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Yildiz Pehlivan D, Kara AY, Koyu A, Simsek F. Enhancing fentanyl antinociception and preventing tolerance with α-2 adrenoceptor agonists in rats. Behav Brain Res 2024; 457:114726. [PMID: 37865211 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Fentanyl (FEN) is a potent opioid analgesic used for pain management. Opioid analgesic tolerance poses a significant challenge to the clinical utility of opioid agonists. Preventing the development of tolerance to opioid analgesia is crucial for improving its efficacy and safety. The noradrenergic system is involved in pain regulation. This study examined the effects of α-2 adrenoceptor (AR) agonists, dexmedetomidine (DEX), and xylazine (XYL) on FEN tolerance and antinociception, and their impact on μ-opioid receptor (MOR) expression in the posterior horn of the spinal cord (SC). Male rats were divided into six groups and treated with different drug combinations for three consecutive days. Analgesia tests and motor performance assessments were conducted, followed by SC analysis using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Analgesia tests revealed the development of FEN tolerance on the second day, but the groups receiving combined drugs did not develop tolerance. Instead, FEN antinociception was enhanced, with a prolonged duration of its effects. None of the drugs caused sedation or motor impairment, and SC morphology appeared normal. MOR expression levels did not differ significantly between the groups based on IHC analysis. These findings suggest that changes in the secondary messenger system may play a role in the early development of FEN tolerance. Combining drugs can prevent tolerance, while enhancing FEN's antinociceptive effects. These results have promising implications for chronic pain management; however, further research is needed to explore the molecular effects of α-2 AR agonists on FEN tolerance. Overall, this study sheds light on the mechanism of FEN tolerance and identifies potential avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Yildiz Pehlivan
- Izmir Katip Celebi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ali Yucel Kara
- Izmir Katip Celebi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Ahmet Koyu
- Izmir Katip Celebi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Fatma Simsek
- Izmir Katip Celebi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Izmir, Turkey
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2
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Vázquez-León P, Miranda-Páez A, Sánchez-Castillo H, Marichal-Cancino BA. Pharmacologic hyperreactivity of kappa opioid receptors in periaqueductal gray matter during alcohol withdrawal syndrome in rats. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1299-1308. [PMID: 37658980 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00522-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) is a brain region rich in kappa-opioid receptors (KOR). KOR in PAG mediates behavioral responses related to pain integration, and panic response, among others. Its participation in the addiction phenomena has been poorly studied. Hence, this preliminary study explored the pharmacological effects of KOR stimulation/blockade in dorsal-PAG (D-PAG) during alcohol withdrawal on anxiety-type behaviors and alcohol intake/preference. METHODS Juvenile male Wistar rats were unexposed (A-naïve group) or exposed to alcohol for 5 weeks and then restricted (A-withdrawal group). Posteriorly, animals received intra D-PAG injections of vehicle (10% DMSO), salvinorin A (SAL-A; a selective KOR agonist), or 2-Methyl-N-((2'-(pyrrolidin-1-ylsulfonyl)biphenyl-4-yl)methyl)propan-1-amine (PF-04455242; a highly selective KOR-antagonist). Subsequently, the defensive burying behavior (DBB) and alcohol intake/preference paradigms were evaluated. RESULTS SAL-A markedly increased burying time, the height of bedding, and alcohol consumption/preference in A-withdrawal, while slightly increased the height of bedding in A-näive rats. PF-04455242 decreased both burying and immobility duration, whereas increases latency to burying, frequency of rearing, and the number of stretches attempts with no action on alcohol intake/preference in A-withdrawal rats. CONCLUSIONS In general, stimulation/blockade of KOR in A-withdrawal animals exert higher responses compared to A-naïve ones. SAL-A produced anxiety-like behaviors and increased alcohol consumption/preference, especially/solely in the alcohol-withdrawal condition, while PF-04455242 augmented exploration with no effects on alcohol intake/preference. Our findings suggest a possible pharmacologic hyperreactivity of the KOR in PAG during alcohol withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Vázquez-León
- Departamento de Fisiología Y Farmacología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, 20131, Aguascalientes, Ags, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicofarmacología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Abraham Miranda-Páez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 07738, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Hugo Sánchez-Castillo
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicofarmacología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Bruno A Marichal-Cancino
- Departamento de Fisiología Y Farmacología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, 20131, Aguascalientes, Ags, Mexico.
