Evidence for lack of modulation of mu-opioid agonist action by delta-opioid agonists in the mouse vas deferens and guinea-pig ileum.

1. There is evidence from in vivo studies for an interaction of mu- and delta-opioid ligands. In the present work this concept has been investigated using the mouse vas deferens and guinea-pig ileum myenteric plexus-longitudinal preparations. 2. In field stimulated vasa deferentia of the mouse, co-administration of sub-effective concentrations of the delta-opioid agonist [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE) and [Met5]- or [Leu5]enkephalin had no effect on the dose-response curves of the mu-agonists [D-Ala2,MePhe4, Gly-ol5]enkephalin (DAMGO) and morphine. Similarly, the delta-opioid agonists did not alter the potency of morphine and DAMGO when added at different times prior to the mu-opioid agonists, or when EC50 concentrations of delta-opioid ligands were co-administered. Compounds with preferred activity for the putative delta 1-(DPDPE) or delta 2-([D-Ala2,Glu4]deltorphin II (Delt II)) opioid receptors were ineffective in this respect. 3. The guinea-pig ileum contains delta-opioid receptors. No function of these receptors in mediating blockage of field-stimulated contractions was observed with ligands having affinity for the putative delta 1 or delta 2 subtypes nor were the agonists able to modulate responses to mu-opioid ligands in this tissue. 4. The results demonstrate the modulation of mu-opioid agonists by delta-opioid agonists does not occur in the isolated peripheral tissues examined. Thus the findings do not support the concept of a functional coupling of opioid receptors, though the results may be explained by differences between opioid systems in the brain and peripheral tissues examined.     

The opioid receptors in the hamster vas deferens are of the delta-type

The motor responses of the isolated vas deferens of the hamster were unaffected by opioid-receptor agonists which are selective for the mu- or kappa-receptor, while agonists which show degrees of selectivity for the delta-opioid receptor caused dose-related inhibition of the stimulation-evoked contractions. The agonist action of the enkephalins and their congeners was only apparent when various inhibitors of tissue peptidases were present. Responses to opioid agonists were antagonised in a competitive manner by naloxone and by the selective delta-receptor antagonist, ICI 174864. It is noteworthy that the benzomorphans bremazocine, ethylketocyclazocine and Mr 2034, which are agonists at kappa-receptors in other tissues, are antagonists at the delta-receptor of the hamster vas deferens. Thus, the vas deferens of the hamster contains opioid receptors only of the delta-type and may therefore provide a simple and specific test for the assay of activity at the delta-opioid receptor.     

Determination of the receptor selectivity of opioid agonists in the guinea-pig ileum and mouse vas deferens by use of beta-funaltrexamine

The irreversible inhibitor of mu-opioid receptor-mediated effects, beta-funaltrexamine (beta-FNA), was used to investigate the selectivity of various opioid agonists at mu-opioid receptors in the electrically stimulated guinea-pig ileum and mouse vas deferens preparations in vitro. In the guinea-pig ileum, pretreatment with beta-FNA (3 X 10(-8) - 3 X 10(-6)M) produced a concentration-dependent antagonism of the inhibitory effect produced by the mu-opioid receptor agonist [D-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]enkephalin (DAGO). High concentrations of beta-FNA (3 X 10(-6) - 1 X 10(-5)M) also antagonized the inhibitory effects of the kappa-opioid agonist U50488. Pretreatment of guinea-pig ileum with beta-FNA at 1 X 10(-6)M resulted in blockade of the effect of some opioid agonists. The compounds which showed the largest rightward shifts in their concentration-response curves, and hence the greatest mu/kappa opioid receptor selectivity, were nalbuphine, [D-Ser2, Leu5]enkephalinyl-Thr6(DSLET), morphine, DAGO and normorphine. Responses to tifluadom, Mr 2034, ethylketocyclazocine, butorphanol, nalorphine, proxorphan and U50488 were not inhibited by beta-FNA. In the mouse vas deferens, pre-treatment with beta-FNA (1 X 10(-6)M) produced a similar shift in the dose-response curves for normorphine as in the guinea-pig ileum. The concentration-response curves for the delta-receptor agonists [D-Ala2, D-Leu5] enkephalin (DADLE) and DSLET were, however, also shifted, indicating that beta-FNA will also block delta-opioid receptors. Since beta-FNA does not block kappa-opioid receptor-mediated effects, it can be used in the guinea-pig ileum preparation as a selective mu-receptor inhibitor. However, its lack of selectivity between mu- and delta-opioid receptors should be taken into account in many other isolated tissues and experiments in vivo.     

