Glycodermorphins: opioid peptides with potent and prolonged analgesic activity and enhanced blood-brain barrier penetration

1. In order to improve the in vivo stability of the opioid peptide dermorphin we synthesized O-βglucosylated analogs (Ser⁷-O-βGlc]dermorphin and Ser⁷-O-βGlc(Ac)₄]-dermorphin) and C-αgalactosylated analogs (Ala⁷-C-αGal]dermorphin and Ala⁷-C-αGal(Ac)₄]-dermorphin).
2. O- and C-glycosylation of dermorphin halved the peptide affinity for brain μ-opioid receptors and the biological potency in guinea-pig ileum assay (GPI). Despite their lower opioid receptor affinity, when administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v., 8–40 pmol) and subcutaneously (s.c., 0.5–3 μmol kg^?1) in rats, glycosylated analogs were two times more potent than dermorphin in reducing the nociceptive response to radiant heat. Acetylation of sugar hydroxyl groups reduces 5–10 times both biological activity on GPI and μ-receptor affinity, whereas the antinociceptive potency was equal to (i.c.v.) or only two-three times lower (s.c.) than dermorphin potency.
3. Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability Index (BBB-PI) of the glycodermorphins was significantly higher than that of dermorphin, indicating a facilitated entry into the brain: O-β-linked glucoconiugates are expected to enter CNS by the glucose transporter GLUT-1 of the endothelial barrier. However the calculated BBB-PI for the C-αgalactoside was about two times higher than that of the O-βglucoside, excluding the implication of GLUT-1 that is known to be selective for O-β-links and preferring for the exose glucose.
4. The enhanced brain permeability with the subsequent decrease in peripheral dosage of these opioid peptides did not result in lowering constipation.