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Ding H, Kiguchi N, Dobbins M, Romero-Sandoval EA, Kishioka S, Ko MC. Nociceptin Receptor-Related Agonists as Safe and Non-addictive Analgesics. Drugs 2023; 83:771-793. [PMID: 37209211 PMCID: PMC10948013 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01878-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
As clinical use of currently available opioid analgesics is often impeded by dose-limiting adverse effects, such as abuse liability and respiratory depression, new approaches have been pursued to develop safe, effective, and non-addictive pain medications. After the identification of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptor more than 25 years ago, NOP receptor-related agonists have emerged as a promising target for developing novel and effective opioids that modulate the analgesic and addictive properties of mu-opioid peptide (MOP) receptor agonists. In this review, we highlight the effects of the NOP receptor-related agonists compared with those of MOP receptor agonists in experimental rodent and more translational non-human primate (NHP) models and the development status of key NOP receptor-related agonists as potential safe and non-addictive analgesics. Several lines of evidence demonstrated that peptidic and non-peptidic NOP receptor agonists produce potent analgesic effects by intrathecal delivery in NHPs. Moreover, mixed NOP/MOP receptor partial agonists (e.g., BU08028, BU10038, and AT-121) display potent analgesic effects when administered intrathecally or systemically, without eliciting adverse effects, such as respiratory depression, itch behavior, and signs of abuse liability. More importantly, cebranopadol, a mixed NOP/opioid receptor agonist with full efficacy at NOP and MOP receptors, produces robust analgesic efficacy with reduced adverse effects, conferring promising outcomes in clinical studies. A balanced coactivation of NOP and MOP receptors is a strategy that warrants further exploration and refinement for the development of novel analgesics with a safer and effective profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 640-8156, Japan
| | - MaryBeth Dobbins
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - E Alfonso Romero-Sandoval
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Shiroh Kishioka
- Faculty of Wakayama Health Care Sciences, Takarazuka University of Medical and Health Care, Wakayama, 640-8392, Japan
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
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Hao XQ, Wang ZY, Chen JM, Wu N, Li J. Involvement of the nociceptin opioid peptide receptor in morphine-induced antinociception, tolerance and physical dependence in female mice. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:2243-2253. [PMID: 34529220 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00783-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor modulates pain transmission and is considered a prospective target for pain management. Under acute pain conditions in rodents, however, no definitive conclusions about effects of systemically intervening NOP receptors on nociception, classical opioid-induced antinociception, tolerance and physical dependence have been drawn. Given that opioid analgesia has sex differences, and females experience greater pain and consume more opioids, clarifying these issues in females will help develop novel analgesics. To clarify the role of NOP receptors on the pharmacological profiles of µ-opioid receptor agonists, in this study, a selective agonist (SCH221510) and antagonist (SB612111) of the NOP receptor were subcutaneously administered in female mice in multiple animal models. In hot-plate test, neither SCH221510 (3 and 10 mg/kg, sc) nor SB612111 (10 mg/kg, sc) produced significant antinociception. SCH221510 (3 mg/kg, sc) attenuated but SB612111 (10 mg/kg, sc) enhanced morphine-induced antinociception, with rightward and leftward shift of morphine dose-response curves, respectively. SCH221510 (3 mg/kg, sc) combined with morphine (10 mg/kg, sc) accelerated the development of morphine antinociceptive tolerance. Conversely, SB612111 (10 mg/kg, sc) delayed morphine tolerance development. Neither SCH221510 (3 mg/kg, sc) nor SB612111 (10 mg/kg, sc) statistically significantly altered the development of morphine-induced physical dependence. Therefore, systemic activation of NOP receptors attenuated morphine antinociception to acute thermal stimuli, facilitated morphine-induced antinociceptive tolerance but did not robustly alter physical dependence in female mice. Systemic blockade of NOP receptors produced opposite actions. These findings demonstrate that N/OFQ-NOP receptor system plays diverse roles in modulating pharmacological profiles of µ-opioid receptor agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qing Hao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Jian-Min Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Ning Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Jin Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China.