Visceral chemical nociception in mice lacking mu-opioid receptors: effects of morphine, SNC80 and U-50,488

Writhing responses to intraperitoneal acetic acid administration and their modulation by mu-, kappa- and delta-opioid receptor agonists were compared in wild-type and mu-opioid receptor knockout mice. Unpretreated homozygous knockout mice displayed less writhing than wild-type mice. U-50,488 [trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]-benze neacetamide]) reduced writhing responses in wild-type and knockouts. Morphine and SNC80 [(+)-4-[9-alpha-R)-alpha-(2S,5RO-4-allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperaziny l)-3-methoxybenzyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide] were effective in wild-type mice but ineffective in knockouts. Mu-opioid receptors appear to play important roles in responses to this visceral nociceptive stimulus and its modulation by mu- and delta-opioid receptor agonists.     

Pharmacology of delta-opioid receptors in the hamster vas deferens

Electrically evoked contractions of the hamster isolated vas deferens are inhibited only by opioid drugs which have agonist activity at delta-opioid receptors. Opioids which are mu-, kappa- or sigma-selective were either inactive or were antagonists. The compound beta-funaltrexamine, which irreversibly blocks mu- and delta-opioid receptors, caused a flattening of the dose-response curve and a reduced maximum inhibition available to delta-opioid agonists. Analysis of the curves by the double-reciprocal null method enabled the affinity of these agonists at delta-opioid receptors to be calculated.     

HS-599: a novel long acting opioid analgesic does not induce place-preference in rats

1. When administered subcutaneously HS-599, a new didehydroderivative of buprenorphine (18,19-dehydrobuprenorphine), produced a long-lasting antinociceptive response in rats. Its potency exceeded twice that of buprenorphine. In the tail-flick test it acted as a full agonist but in the plantar test only as a partial agonist. Whereas the mu-opioid antagonists naloxone and naltrexone antagonized HS-599 antinociception the delta-opioid antagonist naltrindole and the kappa-opioid antagonist nor-binaltorphimine did not. 2. Unlike buprenorphine and morphine, HS-599 never induced conditioned place-preference in rats. 3. In radioligand binding assays, compared with buprenorphine HS-599 had 3 fold higher mu-opioid receptor affinity but lower delta- and kappa-opioid receptor affinity. 4. In isolated guinea-pig ileum preparations, HS-599 only partially inhibited the electrically-stimulated contraction, acting as a partial opioid agonist. When tested against the mu-opioid receptor agonist dermorphin, it behaved as a non-equilibrium antagonist. Conversely, in mouse vas deferens (rich in delta-opioid receptors) and rabbit vas deferens preparations (rich in kappa-opioid receptors) HS-599 acted as a pure equilibrium antagonist, shifting the log-concentration-response curves of the delta-opioid agonist deltorphin I and the kappa-opioid agonist U-69593 to the right. 5. In conclusion, HS-599 is a novel buprenorphine derivative with higher affinity, selectivity and potency than the parent compound, for mu-opioid receptors. It produces intense and long-lasting antinociception and does not induce place-preference in rats.     

G-protein coupling of delta-opioid receptors in brains of mu-opioid receptor knockout mice

Mu-opioid receptor knockout mice have been reported to show loss of some delta-opioid receptor function. We hypothesised that this is due to some delta-opioid receptors being uncoupled from G-proteins in the absence of the mu-opioid receptor. To address this possibility, we have used quantitative autoradiography to determine the binding of three delta-opioid receptor agonist ligands ([3H]deltorphin I, [3H] [R-Atc(3), Ile(5,6)]deltorphin II, [3H] 4-[(alpaR)-alpha-((2S,5R)-4-propyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-methoxybenzyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide (SNC-121)) and the delta-opioid receptor antagonist, [3H]naltrindole in the presence and absence of a GTP analogue, guanylylimidodiphosphate (GMPPNP) in the brains of mice lacking the mu-opioid receptor gene. Guanylylimidodiphosphate caused a decrease in the binding of the agonist ligands (to differing extents) and an increase in binding for the antagonist in wild-type controls. Overall, there were no major differences in the effects of guanylylimidodiphosphate for the agonist ligands in mu-knockout mice although a few structures showed a smaller sensitivity to the effects of this GTP analogue most notably for [3H]naltrindole. These findings suggest that in the majority of brain regions, G-protein coupling is unaltered in mu-opioid receptor knockout mice.     

