A bivalent ligand (KDN-21) reveals spinal delta and kappa opioid receptors are organized as heterodimers that give rise to delta(1) and kappa(2) phenotypes. Selective targeting of delta-kappa heterodimers

J Med Chem. 2004 Jun 3;47(12):2969-72. doi: 10.1021/jm0342358.

Abstract

In view of recent pharmacological studies suggesting the existence of delta-kappa opioid receptor heterodimers/oligomers in the spinal cord, we have synthesized and evaluated (intrathecally in mice) a series of bivalent ligands (KDN series) containing kappa and delta antagonist pharmacophores. Pharmacological and binding data have provided evidence for the bridging of spinal delta-kappa receptor heterodimers by KDN-21 and for their identification as delta(1) and kappa(2). The selectivity profile of KDN-21 and the apparent absence of coupled delta(1)-kappa(2) phenotypes in the brain suggest a new approach for targeting receptors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Mice
  • Naltrexone / analogs & derivatives*
  • Naltrexone / chemical synthesis*
  • Naltrexone / chemistry
  • Naltrexone / pharmacology
  • Oligopeptides / chemical synthesis*
  • Oligopeptides / chemistry
  • Oligopeptides / pharmacology
  • Phenotype
  • Receptors, Opioid, delta / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Opioid, delta / metabolism
  • Receptors, Opioid, kappa / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Opioid, kappa / metabolism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • KDN 21
  • Ligands
  • Oligopeptides
  • Receptors, Opioid, delta
  • Receptors, Opioid, kappa
  • Naltrexone
  • naltrindole