A dual nociceptin and mu opioid receptor agonist exhibited robust antinociceptive effect with decreased side effects.

The compelling demand of a consummate analgesic medication without addiction is rising due to the clinical mistreatment. Additionally, the series of severe untoward effects usually deterred the utilization while coping with serious pain. As a possible turning point, we revealed that compound 14 is a dual agonist of mu opioid receptor (MOR) and nociceptin-orphanin FQ opioid peptide (NOP) receptor in this study. More importantly, compound 14 achieves pain relieving at very small doses, meanwhile, reduces several unwanted side effects such as constipation, reward, tolerance and withdrawal effects. Here, we evaluated the antinociception and side effects of this novel compound from wild type and humanized mice to further develop a safer prescription analgesic drug.

Imbalance between the function of Na+-K+-2Cl and K+-Cl impairs Cl- homeostasis in human focal cortical dysplasia.

Objective: Altered expression patterns of Na+-K+-2Cl- (NKCC1) and K+-Cl- (KCC2) co-transporters have been implicated in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Here, we assessed the effects of imbalanced NKCC1 and KCC2 on γ-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) neurotransmission in certain brain regions involved in human focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). Materials and methods: We sought to map a micro-macro neuronal network to better understand the epileptogenesis mechanism. In patients with FCD, we resected cortical tissue from the seizure the onset zone (SOZ) and the non-seizure onset zone (non-SOZ) inside the epileptogenic zone (EZ). Additionally, we resected non-epileptic neocortical tissue from the patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) as control. All of tissues were analyzed using perforated patch recordings. NKCC1 and KCC2 co-transporters expression and distribution were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Results: Results revealed that depolarized GABAergic signals were observed in pyramidal neurons in the SOZ and non-SOZ groups compared with the control group. The total number of pyramidal neurons showing GABAergic spontaneous postsynaptic currents was 11/14, 7/17, and 0/12 in the SOZ, non-SOZ, and control groups, respectively. The depolarizing GABAergic response was significantly dampened by the specific NKCC1 inhibitor bumetanide (BUM). Patients with FCD exhibited higher expression and internalized distribution of KCC2, particularly in the SOZ group. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence of a potential neurocircuit underpinning SOZ epileptogenesis and non-SOZ seizure susceptibility. Imbalanced function of NKCC1 and KCC2 may affect chloride ion homeostasis in neurons and alter GABAergic inhibitory action, thereby contributing to epileptogenesis in FCDs. Maintaining chloride ion homeostasis in the neurons may represent a new avenue for the development of novel anti-seizure medications (ASMs).

Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamides as novel opioid receptor agonists with potent analgesic effect and reduced constipation.

Currently, there is a significant unmet need for novel analgesics with fewer side effects. In this study, we carried out structural modification of a hit compound previously identified in an artificial-intelligence (AI) virtual screening and discovered the potent analgesic, benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide analog (compound 25) with new structural scaffold. We investigated the signaling pathways of opioid receptors mediated by compound 25, and found this racemic compound activated mu-opioid receptor through the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and ß-arrestin-2-mediated pathways with strong potency and efficacy, and accompanying nociceptin-orphanin FQ opioid peptide and delta-opioid receptors through the cAMP pathway with weak potencies. Compound 25 elicited potent antinociception in thermal-stimulated pain (ED50 value of 127.1 ± 34.65 µg/kg) and inflammatory-induced allodynia models with less gastrointestinal transit inhibition and antinociceptive tolerance than morphine. Overall, this study revealed a novel analgesic with reduced risks of side effects.

Selective and antagonist-dependent µ-opioid receptor activation by the combination of 2-{[2-(6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-1(2H)-quinolinyl)-2-oxoethyl]sulfanyl}-5-phenyl-4,6-(1H,5H)-pyrimidinedione and naloxone/naltrexone.

We identified, via high-throughput screening using a FLIPR® calcium assay, compound 1, which incorporated a dihydroquinolinyl-2-oxoethylsulfanyl-(1H,5H)-pyrimidinedione core and activated the µ-opioid receptor (MOR) in the presence of naloxone or naltrexone. A structure-activity relationship study of the analogs of 1 led to the design of compound 21, which activated MOR in the presence of naloxone with an EC50 of 3.3 ± 0.2 µM. MOR activation by the compound 21-antagonist pair was antagonist-dependent. Compound 21 did not affect the potency of the orthosteric agonist, morphine, toward MOR, indicating that it affected the function of MOR antagonists rather than that of the agonists. Computer modeling of the compound 21-MOR-naloxone complex revealed major interactions between compound 21 and MOR, including hydrogen bonding with Ser196, π-π stacking with Tyr149, and sulfur-aromatic interaction with Trp192. This study may pave the way for developing agents capable of safe and effective MOR modulation.