Functional interaction among opioid receptor types: up-regulation of mu- and delta-opioid receptor functions after repeated stimulation of kappa-opioid receptors

It has been widely accepted that repeated administration of kappa-opioid receptor agonists leads to the development of antinociceptive tolerance. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of repeated administration of a selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist (1S-trans)-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetamide hydrochloride ((-)U-50,488H) on the mu- and delta-opioid receptor agonist-induced antinociception and G-protein activation in mice. The mice were injected either subcutaneously (s.c.) or intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) pretreated with saline or (-)U-50,488H once a day for seven consecutive days. Two hours after the last injection, the mice were challenged by either mu- or delta-opioid receptor agonist for the antinociceptive assay. Repeated treatment with (-)U-50,488H (s.c. or i.c.v.) significantly enhanced antinociceptive effect of both mu-opioid receptor agonist (morphine) and delta-opioid receptor agonists ([d-Ala2]deltorphin (DELT) and (+)-4-[(alphaR)-alpha-((2S,5R)-4-allyl-2,5-dime thyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-methoxybenzyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide (SNC-80) compared to saline-treated groups. Under these conditions, repeated s.c. injection of (-)U-50,488H significantly enhanced both mu- and delta-opioid receptor agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding in the membrane of the thalamus. On the contrary, either repeated administration of morphine (s.c. or i.c.v.) or SNC-80 failed to affect the kappa-opioid receptor agonist-induced antinociception and G-protein activation. Taken together, these results suggest that repeated stimulation of kappa-opioid receptor markedly increases the functional mu- and delta-opioid receptors, whereas repeated stimulation of either mu- or delta-opioid receptor had no direct effect on kappa-opioidergic function in mice.     

Overexpression of dynamin is induced by chronic stimulation of mu- but not delta-opioid receptors: relationships with mu-related morphine dependence

Several studies using selective opioid agonists or mice with a deletion of the mu-opioid receptor, have shown that morphine dependence is essentially due to chronic stimulation of mu- but not delta-opioid receptors. Because dependence is assumed to be related to persistent intracellular modifications, we have investigated modifications putatively induced by chronic activation of mu receptors with morphine or selective agonists in vitro in SH-SY5Y cells and in vivo in different strains of mice, including mice lacking the mu-opioid receptor gene. The results show a similar down-regulation and desensitization of mu and delta binding sites, whereas an overexpression of dynamin occurred only with mu agonists, strongly suggesting the relevance of this up-regulation with the opiate dependence. Moreover, translocation of overexpressed dynamin from intracellular pools to plasma membranes was observed in chronic morphine-treated rats. This recruitment could be critically involved in long-lasting changes such as alterations of axonal transport observed in opioid dependence.     

Different effects of NMDA/group I metabotropic glutamate receptor agents in delta- and mu-opioid receptor agonist-induced supraspinal antinociception

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are involved in nociceptive transmission in the central nervous system. The present study was designed to study the effects of NMDA and group I mGlu receptor agents on delta- and mu-opioid receptor agonist-induced antinociception in the mouse brain. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) treatment with the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist dizocilpine and the group I mGlu receptor antagonist (S)-4-carboxyphenylglycine ((S)-4CPG) significantly attenuated the antinociception induced by the delta-opioid receptor agonists [D-Pen(2), Pen(5)]enkephalin (DPDPE), (-)-TAN 67 and [D-Ala(2)]deltorphin II. On the contrary, i.c.v. administration of dizocilpine and (S)-4CPG slightly but significantly enhanced the antinociception induced by the mu-opioid receptor agonist [D-Ala(2), N-Me-Phe(4), Gly(5)-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO). Under these conditions, i.c.v. administration of NMDA and the group I mGlu receptor agonist 3,5-dihydrophenylglycine (DHPG) significantly enhanced the antinociception induced by delta-opioid receptor agonists, whereas both reduced DAMGO-induced antinociception. These findings suggest that the supraspinal antinociceptive actions of mu- and delta-opioid receptor agonists appear to be modulated differently by NMDA and group I mGlu receptors in the mouse.     

