Involvement of Opioid Peptides in the Analgesic Effect of Spinal Cord Stimulation in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain / 神经科学通报·英文版

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)-induced analgesia was characterized, and its underlying mechanisms were examined in a spared nerve injury model of neuropathic pain in rats. The analgesic effect of SCS with moderate mechanical hypersensitivity was increased with increasing stimulation intensity between the 20% and 80% motor thresholds. Various frequencies (2, 15, 50, 100, 10000 Hz, and 2/100 Hz dense-dispersed) of SCS were similarly effective. SCS-induced analgesia was maintained without tolerance within 24 h of continuous stimulation. SCS at 2 Hz significantly increased methionine enkephalin content in the cerebrospinal fluid. The analgesic effect of 2 Hz was abolished by μ or κ opioid receptor antagonist. The effect of 100 Hz was prevented by a κ antagonist, and that of 10 kHz was blocked by any of the μ, δ, or κ receptor antagonists, suggesting that the analgesic effect of SCS at different frequencies is mediated by different endorphins and opioid receptors.

Role of nociceptin/orphanin FQ and nociceptin opioid peptide receptor in depression and antidepressant effects of nociceptin opioid peptide receptor antagonists

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor, nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor, are localized in brain areas implicated in depression including the amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, habenula, and monoaminergic nuclei in the brain stem. N/OFQ inhibits neuronal excitability of monoaminergic neurons and monoamine release from their terminals by activation of G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K⁺ channels and inhibition of voltage sensitive calcium channels, respectively. Therefore, NOP receptor antagonists have been proposed as a potential antidepressant. Indeed, mounting evidence shows that NOP receptor antagonists have antidepressant-like effects in various preclinical animal models of depression, and recent clinical studies again confirmed the idea that blockade of NOP receptor signaling could provide a novel strategy for the treatment of depression. In this review, we describe the pharmacological effects of N/OFQ in relation to depression and explore the possible mechanism of NOP receptor antagonists as potential antidepressants.

Opioid peptides and gastrointestinal symptoms in autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by deficits in the individual’s ability to socialize, communicate, and use the imagination, in addition to stereotyped behaviors. These disorders have a heterogenous phenotype, both in relation to symptoms and regarding severity. Organic problems related to the gastrointestinal tract are often associated with ASD, including dysbiosis, inflammatory bowel disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, celiac disease, indigestion, malabsorption, food intolerance, and food allergies, leading to vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition. In an attempt to explain the pathophysiology involved in autism, a theory founded on opioid excess has been the focus of various investigations, since it partially explains the symptomatology of the disorder. Another hypothesis has been put forward whereby the probable triggers of ASDs would be related to the presence of bacteria in the bowel, oxidative stress, and intestinal permeability. The present update reviews these hypotheses.

Metabolic effects of exercise on childhood obesity: a current view / Efeitos metabólicos do exercício físico na obesidade infantil: uma visão atual

OBJECTIVE: To review the current literature concerning the effects of physical exercise on several metabolic variables related to childhood obesity. DATA SOURCE: A search was performed in Pubmed/MEDLINE and Web of Science databases. The keywords used were as follows: Obesity, Children Obesity, Childhood Obesity, Exercise and Physical Activity. The online search was based on studies published in English, from April 2010 to December 2013. DATA SYNTHESIS: Search queries returned 88,393 studies based on the aforementioned keywords; 4,561 studies were selected by crossing chosen keywords. After applying inclusion criteria, four studies were selected from 182 eligible titles. Most studies found that aerobic and resistance training improves body composition, lipid profile and metabolic and inflammatory status of obese children and adolescents; however, the magnitude of these effects is associated with the type, intensity and duration of practice. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the type, physical exercise promotes positive adaptations to childhood obesity, mainly acting to restore cellular and cardiovascular homeostasis, to improve body composition, and to activate metabolism; therefore, physical exercise acts as a co-factor in fighting obesity. .

