highly potent and efficacious agonist.

Characterization of the ORL(1) receptor on adrenergic nerves in the rat anococcygeus muscle

1. Nociceptin, the endogenous ORL(1) receptor agonist inhibited the motor response to electrical-field stimulation in the rat anococcygeus muscle. This effect was characterized using the peptide ligands acetyl-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Trp-Lys-NH(2) (Ac-RYYRWK-NH(2)), acetyl-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Ile-Lys-NH(2) (Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2)) and [Phe(1)psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]nociceptin(1-13)NH(2) ([F/G]NC(1-13)NH(2)), and the non-selective opioid antagonist naloxone benzoylhydrazone (NalBzOH). 2. Nociceptin produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the adrenergic motor response to electrical-field stimulation (EC(50) 19 nM, pEC(50) 7.7+/-0.1, n=8), but the response to exogenous noradrenaline (0.2 - 1 microM) was unaffected. The inhibitory nerve response was not affected by up to 1 microM nociceptin. 3. After inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine 100 microM), and in the presence of peptidase inhibitors, nociceptin produced full inhibition of the pure adrenergic motor response (EC(50) 4 nM; pEC(50) 8.4+/-0.1, E(max) 98.3+/-1.2%, n=12). Ac-RYYRWK-NH(2) was a potent partial-agonist (pEC(50) 9.0+/-0.1, E(max) 66.4+/-5.2; n=11) but the efficacy of Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) (pEC(50) 8.0+/-0.2, E(max) 36.7+/-3.5; n=12) was lower and the peptide could be tested as an antagonist (pA(2) 9.01). 4. [F/G]NC(1-13)NH(2) and NalBzOH had little or no efficacy and were competitive antagonists with pK(B) values of 7.4 (95% c.l. 7.1, 7.7) and 6.9 (95% c.l. 6.7, 7.1) respectively. Both increased the response to field stimulation at high concentrations, suggesting the release of an endogenous agonist for the ORL(1) receptor during stimulation. 5. Rat nocistatin did not affect the response to electrical-field stimulation, nor did it modify the inhibitory action of nociceptin. 6. Our findings suggest there is a significant endowment of ORL(1) receptors on sympathetic terminals of the rat anococcygeus, where nociceptin mediates a powerful inhibitory effect on adrenergic neuromuscular transmission.

Cellular actions of nociceptin: transduction mechanisms

The recent identification of the nociceptin receptor-nociceptin system and the description of its role in nociceptive processing has produced numerous investigative studies. A fundamental part of this research is to understand the cellular signaling events (i.e. the building blocks) upon which the pharmacology of this intriguing system is based. As anticipated, nociceptin receptor activation inhibits the formation of cAMP formation via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein. This indicates that nociceptin receptor couples to the G(i)/G(o) class of G-protein(s). However, there is now growing evidence for nociceptin activation of additional signaling pathways, including MAP kinase and phospholipase C/[Ca(2+)](i). These signaling events are discussed in this review.

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor ligands

Nociceptin (NC), alias Orphanin FQ (OFQ) is a heptadecapeptide structurally related to opioid peptides, especially Dynorphin A, which, however, does not interact with classic opioid receptors. NC selectively activates its own receptor (OP(4)), which has been shown to be insensitive to the naturally occurring opioid peptides as well as to a large number of non-peptide opioid receptor ligands, including naloxone. Thus, the NC/OP(4) system represents a new peptide-based signaling pathway, which is pharmacologically distinct from the opioid systems. The pharmacological tools available for investigating NC actions are at present rather limited and include: 1) peptide ligands obtained from structure activity studies performed using NC(1-13)NH(2) as a template or discovered by screening peptide combinatorial libraries; 2) nonpeptide ligands that are either molecules already known to interact with classic opioid receptors or novel molecules designed and synthesized as selective ligands of the OP(4) receptor. In the present paper the functional data obtained from both in vitro and in vivo studies with each relevant OP(4) receptor ligand will be analyzed and discussed comparing the advantages and disadvantages of each molecule. We hope that the present work will aid investigators, working in the NC/OP(4) field, in the choice of the pharmacological tools suitable for their experiments.

