The opioid peptide leucine enkephalin modulates hypothalamic-hypophysial axis in the cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus.

In vertebrates, opioid peptides are thought to be involved in the regulation of reproduction; however, the significance of enkephalins in testicular function remains unclear. We examined the influence of δ-opioid receptor agonist leucine enkephalin (L-ENK) on the hypophysial-testicular axis of the cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus. Treatment with a low dose of L-ENK (60 µg) caused a significant increase in the numbers of primary and secondary spermatocytes and early and late spermatids, concomitant with intense immunolabelling of testicular androgen receptors, but did not significantly alter serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) levels compared to those of controls. Nevertheless, treatment with a high dose of L-ENK (200 µg) caused a significant reduction in the numbers of secondary spermatocytes as well as late spermatids associated with marginal immunolabelling of androgen receptors and significantly lower concentrations of serum 11-KT and LH compared to controls. In addition, the serum cortisol level was not affected in low-dose L-ENK-treated fish, but its level was significantly increased in the high-dose L-ENK-treated group. Together, these findings indicate that a low dose of L-ENK stimulates the germ cells at the meiosis stage and promotes further stages of spermatogenesis, whereas a high concentration of L-ENK inhibits spermatogenesis at the advanced stages. This effect appears to be mediated through the suppression of testicular steroidogenesis and the reduction of LH release in the pituitary gland of tilapia. The findings also suggest that elevated L-ENK levels in teleosts may exert their inhibitory influence on the hypophysial-testicular axis via glucocorticoids.

Stapling of leu-enkephalin analogs with bifunctional reagents for prolonged analgesic activity.

The design and synthesis of leu-enkephalin analogs by replacing the glycine residues with N-(2-thioethyl)glycines and opening the cyclisation potential is presented. The cyclization (stapling) was achieved using bifunctional reagents (hexafluorobenzene and trithiocyanuric acid derivatives). The CD conformational studies of the stapled analogs suggest that the peptides adopt the type I ß-turn conformation, which is in agreement with the theoretical analysis. The analog containing a trithiocyanuric acid derivative with a benzyl substituent shows potent analgesic activity.

The opioid peptide leucine-enkephalin disrupts seasonal and gonadotropin-induced ovarian recrudescence in the gecko Hemidactylus frenatus.

The enkephalins are known to regulate many physiological functions, including reproduction in vertebrates. However, the role of leucine-enkephalin (L-ENK) in the ovarian recrudescence activity of reptiles is not known. In the present study, we studied the influence of L-ENK on seasonal and FSH-induced ovarian recrudescence during the breeding and non-breeding phases of the cycle in the tropical and subtropical gecko Hemidactylus frenatus. In the first experiment, treatment with 5 and 25 µg L-ENK resulted in a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and ovary, as indicated by a significantly decreased percent area of GnRH-immunoreactive (GnRH-ir) fibres in the median eminence and pars distalis of the pituitary gland, concomitant with complete absence of stage V (late vitellogenic) follicles in the ovary compared to those of experimental controls. In the second experiment, administration of FSH to lizards in the regression phase stimulated the recruitment of stage IV and V (vitellogenic) follicles in contrast to their absence in initial controls or treatment controls. However, similar treatment of FSH in combination with 25 µg L-ENK did not result in the development of stage IV or V follicles. Together, these results suggest for the first time that treatment with 5 and 25 µg L-ENK exerts a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the hypothalamic GnRH release into the median eminence and pituitary gland, leading to the blockade of ovarian recrudescence. These results also suggest a possible direct inhibitory effect of L-ENK at the level of the ovary in the gecko.

The Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Novel 9-Arylxanthenedione-Based Allosteric Modulators for the δ-Opioid Receptor.