OBJETIVO: Revisar a literatura atual a respeito dos efeitos do exercício físico sobre diferentes variáveis metabólicas da obesidade infantil. FONTES DE DADOS: A pesquisa foi feita nas bases de dados Pubmed e Web of Science. Os descritores usados foram: obesity, children obesity, childhood obesity, exercise e physical activity. A pesquisa eletrônica foi feita com base nos estudos publicados de abril de 2010 a dezembro de 2013, em idioma inglês. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: O rastreamento dos estudos com os descritores encontrou 88.393. Após cruzamento entre os descritores, obtiveram-se 4.561. Desses, depois da análise dos títulos, foram cogitados 182 relevantes referências, submetidos então aos critérios de inclusão/exclusão, e totalizaram, no fim, 39. A maioria dos estudos relacionou a prática de exercícios físicos aeróbicos e resistidos à melhoria da composição corporal, à regulação do perfil lipídico e metabólico e ao estado inflamatório de crianças e adolescentes obesos. Entretanto, a magnitude dos efeitos está associada ao tipo, à intensidade e à duração da prática. CONCLUSÕES: O exercício físico, independentemente do tipo, mostra-se capaz de promover adaptações positivas sobre a obesidade infantil, principalmente por atuar na restauração da homeostase celular e sistema cardiovascular, na melhoria da composição corporal e também aumento da ativação metabólica. .

Maladaptive Behavior and Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: Various gastrointestinal factors may contribute to maladaptive behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). To determine the association between maladaptive behavior in children with ASD and gastrointestinal symptoms such as severity, intestinal microbiota, inflammation, enterocyte damage, permeability and absorption of opioid peptides. METHODS: This observational cross-sectional study compared children with ASD to healthy controls, aged 2-10 years. Maladaptive behavior was classified using the Approach Withdrawal Problems Composite subtest of the Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory. Dependent variables were gastrointestinal symptom severity index, fecal calprotectin, urinary D-lactate, urinary lactulose/mannitol excretion, urinary intestinal fatty acids binding protein (I-FABP) and urinary opioid peptide excretion. RESULTS: We did not find a significant difference between children with ASD with severe or mild maladaptive behavior and control subjects for gastrointestinal symptoms, fecal calprotectin, urinary D-lactate, and lactulose/mannitol ratio. Urinary opioid peptide excretion was absent in all children. Children with ASD with severe maladaptive behavior showed significantly higher urinary I-FABP levels compared to those with mild maladaptive behavior (p=0.019) and controls (p=0.015). CONCLUSION: In our series, maladaptive behavior in ASD children was not associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, intestinal inflammation (no difference in calprotectin), microbiota (no difference in urinary D-lactate) and intestinal permeability (no difference in lactulose/manitol ratio). ASD children with severe maladaptive behavior have significantly more enterocyte damage (increased urinary I-FABP) than ASD children with mild maladaptive behavior and normal children.

A aspirina, os opiáceos e a maconha no sistema endógeno de controle da dor / Aspirin, opiates and marijuana in the system of endogenous pain control

Tradução de Diego Molina e revisão do Prof. Dr. Luiz Roberto Giorgetti de Britto. O original em espanhol - "La aspirina, los opioides y la marijuana en el sistema endógeno de control del dolor" - encontra-se à disposição do leitor no Instituto de Estudos Avançados da USP para eventual consulta.

Effects of Co-Administration of Intrathecal Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ and Opioid Antagonists on Formalin-Induced Pain in Rats

PURPOSE: Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) as an endogeneous hexadecapeptide is known to exert antinociceptive effects spinally. The aims of this study were to demonstrate the antinociceptive effects of i.t. N/OFQ and to investigate the possible interaction between N/OFQ and endogenous opioid systems using selective opioid receptor antagonists in rat formalin tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: I.t. N/OFQ was injected in different doses (1-10 nmol) via a lumbar catheter prior to a 50 microL injection of 5% formalin into the right hindpaw of rats. Flinching responses were measured from 0-10 min (phase I, an initial acute state) and 11-60 min (phase II, a prolonged tonic state). To observe which opioid receptors are involved in the anti-nociceptive effect of i.t. N/OFQ in the rat-formalin tests, naltrindole (5-20 nmol), beta-funaltrexamine (1-10 nmol), and norbinaltorphimine (10 nmol), selective delta-, micro- and kappa-opioid receptor antagonists, respectively, were administered intrathecally 5 min after i.t. N/OFQ. RESULTS: I.t. N/OFQ attenuated the formalin-induced flinching responses in a dose-dependent manner in both phases I and II. I.t. administration of naltrindole and beta-funaltrexamine dose-dependently reversed the N/OFQ-induced attenuation of flinching responses in both phases; however, norbinaltorphimine did not. CONCLUSION: I.t. N/OFQ exerted an antinociceptive effect in both phases of the rat-formalin test through the nociceptin opioid peptide receptor. In addition, the results suggested that delta- and micro-opioid receptors, but not kappa-opioid receptors, are involved in the antinociceptive effects of N/OFQ in the spinal cord of rats.

