title: Rapid in vivo metabolism of a methylether derivative of (+/-)-BW373U86: the metabolic fate of [3H]SNC121 in rats.
abstract: Activation of opioid delta receptors produces antinociception without some of the side-effects associated with activation of mu and kappa receptors. (+/-)-BW373U86 [(+/-)-4-[(alpha-R*)-alpha-((2S*,5R*)-4-allyl-2, 5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-hydroxybenzyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide] is a first generation, racemic nonpeptide, partially delta-selective opioid agonist that produces short-lived antinocioception. After systemic, but not central, administration, (+/-)-BW373U86 is also a naltrindole-reversible convulsant. SNC80 [(+)-4-[9-alpha-R)-alpha-((2S,5RO-4-allyl-2, 5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-methoxybenzyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide] is a chiral methylether derivative of (+/-)-BW373U86 with decreased potency, but greater selectivity for the delta-opioid receptor. Like BW373U86, SNC80 produces brief, nonlethal seizures when administered peripherally, albeit at higher doses. Radiolabeling of SNC80 yields a compound with similar pharmacology named [3H]SNC121. [3H]SNC121 was investigated to determine the relationship between its time course of metabolism and the physiological actions of SNC80. The biotransformation of i.p. administered [3H]SNC121 was established in rats in vivo and in vitro via high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of extracted radioactive tissues and fluids. Radioactive equivalents were characterized by their high-performance liquid chromatography retention times and opioid binding activity in rat brain membranes. The kidney, and especially the liver (within 5 min), rapidly metabolize SNC121 to a metabolite with delta-opioid activity coeluting with BW373U86. Direct i.c.v. administration of [3H]SNC121 resulted in minimal metabolism after 1 hr. We conclude that i.p., but not i.c.v., administered [3H]SNC121 can be metabolized rapidly and substantially by the liver to a BW373U86-like compound. The in vivo time course of metabolism after i.p. administration of [3H]SNC121 is consistent with the duration of SNC80 antinociception, and the rapid formation of a BW373U86-like metabolite may also account, in part, for its convulsant properties.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, USA.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Schetz
authors.forename: S N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Calderon
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Bertha
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rice
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Porreca
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001549:Benzamides / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000378:metabolism; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D007276:Injections, Intraventricular; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D010879:Piperazines / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014316:Tritium
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D001549:Benzamides; D010879:Piperazines; D014316:Tritium; C083877:BW 373U86; C102990:SNC 121