Chronic pain and depression are both widely prevalent comorbid medical conditions. While efficient, µ-opioid receptor-based medications are associated with life-threatening side effects, including respiratory depression, dependence, and addiction. The δ-opioid receptor is a promising alternative biological target for chronic pain and depression due to its significantly reduced on-target side effects compared to the µ-opioid receptor. A previous study identified two δ-opioid receptor positive allosteric modulators. Herein, we report the design of five series of compounds targeting previously unexplored regions of the originally described SAR. Analogs were assessed for their ability to potentiate the agonist response of Leu-enkephalin. Of the 30 analogs, compound 6g displayed trends toward enhancing the ERK1/2 phosphorylation signaling compared to cAMP inhibition, while compound 11c exhibited a trend in shifting the signaling bias toward cAMP inhibition. Both 6g and 11c emerged as promising tool compounds toward the design of prospective therapeutics requiring specific downstream signaling attributes.

Effects of Neonatal Administration of Non-Opiate Analogues of Leu-Enkephalin to Heart Tissue Homeostasis of Prepubertal Albino Rats Exposed to Hypoxia.

Hypobaric hypoxia (pO2 65 mm Hg, duration 4 h) induced a significant increase in the number of cardiomyocytes expressing р53, beclin-1, endothelial NO synthase and accumulation and degranulation of mast cells in the epicardium in hearts of prepubertal female rats (age 45-47 days); the number of cardiomyocytes with nucleoli decreased, while the number of single-nucleolar cardiomyocytes increased after this exposure. Five-fold administration of non-opiate analogue of leu-enkephalin (NALE peptide: Phe-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu-Arg; 100 µg/kg) during the neonatal period reduced the severity of the post-hypoxic changes in the heart. Neonatal administration of NALE (100 µg/kg) against the background of NO synthase blockade with L-NAME (50 mg/kg) did not abolish the cardioprotective effects of the peptide. A similar correction of posthypoxic changes in the heart was observed after neonatal administration of original peptide G (Phe-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu-Gly; 100 µg/kg). Thus, NO synthase-NO system and C-terminal amino acid Arg in the molecule of non-opiate analogue of leu-enkephalin are not required for the cardioprotective effects of peptides. Non-opiate leu-enkephalin analogs, peptides NALE and G, can be considered as promising substances for increasing heart resistance to hypoxia during later age periods.

Demystifying DPP III Catalyzed Peptide Hydrolysis-Computational Study of the Complete Catalytic Cycle of Human DPP III Catalyzed Tynorphin Hydrolysis.

Dipeptidyl peptides III (DPP III) is a dual-domain zinc exopeptidase that hydrolyzes peptides of varying sequence and size. Despite attempts to elucidate and narrow down the broad substrate-specificity of DPP III, there is no explanation as to why some of them, such as tynorphin (VVYPW), the truncated form of the endogenous heptapeptide spinorphin, are the slow-reacting substrates of DPP III compared to others, such as Leu-enkephalin. Using quantum molecular mechanics calculations followed by various molecular dynamics techniques, we describe for the first time the entire catalytic cycle of human DPP III, providing theoretical insight into the inhibitory mechanism of tynorphin. The chemical step of peptide bond hydrolysis and the substrate binding to the active site of the enzyme and release of the product were described for DPP III in complex with tynorphin and Leu-enkephalin and their products. We found that tynorphin is cleaved by the same reaction mechanism determined for Leu-enkephalin. More importantly, we showed that the product stabilization and regeneration of the enzyme, but not the nucleophilic attack of the catalytic water molecule and inversion at the nitrogen atom of the cleavable peptide bond, correspond to the rate-determining steps of the overall catalytic cycle of the enzyme.

Role of Amino Acid Arginine and Nitric Oxide in Mechanisms of Cytoprotective Effect of Non-Opiate Leu-Enkephalin Analogue In Vitro.

