title: Structure-activity relationships of dermorphin synthetic analogues.
abstract: A number of dermorphin analogues have been reviewed for antinociceptive activity after systemic administration. Analgesic peptides as potent as or more potent than dermorphin are found among the hepta- and tetrapeptide analogues, probably because of enhanced stability towards carboxyldipeptidases imparted by the Pro6 and D-Ala2 residues lying on the right and left side, respectively, of the point of cleavage. Hexapeptide analogues are practically inactive. [D-Arg2]derivatives are very potent, particularly in the tetrapeptide series. In binding studies dermorphin behaves as a pure opioid agonist, with a marked affinity and selectivity for the mu-type opioid receptors. In the heptapeptide analogues a direct correlation seems to exist between mu-selectivity and "sodium shift," and between lipophilicity and MVD/GPI potency ratio.
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000700:Analgesics; D000818:Animals; D001681:Biological Assay; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006728:Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D051379:Mice; D009020:Morphine / Q000494:pharmacology; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D018847:Opioid Peptides; D051381:Rats; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D006728:Hormones; D009842:Oligopeptides; D018847:Opioid Peptides; C030058:dermorphin; D009020:Morphine