Plasma concentrations of nociceptin/orphanin FQ: comparison of levels after general and neuraxial anesthesia for arthroscopic knee surgery / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is an endogenous opioid heptadecapeptide. Preclinically, the pharmacologic action of N/OFQ has been characterized for the treatment of pain in non-human primates. Clinically, the pharmacologic action of N/OFQ is unclear, and concentrations have only been measured under certain clinical conditions. The aims of this study were to measure the plasma concentrations of N/OFQ in different postoperative pain states and to identify the potential relationship between postoperative pain states and N/OFQ plasma concentrations. METHODS: Two groups of 14 patients scheduled for knee arthroscopy were included in this study. Postoperative pain in the first group (IV group) was controlled by intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA). Postoperative pain in the second group (ES group) was controlled by epidural patient-controlled analgesia (E-PCA) or the remnant analgesic effects of spinal anesthesia. Plasma concentrations of N/OFQ were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Numerical rating scale (NRS) scores were recorded for all patients. Differences between the two groups with regards to plasma concentrations of N/OFQ and NRS scores were evaluated by the Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of N/OFQ (mean +/- SD) were 70.4 +/- 128.0 pg/ml in the IV group and 19.2 +/- 43.4 pg/ml in the ES group. NRS scores (mean +/- SD) were 3.1 +/- 1.9 in the IV group and 0.5 +/- 1.1 in the ES group. The differences in plasma N/OFQ concentrations between groups were not significant (P = 0.06). NRS scores were significantly lower in the ES group as compared with the IV group (P = 0.0019). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma concentrations of N/OFQ increase in acute postoperative pain states, but are not correlated with the level of postoperative pain.

Opioides e o sistema imunológico: relevância clínica / Opioids and the immune system: clinical relevance / Los opioides y el sistema inmunológico: relevancia clínica

