Dermorphin tetrapeptide analogs as potent and long-lasting analgesics with pharmacological profiles distinct from morphine

Abstract

Dermorphin (Tyr-d-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH(2)) is a heptapeptide isolated from amphibian skin. With a very high affinity and selectivity for μ-opioid receptors, dermorphin shows an extremely potent antinociceptive effect. The structure-activity relationship studies of dermorphin analogs clearly suggest that the N-terminal tetrapeptide is the minimal sequence for agonistic activity at μ-opioid receptors, and that the replacement of the d-Ala(2) residue with d-Arg(2) makes the tetrapeptides resistant to enzymatic metabolism. At present, only a handful of dermorphin N-terminal tetrapeptide analogs containing d-Arg(2) have been developed. The analogs show potent antinociceptive activity that is greater than that of morphine with various injection routes, and retain high affinity and selectivity for μ-opioid receptors. Interestingly, some analogs show pharmacological profiles that are distinct from the traditional μ-opioid receptor agonists morphine and [d-Ala(2),NMePhe(4),Gly-ol(5)]enkephalin (DAMGO). These analogs stimulate the release of dynorphins through the activation of μ-opioid receptors. The activation of κ-opioid receptors by dynorphins is suggested to reduce the side effects of μ-opioid receptor agonists, e.g., dependence or antinociceptive tolerance. The dermorphin N-terminal tetrapeptide analogs containing d-Arg(2) may provide a new target molecule for developing novel analgesics that have fewer side effects.