MCRT, a chimeric peptide based on morphiceptin and PFRTic-NH₂, regulates the depressor effects induced by endokinin...

The interactions of the chimeric peptide MCRT (YPFPFRTic-NH₂), based on morphiceptin and neuropeptide FF derivative PFRTic-NH₂, on the effects of endokinin A/B (EKA/B) on mean arterial blood pressure of the urethane-anaesthetized rat have been investigated in the absence and presence of tachykinin receptor antagonists, naloxone and NO synthase inhibitors. While MCRT produced dose dependent decreases in mean arterial pressure, in its presence only a small but statistically insignificant decreases in the magnitude and the time course of the depressor effect of EKA/B (10nmol/kg) were observed. MCRT had little influence on the depressor effect of EKA/B (1 nmol/kg), but strongly potentiated that of EKA/B (100nmol/kg). The tachykinin NK₁ receptor antagonist SR140333B (1mg/kg) and the NK₃ antagonist SR142891 (2.79mg/kg) both reduced the hypotensive effects of EKA/B and MCRT alone and blocked those of the two peptides in combination. The NK₂ antagonist GR159897 (4mg/kg) partially blocked the depressor effects of EKA/B and MCRT alone. Naloxone (2mg/kg) completely blocked the depressor effect of MCTR, but partially blocked that of EKA/B. The NO synthase inhibitor l-NAME (50mg/kg) partially blocked the depressor effects of EKA/B, MCRT, and EKA/B + MCRT. These results could help to better understand the role of tachykinin receptors, opioid receptors and neuropeptide FF receptors in cardiovascular system.