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: O crescente uso de opioides para o tratamento da dor é uma realidade em vários países. Com o aumento do uso aparecem questionamentos menos usuais, como a influência dos opioides nas respostas imunológicas. O presente estudo tem como objetivo detalhar a resposta imunológica explorando as influências dos efeitos dos opioides sobre a resposta inflamatória em situações experimentais e clínicas, bem como sua importância para a prática diária. CONTEÚDO: Após revisão de artigos publicados em revistas indexadas no Medline, foi descrita a resposta imunológica de forma geral, especialmente em seu aspecto celular. Após essa abordagem, foram identificados os mecanismos de liberação dos opioides endógenos e a modulação da resposta imune aos opioides exógenos na dor aguda e crônica, sempre finalizando com as implicações clínicas e sua aplicabilidade na rotina de atendimento. CONCLUSÕES: Embora vários estudos apontem para um efeito imunodepressor dos opioides, a relevância clínica dessas observações continua incerta e serve apenas como um prerrequisito para que novas investigações nessa área sejam conduzidas. Recomendações definitivas para a aplicação de opioides, nas mais variadas situações da prática clínica em relação às consequências imunológicas desses fármacos, ainda não podem ser dadas até o momento presente.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The increasing use of opioids for pain treatment is a reality in several countries and, therefore, unusual questions arise, such as the influence of opioids on immune responses. The present study aims to detail the immune response by exploring the influences of opiate effects on inflammatory response in experimental and clinical situations, as well as its importance in daily practice. CONTENT: After reviewing the articles published in journals indexed in Medline, we found that immune response has been generally described, especially regarding its cellular aspect. Following this approach, we identified the mechanisms of endogenous opioid release, modulation of immune response to exogenous opioids in acute and chronic pain, always ending with the clinical implications and applicability in routine care. CONCLUSIONS: Although several studies point to an immunosuppressive effect of opioids, the clinical relevance of these observations remains uncertain and only serves as a prerequisite for further investigations in this area. Definitive recommendations for the use of opioids in various situations of clinical practice regarding the immunological consequences of these drugs still cannot be provided until the present moment.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El creciente uso de opioides para el tratamiento del dolor es una realidad en varios países. Con el incremento de su uso van surgiendo cuestionamientos menos comunes, como la influencia de los opioides en las respuestas inmunológicas. El presente estudio tiene el objetivo de detallar la respuesta inmunológica explorando las influencias de los efectos de los opioides sobre la respuesta inflamatoria en situaciones experimentales y clínicas, como también su importancia para la práctica diaria. CONTENIDO: Después de la revisión de los artículos publicados en revistas indexadas en el Medline, se describió la respuesta inmunológica de forma general, especialmente en su aspecto celular. Después de ese abordaje, se identificaron los mecanismos de liberación de los opioides endógenos y la modulación de la respuesta inmune a los opioides exógenos en el dolor agudo y crónico, siempre finalizando con las implicaciones clínicas y con su aplicabilidad en la rutina de atención. CONCLUSIONES: Aunque varios estudios nos indiquen un efecto inmunodepresor de los opioides, la relevancia clínica de esas observaciones continúa sin conocerse por completo y solo sirve como un prerrequisito para que nuevas investigaciones en esa área puedan llegar a buen puerto. Las recomendaciones definitivas para la aplicación de los opioides en las más variadas situaciones de la práctica clínica con relación a las consecuencias inmunológicas de esos fármacos, todavía no han salido a la luz.

New perspective on the pathophysiology of panic: merging serotonin and opioids in the periaqueductal gray

Panic disorder patients are vulnerable to recurrent panic attacks. Two neurochemical hypotheses have been proposed to explain this susceptibility. The first assumes that panic patients have deficient serotonergic inhibition of neurons localized in the dorsal periaqueductal gray matter of the midbrain that organize defensive reactions to cope with proximal threats and of sympathomotor control areas of the rostral ventrolateral medulla that generate most of the neurovegetative symptoms of the panic attack. The second suggests that endogenous opioids buffer normal subjects from the behavioral and physiological manifestations of the panic attack, and their deficit brings about heightened suffocation sensitivity and separation anxiety in panic patients, making them more vulnerable to panic attacks. Experimental results obtained in rats performing one-way escape in the elevated T-maze, an animal model of panic, indicate that the inhibitory action of serotonin on defense is connected with activation of endogenous opioids in the periaqueductal gray. This allows reconciliation of the serotonergic and opioidergic hypotheses of panic pathophysiology, the periaqueductal gray being the fulcrum of serotonin-opioid interaction.

Orphanin FQ combined with adriamycin reverses multi-drug resistance of K562/ADM and its molecular mechanism / 中国实验血液学杂志

Our study have confirmed that orphanin FQ (OFQ) alone can reverse the multi-drug resistance of K562/ADM at the cellular level. Thus, this study was purposed to investigate the molecular mechanism of OFQ combined with ADM that reverses multi-drug resistance of K562/ADM, as well as its correlation with the expression of MDR1 mRNA and P-glycoprotein (P-gp). MTT method was used to detect the proliferation ability of K562/ADM treated with OFQ and ADM alone and their combination; flow cytometry was performed to measure the cell apoptosis rate; real time-PCR was applied to detect the MDR1 mRAN expression; Western blot was used to determine the P-gp expression. The results showed that OFQ (0.1 µmol/L) combined with ADM (15 mg/L) significantly inhibited the cell proliferation of K562/ADM, compared with ADM group; the date gained at 48 h was statistically significant (P < 0.05), and cell apoptosis rate was significantly raised (P < 0.01); MDR1 mRNA and P-gp expression levels of OFR combined with ADM were significantly lower than that of ADM alone, and were time-dependent within 48 h. It is concluded that OFQ combined with ADM can reverse the multi-drug resistance of K562/ADM in time-dependent manner, and the 48 h after treatment with these 2 drugs is the best reverse time, which may be related with down regulating the expression of MDR1 mRNA and P-gp.