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Hill S, Dao N, Dang VQ, Stahl EL, Bohn LM, Shenvi RA. A Route to Potent, Selective, and Biased Salvinorin Chemical Space. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:1567-1574. [PMID: 37637743 PMCID: PMC10450872 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c00616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The salvinorins serve as templates for next generation analgesics, antipruritics, and dissociative hallucinogens via selective and potent agonism of the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR). In contrast to most opioids, the salvinorins lack basic amines and bind with high affinity and selectivity via complex polyoxygenated scaffolds that have frustrated deep-seated modification by synthesis. Here we describe a short asymmetric synthesis that relies on a sterically confined organocatalyst to dissociate acidity from reactivity and effect Robinson annulation of an unactivated nucleophile/unstable electrophile pair. Combined with a cobalt-catalyzed polarized diene-alkyne cycloaddition, the route allows divergent access to a focused library of salvinorins. We appraise the synthesis by its generation of multiple analogs that exceed the potency, selectivity, stability, and functional bias of salvinorin A itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah
J. Hill
- Department
of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Graduate
School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Nathan Dao
- Department
of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Graduate
School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Vuong Q. Dang
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, The Herbert Wertheim
UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Edward L. Stahl
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, The Herbert Wertheim
UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Laura M. Bohn
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, The Herbert Wertheim
UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Ryan A. Shenvi
- Department
of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Graduate
School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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4
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van de Wetering R, Ewald A, Welsh S, Kornberger L, Williamson SE, McElroy BD, Butelman ER, Prisinzano TE, Kivell BM. The Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonist 16-Bromo Salvinorin A Has Anti-Cocaine Effects without Significant Effects on Locomotion, Food Reward, Learning and Memory, or Anxiety and Depressive-like Behaviors. Molecules 2023; 28:4848. [PMID: 37375403 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists have preclinical antipsychostimulant effects; however, adverse side effects have limited their therapeutic development. In this preclinical study, conducted in Sprague Dawley rats, B6-SJL mice, and non-human primates (NHPs), we evaluated the G-protein-biased analogue of salvinorin A (SalA), 16-bromo salvinorin A (16-BrSalA), for its anticocaine effects, side effects, and activation of cellular signaling pathways. 16-BrSalA dose-dependently decreased the cocaine-primed reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior in a KOR-dependent manner. It also decreased cocaine-induced hyperactivity, but had no effect on responding for cocaine on a progressive ratio schedule. Compared to SalA, 16-BrSalA had an improved side effect profile, with no significant effects in the elevated plus maze, light-dark test, forced swim test, sucrose self-administration, or novel object recognition; however, it did exhibit conditioned aversive effects. 16-BrSalA increased dopamine transporter (DAT) activity in HEK-293 cells coexpressing DAT and KOR, as well as in rat nucleus accumbens and dorsal striatal tissue. 16-BrSalA also increased the early phase activation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2, as well as p38 in a KOR-dependent manner. In NHPs, 16-BrSalA caused dose-dependent increases in the neuroendocrine biomarker prolactin, similar to other KOR agonists, at doses without robust sedative effects. These findings highlight that G-protein-biased structural analogues of SalA can have improved pharmacokinetic profiles and fewer side effects while maintaining their anticocaine effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross van de Wetering
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Amy Ewald
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Susan Welsh
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Lindsay Kornberger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Samuel E Williamson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Bryan D McElroy
- Laboratory on the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Eduardo R Butelman
- Laboratory on the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Thomas E Prisinzano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Bronwyn M Kivell
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
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5
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Sex Differences in the Behavioural Aspects of the Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination Model in Mice. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12121687. [PMID: 36552147 PMCID: PMC9775311 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12121687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterised by demyelination in the central nervous system. The cuprizone-induced demyelination model is often used in mice to test novel treatments for multiple sclerosis. However, despite significant demyelination, behavioural deficits may be subtle or have mixed results depending on the paradigm used. Furthermore, the sex differences within the model are not well understood. In the current study, we have sought to understand the behavioural deficits associated with the cuprizone-induced demyelination model in both male and female C57BL/6J mice. Using Black gold II stain, we found that cuprizone administration over 6 weeks caused significant demyelination in the corpus callosum that was consistent across both sexes. Cuprizone administration caused increased mechanical sensitivity when measured using an electronic von Frey aesthesiometer, with no sex differences observed. However, cuprizone administration decreased motor coordination, with more severe deficits seen in males in the horizontal bar and passive wire hang tests. In contrast, female mice showed more severe deficits in the motor skill sequence test. Cuprizone administration caused more anxiety-like behaviours in males compared to females in the elevated zero maze. Therefore, this study provides a better understanding of the sex differences involved in the behavioural aspects of cuprizone-induced demyelination, which could allow for a better translation of results from the laboratory to the clinic.