Incubation of primary culture of pulmonary fibroblasts with non-opiate analogue of leuenkephalin (NALE; Phe-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu-Arg, 0.1 µM) reduced generation of superoxide anion-radical (by 20.7%) and decreased the number of p53+ cells (by 40.2%) induced by exposure to H2O2 (60 µM). The cytoprotective effect of NALE was potentiated by NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME (1 mM): the number of p53+ cells decreased by 65.3% and morphometric parameters of the cell nuclei and nucleoli were improved. Incubation of pulmonary fibroblasts culture with peptide G (Phe-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu-Gly, 0.1 µM) also significantly reduced the damaging effect of H2O2: the number of p53+ cells decreased by 73.5%, the area of cell nuclei returned to normal, and generation of superoxide anion-radical decreased by 18.4%. These results indicate that C-terminal amino acid Arg and activation of NO synthase are not involved in the direct cytoprotective effect of NALE.

Identification of a Novel Delta Opioid Receptor Agonist Chemotype with Potential Negative Allosteric Modulator Capabilities.

The δ-opioid receptor (δOR) holds great potential as a therapeutic target. Yet, clinical drug development, which has focused on δOR agonists that mimic the potent and selective tool compound SNC80 have largely failed. It has increasingly become apparent that the SNC80 scaffold carries with it potent and efficacious ß-arrestin recruitment. Here, we screened a relatively small (5120 molecules) physical drug library to identify δOR agonists that underrecruit ß-arrestin, as it has been suggested that compounds that efficaciously recruit ß-arrestin are proconvulsant. The screen identified a hit compound and further characterization using cellular binding and signaling assays revealed that this molecule (R995045, compound 1) exhibited ten-fold selectivity over µ- and κ-opioid receptors. Compound 1 represents a novel chemotype at the δOR. A subsequent characterization of fourteen analogs of compound 1, however did not identify a more potent δOR agonist. Computational modeling and in vitro characterization of compound 1 in the presence of the endogenous agonist leu-enkephalin suggest compound 1 may also bind allosterically and negatively modulate the potency of Leu-enkephalin to inhibit cAMP, acting as a 'NAM-agonist' in this assay. The potential physiological utility of such a class of compounds will need to be assessed in future in vivo assays.

Beta-endorphin inhibits the inflammatory response of bovine endometrial cells through δ opioid receptor in vitro.

Postpartum uterine infections are common reproductive diseases in postpartum cows. Evidence has shown that plasma ß-endorphins increase during bovine uterine inflammation. However, the effect of ß-endorphins on the inflammatory response in bovine endometrium has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ß-endorphins on the inflammatory response of bovine endometrial epithelial and stromal cells, and to explore the possible mechanism. The cells were treated with E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate inflammation, which was characterized by the significant activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and the increased gene expression of the downstream proinflammatory cytokines (approximately 1.2- to 15-fold increase, P < 0.05). By using Western blot and qPCR techniques, we found that ß-endorphins inhibited the key protein expression of NF-κB pathway, and the gene expressions of TNF, IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, nitric oxide synthase 2, and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (P < 0.05). The co-treatment of ß-endorphins and opioid antagonists showed that the anti-inflammatory effect of ß-endorphins could be blocked (P < 0.05) by non-selective opioid antagonist naloxone or δ opioid receptor antagonist ICI 154129, but not the µ opioid receptor antagonist CTAP (P > 0.05). In conclusion, ß-endorphins may inhibit the inflammatory response of bovine endometrial epithelial and stromal cells through δ opioid receptor.

Selective N-glycan editing on living cell surfaces to probe glycoconjugate function.

Cell surfaces are glycosylated in various ways with high heterogeneity, which usually leads to ambiguous conclusions about glycan-involved biological functions. Here, we describe a two-step chemoenzymatic approach for N-glycan-subtype-selective editing on the surface of living cells that consists of a first 'delete' step to remove heterogeneous N-glycoforms of a certain subclass and a second 'insert' step to assemble a well-defined N-glycan back onto the pretreated glyco-sites. Such glyco-edited cells, carrying more homogeneous oligosaccharide structures, could enable precise understanding of carbohydrate-mediated functions. In particular, N-glycan-subtype-selective remodeling and imaging with different monosaccharide motifs at the non-reducing end were successfully achieved. Using a combination of the expression system of the Lec4 CHO cell line and this two-step glycan-editing approach, opioid receptor delta 1 (OPRD1) was investigated to correlate its glycostructures with the biological functions of receptor dimerization, agonist-induced signaling and internalization.