Analgesic activity and opioid receptor selectivity of stereoisomers of ohmefentanyl isothiocyanate.

Ohmefentanyl is a very potent and highly selective agonist for mu-opioid receptors. We now study analgesia, in vitro activity and opioid receptor affinity of the stereoisomers of ohmefentanyl isothiocyanate. We found that some isomers of ohmefentanyl isothiocyanate had a potent analgesic effect and that all isomers except (3R,4S,2'S)-ohmefentanyl isothiocyanate had a more potent inhibitory action on the electrically evoked contractions of mouse vas deferens than of guinea pig ileum. The inhibitory actions could be antagonized by naloxone. However, compared with the activity of the corresponding stereoisomers of ohmefentanyl, these ohmefentanyl isothiocyanates had significantly reduced analgesia and in vitro activity. They also inhibited the binding of [3H]DPDPE ([D-Pen(2),D-Pen(5)]enkephalin) and [3H]DAGO ([D-Ala(2),Mephe(4),Gly-ol(5)]enkephalin) to opioid receptors in mouse brain membranes. The inhibitory effect of stereoisomers of ohmefentanyl isothiocyanate at mu-opioid receptors was markedly lower than that of their parent compounds. The affinity of stereoisomers of ohmefentanyl isothiocyanate for delta-opioid receptors was, however, greater than or equal to that of their corresponding stereoisomers of ohmefentanyl. The results showed that the introduction of an isothiocyanato group into the phenyl ring in position-1 of ohmefentanyl reduced bioactivity and affinity to mu-opioid receptors but that the selectivity of these compounds for delta-opioid receptors was enhanced. Isomer (3R,4S,2'R)-ohmefentanyl isothiocyanate showed highest selectivity for delta-opioid receptors (K(i)(mu)/K(i)(delta)=13.6) and potent analgesic activity (ED(50)=0.25 mg/kg).     

Interaction between the mu-agonist dermorphin and the delta-agonist [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin in supraspinal antinociception and delta-opioid receptor binding.

1. In rats, the interaction between the mu-opioid agonist dermorphin and the delta-opioid agonist [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin was studied in binding experiments to delta-opioid receptors and in the antinociceptive test to radiant heat. 2. When injected i.c.v., doses of [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin higher than 20 nmol produced antinociception in the rat tail-flick test to radiant heat. Lower doses were inactive. None of the doses tested elicited the maximum achievable response. This partial antinociception was accomplished with an in vivo occupancy of more than 97% of brain delta-opioid receptors and of 17% of mu-opioid receptors. Naloxone (0.1 mg kg-1, s.c.), and naloxonazine (10 mg kg-1, i.v., 24 h before), but not the selective delta-opioid antagonist naltrindole, antagonized the antinociception. 3. In vitro competitive inhibition studies in rat brain membranes showed that [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin displaced [3H]-naltrindole from two delta-binding sites of high and low affinity. The addition of 100 microM Gpp[NH]p produced a three fold increase in the [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin Ki value for both binding sites. The addition of 10 nM dermorphin increased the Ki value of the delta-agonist for the high affinity site five times. When Gpp[NH]p was added to the incubation medium together with 10 nM dermorphin, the high affinity Ki of the delta-agonist increased 15 times. 4. Co-administration into the rat brain ventricles of subanalgesic doses of dermorphin and [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin resulted in synergistic antinociceptive responses. 5. Pretreatment with naloxone or with the non-equilibrium mu-antagonists naloxonazine and beta-funaltrexamine completely abolished the antinociceptive response of the mu-delta agonist combinations. 6. Pretreatment with the delta-opioid antagonists naltrindole and DALCE reduced the antinociceptive response of the dermorphin-[D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin combinations to a value near that observed after the mu-agonist alone. At the dosage used, naltrindole occupied more than 98% of brain delta-opioid receptors without affecting mu-opioid-receptors. 7. These data suggest that in the rat tail-flick test to radiant heat, mu- and delta-opioid agonists co-operate positively in evoking an antinociceptive response. Although interactions between different opioid pathways cannot be excluded, in vitro binding results indicate that this co-operative antinociception is probably mediated by co-activation of the delta-opioid receptors at the cellular level by the mu- and delta-agonist.     