Nocistatin: a novel neuropeptide encoded by the gene for the nociceptin/orphanin FQ precursor

We identified a novel neuropeptide and named it "nocistatin." Its presence was expected by analysis of the precursor for the neuropeptide nociceptin or orphanin FQ (Noc/OFQ), previously identified as an endogenous ligand for the orphan opioid receptor-like receptor. The precursor prepronociceptin/orphanin FQ (ppNoc/OFQ) comprises at least two bioactive peptides, nocistatin and Noc/OFQ. Noc/OFQ is involved in a broad range of pharmacological actions in various tissues from the central nervous system to the periphery. In pain transmission, Noc/OFQ is reported to have different effects including nociception, no effect, and analgesia, depending on the animal species tested, doses, route of administration, and so on. We found that intrathecal administration of Noc/OFQ induced pain responses including allodynia and hyperalgesia. Simultaneous administration of nocistatin blocked the allodynia and hyperalgesia induced by Noc/OFQ, whereas anti-nocistatin antibody decreased the threshold for the Noc/OFQ-induced allodynia. The endogenous heptadecapeptide nocistatin was isolated from bovine brains and recently identified in mouse, rat, and human brain and in human cerebrospinal fluid. Although human, rat and mouse ppNoc/OFQ produced larger respective counterparts with 30, 35, and 41 amino acid residues, all peptides showed the antinociceptive activity. This activity was ascribed to the carboxyl-terminal hexapeptide of nocistatin, Glu-Gln-Lys-Gln-Leu-Gln, which is conserved beyond species. Nocistatin also attenuated the allodynia and hyperalgesia evoked by prostaglandin E(2) and the inflammatory hyperalgesia induced by formalin or carrageenan/kaolin, and reversed the Noc/OFQ-induced inhibition of morphine analgesia at picogram doses. Furthermore, nocistatin counteracted the impairment of learning and memory induced by Noc/OFQ or scopolamine. Nocistatin is widely present in the spinal cord and brain. Although nocistatin did not bind to the Noc/OFQ receptor, it bound to the membrane of mouse brain and spinal cord with a high affinity. Nocistatin is a novel bioactive peptide produced from the same precursor as Noc/OFQ, and it plays important roles in the regulation of pain transmission and learning and memory processes in the central nervous system.

Studies of the cardiovascular effects of nociceptin and related peptides

Nociceptin, a novel opioid peptide, and its ORL(1) receptor share structural similarities with other opioid ligands and receptors. Although NC exerts evident cardiovascular effects at a central and peripheral level, its role in homeostatic mechanisms and disease states are just beginning to be understood, as only recently selective receptor antagonists became available. In this review, some of the new observations regarding the cardiovascular actions of NC, related peptides and newly synthesized receptor antagonists are discussed.

Species differences in the efficacy of compounds at the nociceptin receptor (ORL1)

Recent studies have identified compounds with reduced efficacy relative to nociceptin/orphanin FQ at the opioid-like receptor ORL1. Utilizing stimulation of [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding as in vitro assays, it was determined that both [Phe(1)psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) and the hexapeptide Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) act as partial agonists in CHO cells transfected with either human or mouse ORL1. Maximal activity for both [Phe(1)psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) and Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) was significantly greater in cells transfected with the human receptor (90% and 73% in a high expressing clone, 76% and 68% in low expressing clone) rather than the mouse receptor (37.5 and 33%), regardless of receptor number in individual clones. In vitro studies in cells transfected with exaggerated receptor numbers can lead to unreliable estimates of agonist and antagonist activity, however, these studies suggest that animal experiments on the activity of novel compounds may not always be better predictors of the ultimate activity in humans.

The nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor ligand acetyl-RYYRIK-amide exhibits antagonistic and agonistic properties

The hexapeptide acetyl-RYYRIK-amide (Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2)) has recently been reported to act as partial agonist of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (noc/OFQ) receptor expressed in CHO cells. In addition, this peptide acts as a competitive antagonist of noc/OFQ-stimulated GTPgamma(35)S binding in rat brain membranes as well as of the noc/OFQ-evoked chronotropic effect in rat cardiomyocytes. In contrast to this antagonism, in the present study, Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) was found to behave as an agonist at noc/OFQ receptors, affecting spontaneous locomotor activity. When administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.), noc/OFQ and Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) inhibited spontaneous locomotor activity in mice with ID(50) of 1.1 and 0.07 nmol, respectively. Co-administration of both peptides lead to additive effects. The higher potency of Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) could not be clearly explained by differential metabolism, because in vivo microdialysis in rat striatum and in vitro metabolic inactivation by rat and mouse brain membranes revealed extensive inactivation of both peptides. Similar to Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2), [Phe(1)psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]noc/OFQ(1-13)-NH(2) ([F/G]NC(1-13)NH(2)) inhibited the noc/OFQ-stimulated GTPgamma(35)S binding in rat brain membranes (Schild constant 3.83 nM) and mouse brain sections, although several reports have shown that this peptide exhibits agonist activity of noc/OFQ in the CNS. Changes in the optimum conditions of the in vitro assay for GTP binding increased low partial agonism of Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) in GTP binding response. To explain the discrepancy between the in vitro antagonism of G protein coupling of the noc/OFQ receptor and in vivo agonism of Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) and of [F/G]NC(1-13)NH(2), it is suggested that low partial agonism of receptor/G protein coupling in native systems may be sufficient to evoke full biologic responses. The extent of partial agonism for GTP binding and of coupling reserve may vary in different systems, thus explaining why [F/G]NC(1-13)NH(2) and Ac-RYYRIK-NH(2) were reported to exhibit antagonist, partial agonist, or even full agonist properties, depending on the system studied.

Orphanin FQ/nociceptin receptor binding studies

A review of the binding studies performed on the receptor (ORL) for Orphanin FQ/Nociceptin is presented. Binding studies have been conducted using a variety of receptor sources: cell lines expressing the cloned receptor, cell lines endogenously expressing the receptor, and brain and other tissue from several different species. Binding studies of opioids, new ligands and antagonists at the ORL receptor are briefly discussed. Saturation, competition and binding kinetic experiments, and the effects of buffer composition are reviewed. There are numerous instances of conflicting data in published reports on OFQ; the basis for these disparities is as yet undetermined. This review endeavors to compile the results and conditions employed in binding studies as an aid to current and new researchers in this field. In an attempt to explain binding disparities, we have determined that Orphanin/Nociceptin binds to glass fiber filtermats in a "specific" manner; these new data are presented.

[Nphe(1)]nociceptin-(1-13)NH(2) selectively antagonizes nociceptin effects in the rabbit isolated ileum

When suspended in vitro in isolated organ baths, segments of the rabbit ileum show a fairly strong and stable spontaneous activity, which derives from the continuous release of acetylcholine and the activation of muscarinic receptors, since the activity is completely eliminated by atropine. Dynorphin A (pEC(50): 8.6+/-0.07), neuropeptide Y and its congener human pancreatic polypeptide (pEC(50): 9.40+/-0.10), and nociceptin (pEC(50): 8.08+/-0.12) dose-dependently inhibit the spontaneous activity through the activation of receptors, which are specifically antagonised respectively by naloxone (pA(2): 7.17+/-0.12), 2-(naphtalen-1-ylamino)-3-phenylpropionitrile (JCF 104; pA(2): 5. 80+/-0.10), and [Nphe(1)]nociceptin-(1-13)NH(2) (pA(2): 6.17+/-0.19). This last compound, a selective nociceptin-receptor (OP(4)) antagonist, inhibits the effect of nociceptin in a competitive manner, as demonstrated by Schild analysis. [Nphe(1)]nociceptin-(1-13)NH(2) also antagonizes the effects of other OP(4) receptor ligands such as the full agonist, nociceptin-(1-13)-NH(2), and the partial agonists, [Phe(1)psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]nociceptin-(1-13)-NH(2) (intrinsic activity (alpha(E))=0.5) and Ac-RYYWK-NH(2) (alpha(E)=0.5), with pA(2) values ranged from 5.8 to 6.2. These results indicate that the functional site mediating the inhibitory effect of nociceptin in the rabbit ileum, is pharmacologically identical to the OP(4) sites of other species (mouse, rat, guinea pig, man), since the potencies (pA(2) values) of the pure and competitive antagonist [Nphe(1)]nociceptin-(1-13)NH(2) is very similar to the values obtained in the other species. Moreover, the rabbit ileum is one of the few isolated organs that allow classifying compounds, which interact with OP(4) receptors as full agonists, partial agonists, or pure antagonists.

