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N M Lee

Publications and source records attributed to N M Lee.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Characterization of high affinity opioid binding sites in rat periaqueductal gray P2 membrane.

The periaqueductal gray (PAG) region of the midbrain has been implicated in both stimulation produced and opioid induced analgesia. In the present study the opioid binding characteristics of the PAG were examined with an in vitro radioligand binding technique. [3H]Ethylketocyclazocine (EKC), 2 nM, was used as a tracer ligand to nonselectively label mu, delta, and kappa binding sites in PAG enriched P2 membrane. The mu selective ligand [D-Ala2,N-methylPhe4,Glyol5]enkephalin (DAGO) competed with [3H]EKC for more than one population of binding sites with both high and low affinity. In contrast the delta selective ligand [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE) and the kappa selective ligand trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1- pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]benzeneacetamide, methane sulfonate, hydrate (U50,488H) each competed with [3H]EKC for a single population of binding sites with low affinity. DPDPE and U50,488H also competed with 2 nM [3H]DAGO for a single population of binding sites with similar low affinity. DAGO and not DPDPE competed with 2 nM [3H][D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE) with high affinity. 2 nM [3H]DPDPE did not substantially label PAG enriched P2 membrane, and 1 nM DAGO competed with all specific [3H]DPDPE binding which was observed. These binding data are consistent with the presence of a single population of mu selective high affinity binding sites in PAG enriched P2 membrane to which delta ligands and kappa ligands have low affinity.

3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cycloh↗
PubMed1989

Molecular characterization of a new immunoglobulin superfamily protein with potential roles in opioid binding and cell contact.

A purified opioid-binding protein has been characterized by cDNA cloning. The cDNA sequence predicts an extracellularly located glycoprotein of 345 amino acids. This protein does not possess a membrane-spanning domain but contains a C-terminal hydrophobic sequence characteristic of membrane attachment by a phosphatidylinositol linkage. It displays homology to the immunoglobulin protein superfamily, featuring three domains that resemble disulfide-bonded constant regions. More specifically, the protein is most homologous to a subfamily of proteins which includes the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and one subgroup of the tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors comprising the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGF R), the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1 R) and the c-kit protooncogene. These sequence homologies suggest that the protein could be involved in either cell recognition and adhesion, peptidergic ligand binding or both.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1989

Computer analysis of the effect of beta-endorphin and dynorphin and related compounds on opioid binding to mouse brain membrane.

The binding of three tritiated opioid agonists--dihydromorphine, D-ala2-D-leu5-enkephalin and ethylketocyclazocine--was subjected to competition by unlabeled beta-endorphin, dynorphin-(1-13), and various fragments of these peptides, and the results analyzed by a computer program that we developed in an earlier study [11]. Peptides in both groups bound with highest affinity to sites 1 and 3 in our 4-site model, corresponding to the mu and delta sites of conventional classifications, with the dynorphin peptides also interacting with site 2, the kappa site. These results are discussed in relationship to the possible biological roles of these peptides as analgesics or as modulators of analgesia.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

A monoclonal antibody that inhibits opioid binding to rat brain membranes.

To understand the structure-function relationship and to probe the molecular characteristics of the purified opioid receptor, monoclonal antibodies (mab) were raised against a purified opioid receptor protein. After intensive screening of almost 1500 hybridoma cell lines, only 7 clones were shown to have very high immunoreactivity against the purified receptor. Moreover, out of these 7 clones, only 2, 3B4F11 and 3A27G, were found to inhibit the ligand binding property of the mu-opioid receptor. The mab 3B4F11 was found to inhibit 3H-diprenorphine binding to the purified receptor in a dose dependent manner with a maximal inhibition of 100% achieved with 20 micrograms of the antibody. Likewise, Fab fragments prepared from the mabs 3B4F11 inhibited 3H-diprenorphine binding to P2 membranes in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, it was found that the binding of 3H-DAGO, 3H-DPDPE and 3H-EKC was inhibited with approximately equal potency, suggesting that the Fabs prepared from the mab 3B4F11 interact with all 3 receptor types.

3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cycloh↗
PubMed1988

Dynorphin A-(1-13) attenuates withdrawal in morphine-dependent rats: effect of route of administration.

Rats were made tolerant to morphine by subcutaneous implantation of morphine alkaloid pellets. Three days after pellet implantation, withdrawal was induced by pellet removal and was assessed 6 h later. Immediately prior to withdrawal assessment, rats were injected with dynorphin A-(1-13) either i.th. (via a catheter), i.c.v. (via a cannula) or i.v. (via the tail vein). When administered i.th. in the dose range 1.25-5 nmol/rat, dynorphin A-(1-13) attenuated withdrawal over the 40 min observation period. Similarly, dynorphin A-(1-13) administered i.v. (37.5-150 nmol/kg) attenuated withdrawal, though only over the first 20 min following administration. Dynorphin A-(1-13) up to 10 nmol/rat had no effect on withdrawal scores. These data indicate that dynorphin acts at spinal sites to suppress withdrawal in morphine-dependent rats and may play a role in tolerance and dependence mechanisms.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Different molecular weight forms of opioid receptors revealed by polyclonal antibodies.