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6
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Liu-Chen LY, Huang P. Signaling underlying kappa opioid receptor-mediated behaviors in rodents. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:964724. [PMID: 36408401 PMCID: PMC9670127 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.964724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists are potentially useful as analgesic and anti-pruritic agents, for prevention and treatment of substance use disorders, and for treatment of demyelinating diseases. However, side effects of KOR agonists, including psychotomimesis, dysphoria, and sedation, have caused early termination of clinical trials. Understanding the signaling mechanisms underlying the beneficial therapeutic effects and the adverse side effects may help in the development of KOR agonist compounds. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge in this regard in five sections. First, studies conducted on mutant mouse lines (GRK3-/-, p38alpha MAPK-/-, β-arrestin2-/-, phosphorylation-deficient KOR) are summarized. In addition, the abilities of four distinct KOR agonists, which have analgesic and anti-pruritic effects with different side effect profiles, to cause KOR phosphorylation are discussed. Second, investigations on the KOR agonist nalfurafine, both in vitro and in vivo are reviewed. Nalfurafine was the first KOR full agonist approved for clinical use and in the therapeutic dose range it did not produce significant side effects associated with typical KOR agonists. Third, large-scale high-throughput phosphoproteomic studies without a priori hypotheses are described. These studies have revealed that KOR-mediated side effects are associated with many signaling pathways. Fourth, several novel G protein-biased KOR agonists that have been characterized for in vitro biochemical properties and agonist biases and in vivo behavior effects are described. Lastly, possible mechanisms underlying KOR-mediated CPA, hypolocomotion and motor incoordination are discussed. Overall, it is agreed upon that the analgesic and anti-pruritic effects of KOR agonists are mediated via G protein signaling. However, there is no consensus on the mechanisms underlying their side effects. GRK3, p38 MAPK, β-arrestin2, mTOR pathway, CB1 cannabinoid receptor and protein kinase C have been implicated in one side effect or another. For drug discovery, after initial in vitro characterization, in vivo pharmacological characterizations in various behavior tests are still the most crucial steps and dose separation between beneficial therapeutic effects and adverse side effects are the critical determinant for the compounds to be moved forward for clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Yuan Liu-Chen
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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7
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Khan MIH, Sawyer BJ, Akins NS, Le HV. A systematic review on the kappa opioid receptor and its ligands: New directions for the treatment of pain, anxiety, depression, and drug abuse. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 243:114785. [PMID: 36179400 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) is a member of the opioid receptor system, the G protein-coupled receptors that are expressed throughout the peripheral and central nervous systems and play crucial roles in the modulation of antinociception and a variety of behavioral states like anxiety, depression, and drug abuse. KOR agonists are known to produce potent analgesic effects and have been used clinically for the treatment of pain, while KOR antagonists have shown efficacy in the treatment of anxiety and depression. This review summarizes the history, design strategy, discovery, and development of KOR ligands. KOR agonists are classified as non-biased, G protein-biased, and β-arrestin recruitment-biased, according to their degrees of bias. The mechanisms and associated effects of the G protein signaling pathway and β-arrestin recruitment signaling pathway are also discussed. Meanwhile, KOR antagonists are classified as long-acting and short-acting, based on their half-lives. In addition, we have special sections for mixed KOR agonists and selective peripheral KOR agonists. The mechanisms of action and pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and behavioral studies for each of these categories are also discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Imdadul H Khan
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Benjamin J Sawyer
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Nicholas S Akins
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Hoang V Le
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA.