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Tzschentke TM, Linz K, Koch T, Christoph T. Cebranopadol: A Novel First-in-Class Potent Analgesic Acting via NOP and Opioid Receptors. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2019; 254:367-398. [PMID: 30927089 DOI: 10.1007/164_2019_206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cebranopadol is a novel first-in-class analgesic with highly potent agonistic activity at nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) and opioid receptors. It is highly potent and efficacious across a broad range of preclinical pain models. Its side effect profile is better compared to typical opioids. Mechanistic studies have shown that cebranopadol's activity at NOP receptors contributes to its anti-hyperalgesic effects while ameliorating some of its opioid-type side effects, including respiratory depression and abuse potential. Phase II of clinical development has been completed, demonstrating efficacy and good tolerability in acute and chronic pain conditions.This article focusses on reviewing data on the preclinical in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, safety, and tolerability, as well as clinical trials with cebranopadol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Klaus Linz
- Grünenthal GmbH, Global Innovation, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Koch
- Grünenthal GmbH, Global Innovation, Aachen, Germany
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Tzschentke TM, Kögel BY, Frosch S, Linz K. Limited potential of cebranopadol to produce opioid-type physical dependence in rodents. Addict Biol 2018; 23:1010-1019. [PMID: 28944554 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cebranopadol is a novel potent analgesic agonist at the nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) and classical opioid receptors. As NOP receptor activation has been shown to reduce side effects related to the activation of μ-opioid peptide (MOP) receptors, the present study evaluated opioid-type physical dependence produced by cebranopadol in mice and rats. In a naloxone-precipitated withdrawal assay in mice, a regimen of seven escalating doses of cebranopadol over 2 days produced only very limited physical dependence as evidenced by very little withdrawal symptoms (jumping) even at cebranopadol doses clearly exceeding the analgesic dose range. In contrast, mice showed clear withdrawal symptoms when treated with morphine within the analgesic dose range. In the rat, spontaneous withdrawal (by cessation of drug treatment; in terms of weight loss and behavioral score) was studied after 4-week subacute administration. Naloxone-precipitated withdrawal (in terms of weight loss and behavioral score) was studied in the same groups of rats after 1-week re-administration following the spontaneous withdrawal period. In both tests, cebranopadol-treated rats showed only few signs of withdrawal, while withdrawal effects in rats treated with morphine were clearly evident. These findings demonstrate a low potential of cebranopadol to produce opioid-type physical dependence in rodents. The prospect of this promising finding into the clinical setting remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Tzschentke
- Department of Pharmacology; Grünenthal GmbH; Germany
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Medical Faculty; RWTH Aachen; Germany
| | - Babette Y. Kögel
- Department of Pharmacology; Grünenthal GmbH; Germany
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Medical Faculty; RWTH Aachen; Germany
| | | | - Klaus Linz
- Preclinical Drug Development; Grünenthal GmbH; Germany
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5
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Tzschentke TM, Rutten K. Mu-opioid peptide (MOP) and nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor activation both contribute to the discriminative stimulus properties of cebranopadol in the rat. Neuropharmacology 2018; 129:100-108. [PMID: 29155273 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The novel potent analgesic cebranopadol is an agonist at nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) and classical opioid receptors, with the highest in-vitro activity at NOP and mu-opioid peptide (MOP) receptors, and somewhat lower activity at kappa-opioid peptide (KOP) and delta-opioid peptide (DOP) receptors. We addressed the question of which of these pharmacological activities contribute to the stimulus properties of cebranopadol using a rat drug discrimination procedure. First, cebranopadol was tested in generalization tests against a morphine cue, including receptor-specific antagonism. Second, cebranopadol was established as a cue, and MOP, NOP, KOP and DOP receptor-selective agonists were tested in generalization tests. Third, cebranopadol in combination with receptor-selective antagonists was tested against the cebranopadol cue. Cebranopadol generalized to the morphine cue. Full generalization was only seen at clearly supra-analgesic doses. The effect of cebranopadol was reduced by naloxone, but was enhanced by the NOP receptor antagonist J-113397. In cebranopadol-trained rats, cebranopadol as well as morphine produced generalization. A NOP receptor agonist did not, while a DOP receptor agonist and a KOP receptor agonist weakly generalized to the cebranopadol cue. Conversely, generalization of cebranopadol was reduced by naloxone and J-113397, but not by a DOP or a KOP receptor antagonist. These results suggest a contribution of MOP receptor activity and a relative lack of contribution of DOP and KOP receptor activity to cebranopadol's stimulus properties. The findings regarding the contribution of NOP receptor activity were equivocal, but interestingly, the morphine-like stimulus property of cebranopadol appears to be reduced by its intrinsic NOP receptor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Tzschentke
