A spider derived peptide, PnPP-19, induces central antinociception mediated by opioid and cannabinoid systems

Some peptides purified from the venom of the spider Phoneutria nigriventer have been identified as potential sources of drugs for pain treatment. In this study, we characterized the antinociceptive effect of the peptide PnPP-19 on the central nervous system and investigated the possible involvement of opioid and cannabinoid systems in its action mechanism. Methods Nociceptive threshold to thermal stimulation was measured according to the tail-flick test in Swiss mice. All drugs were administered by the intracerebroventricular route. Results PnPP-19 induced central antinociception in mice in the doses of 0.5 and 1 g. The non-selective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (2.5 and 5 g), -opioid receptor antagonist clocinnamox (2 and 4 g), -opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole (6 and 12 g) and CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (2 and 4 g) partially inhibited the antinociceptive effect of PnPP-19 (1 g). Additionally, the anandamide amidase inhibitor MAFP (0.2 g), the anandamide uptake inhibitor VDM11 (4 g) and the aminopeptidase inhibitor bestatin (20 g) significantly enhanced the antinociception induced by a low dose of PnPP-19 (0.5 g). In contrast, the -opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (10 g and 20 g) and the CB2 receptor antagonist AM630 (2 and 4 g) do not appear to be involved in this effect. Conclusions PnPP-19-induced central antinociception involves the activation of CB1 cannabinoid, - and -opioid receptors. Mobilization of endogenous opioids and cannabinoids might be required for the activation of those receptors, since inhibitors of endogenous substances potentiate the effect of PnPP-19. Our results contribute to elucidating the action of the peptide PnPP-19 in the antinociceptive pathway.

A spider derived peptide, PnPP-19, induces central antinociception mediated by opioid and cannabinoid systems

Background: Some peptides purified from the venom of the spider Phoneutria nigriventer have been identified as potential sources of drugs for pain treatment. In this study, we characterized the antinociceptive effect of the peptide PnPP-19 on the central nervous system and investigated the possible involvement of opioid and cannabinoid systems in its action mechanism. Methods: Nociceptive threshold to thermal stimulation was measured according to the tail-flick test in Swiss mice. All drugs were administered by the intracerebroventricular route.Results: PnPP-19 induced central antinociception in mice in the doses of 0.5 and 1 µg. The non-selective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (2.5 and 5 µg), µ-opioid receptor antagonist clocinnamox (2 and 4 µg), δ-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole (6 and 12 µg) and CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (2 and 4 µg) partially inhibited the antinociceptive effect of PnPP-19 (1 µg). Additionally, the anandamide amidase inhibitor MAFP (0.2 µg), the anandamide uptake inhibitor VDM11 (4 µg) and the aminopeptidase inhibitor bestatin (20 µg) significantly enhanced the antinociception induced by a low dose of PnPP-19 (0.5 µg). In contrast, the κ-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (10 µg and 20 µg) and the CB2 receptor antagonist AM630 (2 and 4 µg) do not appear to be involved in this effect. Conclusions: PnPP-19-induced central antinociception involves the activation of CB1 cannabinoid, µ- and δ-opioid receptors. Mobilization of endogenous opioids and cannabinoids might be required for the activation of those receptors, since inhibitors of endogenous substances potentiate the effect of PnPP-19. Our results contribute to elucidating the action of the peptide PnPP-19 in the antinociceptive pathway.(AU)

Inhibition of apical root resorption by calcium hydroxide during orthodontic treatment: a case report

Apical root resorption is a common outcome of orthodontic treatment. The present article reports a case of absence of apical root resorption in a left maxillary lateral incisor filled with calcium hydroxide paste throughout orthodontic movement. After orthodontic treatment was completed the tooth was subsequently obturated with gutta-percha and the patient followed for 18 months. The presence of a periapical lesion and the properties of calcium hydroxide as a root resorption inhibitor were decisive for such an approach in the presented case. Also, the role played by the vital dental pulp in the resorptive process was discussed.