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8
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Cichon J, Liu R, Le HV. Therapeutic Potential of Salvinorin A and Its Analogues in Various Neurological Disorders. TRANSLATIONAL PERIOPERATIVE AND PAIN MEDICINE 2022; 9:452-457. [PMID: 35959414 PMCID: PMC9364973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Cichon
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Renyu Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hoang V. Le
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
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9
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Reed B, Miller M, Michino M, Butelman ER, Ben-Ezra A, Pikus P, Morochnik M, Kim Y, Ripka A, Vacca J, Kreek MJ. Characterization of Pyrrolidinyl-hexahydro-pyranopiperazines as a Novel Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonist Scaffold. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1849-1856. [PMID: 35738565 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The kappa agonist structure-activity relationship around the novel, pyrrolidinyl substituted pyranopiperazine scaffold was developed. More specifically, the dichloroPhenylAcetamide-Pyrrolidinyl-PyranoPiperazine (PAPPP) core A was the focus of our work. The modulation of kappa receptor potency/G-protein activation and arrestin recruitment with respect to changes of the piperazine R group in A was demonstrated. Reduced β2-arrestin recruitment and differential G-protein bias were observed for select analogues. To better understand the subtlety in receptor signaling, analogues were profiled as the resolved enantiomers. To determine in vivo target engagement, a subset of compounds was tested in mice for stimulation of serum prolactin, a neuroendocrine biomarker of KOR-agonist effects. Additional in vivo characterization included measurement of potential unwanted effects of kappa receptor activation such as sedation. These studies demonstrate a novel kappa receptor agonist scaffold with potential for G-protein signaling bias to probe in vivo pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Reed
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Michael Miller
- Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, 413 E. 69th Street, New York, New York 10021, United States
| | - Mayako Michino
- Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, 413 E. 69th Street, New York, New York 10021, United States
| | - Eduardo R Butelman
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Ariel Ben-Ezra
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Philip Pikus
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Michelle Morochnik
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Yuli Kim
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Amy Ripka
- Lucy Therapeutics, 501 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Joseph Vacca
- J. Vacca Consulting LLC, Telford, Pennsylvania 18969, United States
| | - Mary Jeanne Kreek
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, United States
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Dalefield ML, Scouller B, Bibi R, Kivell BM. The Kappa Opioid Receptor: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Multiple Pathologies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:837671. [PMID: 35795569 PMCID: PMC9251383 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.837671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Kappa-opioid receptors (KOR) are widely expressed throughout the central nervous system, where they modulate a range of physiological processes depending on their location, including stress, mood, reward, pain, inflammation, and remyelination. However, clinical use of KOR agonists is limited by adverse effects such as dysphoria, aversion, and sedation. Within the drug-development field KOR agonists have been extensively investigated for the treatment of many centrally mediated nociceptive disorders including pruritis and pain. KOR agonists are potential alternatives to mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists for the treatment of pain due to their anti-nociceptive effects, lack of abuse potential, and reduced respiratory depressive effects, however, dysphoric side-effects have limited their widespread clinical use. Other diseases for which KOR agonists hold promising therapeutic potential include pruritis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, inflammatory diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, cancer, and ischemia. This review highlights recent drug-development efforts targeting KOR, including the development of G-protein-biased ligands, mixed opioid agonists, and peripherally restricted ligands to reduce side-effects. We also highlight the current KOR agonists that are in preclinical development or undergoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bronwyn M. Kivell
- Centre for Biodiscovery, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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11
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Novel selective κ agonists SLL-039 and SLL-1206 produce potent antinociception with fewer sedation and aversion. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:1372-1382. [PMID: 34493813 PMCID: PMC9160296 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00761-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SLL-039 (N-cyclopropylmethyl-7α-4'-(N'-benzoyl) amino-phenyl-6,14-endoethano-tetrahydronorthebaine) and SLL-1206 (N-cyclopropylmethyl-7α-3'-(p-methoxybenzyl) amino-phenyl-6,14-endoethano-tetrahydronorthebaine) are two 4,5-epoxymorphinan-based high selective κ receptor agonists that we recently discovered. In the present study we characterized their pharmacological properties in comparison with arylacetamide-based typical κ agonist U50,488H. We showed that both SLL-039 and SLL-1206 produced potent and long-lasting antinociceptive actions in three different rodent models of pain via activation of κ opioid receptor. In hot-plate assay, the antinociceptive potency of SLL-039 and SLL-1206 increased about 11-and 17.3-fold compared to U50,488H and morphine, respectively, with ED50 values of 0.4 mg/kg. Following repeated administration, SLL-1206, SLL-039, and U50,488H all developed analgesic tolerance tested in hot-plate assay. U50,488H and SLL-039 produced antipruritic effects in a dose-dependent manner, whereas SLL-1206 displayed some antipruritic effects only at very low doses. In addition, SLL-1206 was capable of decreasing morphine-induced physical dependence. More importantly, SLL-039 and SLL-1206 at effective analgesic doses did not cause sedation and conditioned place aversion (CPA), whereas U50,488H did. In comparison with SLL-039, SLL-1206 caused similar antinociceptive responses, but fewer sedation and CPA. In conclusion, our results suggest that SLL-039 and SLL-1206 have potential to be developed as novel analgesic agents, and 4,5-expoxymorphinan scaffold is an attractive structure for the development of selective κ agonists with fewer side effects.