- Dept. Pharmacology, Grünenthal Innovation, Grünenthal GmbH, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Kris Rutten
- Dept. Pharmacology, Grünenthal Innovation, Grünenthal GmbH, Aachen, Germany
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Zaveri NT, Marquez PV, Meyer ME, Hamid A, Lutfy K. The Nociceptin Receptor (NOP) Agonist AT-312 Blocks Acquisition of Morphine- and Cocaine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Mice. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:638. [PMID: 30555362 PMCID: PMC6281746 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of drug addiction remains an unmet medical need due to the dearth of approved pharmacotherapies. There are no approved treatments for cocaine addiction, whereas the current opioid crisis has revealed the stark reality of the limited options to treat prescription and illicit opioid abuse. Preclinical studies in rodents and nonhuman primates have shown that orphanin FQ/nociceptin (N/OFQ), the endogenous ligand for the nociceptin opioid receptor (NOP) reduces the rewarding effects of several abused substances, including opioids, psychostimulants and alcohol. A few nonpeptide small-molecule NOP agonists have also shown efficacy in attenuating the rewarding effects of various abused drugs. We previously demonstrated that a high affinity small-molecule NOP agonist AT-312 selectively reduced the rewarding effects of ethanol in the conditioned place preference paradigm in mice. In the present study, we examined if AT-312 (3 mg/kg, i.p. or s.c. respectively), would alter the rewarding action of morphine (7.5 mg/kg, s.c.) or cocaine (15 mg/kg, i.p.). The effect of AT-312 on morphine- and cocaine-induced motor stimulation was also assessed on the conditioning days. The role of the NOP receptor in the effects of AT-312 was further confirmed by conducting the place conditioning experiments in NOP knockout mice and compared to their wild-type controls. Our results showed that AT-312 significantly reduced the acquisition of morphine and cocaine CPP in wild-type mice but not in mice lacking NOP receptors. AT-312 also suppressed morphine-induced and completely abolished cocaine-induced motor stimulation in NOP wild-type mice, but not in NOP knockout mice. These results show that small-molecule NOP receptor agonists have promising efficacy for attenuating the rewarding effects of morphine and cocaine, and may have potential as pharmacotherapy for opioid and psychostimulant addiction or for treating polydrug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurulain T Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, Mountain View, California, CA, United States
| | - Paul V Marquez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Michael E Meyer
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, Mountain View, California, CA, United States
| | - Abdul Hamid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Kabirullah Lutfy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
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Ulugol A, Topuz RD, Gunduz O, Kizilay G, Karadag HC. Changes in nociceptin/orphanin FQ levels in rat brain regions after acute and chronic cannabinoid treatment in conjunction with the development of antinociceptive tolerance. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2016; 30:537-548. [PMID: 27371029 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
It has been indicated that acute and chronic morphine administrations enhance nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) levels in the brain, which might play role in the development of tolerance to the antinociceptive effect of morphine. Accordingly, N/OFQ receptor (NOP) antagonists have been shown to prevent the development of antinociceptive tolerance to morphine. Our aim is to observe whether cannabinoids, similarly to opioids, enhance N/OFQ levels in pain-related brain regions and whether antagonism of NOP receptors attenuates the development of tolerance to the antinociceptive effect of cannabinoids. Hot plate and Tail flick tests are used to assess the antinociceptive response in Sprague-Dawley rats. N/OFQ levels are measured in cortex, amygdala, hypothalamus, periaqueductal gray, nucleus raphe magnus and locus coeruleus of rat brains using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Within 9 days, animals became completely tolerant to the antinociceptive effect of the cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 (2, 4, 6 mg/kg, i.p.). Chronic administration of JTC-801, a NOP receptor antagonist, at a dose that exerted no effect on its own (1 mg/kg, i.p.), attenuated development of tolerance to the antinociceptive effect of WIN 55,212-2 (4 mg/kg, i.p.). Western blotting and immunohistochemistry results showed that N/OFQ levels significantly increased in amygdala, periaqueductal gray, nucleus raphe magnus and locus coeruleus of rat brains when WIN 55,212-2 was combined with JTC-801. We hypothesize that, similar to opioids, chronic cannabinoid + NOP antagonist administration may enhance N/OFQ levels and NOP receptor antagonism prevents development of tolerance to cannabinoid antinociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Ulugol
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, 22030, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Ruhan D Topuz
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, 22030, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Gunduz