Cultured human chromaffin cells grafted in spinal subarachnoid space relieves allodynia in a pain rat model / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Implantation of xenogenic chromaffin cells into the spinal subarachnoid space can produce analgesia in neuropathic pain models. However, transplantation of xenogeneic chromaffin cell has a potential risk of viral or bacterial infections from animals to humans including encephalopathy due to prion transmission. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of developing a homogeneic source of therapeutic chromaffin cells. METHODS: Anti-allodynic effects of human chromaffin cells (HCCs) were evaluated in a neuropathic pain model in rats induced by chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve. HCCs encapsulated with alginate-poly-L-lysine-alginate were intrathecally implanted into rats (n = 10), while empty capsules were intrathecally implanted as a control (n = 8). Levels of norepinephrine from encapsulated HCCs before and after nicotinic stimulation were measured. We then perfomed a behavior test (cold allodynia) with acetone. In addition, to assess the potential contribution to pain reduction of opioid peptides released from the HCCs, all animals were injected with naloxone. RESULTS: The concentration of norepinephrine after nicotine stimulation was significantly increased compared to basal levels. Intrathecal implantation of encapsulated HCCs, significantly reduced cold allodynia as compared to rats receiving empty capsules (P < 0.05). Fifteen minutes after the injection of naloxone, cold allodynia significantly decreased in rats with HCCs (P < 0.05), while the degree of cold allodynia in control animals was unaltered. CONCLUSIONS: From these results, it appears that HCCs have a possibility as an analgesic source for transplants delivering pain-reducing neuroactive substances.

Roles of Opioid Receptor Subtype in the Spinal Antinociception of Selective Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitor

BACKGROUND: Selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 are commonly used analgesics in various pain conditions. Although their actions are largely thought to be mediated by the blockade of prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis, evidences suggesting endogenous opioid peptide link in spinal antinociception of COX inhibitor have been reported. We investigated the roles of opioid receptor subtypes in the spinal antinociception of selective COX-2 inhibitor. METHODS: To examine the antinociception of a selective COX-2 inhibitor, DUP-697 was delivered through an intrathecal catheter, 10 minutes before the formalin test in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Then, the effect of intrathecal pretreatment with CTOP, naltrindole and GNTI, which are micro, delta and kappa opioid receptor antagonist, respectively, on the analgesia induced by DUP-697 was assessed. RESULTS: Intrathecal DUP-697 reduced the flinching response evoked by formalin injection during phase 1 and 2. Naltrindole and GNTI attenuated the antinociceptive effect of intrathecal DUP-697 during both phases of the formalin test. CTOP reversed the antinociception of DUP-697 during phase 2, but not during phase 1. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal DUP-697, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, effectively relieved inflammatory pain in rats. The delta and kappa opioid receptors are involved in the activity of COX-2 inhibitor on the facilitated state as well as acute pain at the spinal level, whereas the micro opioid receptor is related only to facilitated pain.

impact of long-lasting preemptive epidural analgesia before total hip replacement on the hormonal stress response. a prospective, randomized, double-blind study

Recent studies suggest that preemptive analgesia may be effective in reducing postoperative pain. One physiologic explanation may be interference with the endogenous opioid response. We investigated whether long-lasting preoperative preemptive analgesia may have an effect on the hormonal stress response after total hip replacement. 42 patients scheduled for elective hip replacement for coxarthrosis were randomized to receive, on the day before the operation, either 5 ml*h[-1] ropivacaine 0.2% [study group, n=21] or 5 ml*h[-1] saline [control group, n=21]. Postoperative analgesia was achieved in both groups by patient-controlled epidural analgesia [PCEA] with ropivacaine 0.2%. The main outcome measure was the concentration of authentic beta-endorphin [1-31] in plasma up to 4 days after surgery. Additional parameters included concentrations of adrenocorticotrope hormone and cortisol. Both groups were comparable concerning preoperative parameters and pain scores. Epidural blocks were sufficient in all patients for operative analgesia. Preemptive analgesia was performed for 11-20 hours in both groups and led to significantly decreased pain scores before surgery. Preemptive analgesia with epidural ropivacaine did not lead to decreased concentrations of beta-endorphin [1-31] before the start of surgery or in the postoperative period. Furthermore, no differences could be detected in the time course of beta-endorphin and adrenocorticotrope hormone after surgery. However, cortisol concentrations differed significantly between groups before the operation, but showed a comparable rise after surgery. Differences in postoperative pain after preemptive analgesia do not seem to be due to an altered endogenous opioid response