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Abstract
This paper is the forty-third consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2020 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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13
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French AR, van Rijn RM. An updated assessment of the translational promise of G-protein-biased kappa opioid receptor agonists to treat pain and other indications without debilitating adverse effects. Pharmacol Res 2022; 177:106091. [PMID: 35101565 PMCID: PMC8923989 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Kappa opioid receptor (κOR) agonists lack the abuse liability and respiratory depression effects of clinically used mu opioid receptor (μOR) analgesics and are hypothesized to be safer alternatives. However, κOR agonists have limiting adverse effects of their own, including aversion, sedation, and mood effects, that have hampered their clinical translation. Studies performed over the last 15 years have suggested that these adverse effects could result from activation of distinct intracellular signaling pathways that are dependent on β-arrestin, whereas signaling downstream of G protein activation produces antinociception. This led to the hypothesis that agonists biased away from β-arrestin signaling would have improved therapeutic windows over traditional unbiased agonists and allow for clinical development of analgesic G-protein-biased κOR agonists. Given a recent controversy regarding the benefits of G-protein-biased μOR agonists, it is timely to reassess the therapeutic promise of G-protein-biased κOR agonists. Here we review recent discoveries from preclinical κOR studies and critically evaluate the therapeutic windows of G-protein-biased κOR agonists in each of the adverse effects above. Overall, we find that G-protein-biased κOR agonists generally have improved therapeutic window relative to unbiased agonists, although frequently study design limits strong conclusions in this regard. However, a steady flow of newly developed biased κOR agonists paired with recently engineered behavioral and molecular tools puts the κOR field in a prime position to make major advances in our understanding of κOR function and fulfill the promise of translating a new generation of biased κOR agonists to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R French
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Richard M van Rijn
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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14
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Paton KF, Luo D, La Flamme AC, Prisinzano TE, Kivell BM. Sex Differences in Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonist Mediated Attenuation of Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:813562. [PMID: 35250563 PMCID: PMC8894863 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.813562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain is a common side effect for cancer patients which has limited effective treatment options. Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists are a promising alternative to currently available opioid drugs due to their low abuse potential. In the current study, we have investigated the effects of Salvinorin A (SalA) analogues, 16-Ethynyl SalA, 16-Bromo SalA and ethyoxymethyl ether (EOM) SalB, and in a preclinical model of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Using an acute dose-response procedure, we showed that compared to morphine, 16-Ethynyl SalA was more potent at reducing mechanical allodynia; and SalA, 16-Ethynyl SalA, and EOM SalB were more potent at reducing cold allodynia. In the mechanical allodynia testing, U50,488 was more potent in males and SalA was more potent in females. There were no sex differences in the acute cold allodynia testing. In the chronic administration model, treatment with U50,488 (10 mg/kg) reduced the mechanical and cold allodynia responses to healthy levels over 23 days of treatment. Overall, we have shown that KOR agonists are effective in a model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain, indicating that KOR agonists could be further developed to treat this debilitating condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly F. Paton
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Anne C. La Flamme
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Thomas E. Prisinzano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Bronwyn M. Kivell
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Bronwyn M. Kivell,
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15
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Cox BM, Toll L. Contributions of the International Narcotics Research Conference to Opioid Research Over the Past 50 years. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2022; 2:10115. [PMID: 38390618 PMCID: PMC10880772 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2022.10115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The International Narcotics Research Conference (INRC), founded in 1969, has been a successful forum for research into the actions of opiates, with an annual conference since 1971. Every year, scientists from around the world have congregated to present the latest data on novel opiates, opiate receptors and endogenous ligands, mechanisms of analgesic activity and unwanted side effects, etc. All the important discoveries in the opiate field were discussed, often first, at the annual INRC meeting. With an apology to important events and participants not discussed, this review presents a short history of INRC with a discussion of groundbreaking discoveries in the opiate field and the researchers who presented from the first meeting up to the present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Cox