Interaction of co-expressed mu- and delta-opioid receptors in transfected rat pituitary GH(3) cells

mu- and delta-Opioid agonists interact in a synergistic manner to produce analgesia in several animal models. Additionally, receptor binding studies using membranes derived from brain tissue indicate that interactions between mu- and delta-opioid receptors might be responsible for the observation of multiple opioid receptor subtypes. To examine potential interactions between mu- and delta-opioid receptors, we examined receptor binding and functional characteristics of mu-, delta-, or both mu- and delta-opioid receptors stably transfected in rat pituitary GH(3) cells (GH(3)MOR, GH(3)DOR, and GH(3)MORDOR, respectively). Saturation and competition binding experiments revealed that coexpression of mu- and delta-opioid receptors resulted in the appearance of multiple affinity states for mu- but not delta-opioid receptors. Additionally, coadministration of selective mu- and delta-opioid agonists in GH(3)MORDOR cells resulted in a synergistic competition with [(3)H][D-Pen(2,5)]enkephalin (DPDPE) for delta-opioid receptors. Finally, when equally effective concentrations of [D-Ala(2),N-MePhe(4),Gly-ol(5)]enkephalin (DAMGO) and two different delta-opioid agonists (DPDPE or 2-methyl-4a alpha-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,12,12a alpha-octahydroquinolino-[2,3,3-g]-isoquinoline; TAN67) were coadministered in GH(3)MORDOR cells, a synergistic inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity was observed. These results strongly suggest that cotransfection of mu- and delta-opioid receptors alters the binding and functional characteristics of the receptors. Therefore, we propose that the simultaneous exposure of GH(3)MORDOR cells to selective mu- and delta-opioid agonists produces an interaction between receptors resulting in enhanced receptor binding. This effect is translated into an augmented ability of these agonists to inhibit adenylyl cyclase activity. Similar interactions occurring in neurons that express both mu- and delta-opioid receptors could explain observations of multiple opioid receptor subtypes in receptor binding studies and the synergistic interaction of mu- and delta-opioids in analgesic assays.     

The R7 subfamily of RGS proteins assists tachyphylaxis and acute tolerance at mu-opioid receptors.

Members of the R7 subfamily of regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins (RGS6, RGS7, RGS9-2, and RGS11) are found in the mouse CNS. The expression of these proteins was effectively reduced in different neural structures by blocking their mRNA with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs). This was achieved without noticeable changes in the binding characteristics of labeled beta-endorphin to opioid receptors. Knockdown of R7 proteins enhanced the potency of antinociception promoted by morphine and [D-Ala(2), N-MePhe(4), Gly-ol(5)]-enkephalin (DAMGO)-both agonists at mu-opioid receptors. The duration of morphine analgesia was greatly increased in RGS9-2 and in RGS11 knockdown mice. The impairment of R7 proteins brought about different changes in the analgesic activity of selective delta agonists. Knockdown of RGS11 reduced [D-Ala(2)]deltorphin II analgesic effects. Those of RGS6 and RGS9-2 proteins caused [D-Ala(2)]deltorphin II to produce a smoothened time-course curve-the peak effect blunted and analgesia extended during the declining phase. RGS9-2 impairment also promoted a similar pattern of change for [D-Pen(2,5)]-enkephalin (DPDPE). RGS7-deficient mice showed an increased response to both [D-Ala(2)]deltorphin II and DPDPE analgesic effects. A single intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) ED(80) analgesic dose of morphine gave rise to acute tolerance in control mice, but did not promote tolerance in RGS6, RGS7, RGS9-2, or RGS11 knockdown animals. Thus, R7 proteins play a critical role in agonist tachyphylaxis and acute tolerance at mu-opioid receptors, and show differences in their modulation of delta-opioid receptors.     