Mechanistic Analysis of Micro-Neurocircuits Underlying the Epileptogenic Zone in Focal Cortical Dysplasia Patients.

We aim to explore the microscopic neurophysiology of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) induced epileptogenesis in specific macroscopic brain regions, therefore mapping a micro-macro neuronal network that potentially indicates the epileptogenic mechanism. Epileptic and relatively non-epileptic temporal neocortex specimens were resected from FCD and mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) patients, respectively. Whole-cell patch-clamping was performed on cells from the seizure onset zone (SOZ) and non-SOZ inside the epileptogenic zone (EZ) of FCD patients, as well as the non-epileptic neocortex of mTLE patients. Microscopic data were recorded, including membrane characteristics, spontaneous synaptic activities, and evoked action potentials. Immunohistochemistry was also performed on parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons. We found that SOZ interneurons exhibited abnormal neuronal expression and distribution as well as reduced overall function compared with non-SOZ and mTLE interneurons. The SOZ pyramidal cells experienced higher excitation but lower inhibition than the mTLE controls, whereas the non-SOZ pyramidal cells exhibited intermediate excitability. Action potential properties of both types of neurons also suggested more synchronized neuronal activity inside the EZ, particularly inside the SOZ. Together, our research provides evidence for a potential neurocircuit underlying SOZ epileptogenesis and non-SOZ seizure susceptibility. Further investigation of this microscopic network may promote understanding of the mechanism of FCD-induced epileptogenesis.

Automatic detection of interictal ripples on scalp EEG to evaluate the effect and prognosis of ACTH therapy in patients with infantile spasms.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore the feasibility of using scalp-recorded high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) to evaluate the efficacy and prognosis of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) treatment in patients with infantile spasms. METHODS: Thirty-nine children with infantile spasms were enrolled and divided into seizure-free and non-seizure-free groups after ACTH treatment. Patients who were seizure-free were further divided into relapse and non-relapse subgroups based on the observations made during a 6-month follow-up period. Scalp ripples were detected and compared during the interictal periods before and after 2 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: After ACTH treatment, the number and channels of ripples were significantly lower, whereas the percentage decrease in the number, spectral power, and channels of ripples was significantly higher in the seizure-free group than in the non-seizure-free group. In addition, the relapse subgroup showed higher number and spectral power and wider distribution of ripples than did the non-relapse subgroup. Changes in HFOs in terms of number, spectral power, and channel of ripples were closely related to the severity of epilepsy and can indicate disease susceptibility. SIGNIFICANCE: Scalp HFOs can be used as an effective biomarker to monitor the effect and evaluate the prognosis of ACTH therapy in patients with infantile spasms.

Localization of the Epileptogenic Zone by Multimodal Neuroimaging and High-Frequency Oscillation.

Accurate localization of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) is a key factor to obtain good surgical outcome for refractory epilepsy patients. However, no technique, so far, can precisely locate the EZ, and there are barely any reports on the combined application of multiple technologies to improve the localization accuracy of the EZ. In this study, we aimed to explore the use of a multimodal method combining PET-MRI, fluid and white matter suppression (FLAWS)-a novel MRI sequence, and high-frequency oscillation (HFO) automated analysis to delineate EZ. We retrospectively collected 15 patients with refractory epilepsy who underwent surgery and used the above three methods to detect abnormal brain areas of all patients. We compared the PET-MRI, FLAWS, and HFO results with traditional methods to evaluate their diagnostic value. The sensitivities, specificities of locating the EZ, and marking extent removed versus not removed [RatioChann(ev)] of each method were compared with surgical outcome. We also tested the possibility of using different combinations to locate the EZ. The marked areas in every patient established using each method were also compared to determine the correlations among the three methods. The results showed that PET-MRI, FLAWS, and HFOs can provide more information about potential epileptic areas than traditional methods. When detecting the EZs, the sensitivities of PET-MRI, FLAWS, and HFOs were 68.75, 53.85, and 87.50%, and the specificities were 80.00, 33.33, and 100.00%. The RatioChann(ev) of HFO-marked contacts was significantly higher in patients with good outcome than those with poor outcome (p< 0.05). When intracranial electrodes covered all the abnormal areas indicated by neuroimaging with the overlapping EZs being completely removed referred to HFO analysis, patients could reach seizure-free (p < 0.01). The periphery of the lesion marked by neuroimaging may be epileptic, but not every lesion contributes to seizures. Therefore, approaches in multimodality can detect EZ more accurately, and HFO analysis may help in defining real epileptic areas that may be missed in the neuroimaging results. The implantation of intracranial electrodes guided by non-invasive PET-MRI and FLAWS findings as well as HFO analysis would be an optimized multimodal approach for locating EZ.