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, 22030, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Gulnur Kizilay
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, 22030, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Hakan C Karadag
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, 22030, Edirne, Turkey
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8
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Zaveri NT. Nociceptin Opioid Receptor (NOP) as a Therapeutic Target: Progress in Translation from Preclinical Research to Clinical Utility. J Med Chem 2016; 59:7011-28. [PMID: 26878436 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In the two decades since the discovery of the nociceptin opioid receptor (NOP) and its ligand, nociceptin/orphaninFQ (N/OFQ), steady progress has been achieved in understanding the pharmacology of this fourth opioid receptor/peptide system, aided by genetic and pharmacologic approaches. This research spawned an explosion of small-molecule NOP receptor ligands from discovery programs in major pharmaceutical companies. NOP agonists have been investigated for their efficacy in preclinical models of anxiety, cough, substance abuse, pain (spinal and peripheral), and urinary incontinence, whereas NOP antagonists have been investigated for treatment of pain, depression, and motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. Translation of preclinical findings into the clinic is guided by PET and receptor occupancy studies, particularly for NOP antagonists. Recent progress in preclinical NOP research suggests that NOP agonists may have clinical utility for pain treatment and substance abuse pharmacotherapy. This review discusses the progress toward validating the NOP-N/OFQ system as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurulain T Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics , 320 Logue Avenue, Suite 142, Mountain View, California 94043, United States
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Kiguchi N, Ding H, Ko MC. Central N/OFQ-NOP Receptor System in Pain Modulation. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2015; 75:217-43. [PMID: 26920014 PMCID: PMC4944813 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Two decades have passed since the peptide, nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), and its cognate (NOP) receptor were discovered. Although NOP receptor activation causes a similar pattern of intracellular actions as mu-opioid (MOP) receptors, NOP receptor-mediated pain modulation in rodents are more complicated than MOP receptor activation. This review highlights the functional evidence of spinal, supraspinal, and systemic actions of NOP receptor agonists for regulating pain. In rodents, effects of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in spinal and supraspinal sites for modulating pain are bidirectional depending on the doses, assays, and pain modalities. The net effect of systemically administered NOP receptor agonists may depend on relative contribution of spinal and supraspinal actions of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor signaling in rodents under different pain states. In stark contrast, NOP receptor agonists produce only antinociception and antihypersensitivity in spinal and supraspinal regions of nonhuman primates regardless of doses and assays. More importantly, NOP receptor agonists and a few bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor agonists do not exhibit reinforcing effects (abuse liability), respiratory depression, itch pruritus, nor do they delay the gastrointestinal transit function (constipation) in nonhuman primates. Depending upon their intrinsic efficacies for activating NOP and MOP receptors, bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor agonists warrant additional investigation in primates regarding their side effect profiles. Nevertheless, NOP receptor-related agonists display a much wider therapeutic window as compared to that of MOP receptor agonists in primates. Both selective NOP receptor agonists and bifunctional NOP/MOP receptor agonists hold great potential as effective and safe analgesics without typical opioid-associated side effects in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
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Schröder W, Lambert DG, Ko MC, Koch T. Functional plasticity of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system determines analgesic properties of NOP receptor agonists. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:3777-800. [PMID: 24762001 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite high sequence similarity between NOP (nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid peptide) and opioid receptors, marked differences in endogenous ligand selectivity, signal transduction, phosphorylation, desensitization, internalization and trafficking have been identified; underscoring the evolutionary difference between NOP and opioid receptors. Activation of NOP receptors affects nociceptive transmission in a site-specific manner, with antinociceptive effects prevailing after peripheral and spinal activation, and pronociceptive effects after supraspinal activation in rodents. The net effect of systemically administered NOP receptor agonists on nociception is proposed to depend on the relative contribution of peripheral, spinal and supraspinal activation, and this may depend on experimental conditions. Functional expression and regulation of NOP receptors at peripheral and central sites of the nociceptive pathway exhibits a high degree of plasticity under conditions of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. In rodents, systemically administered NOP receptor agonists exerted antihypersensitive effects in models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. However, they were largely ineffective in acute pain while concomitantly evoking severe motor side effects. In contrast, systemic administration of NOP receptor agonists to non-human primates (NHPs) exerted potent and efficacious antinociception in the absence of motor and sedative side effects. The reason for this species difference with respect to antinociceptive efficacy and tolerability is not clear. Moreover, co-activation of NOP and μ-opioid peptide (MOP) receptors synergistically produced antinociception in NHPs. Hence, both selective NOP receptor as well as NOP/MOP receptor agonists may hold potential for clinical use as analgesics effective in conditions of acute and chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Schröder