δ Opioid Receptor Inverse Agonists and their In Vivo Pharmacological Effects.

The discovery of δ opioid receptor inverse agonist activity induced by ICI-174,864, which was previously reported as an δ opioid receptor antagonist, opened the door for the investigation of inverse agonism/constitutive activity of the receptors. Various peptidic or non-peptidic δ opioid receptor inverse agonists have since been developed. Compared with the reports dealing with in vitro inverse agonist activities of novel compounds or known compounds as antagonists, there have been almost no publications describing the in vivo pharmacological effects induced by a δ opioid receptor inverse agonist. After the observation of anorectic effects with the δ opioid receptor antagonism was discussed in the early 2000s, the short-term memory improving effects and antitussive effects have been very recently reported as possible pharmacological effects induced by a δ opioid receptor inverse agonist. In this review, we will survey the developed δ opioid receptor inverse agonists and summarize the possible in vivo pharmacological effects by δ opioid receptor inverse agonists. Moreover, we will discuss important issues involved in the investigation of the in vivo pharmacological effects produced by a δ opioid receptor inverse agonist.

The Meta-Position of Phe4 in Leu-Enkephalin Regulates Potency, Selectivity, Functional Activity, and Signaling Bias at the Delta and Mu Opioid Receptors.

As tool compounds to study cardiac ischemia, the endogenous δ-opioid receptors (δOR) agonist Leu5-enkephalin and the more metabolically stable synthetic peptide (d-Ala2, d-Leu5)-enkephalin are frequently employed. However, both peptides have similar pharmacological profiles that restrict detailed investigation of the cellular mechanism of the δOR's protective role during ischemic events. Thus, a need remains for δOR peptides with improved selectivity and unique signaling properties for investigating the specific roles for δOR signaling in cardiac ischemia. To this end, we explored substitution at the Phe4 position of Leu5-enkephalin for its ability to modulate receptor function and selectivity. Peptides were assessed for their affinity to bind to δORs and µ-opioid receptors (µORs) and potency to inhibit cAMP signaling and to recruit ß-arrestin 2. Additionally, peptide stability was measured in rat plasma. Substitution of the meta-position of Phe4 of Leu5-enkephalin provided high-affinity ligands with varying levels of selectivity and bias at both the δOR and µOR and improved peptide stability, while substitution with picoline derivatives produced lower-affinity ligands with G protein biases at both receptors. Overall, these favorable substitutions at the meta-position of Phe4 may be combined with other modifications to Leu5-enkephalin to deliver improved agonists with finely tuned potency, selectivity, bias and drug-like properties.

Rubiscolins are naturally occurring G protein-biased delta opioid receptor peptides.

The impact that ß-arrestin proteins have on G protein-coupled receptor trafficking, signaling and physiological behavior has gained much appreciation over the past decade. A number of studies have attributed the side effects associated with the use of naturally occurring and synthetic opioids, such as respiratory depression and constipation, to excessive recruitment of ß-arrestin. These findings have led to the development of biased opioid small molecule agonists that do not recruit ß-arrestin, activating only the canonical G protein pathway. Similar G protein-biased small molecule opioids have been found to occur in nature, particularly within kratom, and opioids within salvia have served as a template for the synthesis of other G protein-biased opioids. Here, we present the first report of naturally occurring peptides that selectively activate G protein signaling pathways at δ opioid receptors, but with minimal ß-arrestin recruitment. Specifically, we find that rubiscolin peptides, which are produced as cleavage products of the plant protein rubisco, bind to and activate G protein signaling at δ opioid receptors. However, unlike the naturally occurring δ opioid peptides leu-enkephalin and deltorphin II, the rubiscolin peptides only very weakly recruit ß-arrestin 2 and have undetectable recruitment of ß-arrestin 1 at the δ opioid receptor.

