[Des-Tyr1]dynorphin A-(2-17) has naloxone-insensitive antinociceptive effect in the writhing assay

The dynorphin family of peptides stands out among the opioids in that its members are not antinociceptive after central administration in the common antinociceptive assays. In addition, reports of spinal antinociception have been conflicting. We have tested the antinociceptive activity of i.v. dynorphin A-(1-13) in the writhing assay and have found it to be very potent, with an ED50 of 1.0 (0.99-1.02) mumol/kg. Remarkably, [des-tyr1]dyn A-(2-17) was equally active with an ED50 of 1.1 (0.99-1.20). This activity was also retained by several smaller, non-opioid dynorphin A fragments and was not affected by the presence of either 50 mumol/kg naloxone or 20 mumol/kg Nor-BNI. Further, ED50 values were not different in morphine-dependent mice. The peak effect of dyn A-(1-13) and A-(2-17) was observed 5 min after administration and the effect of dyn A-(1-13) or dyn A-(2-17) was still measurable 1 hr after i.v. administration with a 5- to 6-fold increase in ED50 at this time. The ED50 values after i.c.v. and i.t. administration of dyn A-(1-13) were similar to those reported previously. Dyn A(2-17) was also effective by these routes with ED50 values not significantly different from those of dyn A-(1-13). Both dyn A-(1-13) and A-(2-17) were also active when injected i.p., whereas ED50 values increased substantially after s.c. administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)