Central administration of Orphanin FQ inhibits GnRH secretion by ORL1 receptor in the median eminence of freely moving ovariectomized rats / 神经科学通报·英文版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study aimed to investigate the possible role of Orphanin FQ (OFQ) in the regulation of hypo-thalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The method of push-pull perfusion and radioimmuno-assay (RIA) were adopted to examine the secretory profile of GnRH in the median eminence (ME) in freely moving ovari-ectomized (OVX) rats after intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of OFQ and/or [Nphe(1)]NC(1-13)NH(2) (NC13), a competitive antagonists of the opioid receptor-like 1 receptor (ORL1 receptor).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>GnRH release from ME significantly decreased from 40 min to 80 min after the administration of 20 and 200 nmol OFQ in OVX rats (P < 0.05). This inhibitory effect of 20 nmol OFQ could be abolished by pretreatment with equal dose of NC13. More interestingly, GnRH secretion from ME was increased markedly 60 min after icv injection of 100 and 200 nmol NC13 (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results suggested central administration of OFQ could inhibit the release of GnRH in the ME of hypothalamus through ORL1 receptor, providing further in vivo evidence supporting the role of OFQ in the control of GnRH secretion.</p>

Inhibition of N/OFQ on transient outward potassium currents in acutely dissociated rat cerebral parietal cortical neurons / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>AIM</b>To study the effect of Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) on transient outward potassium (I(A)) in rat cerebral cortical neurons and its kinetic mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The effects of N/OFQ on I(A) were investigated by using the whole cell patch clamp technique in acutely dissociated rat cerebral cortical neurons.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) At the voltage of + 60 mV, 0.1 micromol/L N/OFQ made I(A) decreased from (5356.1 +/- 361.6) pA to (4113.3 +/- 312.7) pA (P < 0.01, n = 10) and the percent inhibition was 23.2% +/- 2.2%. (2) (N/OFQ made I-V curve of I(A) decreased significantly (P < 0.01, n = 10).(3) 0.1 micromol/L N/OFQ shifted the activation curve of I(A) to positive potential from (-9.2 +/- 2.5)mV to (30.6 +/- 3.7) mV (P < 0.01, n = 8) and changed the slope factor(kappa) of the activation curve from (20.4 +/- 2.3) mV to (22.6 +/- 2.1) mV (P > 0.05, n = 8). (4) 0.1 micromol/L N/OFQ caused a significant hyperpolarizing shift of the inactivation curve from (-64.1 +/- 3.2) mV to (-55.9 +/- 1.9) mV (P < 0.05, n = 5), without significant effect on kappa of the inactivation curve.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>0.1 micromol/L N/OFQ has a significant inhibition on I(A) and shift the activation and inactivation curve to depolarization in cerebral parietal cortical neurons of rats.</p>

Neurotransmitters - a biochemical view

The neurotransmission at most if not all synapses is chemical and is of great biochemical, physiological and pharmacological importance. Neurons communicate with each other at synapses by a process called synaptic transmission which is the release of small quantities of chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters that alter the electrical activity of neurons after they interact with receptors on post-synaptic cell surfaces. This review gives a biochemical view on the nature of neurotransmitters and presents the biochemical chart and the medical relevance of the most important neurotransmitters

Nociceptin/orphanin and substance P concentrations in critically III patients with sepsis