Structure-constrained endomorphin analogs display differential antinociceptive mechanisms in mice after spinal administration.

We previously reported a series of novel endomorphin analogs with unnatural amino acid modifications. These analogs display good binding affinity and functional activity toward the µ opioid receptor (MOP). In the present study, we further investigated the spinal antinociceptive activity of these compounds. The analogs were potent in several nociceptive models. Opioid antagonists and antibodies against several endogenous opioid peptides were used to determine the mechanisms of action of these peptides. Intrathecal pretreatment with naloxone and ß-funaltrexamine (ß-FNA) effectively inhibited analog-induced analgesia, demonstrating that activity of the analogs is regulated primarily through MOP. Antinociception induced by analog 2 through 4 was not reversed by δ opioid receptor (DOP) or κ opioid receptor (KOP) antagonist; antibodies against dynorphin-A (1-17), dynorphin-B (1-13), and Leu5/Met5-enkephalin had no impact on the antinociceptive effects of these analogs. In contrast, antinociceptive effects induced by a spinal injection of the fluorine substituted analog 1 were significantly reversed by KOP antagonism. Furthermore, intrathecal pretreatment with antibodies against dynorphin-B (1-13) attenuated the antinociceptive effect of analog 1. These results indicate that the antinociceptive activity exerted by intrathecally-administered analog 1 is mediated, in part, through KOP with increased release of dynorphin-B (1-13). The chemical modifications used in the present study may serve as a useful tool to gain insight into the mechanisms of endomorphins activity.

Influence of leucine-enkephalin on pituitary-ovary axis of the cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus.

The present investigation was conducted to elucidate the influence of an opioid peptide, leucine-enkephalin (L-ENK), on the reproductive axis of the tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus. In the first experiment, administration (i.p.) of 25, 100, and 300 µg L-ENK to the stripped female tilapia, for a period of 22 days, resulted in a significantly higher number of stage I follicles compared to those of initial controls and experimental controls, whereas the mean number of stage II and III follicles and serum levels of E2 did not significantly differ among different experimental groups. A significant increase in the number of stage V (fully ripened) follicles was concomitant with significant reduction in the follicular diameter in 25 or 100 µg L-ENK-treated fish compared to those of experimental controls. However, significant reduction in the mean number and diameter of these follicles was observed in 300 µg L-ENK-treated fish compared to those of experimental controls and 25 or 100 µg L-ENK-treated fish. In the second experiment, the stimulatory effect of 25 µg L-ENK on the ovary was abolished in combination with gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-A). In conclusion, these results suggest that L-ENK exerts stimulatory as well as inhibitory effects on the ovary in a dose-dependent manner, and that these effects are possibly mediated through the GnRH, for the first time in fish.

Synthesis and Opioid Activity of Tyr1 -ψ[(Z)CF=CH]-Gly2 and Tyr1 -ψ[(S)/(R)-CF3 CH-NH]-Gly2 Leu-enkephalin Fluorinated Peptidomimetics.

We describe the design, synthesis, and opioid activity of fluoroalkene (Tyr1 -ψ[(Z)CF=CH]-Gly2 ) and trifluoroethylamine (Tyr1 -ψ[(S)/(R)-CF3 CH-NH]-Gly2 ) analogues of the endogenous opioid neuropeptide, Leu-enkephalin. The fluoroalkene peptidomimetic exhibited low nanomolar functional activity (5.0±2 nm and 60±15 nm for δ- and µ-opioid receptors, respectively) with a µ/δ-selectivity ratio that mimics that of the natural peptide. However, the trifluoroethylamine peptidomimetics, irrespective of stereochemistry, did not activate the opioid receptors, which suggest that bulky CF3 substituents are not tolerated at this position.