Characterizing the seizure onset zone and epileptic network using EEG-fMRI in a rat seizure model.

Accurate epileptogenic zone (EZ) or seizure onset zone (SOZ) localization is crucial for epilepsy surgery optimization. Previous animal and human studies on epilepsy have reported that changes in blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals induced by epileptic events could be used as diagnostic markers for EZ or SOZ localization. Simultaneous electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG-fMRI) recording is gaining interest as a non-invasive tool for preoperative epilepsy evaluation. However, EEG-fMRI studies have reported inconsistent and ambiguous findings. Therefore, it remains unclear whether BOLD responses can be used for accurate EZ or SOZ localization. In this study, we used simultaneous EEG-fMRI recording in a rat model of 4-aminopyridine-induced acute focal seizures to assess the spatial concordance between individual BOLD responses and the SOZ. This was to determine the optimal use of simultaneous EEG-fMRI recording in the SOZ localization. We observed a high spatial consistency between BOLD responses and the SOZ. Further, dynamic BOLD responses were consistent with the regions where the seizures were propagated. These results suggested that simultaneous EEG-fMRI recording could be used as a noninvasive clinical diagnostic technique for localizing the EZ or SOZ and could be an effective tool for mapping epileptic networks.

Proteins in DNA methylation and their role in neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation.

BACKGROUND: Epigenetic modifications, namely non-coding RNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modifications such as methylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitylation, and sumoylation play a significant role in brain development. DNA methyltransferases, methyl-CpG binding proteins, and ten-eleven translocation proteins facilitate the maintenance, interpretation, and removal of DNA methylation, respectively. Different forms of methylation, including 5-methylcytosine, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, and other oxidized forms, have been detected by recently developed sequencing technologies. Emerging evidence suggests that the diversity of DNA methylation patterns in the brain plays a key role in fine-tuning and coordinating gene expression in the development, plasticity, and disorders of the mammalian central nervous system. Neural stem cells (NSCs), originating from the neuroepithelium, generate neurons and glial cells in the central nervous system and contribute to brain plasticity in the adult mammalian brain. MAIN BODY: Here, we summarized recent research in proteins responsible for the establishment, maintenance, interpretation, and removal of DNA methylation and those involved in the regulation of the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs. In addition, we discussed the interactions of chemicals with epigenetic pathways to regulate NSCs as well as the connections between proteins involved in DNA methylation and human diseases. CONCLUSION: Understanding the interplay between DNA methylation and NSCs in a broad biological context can facilitate the related studies and reduce potential misunderstanding.

Kappa opioid receptor controls neural stem cell differentiation via a miR-7a/Pax6 dependent pathway.

Although the roles of opioid receptors in neurogenesis have been implicated in previous studies, the mechanism by which κ-opioid receptor (OPRK1) regulates adult neurogenesis remains elusive. We now demonstrate that two agonists of OPRK1, U50,488H and dynorphin A, inhibit adult neurogenesis by hindering neuronal differentiation of mouse hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs), both in vitro and in vivo. This effect was blocked by nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI), a specific antagonist of OPRK1. By examining neurogenesis-related genes, we found that OPRK1 agonists were able to downregulate the expression of Pax6, Neurog2, and NeuroD1 in mouse hippocampal NSCs, in a way that Pax6 regulates the transcription of Neurog2 and Neurod1 by directly interacting with their promoters. Moreover, this effect of OPRK1 was accomplished by inducing expression of miR-7a, a miRNA that specifically targeted Pax6 by direct interaction with its 3'-UTR sequence, and thereby decreased the levels of Pax6, Neurog2, and NeuroD1, thus resulted in hindrance of neuronal differentiation of NSCs. Thus, by modulating Pax6/Neurog2/NeuroD1 activities via upregulation of miR-7a expression, OPRK1 agonists hinder the neuronal differentiation of NSCs and hence inhibit adult neurogenesis in mouse hippocampus.

