Synthesis and antinociceptive effects of endomorphin-1 analogs with C-terminal linked by oligoarginine

Endomorphins (EMs) cannot be delivered into the central nervous system (CNS) in sufficient quantity to elicit antinociception when given systemically because they are severely restricted by the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In the present study, we investigated herein a series of EM-1 analogs with C-terminal linked by oligoarginine in order to improve the brain delivery and antinociception after systemic administration. Indeed, all these analogs decreased the opioid receptor affinity and in vitro pharmacological activity. Moreover, analogs 4, 7–9 produced a less potent antinociceptive activity after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration, with the ED50 values about 11- to 13-fold lower potencies than that of EM-1. Nevertheless, our results revealed that EM-1 failed to induce any significant antinociception at a dose of 50 μmol/kg after subcutaneous (s.c.) administration, whereas equimolar dose of these four analogs produced a little low but significant antinociceptive effects. Naloxone (10 nmol/kg, i.c.v.) significantly blocked the antinociceptive effects, indicating an opioid and central mechanism. These results demonstrated that C-terminal of EM-1 linked to oligoarginine improved the brain delivery, eliciting potent antinociception following peripheral administration.

Research highlights▶ The oligoarginine vectors can enhance intracellular and the BBB delivery. ▶ EM-1 analogs with C-terminal linked by oligoarginine attenuated μ-opioid affinity. ▶ Analogs 4, 7–9 showed central antinociception following peripheral injection. ▶ The antinociception is due in part to an improvement in brain delivery.