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

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

Opioid activity profiles indicate similarities between the nociceptin/orphanin FQ and opioid receptors

Nociceptin (orphanin FQ) is the recently discovered peptide agonist for the orphan receptor opioid receptor-like 1 (ORL1). Despite the high sequence homology between ORL1 and the opioid receptors, most opioids lack affinity for the nociceptin receptor. The affinity and functional profile of opioids possessing activity at the nociceptin receptor was determined using [3H]nociceptin and nociceptin-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding. The mu-opioid receptor-selective agonist lofentanil potently and competitively displaced [3H]nociceptin at rat brain receptors (IC(50) 62 nM). Lofentanil exhibited full agonism for enhancement of [35S]GTPgammaS binding to human recombinant ORL1 receptors (EC(50) 50 nM). The related piperidines ohmefentanyl and sufentanil and the nonselective opioid receptor agonist etorphine were less potent nociceptin receptor agonists. The kappa(1)+kappa(3)-opioid receptor agonist/mu-opioid receptor antagonist naloxone benzoylhydrazone was a pure antagonist at both rat brain and human ORL1 receptors. The nonselective opioid receptor partial agonist buprenorphine and the nonselective opioid receptor antagonist (-)-quadazocine exhibited pure antagonism at rat brain receptors, but displayed partial agonism at human ORL1 receptors. Thus, opioids displaying full agonism at the nociceptin receptor are also opioid receptor agonists, whereas opioids that are antagonists or partial agonists at the nociceptin receptor show antagonism or partial agonism at opioid receptors. In addition, the stereospecificity required at opioid receptors appears to be retained at the nociceptin receptor, since (+)-quadazocine is inactive at both receptors. These findings illustrate the structural and functional homology of the opioid recognition site on these two receptor classes and suggest that opioids may provide leads for the design of nonpeptide nociceptin receptor agonists and antagonists lacking affinity for the classical opioid receptors.

Antagonistic effects of [Nphe1]nociceptin(1-13)NH2 on nociceptin receptor mediated inhibition of cAMP formation in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing the recombinant human nociceptin receptor

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NC) is the endogenous ligand for the nociceptin receptor (NCR) which is negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase to inhibit the formation of cAMP. In this study we describe the inhibitory action of the novel NC analogue, [Nphe1]nociceptin(1-13)NH2 on cAMP formation in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the human NCR. NC, NC(1-13)NH2, the pseudopeptides [Phe1psi(CH2-NH)Gly2]NC(1-17)NH2 and [Phe1psi(CH2-NH)Gly2]NC(1-13)NH2, the hexapeptide, acetyl-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Trp-Lys-NH2 and buprenorphine all produced a concentration dependent inhibition of forskolin stimulated cAMP formation. This inhibition was competitively reversed by [Nphe1]NC(1-13)NH2 with essentially identical pA2 values (6.12-6.48). [Nphe1]NC(1-13)NH2 showed per se a negligible residual agonist activity (alpha < 0.15).