- Department of Translational Science, Global Innovation, Grünenthal GmbH, Aachen, Germany
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12
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Vazquez-DeRose J, Stauber G, Khroyan TV, Xie X(S, Zaveri NT, Toll L. Retrodialysis of N/OFQ into the nucleus accumbens shell blocks cocaine-induced increases in extracellular dopamine and locomotor activity. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 699:200-6. [PMID: 23219985 PMCID: PMC3570659 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2012.11.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin (N/OFQ) has been implicated in a variety of neurological disorders, most notably in reward processes and drug abuse. N/OFQ suppresses extracellular dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) after intracerebroventricular injection. This study sought to examine the effects of retrodialyzed N/OFQ on the cocaine-induced increase in extracellular dopamine levels in the NAc, as well as locomotor activity, in freely moving rats. 1.0μM, 10μM, and 1mM N/OFQ, in the NAc shell, significantly suppressed the cocaine-induced dopamine increase in the NAc, while N/OFQ alone had no significant effect on dopamine levels. Co-delivery of the selective NOP receptor antagonist SB612111 ([(-)-cis-1-Methyl-7-[[4-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)piperidin-1-yl]methyl]-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzocyclohepten-5-ol] reversed the N/OFQ suppression of cocaine-induced dopamine in the NAc, suggesting that this is an NOP receptor-mediated effect. Using a novel system to assess locomotion, we measured various motor activities of the animals with simultaneous microdialysis from the home cage. Cocaine produced an expected increase in total activity, including horizontal movement and rearing behavior. Retrodialysis of N/OFQ with cocaine administration affected all motor activities, initially showing no effect on behavior, but over time inhibiting cocaine-induced motor behaviors. These results suggest that N/OFQ can act directly in the NAc shell to block cocaine-induced increases in extracellular dopamine levels. Extracellular dopamine and locomotor activity can be dissociated within the NAc and may reflect motor output differences in shell versus core regions of the NAc. These studies confirm the widespread involvement of NOP receptors in drug addiction and further validate the utility of an NOP receptor agonist as a medication for treatment of drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Lawrence Toll
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, FL, 34987 USA
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Zaveri NT. The nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP) as a target for drug abuse medications. Curr Top Med Chem 2011; 11:1151-6. [PMID: 21050175 PMCID: PMC3899399 DOI: 10.2174/156802611795371341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2010] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Several studies show that the nociceptin receptor NOP plays a role in the regulation of reward and motivation pathways related to substance abuse. Administration of the NOP's natural peptide ligand, Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) or synthetic agonist Ro 64-6198 has been shown to block rewarding effects of cocaine, morphine, amphetamines and alcohol, in various behavioral models of drug reward and reinforcement, such as conditioned place preference and drug self-administration. Administration of N/OFQ has been shown to reduce drug-stimulated levels of dopamine in mesolimbic pathways. The NOP-N/OFQ system has been particularly well examined in the development of alcohol abuse in animal models. Furthermore, the efficacy of the mixed-action opioid buprenorphine, in attenuating alcohol consumption in human addicts and in alcohol-preferring animal models, at higher doses, has been attributed to its partial agonist activity at the NOP receptor. These studies suggest that NOP receptor agonists may have potential as drug abuse medications. However, the pathophysiology of addiction is complex and drug addiction pharmacotherapy needs to address the various phases of substance addiction (craving, withdrawal, relapse). Further studies are needed to clearly establish how NOP agonists may attenuate the drug addiction process and provide therapeutic benefit. Addiction to multiple abused drugs (polydrug addiction) is now commonplace and presents a treatment challenge, given the limited pharmacotherapies currently approved. Polydrug addiction may not be adequately treated by a single agent with a single mechanism of action. As with the case of buprenorphine, a mixed-action profile of NOP/opioid activity may provide a more effective drug to treat addiction to various abused substances and/or polydrug addiction.