Chronic exposure to hypoxia attenuates contractile responses in rat airways in vitro: a possible role for nitric oxide

Evidence suggests that the antinociceptive effects of selective delta-opioid receptor agonists may involve an activation of the mu-receptor in some experimental conditions. The aim of this study was to clarify the receptors involved in the antinociceptive responses of the selective and systemically active delta-opioid receptor agonist Tyr-D-Ser-(O-tert-butyl)-Gly-Phe-Leu-Thr-(O-tert-butyl) (BUBU). The antinociception induced by systemic (i.v.) or central (i.c.v.) administration of BUBU was measured in the hot plate (jumping and paw lick latencies) and tail immersion tests in mice. In both tests, the responses were more intense when BUBU was administered by central route. The pre-treatment with the mu-opioid receptor antagonist cyprodime blocked the effects induced by central BUBU in the hot plate and tail immersion tests. The delta-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole had no effect on BUBU-induced antinociception in the hot plate but decreased BUBU responses in the tail immersion test. Further evidence for this dual receptor action of BUBU was demonstrated by using antisense oligodeoxynucleotides. Thus, a reduction in central BUBU-induced antinociception was observed in the tail immersion test after the administration of antisense probes that selectively blocked the expression of mu- or delta-opioid receptors. These findings clearly indicate using a dual pharmacological and molecular approach that BUBU mediates its antinociceptive effects via activation of both mu- and delta-opioid receptors.     

A series of novel, highly potent and selective agonists for the kappa-opioid receptor.

1. This paper describes the opioid receptor pharmacology and in vivo activity of several novel benzene-acetamidopiperidine and benzeneacetamidopiperazine analogues. 2. These compounds all showed potent, naloxone-reversible, full agonist activity in the field-stimulated rabbit vas deferens, indicating that they are kappa-opioid agonists; but showed very little activity in the rat or hamster vas deferens, indicating good selectivity with regard to mu- and delta-opioid receptors. 3. They were all potent antinociceptive agents, the most potent compound, GR 103545, having an ED50 value in the mouse abdominal constriction test of 0.25 micrograms kg-1 s.c. The compounds also produced sedation and diuresis, but had little effect on respiration rate or gastrointestinal motility. 4. It is concluded that the seven novel compounds described are all potent and selective agonists for the kappa-opioid receptor.     

Functional interactions between delta- and mu-opioid receptors in rat thermoregulation

The selective delta-opioid receptor agonist deltorphin II (25.0-100.0 microg, i.c.v.) produced biphasic effects on core temperature in rats, in which hypothermia was followed by hyperthermia. Pretreatment with the selective delta-opioid receptor antagonist, naltrindole (25.0 microg, i.c.v.), blocked hypothermia produced by deltorphin II and had a tendency to potentiate the hyperthermic effect of deltorphin II. The non-selective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (1.5 mg kg(-1), s.c.) potentiated hypothermia, and blocked hyperthermia, produced by deltorphin II (100.0 microg). Also, naloxone potentiated hypothermia produced by a lower dose of deltorphin II (25.0 microg), which did not produce hyperthermia. A similar pattern was found for the selective mu-opioid receptor antagonist, beta-funaltrexamine (5.0 microg, i.c.v.), which potentiated and blocked deltorphin II-induced hypo- and hyperthermia, respectively. The selective kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (20.0 microg, i.c.v.) had no effects on deltorphin II-induced temperature changes. The present results suggest that deltorphin II produces hypothermia through activation of delta-opioid receptors, whereas the hyperthermic effect of deltorphin II involves activation of mu-opioid receptors. This mu-opioid receptor stimulatory effect of deltorphin II is furthermore more pronounced than was anticipated based on the reported in vitro properties of this compound. The biphasic effect of deltorphin II implies a negative interaction between delta- and mu-opioid receptors in thermoregulation in rats.     

