Behavioral and neurobiological effects of the enkephalinase inhibitor RB101 relative to its antidepressant effects
by
Jutkiewicz EM, Torregrossa MM, Sobczyk-Kojiro K, Mosberg HI,
Folk JE, Rice KC, Watson SJ, Woods JH.
1301 Medical Science Research Building III,
Department of Pharmacology,
University of Michigan Medical School,
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0632, United States.
Eur J Pharmacol. 2006 Jan 24;

ABSTRACT

Nonpeptidic delta-opioid receptor agonists produce antidepressant-like effects in rodents, and compounds that inhibit the breakdown of endogenous opioid peptides have antidepressant-like effects in animal models. In this study, the behavioral effects of the enkephalinase inhibitor, RB101 (N-[(R, S)-2-benzyl-3-[(S)(2-amino-4-methyl-thio)-butyldithio]-1-oxopropyl]-l-phenylalanine benzyl ester), were examined. Specifically, the effects of RB101 on convulsive activity, locomotor activity, and antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test were studied in Sprague-Dawley rats, and the opioid receptor types mediating these effects were examined by antagonist studies. In addition, the effects of RB101 on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression were evaluated in relation to its antidepressant effects. RB101 produced delta-opioid receptor-mediated antidepressant effects (32 mg/kg i.v. and 100 mg/kg i.p.) and increased locomotor activity (32 mg/kg i.v.) in rats. RB101 did not produce convulsions or seizures and did not alter BDNF mRNA expression. In conclusion, RB101 has the potential to produce antidepressant effects without convulsions.

Opioids
Cannabis
Delta agonists
Buprenorphine
Pain and depression
Prozac as a painkiller
Psychoactive aspirin?
CCK and enkephalinase
Opioids and psychostimulants
Antidepressants for pain-relief
Is morphine an antidepressant?
Imipramine and the delta opioid receptors
Morphine: a mood-brightening smart-drug?
Paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat), pain and the opioid system
Tricyclic antidepressants as long-acting local anesthetics

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