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Levitt ES, Purington LC, Traynor JR. Gi/o-coupled receptors compete for signaling to adenylyl cyclase in SH-SY5Y cells and reduce opioid-mediated cAMP overshoot. Mol Pharmacol 2010; 79:461-71. [PMID: 21098043 DOI: 10.1124/mol.110.064816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Organization of G protein-coupled receptors and cognate signaling partners at the plasma membrane has been proposed to occur via multiple mechanisms, including membrane microdomains, receptor oligomerization, and protein scaffolding. Here, we investigate the organization of six types of Gi/o-coupled receptors endogenously expressed in SH-SY5Y cells. The most abundant receptor in these cells was the μ-opioid receptor (MOR), the activation of which occluded acute inhibition of adenylyl cyclase (AC) by agonists to δ-opioid (DOR), nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOPr), α2-adrenergic (α2AR), cannabinoid 1, and serotonin 1A receptors. We further demonstrate that all receptor pairs share a common pool of AC. The MOR agonist [D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) also occluded the ability of DOR agonist to stimulate G proteins. However, at lower agonist concentrations and at shorter incubation times when G proteins were not limiting, the relationship between MOR and DOR agonists was additive. The additive relationship was confirmed by isobolographic analysis. Long-term coadministration of MOR and DOR agonists caused cAMP overshoot that was not additive, suggesting that sensitization of AC mediated by these two receptors occurs by a common pathway. Furthermore, heterologous inhibition of AC by agonists to DOR, NOPr, and α2AR reduced the expression of cAMP overshoot in DAMGO-dependent cells. However, this cross-talk did not lead to heterologous tolerance. These results indicate that multiple receptors could be tethered into complexes with cognate signaling proteins and that access to shared AC by multiple receptor types may provide a means to prevent opioid withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica S Levitt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5632, USA
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Toll L, Khroyan TV, Polgar WE, Jiang F, Olsen C, Zaveri NT. Comparison of the antinociceptive and antirewarding profiles of novel bifunctional nociceptin receptor/mu-opioid receptor ligands: implications for therapeutic applications. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2009; 331:954-64. [PMID: 19773529 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.109.157446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The nociceptin receptor (NOPr), a member of the opioid receptor family, is a target for the treatment of pain and drug abuse. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), the endogenous peptide for NOPr, not only modulates opioid antinociception, but also blocks the rewarding effects of several abused drugs, such as morphine, cocaine, and amphetamine. We hypothesized that NOPr agonists, with bifunctional activity at the mu-opioid receptor (MOPr), may function as nonaddicting analgesics or as drug abuse medications. Bifunctional small-molecule NOPr agonists possessing different selectivities and efficacies at MOPr were evaluated in an acute thermal antinociception assay, and for their ability to induce conditioned place preference (CPP) and their effect on morphine-induced CPP. 1-(1-Cyclooctylpiperidin-4-yl)-indolin-2-one) (SR14150), a high-affinity NOPr partial agonist, with low MOPr affinity and efficacy, produced analgesia that was naloxone-reversible. SR14150 did not induce CPP alone, nor did it attenuate morphine-induced CPP. 3-Ethyl-1-(1-(4-isopropylcyclohexyl)piperidin-4-yl)-indolin-2-one (SR16507), which has high affinity for both NOPr and MOPr, full agonist activity at NOPr, and partial agonist activity at MOPr, was also a potent analgesic and produced CPP alone, but also modestly attenuated morphine CPP. 1-(1-(2,3,3a,4,5,6-hexahydro-1H-phenalen-1-yl)piperidinl-4-yl)-indolin-2-one (SR16835), a NOPr full agonist and low-affinity MOPr partial agonist, was not antinociceptive, did not produce CPP alone, but attenuated morphine CPP. Our results suggest that NOPr full-agonist activity is required to modulate opioid-induced reward, whereas a bifunctional NOPr/MOPr partial agonist profile may be suitable as a nonaddicting analgesic. The opioid-modulating effects of the NOPr ligands may be used effectively to produce better medications for treatment of drug abuse and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Toll
- Neuropharmacology Program, SRI International, Menlo Park, California, USA
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16
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Reiss D, Wichmann J, Tekeshima H, Kieffer BL, Ouagazzal AM. Effects of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP) agonist, Ro64-6198, on reactivity to acute pain in mice: Comparison to morphine. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 579:141-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2007.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2007] [Revised: 10/16/2007] [Accepted: 10/18/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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17
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Shoblock JR. The pharmacology of Ro 64-6198, a systemically active, nonpeptide NOP receptor (opiate receptor-like 1, ORL-1) agonist with diverse preclinical therapeutic activity. CNS DRUG REVIEWS 2007; 13:107-36. [PMID: 17461893 PMCID: PMC6494153 DOI: 10.1111/j.1527-3458.2007.00007.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The NOP receptor (formerly referred to as opiate receptor-like 1, ORL-1, LC132, OP(4), or NOP(1)) is a G protein-coupled receptor that shares high homology to the classic opioid MOP, DOP, and KOP (mu, delta, and kappa, respectively) receptors and was first cloned in 1994 by several groups. The NOP receptor remained an orphan receptor until 1995, when the endogenous neuropeptide agonist, known as nociceptin or orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) was isolated. Five years later, a group at Hoffmann-La Roche reported on the selective, nonpeptide NOP agonist Ro 64-6198, which became the most extensively published nonpeptide NOP agonist and a valuable pharmacological tool in determining the potential of the NOP receptor as a therapeutic target. Ro 64-6198 is systemically active and achieves high brain penetration. It has subnanomolar affinity for the NOP receptor and is at least 100 times more selective for the NOP receptor over the classic opioid receptors. Ro 64-6198 ranges from partial to full agonist, depending on the assay. Preclinical data indicate that Ro 64-6198 may have broad clinical uses, such as in treating stress and anxiety, addiction, neuropathic pain, cough, and anorexia. This review summarizes the pharmacology and preclinical data of Ro 64-6198.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Shoblock
- Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, California 92121, USA.