Naloxone Facilitates Contextual Learning and Memory in a Receptor-Independent and Tet1-Dependent Manner.

Opioids, like morphine and naloxone, regulate the proliferation and neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) in a receptor-independent and ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase (TET1)-dependent manner in vitro. Whether naloxone regulates hippocampal NSCs and contextual learning in vivo in a similar manner was determined. Naloxone infusion increased the Ki67 and Doublecortin positive cells in subgranular zone of wild type mice, which suggested the increased proliferation and differentiation of hippocampal NSCs in vivo and was consistent with the in vitro functions of naloxone. In addition, naloxone infusion also facilitated the contextual learning and memory of wild type mice. To determine the contribution of µ-opioid receptor (OPRM1) and TET1 to these functions of naloxone, several types of knockout mice were used. Since Tet1-/- mice have high deficiency in contextual learning and memory, Tet1+/- mice were used instead. The abilities of naloxone to regulate NSCs and to facilitate contextual learning were significantly impaired in Tet1+/- mice. In addition, these abilities of naloxone were not affected in Oprm1-/- mice. Therefore, naloxone facilitates contextual learning and memory in a receptor-independent and Tet1-dependent manner, which provides new understanding on the receptor-independent functions of opioids.

Electrical stimulation of the endopiriform nucleus attenuates epilepsy in rats by network modulation.

OBJECTIVE: Neuromodulatory anterior thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective therapy for intractable epilepsy, but few patients achieve complete seizure control with thalamic DBS. Other stimulation sites may be considered for anti-seizure DBS. We investigated bilateral low-frequency stimulation of the endopiriform nuclei (LFS-EPN) to control seizures induced by intracortically implanted cobalt wire in rats. METHODS: Chronic epilepsy was induced by cobalt wire implantation in the motor cortex unilaterally. Bipolar-stimulating electrodes were implanted into the EPN bilaterally. Continuous electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded using electrodes placed into bilateral motor cortex and hippocampus CA1 areas. Spontaneous seizures were monitored by long-term video-EEG, and behavioral seizures were classified based on the Racine scale. Continuous 1-Hz LFS-EPN began on the third day after electrode implantation and was controlled by a multi-channel stimulator. Stimulation continued until the rats had no seizures for three consecutive days. RESULTS: Compared with the control and sham stimulation groups, the LFS-EPN group experienced significantly fewer seizures per day and the mean Racine score of seizures was lower due to fewer generalized seizures. Ictal discharges at the epileptogenic site had significantly reduced theta band power in the LFS-EPN group compared to the other groups. INTERPRETATION: Bilateral LFS-EPN attenuates cobalt wire-induced seizures in rats by modulating epileptic networks. Reduced ictal theta power of the EEG broadband spectrum at the lesion site may be associated with the anti-epileptogenic mechanism of LFS-EPN. Bilateral EPN DBS may have therapeutic applications in human partial epilepsies.

Naloxone regulates the differentiation of neural stem cells via a receptor-independent pathway.

The abilities of opioids to activate downstream signaling pathways normally depend on the binding between opioids and their receptors. However, opioids may also function in a receptor-independent manner, especially in neural stem cells (NSCs) in which the expression of opioid receptors and endogenous opioid agonists is low. When two opioids, morphine and naloxone, were used during the early stage of NSC differentiation, increased neurogenesis was observed. However, naloxone methiodide, a membrane impenetrable analog of naloxone, did not affect the NSC differentiation. The abilities of morphine and naloxone to facilitate neurogenesis were also observed in opioid receptor-knockout NSCs. Therefore, morphine and naloxone promote neurogenesis in a receptor-independent manner at least during the early stage. In addition, the receptor-independent functions of opioids were not observed in methylcytosine dioxygenase ten-eleven translocation 1 (Tet1) knockout NSCs. When the expression of opioid receptors increased and the expression of Tet1 decreased during the late stage of NSC differentiation, morphine, but not naloxone, inhibited neurogenesis via traditional receptor-dependent and miR181a-Prox1-Notch-related pathway. In summary, the current results demonstrated the time-dependent effects of opioids during the differentiation of NSCs and provided additional insight on the complex functions of opioids.

Morphine and Naloxone Facilitate Neural Stem Cells Proliferation via a TET1-Dependent and Receptor-Independent Pathway.