Effects of Opioid Peptides on Changes in Lipid Metabolism in Rats Subjected to Swimming Stress.

Blood levels of nonesterified fatty acids, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL increased in rats subjected to forced swimming stress. Administration of opioid peptides dynorphin A(1-13), DSLET, or DAGO reduced stress-induced disturbances in lipid metabolism. Dynorphin A(1-13) and DAGO produced the most pronounced effects and prevented an increase in concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL as soon as 39 h after treatment. Only DSLET increased HDL content in the plasma of stressed rats. The observed effects can be explained by the stress-limiting effects of opioids, e.g. attenuation of the effect of catecholamines on the adipose tissue and inhibition of the generation LPO products suppressing activity of the cholesterol metabolizing enzyme.

[THE INFLUENCE OF OPIOID PEPTIDES ON LIPID PEROXIDATION AND ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME ACTIVITY IN RATS AFTER SWIMMING STRESS].

It was established in experiments on rats, that injection of opioid peptides DAGO (a selective igonist of opioid mu-receptors), DSLET (a selective agonist of opioid delta-receptors) or dynorpiin A (1-13) (a selective agonist of opioid kappa-receptors) decreased the stress-induced activatin of lipid peroxidation in liver tissue and plasma. A selective agonist of opioid mu-receptors) AGO manifested the most expressed activity. The using of investigating peptides caused the increase of superoxiddismutase activity in liver tissue. The reinforcement of catalase activity was )bserved in DSLET or dynorphin A (1-13). DAGO decreased its activity. The peptide effects of lifferent directions oncatalase activity in plasma were established. These effects can be explained y the stress-limiting action of peptides in entire organism, the peculiarities of opioid receptors spreading in liver tissue and by the influence of preceded load with non-complete oxidized sub stances after intensive swimming on the opioid receptor affinity.

Naltrindole derivatives with fluorinated ethyl substituents on the 17-nitrogen as δ opioid receptor inverse agonists.

We synthesized derivatives of the δ opioid receptor (DOR) antagonists naltrindole (NTI) and compound 1 that were modified with small alkyl or fluorinated ethyl substituents on the 17-nitrogen. Although the derivatives showed decreased binding affinities for the opioid receptors, their selectivities for the DOR were higher than the parent compounds NTI and compound 1. Surprisingly, 17-fluoroethyl NTI derivatives exerted DOR inverse agonistic activities. The DOR inverse agonism of compounds 4c-e was less efficacious but significant, as compared with a standard DOR inverse agonist ICI-174864. On the other hand, compound 1 and its derivatives with small alkyl or monofluoroethyl substituents were partial agonists, but the derivatives having di- or trifluoroethyl group showed neither agonistic nor inverse agonistic activities.

Discovery, synthesis, and molecular pharmacology of selective positive allosteric modulators of the δ-opioid receptor.

Allosteric modulators of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have a number of potential advantages compared to agonists or antagonists that bind to the orthosteric site of the receptor. These include the potential for receptor selectivity, maintenance of the temporal and spatial fidelity of signaling in vivo, the ceiling effect of the allosteric cooperativity which may prevent overdose issues, and engendering bias by differentially modulating distinct signaling pathways. Here we describe the discovery, synthesis, and molecular pharmacology of δ-opioid receptor-selective positive allosteric modulators (δ PAMs). These δ PAMs increase the affinity and/or efficacy of the orthosteric agonists leu-enkephalin, SNC80 and TAN67, as measured by receptor binding, G protein activation, ß-arrestin recruitment, adenylyl cyclase inhibition, and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) activation. As such, these compounds are useful pharmacological tools to probe the molecular pharmacology of the δ receptor and to explore the therapeutic potential of δ PAMs in diseases such as chronic pain and depression.