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18
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Khroyan TV, Zaveri NT, Polgar WE, Orduna J, Olsen C, Jiang F, Toll L. SR 16435 [1-(1-(bicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indolin-2-one], a novel mixed nociceptin/orphanin FQ/mu-opioid receptor partial agonist: analgesic and rewarding properties in mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2006; 320:934-43. [PMID: 17132815 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.106.111997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We identified a novel nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP)/mu-opioid receptor agonist, SR 16435 [1-(1-(bicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indolin-2-one], with high binding affinity and partial agonist activity at both receptors. It was hypothesized that SR 16435 would produce antinociception and yet, unlike morphine, would have diminished rewarding properties and tolerance development. Antinociception was assessed in mice using the tail-flick assay, whereas behavioral and rewarding effects were assessed using the place conditioning (PC) paradigm. PC was established by pairing drug injections with a distinct compartment. Behavioral effects were measured after acute and repeated drug administration, and the test for PC was carried out 24 h after four drug- and vehicle-pairing sessions. SR 16435 produced an increase in tail-flick latency, but SR 16435-induced antinociception was lower than that observed with morphine. Given that naloxone blocked SR 16435-induced antinociception, it is highly likely that this effect was mediated by mu-opioid receptors. Compared with morphine, chronic SR 16435 treatment resulted in reduced development of tolerance to its antinociceptive effects. SR 16435-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) was evident, an effect that was probably mediated via mu-opioid receptors, as it was reversed by coadministration of naloxone. NOP agonist activity was also present, given that SR 16435 decreased global activity, and this effect was partially reversed with the selective NOP antagonist, SR 16430 [1-(cyclooctylmethyl)-4-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-4-ol]. Naloxone, however, also reversed the SR 16435-induced decrease in activity, indicating that both opioid and NOP receptors mediate this behavior. In summary, the mixed NOP/mu-opioid partial agonist SR 16435 exhibited both NOP and mu-opioid receptor-mediated behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taline V Khroyan
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA.
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Obara I, Przewlocki R, Przewlocka B. Spinal and local peripheral antiallodynic activity of Ro64-6198 in neuropathic pain in the rat. Pain 2005; 116:17-25. [PMID: 15927383 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2005.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2004] [Revised: 03/02/2005] [Accepted: 03/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The nociceptin system seems to be involved in modulation of acute nociceptive stimulation and in chronic pain processes, e.g. inflammation and neuropathy. In the present study, we examined the analgesic effect of a new opioid receptor-like (ORL1) receptor agonist, Ro64-6198, and compared it with the effect of endogenous ORL1 receptor agonist, nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), in a model of neuropathic pain in the rat. Ro64-6198 was injected intrathecaly (i.t.), intraplantarly (i.pl.) and subcutaneously (s.c.), and responses of neuropathic rats were measured in tactile (von Frey) and thermal (cold water) allodynia tests. Ro64-6198 did not change the pain threshold in naive animals, but exhibited antiallodynic activity in neuropathic rats. This effect was observed after i.t. and i.pl. but not after s.c. administration. Moreover, the observed antiallodynic potency of Ro64-6198 was weaker in comparison with N/OFQ after i.t. administration of either agonist, but almost equal after i.pl. injection. Selective antagonists of the ORL1 receptor, [Phe1Psi(CH2-NH)Gly2]NC(1-13)NH2 (PhePsi) and [N-Phe1]-NC(1-13)NH2 (NPhe), inhibited the antiallodynic actions of Ro64-6198 which indicated that the spinal and peripheral antinociceptive effects were mediated by ORL1 receptors. Therefore, besides spinal, also peripheral ORL1 receptors may be targeted by drugs designed for the long-term treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Obara
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
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Abstract
This paper is the 26th consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, now spanning over a quarter-century of research. It summarizes papers published during 2003 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 and thermoregulation (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, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA.