Normally, opioids function in a receptor-dependent manner. They bind to opioid receptors, activate or inhibit receptor activation, and subsequently modulate downstream signal transduction. However, the complex functions of opioids and the low expression of opioid receptors and their endogenous peptide agonists in neural stem cells (NSCs) suggest that some opioids may also modulate NSCs via a receptor-independent pathway. In the current study, two opioids, morphine and naloxone, are demonstrated to facilitate NSC proliferation via a receptor-independent and ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1)-dependent pathway. Morphine and naloxone penetrate cell membrane, bind to TET1 protein via three key residues (1,880-1,882), and subsequently result in facilitated proliferation of NSCs. In addition, the two opioids also inhibit the DNA demethylation ability of TET1. In summary, the current results connect opioids and DNA demethylation directly at least in NSCs and extend our understanding on both opioids and NSCs.

Morphine produces potent antinociception, sedation, and hypothermia in humanized mice expressing human mu-opioid receptor splice variants.

Morphine is a strong painkiller acting through mu-opioid receptor (MOR). Full-length 7-transmembrane (TM) variants of MOR share similar amino acid sequences of TM domains in rodents and humans; however, interspecies differences in N- and C-terminal amino acid sequences of MOR splice variants dramatically affect the downstream signaling. Thus, it is essential to develop a mouse model that expresses human MOR splice variants for opioid pharmacological studies. We generated 2 lines of fully humanized MOR mice (hMOR; mMOR mice), line #1 and #2. The novel murine model having human OPRM1 genes and human-specific variants was examined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and the MinION nanopore sequencing. The differences in the regional distribution of MOR between wild-type and humanized MOR mice brains were detected by RNAscope and radioligand binding assay. hMOR; mMOR mice were characterized in vivo using a tail-flick, charcoal meal, open field, tail suspension, naloxone precipitation tests, and rectal temperature measurement. The data indicated that wild-type and humanized MOR mice exhibited different pharmacology of morphine, including antinociception, tolerance, sedation, and withdrawal syndromes, suggesting the presence of species difference between mouse and human MORs. Therefore, hMOR; mMOR mice could serve as a novel mouse model for pharmacogenetic studies of opioids.

BPR1M97, a dual mu opioid receptor/nociceptin-orphanin FQ peptide receptor agonist, produces potent antinociceptive effects with safer properties than morphine.

There is unmet need to design an analgesic with fewer side effects for severe pain management. Although traditional opioids are the most effective painkillers, they are accompanied by severe adverse responses, such as respiratory depression, constipation symptoms, tolerance, withdrawal, and addiction. We indicated BPR1M97 as a dual mu opioid receptor (MOP)/nociceptin-orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptor full agonist and investigated the pharmacology of BPR1M97 in multiple animal models. In vitro studies on BPR1M97 were assessed using cyclic-adenosine monophosphate production, ß-arrestin, internalization, and membrane potential assays. In vivo studies were characterized using the tail-flick, tail-clip, lung functional, heart functional, acetone drop, von Frey hair, charcoal meal, glass bead, locomotor activity, conditioned place preference (CPP) and naloxone precipitation tests. BPR1M97 elicited full agonist properties for all cell-based assays tested in MOP-expressing cells. However, it acted as a G protein-biased agonist for NOP. BPR1M97 initiated faster antinociceptive effects at 10 min after subcutaneous injection and elicited better analgesia in cancer-induced pain than morphine. Unlike morphine, BPR1M97 caused less respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal dysfunction. In addition, BPR1M97 decreased global activity and induced less withdrawal jumping precipitated by naloxone. Thus, BPR1M97 could serve as a novel small molecule dual receptor agonist for antinociception with fewer side effects than morphine. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'New Vistas in Opioid Pharmacology'.

Delta-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole reduces oxycodone addiction and constipation in mice.

Oxycodone, a widely prescribed and very potent oral opioid analgesic agent, is highly addictive and has many side effects, including troublesome constipation. Our studies in mice indicated that pretreatment of naltrindole did not significantly affect the analgesic efficacy of oxycodone but attenuated the tolerance and withdrawal induced by chronic oxycodone administration. Naltrindole also attenuated the oxycodone-induced rewarding and re-instatement behaviors, as shown by the conditioned place preference test. Further, oxycodone-induced decrease in intestinal transit (i.e., constipation) was reduced by naltrindole. However, naltrindole did not block the respiratory depression produced by oxycodone. Taken together, these data suggest that naltrindole can attenuate some major side effects while retaining the analgesic efficacy of oxycodone in mice. Naltrindole and oxycodone may have the potential to be a potent analgesic combination with much lower levels of oxycodone's side effects of addictive liability and constipation.

