Dynorphin-related peptides cause motor dysfunction in the rat through a non-opiate action.
We compared effects on motor function of four peptides belonging to the dynorphin family--dynorphin-(1-17) (DYN-(1-17], dynorphin-(1-13) (DYN-(1-13], dynorphin-(1-8) (DYN-(1-8] and alpha-neo-endorphin (alpha NE). After intrathecal administration, each of these peptides produced dose-related, flaccid, hindlimb paralysis, with the order of potency being DYN-(1-17) greater than DYN-(1-13) greater than alpha NE congruent to DYN-(1-8). This motor dysfunction was not reversed or blocked by the opiate receptor antagonist naloxone and was not produced by a variety of other kappa-selective agonists. However, paralysis was produced by des-Tyr-dynorphin (DYN-(2-17], which does not act at the opioid receptor. Taken together, the present studies show that dynorphin-related peptides, uniquely amongst opioids, produce motor dysfunction, an action which does not appear to be mediated by opioid receptors.
D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004399:Dynorphins; D004723:Endorphins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D009270:Naloxone / Q000494:pharmacology; D010243:Paralysis / Q000139:chemically induced; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D004723:Endorphins; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D009270:Naloxone; D004399:Dynorphins