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Kotlinska J, Dylag T, Rafalski P, Talarek S, Kosior M, Silberring J. Influence of nociceptin(1-17) fragments and its tyrosine-substituted derivative on morphine-withdrawal signs in rats. Neuropeptides 2004; 38:277-82. [PMID: 15464192 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2004.05.001] [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] [Received: 02/19/2004] [Accepted: 05/04/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Our previous studies demonstrated that endogenous ligand of nociceptin (NOP) receptor, nociceptin(1-17) (also known as orphanin FQ), inhibits morphine-withdrawal syndrome measured as wet dog shakes in rats [Life Sci. 66 (2000) PL119]. This peptide is metabolized in the spinal cord, both in vitro and in vivo, to shorter fragments, including nociceptin(1-11) and nociceptin(1-6). These fragments, formed after cleavage by endogenous peptidase, are behaviorally active and modulate nociception in a bi-phasic process [Peptides 20 (1999) 239]. As these peptides induced transient naloxone-reversible analgesia in behavioral tests [Peptides 20 (1999) 239], in the present study we tested the influence of nociceptin(1-11) (10 and 20 microg) and nociceptin(1-6) (10, 20 and 40 microg) on the morphine-withdrawal syndrome in rats. Furthermore, the modified fragment of nociceptin(1-6) with an opioid-message domain achieved by replacement of Phe1 with Tyr was tested. Morphine-withdrawal syndrome was precipitated by the i.p. injection of naloxone hydrochloride (2 mg/kg), 72 h after implantation of morphine pellets. The wet-dog shakes were chosen for statistical analyses of the abstinence signs. The results show that nociceptin(1-11) and (1-6) attenuate this morphine-withdrawal symptom. The replacement of Phe1 with Tyr in nociceptin(1-6) fragment did not potentiate the influence of nociceptin(1-6) on wet dog shakes precipitated by naloxone in morphine-dependent rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Kotlinska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University, Staszica 4, 20-081 Lublin, Poland.
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Mika J, Schäfer MKH, Obara I, Weihe E, Przewlocka B. Morphine and endomorphin-1 differently influence pronociceptin/orphanin FQ system in neuropathic rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2004; 78:171-8. [PMID: 15159147 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2004.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2003] [Revised: 02/26/2004] [Accepted: 03/05/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the influence of intrathecal (i.t.) administration of morphine and endomorphin-1 on the level of pronociceptin/orphanin FQ and opioid receptor-like 1 (ORL1) receptor mRNAs in the lumbar part of the spinal cord in the rat model of neuropathic pain. The ligation of the sciatic nerve did not change the levels of pronociceptin/orphanin FQ and ORL1 receptor mRNAs in laminae I-VI of the dorsal horn when measured by in situ hybridisation 2 and 7 days after the nerve injury, but ORL1 receptor mRNA level in the ventral horn was significantly increased. Two micro-opioid receptor agonists, morphine and endomorphin-1, whose effectiveness in neuropathic pain is different, also disparately influenced nociceptin/orphanin FQ system in this pain model, inasmuch as an increase in pronociceptin/orphanin FQ and ORL1 receptor mRNAs was observed in laminae I-VI after morphine administration (5 microg i.t.) but not after endomorphin-1 treatment (5 microg i.t.). Moreover, the injection of ORL1 receptor antagonists (PhePsi; 30 microg i.t.) before morphine potentiated the effect of morphine in neuropathic pain model. Therefore, the activation of the endogenous nociceptin/orphanin FQ system, which is known to exhibit antiopioidergic activity, apart from its analgesic action, could be the reason for lower responsiveness to morphine in neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Mika
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Philipps University, 35033 Marburg, Germany
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