Convallatoxin enhance the ligand-induced mu-opioid receptor endocytosis and attenuate morphine antinociceptive tolerance in mice.

Morphine is a unique opioid analgesic that activates the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) without efficiently promoting its endocytosis that may underlie side effects. Our objective was to discover a novel enhancer of ligand-induced MOR endocytosis and determine its effects on analgesia, tolerance and dependence. We used high-throughput screening to identify convallatoxin as an enhancer of ligand-induced MOR endocytosis with high potency and efficacy. Treatment of cells with convallatoxin enhanced morphine-induced MOR endocytosis through an adaptor protein 2 (AP2)/clathrin-dependent mechanism, attenuated morphine-induced phosphorylation of MOR, and diminished desensitization of membrane hyperpolarization. Furthermore, co-treatment with chronic convallatoxin reduced morphine tolerance in animal models of acute thermal pain and chronic inflammatory pain. Acute convallatoxin administration reversed morphine tolerance and dependence in morphine-tolerant mice. These findings suggest convallatoxin are potentially therapeutic for morphine side effects and open a new avenue to study MOR trafficking.

The in vivo antinociceptive and µ-opioid receptor activating effects of the combination of N-phenyl-2',4'-dimethyl-4,5'-bi-1,3-thiazol-2-amines and naloxone.

Morphine is widely used for the treatment of severe pain. This analgesic effect is mediated principally by the activation of µ-opioid receptors (MOR). However, prolonged activation of MOR also results in tolerance, dependence, addiction, constipation, nausea, sedation, and respiratory depression. To address this problem, we sought alternative ways to activate MOR - either by use of novel ligands, or via a novel activation mechanism. To this end, a series of compounds were screened using a sensitive CHO-K1/MOR/Gα15 cell-based FLIPR® calcium high-throughput screening (HTS) assay, and the bithiazole compound 5a was identified as being able activate MOR in combination with naloxone. Structural modifications of 5a resulted in the discovery of lead compound 5j, which could effectively activate MOR in combination with the MOR antagonist naloxone or naltrexone. In vivo, naloxone in combination with 100 mg/kg of compound 5j elicited antinociception in a mouse tail-flick model with an ED50 of 17.5 ±â€¯4 mg/kg. These results strongly suggest that the mechanism by which the 5j/naloxone combination activates MOR is worthy of further study, as its discovery has the potential to yield an entirely novel class of analgesics.

Morphine regulates adult neurogenesis and contextual memory extinction via the PKCε/Prox1 pathway.

We have previously reported that the miR-181a/Prox1/Notch1 pathway mediates the effect of morphine on modulating lineage-specific differentiation of adult neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) via a PKCε-dependent pathway, whereas fentanyl shows no such effect. However, the role of the PKCε/Prox1 pathway in mediating drug-associated contextual memory remains unknown. The current study investigated the effect of PKCε/Prox1 on morphine-induced inhibition of adult neurogenesis and drug-associated contextual memory in mice, while the effect of fentanyl was tested simultaneously. By using BrdU labeling, we were able to examine the lineages of differentiated NSPCs in adult DG. PKCε knockout blocked morphine's effects on inducing in vivo astrocyte-preferential differentiation of NSPCs, but did not alter NSPC lineages upon fentanyl treatment. Inhibited adult neurogenesis further resulted in prolonged extinction and enhanced reinstatement of morphine-induced CPP, as well as prolonged extinction of space reference memory indicated by the Morris water maze paradigm. However, after fentanyl administration, no significant changes were found between wild-type and PKCε knockout mice, during either CPP or water maze tasks. When the lentivirus encoding Nestin-promoter-controlled Prox1 cDNA was injected into hippocampi of wildtype and PKCε knockout adult mice to modulate PKCε/Prox1 activity, similar effects were discovered in adult mice injected with lentivirus encoding Prox1, and more dramatic effects were found in PKCε knockout mice with concurrent Prox1 overexpression. In conclusion, morphine mediates lineage-specific NSPC differentiation, inhibits adult neurogenesis and regulates contextual memory retention via the PKCε/Prox1 pathway, which are implicated in the eventual context-associated relapse.