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lawrence Toll
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
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16
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Smith MT, Kong D, Kuo A, Imam MZ, Williams CM. Analgesic Opioid Ligand Discovery Based on Nonmorphinan Scaffolds Derived from Natural Sources. J Med Chem 2022; 65:1612-1661. [PMID: 34995453 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Strong opioid analgesics, including morphine, are the mainstays for treating moderate to severe acute pain and alleviating chronic cancer pain. However, opioid-related adverse effects, including nausea or vomiting, sedation, respiratory depression, constipation, pruritus (itch), analgesic tolerance, and addiction and abuse liability, are problematic. In addition, the use of opioids to relieve chronic noncancer pain is controversial due to the "opioid crisis" characterized by opioid misuse or abuse and escalating unintentional death rates due to respiratory depression. Hence, considerable research internationally has been aimed at the "Holy Grail" of the opioid analgesic field, namely the discovery of novel and safer opioid analgesics with improved opioid-related adverse effects. In this Perspective, medicinal chemistry strategies are addressed, where structurally diverse nonmorphinan-based opioid ligands derived from natural sources were deployed as lead molecules. The current state of play, clinical or experimental status, and novel opioid ligand discovery approaches are elaborated in the context of retaining analgesia with improved safety and reduced adverse effects, especially addiction liability.
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17
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Paton KF, Robichon K, Templeton N, Denny L, Al Abadey A, Luo D, Prisinzano TE, La Flamme AC, Kivell BM. The Salvinorin Analogue, Ethoxymethyl Ether Salvinorin B, Promotes Remyelination in Preclinical Models of Multiple Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2021; 12:782190. [PMID: 34987466 PMCID: PMC8721439 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.782190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease associated with demyelination and neuroinflammation in the central nervous system. There is an urgent need to develop remyelinating therapies to better treat multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases. The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) has been identified as a potential target for the development of remyelinating therapies; however, prototypical KOR agonists, such as U50,488 have side effects, which limit clinical use. In the current study, we investigated a Salvinorin A analog, ethoxymethyl ether Salvinorin B (EOM SalB) in two preclinical models of demyelination in C57BL/6J mice. We showed that in cellular assays EOM SalB was G-protein biased, an effect often correlated with fewer KOR-mediated side effects. In the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model, we found that EOM SalB (0.1-0.3 mg/kg) effectively decreased disease severity in a KOR-dependent manner and led to a greater number of animals in recovery compared to U50,488 treatment. Furthermore, EOM SalB treatment decreased immune cell infiltration and increased myelin levels in the central nervous system. In the cuprizone-induced demyelination model, we showed that EOM SalB (0.3 mg/kg) administration led to an increase in the number of mature oligodendrocytes, the number of myelinated axons and the myelin thickness in the corpus callosum. Overall, EOM SalB was effective in two preclinical models of multiple sclerosis and demyelination, adding further evidence to show KOR agonists are a promising target for remyelinating therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly F. Paton
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Katharina Robichon
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Nikki Templeton
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Lisa Denny
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Afnan Al Abadey
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Thomas E. Prisinzano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Anne C. La Flamme
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Bronwyn M. Kivell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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18
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Abstract
A concise enantioselective total synthesis of the neoclerodane diterpene (-)-salvinorin A is reported. The stereogenic center at C-12 was installed by catalytic asymmetric propargylation with excellent enantioselectivity, and the remaining six stereogenic centers were set up highly diastereoselectively under substrate control. As for our previous synthesis of racemic salvinorin A, two intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions were applied to generate the tricyclic core. A chemoselective Mitsunobu inversion of a syn 1,2-diol allowed for further streamlining of the original reaction sequence by two steps. Overall, (-)-salvinorin A was synthesized in only 16 steps starting from 3-furaldehyde with 1.4 % total yield. Furthermore, an alternative intramolecular Diels-Alder strategy employing a 2-bromo-1,3-diene moiety was investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Zimdars
- Fakultät Chemie und LebensmittelchemieOrganische Chemie ITechnische Universität DresdenBergstraße 6601069DresdenGermany
| | - Yuzhou Wang
- Fakultät Chemie und LebensmittelchemieOrganische Chemie ITechnische Universität DresdenBergstraße 6601069DresdenGermany
| | - Peter Metz
- Fakultät Chemie und LebensmittelchemieOrganische Chemie ITechnische Universität DresdenBergstraße 6601069DresdenGermany