Sepsis is estimated to affect eighteen million people worldwide each year and kill 1, 400 people each day. Sepsis affects about 700, 000 people annually in the United States alone. The neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin [N/OFQ] and substance P [SP] are two neuropathies involved in control of pain pathways. They have been implicated in neural, immune, inflammatory process and cardiovascular system function. In this study we evaluated the N/OFQ plasma levels and SP serum levels in critically ill patients with severe sepsis. Blood samples were collected from twenty patients with the diagnosis of severe sepsis. They were admitted in the intensive care unit. Plasma N/OFQ concentrations were determined by radio immunoassay. SP in the serum was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Samples were collected within twenty four hours of diagnosis of sepsis in all cases. Another set of samples were collected in nine patients before death [non-survivors] and eleven patient upon recovery from severe sepsis [survivors]. The results revealed significant high levels of N/OFQ in patients with severe sepsis [non-survivors] compared with the other group of survivors [p<0.031]. The levels were significantly high in cases near death [non-survivors] compared to the survivors [p<0.012] near recovery. SP levels were significantly high in sepsis non-survivors compared to survivors [p<0.001] and significantly elevated in non-survivors before death compared to survivors near recovery [p<0.001]. Plasma N/OFQ and Serum SP, concentrations were increased in critically ill patients with sepsis and more elevated in patients who subsequently died. These two neuropeptides represent an important item for further studies to confirm their prognostic value as predictive indicators of lethal outcome or recovery. Also this study invites more work to determine the neuroendocrine system critical role in the pathogenesis of sepsis

role of morphine dependence on the level of anxiety in rat

The effects of acute and chronic exposures to opiate drugs on anxiety process are controversial. Acute morphine injection showed the beneficial effects on anxiety. Morphine withdrawal induced severe anxiety response in morphine dependence rats. Whereas, the effects of chronic administrations of morphine on anxiety process are less studied. Furthermore, this study was designed to assess the role of morphine dependence on the level of anxiety in Rat. In this experimental study, Twenty male Wistar rats [250-300 gr] were made dependent by chronic administration of morphine in drinking water that lasted at least 21 days. Control groups received only sucrose in their water. This study utilized the elevated plus-maze model to evaluate anxiogenic-like behavior in rats. Four fundamental behavior patterns were recorded for 5 minutes: the time spent on open arms, the number of entries into open arms, stretched-attend posture and defecation. Immediately after test, the locomotor activity of each animal was tested by using an automated activity monitor system. The data were analyzed by independent t-test and two-way analysis of variance [ANOVA]. Finding indicated that the time spent on open arms and the numbers of entries into open arms were significantly shorter in morphine dependence group than control group [P < 0.05]. Also, the numbers of stretched-attend posture and defecation were significantly higher in morphine group [P < 0.05]. Whereas, there were no significant differences between groups in locomotor activity. This study showed that dependent rats may rapidly predispose anxiogenic- like effects in stressful conditions and without the effect on motor activity

Peripheral injection of dexamethasone modulates anxiety related behaviors in mice: an interaction with opioidergic neurons

Stress and anxiety initiates a cascade of biochemical and endocrine event which results in behavioral and electrophysiological effects in both animals and humans. In this study, we investigated the effects of dexamethasone [DEX], as a synthetic glucocorticoid, and its interaction with opioidergic system on anxiety related behavior in mice. Young adult male mice were used in this study. A standard elevated plus-maze was used to determine anxiety levels in animal. Different doses of DEX [0.1, 0.5, 1, 2 and 10 mg/kg, SC] or vehicle was injected 30 min before of evaluation. Naloxone [1 and 2 mg/kg, IP] was injected 5 min before the DEX [0.5 and 1 mg/kg] administration. Results indicated that DEX at doses of 0.5 and 1 reduced and in dose of 10 mg/kg increased anxiety related behaviors significantly [P < 0.05 in all cases]. Also pretreatment of naloxone at doses of 1 and 2 mg/kg attenuated the effects of lower doses of DEX on anxiety related behaviors. Finding above indicated that peripheral administration of glucoc orticoids induces biphasic effects on anxiety related behaviors: anxiolytic effects in lower doses and anxiogenic effects in a high dose. Data also revealed an involvement of opioidergic system in anxiolytic effects of glucocorticoids