In vitro opioid activity profiles of 6-amino acid substituted derivatives of 14-O-methyloxymorphone

A series of 6-amino acid conjugates (glycine, alanine and phenylalanine) of the highly potent opioid analgesic 14-O-methyloxymorphone was developed in an effort to obtain agonists that would have potentially limited ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Binding studies revealed that all derivatives displayed high affinities (0.77-2.58 nM) at the mu-opioid receptor in rat brain membranes. They were potent agonists in mouse vas deferens preparation (IC(50)=5.52-26.8 nM). While the alpha-amino acid epimers are favoured by mu-opioid receptors, the beta-epimers proved to have increased interaction with delta-sites. Only the beta-phenylalanine conjugate showed some preference for delta- over mu-opioid receptors and delta-opioid receptor agonist activity. The relatively high delta-opioid receptor affinity of this analogue was also predicted by molecular modelling studies. The newly developed ionizable derivatives could find clinical applications as potent analgesics without the adverse actions of centrally acting opioids.     

Mu-opioid receptor modulation of calcium channel current in periaqueductal grey neurons from C57B16/J mice and mutant mice lacking MOR-1.

1. The actions of opioid receptor agonists on the calcium channel currents (IBa) of acutely dissociated periaqueductal grey (PAG) neurons from C57B16/J mice and mutant mice lacking the first exon of the mu-opioid receptor (MOR-1) were examined using whole cell patch clamp techniques. These effects were compared with the GABA(B)-receptor agonist baclofen. 2. The endogenous opioid agonist methionine-enkephalin (met-enkephalin, pEC50 6.8, maximum inhibition 40%), the putative endogenous mu-opioid agonist endomorphin-1 (pEC50 6.2, maximum inhibition 35%) and the mu-opioid selective agonist DAMGO (Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-N-Me-Phe-Gly-ol enkephalin, pEC50 6.9, maximum inhibition 40%) inhibited IBa in 70% of mouse PAG neurons. The inhibition of IBa by each agonist was completely prevented by the mu-receptor antagonist CTAP (D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2). The delta-opioid receptor agonists DPDPE ([D-Pen2,5]enkephalin, 1 microM) and deltorphin II (1 microM), and the kappa-opioid receptor agonist U-69593 (1-10 microM), did not affect IBa in any cell tested. 3. The GABA(B) agonist baclofen inhibited IBa in all neurons (pEC50 5.9, maximum inhibition 42%). 4. In neurons from the MOR-1 deficient mice, the mu-opioid agonists met-enkephalin, DAMGO and endomorphin-1 did not inhibit IBa, whilst baclofen inhibited IBa in a manner indistinguishable from wild type mice. 5. A maximally effective concentration of endomorphin-1 (30 microM) partially (19%), but significantly (P<0.005), occluded the inhibition of IBa normally elicited by a maximally effective concentration of met-enkephalin (10 microM). 6. This study indicates that mu-opioid receptors, but not delta- or kappa-opioid receptors, modulate somatic calcium channel currents in mouse PAG neurons. The putative endogenous mu-agonist, endomorphin-1, was a partial agonist in mouse PAG neurons.     

Lack of evidence for epsilon-opioid receptors in the rat vas deferens

Experiments were performed to test the hypothesis that the field-stimulated rat vas deferens preparation contains opioid receptors, other than of mu-type, which mediate part of the inhibitory effect of beta-endorphin. The Piebald Viral Glaxo strain of rats was used. The reported finding that delta-opioid receptors are present in Sprague-Dawley rat vas deferens, the effects of which are greatly enhanced in reduced calcium concentrations, could not be replicated in the rat strain used. Reducing the calcium concentration from 2.5 to 1.25 mM improved the response to opioid drugs: all full agonists were about 10 times more potent, the partial agonist normorphine became able to inhibit the twitch completely, and morphine (which behaves as a competitive antagonist in 2.5 mM Ca2+) appeared to behave as a partial agonist. The pA2 values for antagonism by naloxone in low calcium of the mu-selective peptide [D-Ala2,MePhe4,Gly(ol)5]enkephalin and other mu- or delta-selective agonists were consistent with an action at mu-receptors only. The value for beta-endorphin was slightly but significantly lower. A similar small discrepancy was found with two other competitive antagonists. The discrepancy remained in the presence of the peptidase inhibitors thiorphan, bestatin and bacitracin. Responses to both [D-Ala2,MePhe4,Gly(ol)5]enkephalin and beta-endorphin were attenuated by the irreversible antagonists beta-funaltrexamine and beta-chlornaltrexamine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)