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19
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Chakraborty S, Majumdar S. Natural Products for the Treatment of Pain: Chemistry and Pharmacology of Salvinorin A, Mitragynine, and Collybolide. Biochemistry 2021; 60:1381-1400. [PMID: 32930582 PMCID: PMC7982354 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pain remains a very pervasive problem throughout medicine. Classical pain management is achieved through the use of opiates belonging to the mu opioid receptor (MOR) class, which have significant side effects that hinder their utility. Pharmacologists have been trying to develop opioids devoid of side effects since the isolation of morphine from papaver somniferum, more commonly known as opium by Sertürner in 1804. The natural products salvinorin A, mitragynine, and collybolide represent three nonmorphinan natural product-based targets, which are potent selective agonists of opioid receptors, and emerging next-generation analgesics. In this work, we review the phytochemistry and medicinal chemistry efforts on these templates and their effects on affinity, selectivity, analgesic actions, and a myriad of other opioid-receptor-related behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumen Chakraborty
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, St. Louis College of Pharmacy and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States; Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Susruta Majumdar
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, St. Louis College of Pharmacy and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States; Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
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20
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Abstract
Preclinical models that assess "pain" in rodents typically measure increases in behaviors produced by a "pain stimulus." A large literature exists showing that kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists can decrease these "pain-stimulated behaviors" following many different pain stimuli. Despite showing apparent antinociceptive properties in these preclinical models, KOR agonists failed as analgesics in clinical trials. Recent studies that assessed decreases in behavior due to a pain stimulus show that KOR agonists are not effective in restoring these "pain-depressed behaviors" to normal levels, which agrees with the lack of effectiveness for KOR agonists in clinical trials. One current explanation for the failure of previous KOR agonists in clinical trials is that those agonists activated beta-arrestin signaling and that KOR agonists with a greater bias for G protein signaling will be more successful. However, neither G protein-biased agonists nor beta-arrestin-biased agonists are very effective in assays of pain-depressed behavior, which suggests that novel biased agonists may still not be effective analgesics. This review provides a concise account of the effectiveness of KOR agonists in preclinical models of pain-stimulated and pain-depressed behaviors following the administration of different pain stimuli. Based on the previous results, it may be appropriate to include both behaviors when testing the analgesic potential of KOR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew F Lazenka
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, USA.
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21
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Hernández-Alvarado RB, Madariaga-Mazón A, Ortega A, Martinez-Mayorga K. DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Salvinorin A. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:3979-3992. [PMID: 33164503 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Salvinorin A is the main bioactive compound in Salvia divinorum, an endemic plant with ancestral use by the inhabitants of the Mazateca mountain range (Sierra Mazateca) in Oaxaca, México. The main use of la pastora, as locally known, is in spiritual rites due to its extraordinary hallucinogenic effects. Being the first known nonalkaloidal opioid-mediated psychotropic molecule, salvinorin A set new research areas in neuroscience. The absence of a protonated amine group, common to all previously known opioids, results in a fast metabolism with the concomitant fast elimination and swift loss of activity. The worldwide spread and psychotropic effects of salvinorin A account for its misuse and classification as a drug of abuse. Consequently, salvinorin A and Salvia divinorum are now banned in many countries. Several synthetic efforts have been focused on the improvement of physicochemical and biological properties of salvinorin A: from total synthesis to hundreds of analogues. In this Review, we discuss the impact of salvinorin A in chemistry and neuroscience covering the historical relevance, isolation from natural sources, synthetic efforts, and pharmacological and safety profiles. Altogether, the chemistry behind and the taboo that encloses salvinorin A makes it one of the most exquisite naturally occurring drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Bruno Hernández-Alvarado
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Química, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, 04510 México
| | - Abraham Madariaga-Mazón
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Química, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, 04510 México
| | - Alfredo Ortega
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Química, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, 04510 México
| | - Karina Martinez-Mayorga
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Química, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, 04510 México
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