Novel peptide-fentanyl analogue conjugates were synthesized by the covalent coupling of carfentanyl derivatives to the C-terminus or N-terminus of the conformationally constrained dermorphin tetrapeptide BVD03 via a c...Novel peptide-fentanyl analogue conjugates were synthesized by the covalent coupling of carfentanyl derivatives to the C-terminus or N-terminus of the conformationally constrained dermorphin tetrapeptide BVD03 via a chemical linker.The carfentanyl-related analogues displayed distinct binding and functional activities atμ/δopioid receptors(MOR/DOR)and antinociceptive effects when conjugated to the peptide.The most potent compound,SW-LJ-11,displayed mixed MOR/DOR agonist properties in the low nanomolar range and significant analgesic efficacy in vivo in four classic mouse models of pain.Interestingly,SW-LJ-11 did not exhibit any physical dependence or respiratory depression,in contrast to an equipotent analgesic dose of morphine or BVD03,indicating that the use of opioid peptide-fentanyl analogue conjugates as dual MOR/DOR agonists may be a promising strategy for obtaining safer opioids.展开更多
文摘Novel peptide-fentanyl analogue conjugates were synthesized by the covalent coupling of carfentanyl derivatives to the C-terminus or N-terminus of the conformationally constrained dermorphin tetrapeptide BVD03 via a chemical linker.The carfentanyl-related analogues displayed distinct binding and functional activities atμ/δopioid receptors(MOR/DOR)and antinociceptive effects when conjugated to the peptide.The most potent compound,SW-LJ-11,displayed mixed MOR/DOR agonist properties in the low nanomolar range and significant analgesic efficacy in vivo in four classic mouse models of pain.Interestingly,SW-LJ-11 did not exhibit any physical dependence or respiratory depression,in contrast to an equipotent analgesic dose of morphine or BVD03,indicating that the use of opioid peptide-fentanyl analogue conjugates as dual MOR/DOR agonists may be a promising strategy for obtaining safer opioids.