Analgesic Properties of Opioid/NK1 Multitarget Ligands with Distinct in Vitro Profiles in Naive and Chronic Constriction Injury Mice.

The lower efficacy of opioids in neuropathic pain may be due to the increased activity of pronociceptive systems such as substance P. We present evidence to support this hypothesis in this work from the spinal cord in a neuropathic pain model in mice. Biochemical analysis confirmed the elevated mRNA and protein level of pronociceptive substance P, the major endogenous ligand of the neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor, in the lumbar spinal cord of chronic constriction injury (CCI)-mice.

Bifunctional opioid/nociceptin hybrid KGNOP1 effectively attenuates pain-related behaviour in a rat model of neuropathy.

A bifunctional peptide containing an opioid and nociceptin receptor-binding pharmacophore, H-Dmt-D-Arg-Aba-β-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Ile-Lys-NH2 (KGNOP1), was tested for its analgesic properties when administered intrathecally in naïve and chronic constriction injury (CCI)-exposed rats with neuropathy-like symptoms. KGNOP1 significantly increased the acute pain threshold, as measured by the tail-flick test, and also increased the threshold of a painful reaction to mechanical and thermal stimuli in CCI-exposed rats. Both of the effects could be blocked by pre-administration of [Nphe1]-Nociceptin (1-13)-NH (NPhe) or naloxone, antagonists for nociceptin and opioid receptors, respectively.

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

Herein, the opioid pharmacophore H-Dmt-d-Arg-Aba-β-Ala-NH2 (7) was linked to peptide ligands for the nociceptin receptor. Combination of 7 and NOP ligands (e.g.

Treatment with a carbon monoxide-releasing molecule (CORM-2) inhibits neuropathic pain and enhances opioid effectiveness in rats.

Background: Experiments were conducted to evaluate the contribution of P2X4 receptors to the modulation of neuropathy and their ability to amplify opioid effectiveness.

Methods: The study consisted of behavioral and biochemical analysis of the effect of a carbon monoxide donor - CORM-2, on the development of neuropathic pain in a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) to the sciatic nerve. Here, we exam if chronic intraperitoneal or intrathecal administration of CORM-2 influences CCI-induced allodynia and hyperalgesia.

Dual Alleviation of Acute and Neuropathic Pain by Fused Opioid Agonist-Neurokinin 1 Antagonist Peptidomimetics.

Herein, the synthesis and biological evaluation of dual opioid agonists-neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) antagonists is described. In these multitarget ligands, the two pharmacophores do not overlap, and this allowed maintaining high NK1R affinity and antagonist potency in compounds 12 and 13. Although the fusion of the two ligands resulted in slightly diminished opioid agonism at the μ- and δ-opioid receptors (MOR and DOR, respectively), as compared to the opioid parent peptide, balanced MOR/DOR activities were obtained.