Polyclonal antibodies were raised against a purified opioid receptor from bovine brain (Cho, et. al., 1986), and shown to inhibit 3H-diprenorphine binding to this receptor in a dose-dependent fashion. These antibodies were then used to characterize opioid-binding material present in rat brain and in NG108-15 neuroblastoma-glioma hybrid cells. Western blot analysis revealed that the antibodies reacted with a single species of 58,000 molecular weight in rat brain membranes; this closely corresponds in size to the bovine opioid receptor used to raise the antibodies. In contrast, the polyclonal antibodies reacted with a 45,000 molecular weight species in NG108-15 neuroblastoma-glioma hybrid cells; moreover, this band was specifically reduced in NG108-15 cells in which opioid receptors had been down-regulated by incubation with D-ala2-D-leu5-enkephalin for 24 hours. Thus at least two distinct opioid receptor molecules have been identified, which have antigenic similarities.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Pharmacology of dynorphin.

Like other opioids, the dynorphins play a role in wide variety of physiological parameters, including pain regulation, motor activity, cardiovascular regulation, respiration, temperature regulation, feeding behavior, hormone balance, and the response to shock or stress. The dynorphins are unusual if not unique, however, in that they frequently modulate the activity of other opioids, rather than having direct effects themselves. Thus, they are not analgesic in brain, yet they antagonize opioid analgesia in naive animals and potentiate it in tolerant animals. They have little or no effect by themselves on temperature regulation or respiration, but they enhance the acute effects of morphine on these parameters. Their beneficial effects on stroke are like those of opioid antagonists rather than like agonists. Consistent with such a wide variety of physiological effects, the dynorphins bind to all three of the major opioid receptor types in brain, mu, delta, and kappa, though they exhibit some preference toward kappa sites. They also seem to interact with other physiologically relevant sites; though on the basis of their sensitivity to des-Tyr fragments of dynorphine and/or their insensitivity to naloxone, these sites have been termed "non-opioid". No second messenger systems have been directly associated with dynorphine binding, but several likely candidates exist.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Identification of endogenous opioid receptor components in rat brain using a monoclonal antibody.

A monoclonal antibody generated against the tertiary structure of a partially purified opioid binding protein was used to probe the structure of the dynorphin and beta-endorphin receptors. The Fab fragment 3B4F11 inhibited completely the binding of 125I-beta-endorphin and [3H]dynorphin to rat brain P2 membranes with IC50 values of 26 ng/ml and 40 ng/ml, respectively. To explore further the interaction of 3B4F11 with the beta-endorphin receptor, the effect of the Fab fragment on 125I-beta-endorphin cross-linking to rat brain membranes was examined. 125I-beta-endorphin was covalently bound to three major species of approximate molecular weights 108,000, 73,000, and 49,000. The delta-selective ligand D-Pen2, D-pen5enkephalin was least effective at inhibiting the cross-linking of beta-endorphin, whereas the micro-selective ligand Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-NMe-Phe-Gly-ol and kappa-selective ligand U50488 inhibited beta-endorphin cross-linking to the 108,000 and 73,000 Da species. Both 3B4F11 and beta-endorphin prevented the covalent binding of 125I-beta-endorphin to all three labeled species. These findings suggest that micro and kappa receptor types might have some structural similarities, whereas the delta receptor type might differ in molecular size. In addition, the micro, kappa, and delta ligands might have different primary sequences, whereas their tertiary structures might share regions of molecular homology with all three receptor constituents labeled by 125I-beta-endorphin. 3B4F11 will be a valuable tool for the purification and isolation of the several components of the beta-endorphin receptor complex.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Modification of opioid agonist binding by pertussis toxin.

Membrane fractions prepared from rat striate, cortex and midbrain were treated with pertussis toxin, which has been shown to adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylate the GTP-binding protein Gi, reducing its coupling with receptors. In striatal membranes, treatment with 40 micrograms toxin per mg membrane protein labeled 60% of the Gi present and 70% of another G protein, Go; this treatments reduced binding of the opioid agonist [3H]D-Ala2-D-Leu5-enkephalin ([3H]DADLE) 20-50%, with the decrease largely reflecting a decreased affinity. In cortex, toxin treatment reduced [3H]DADLE binding by 35-70%, corresponding to ADP-ribosylation of 50% of Gi and 40% of Go. In midbrain, [3H]DADLE binding was unaffected by toxin treatment that ADP-ribosylated 86% of the Gi and 72% of the Go. These results provide further evidence that opioid receptors are associated with GTP-binding proteins in striatum and cortex, where they have also been shown to inhibit adenylate cyclase. Despite the presence of Gi and Go in midbrain, however, there appears to be no coupling between them and opioid receptors.

Adenylate Cyclase Toxin↗
PubMed1987

Lipid requirement for mu opioid receptor binding.

We have previously shown that a partially purified mu opioid receptor from bovine brain requires lipids to exhibit full binding activity. In the present report, we have determined the specificity of this lipid requirement. Lipids active in this regard were found always to contain an acidic head group and a fatty acid with two or more double bonds. Free, polyunsaturated fatty acids were also able to confer high binding activity on the partially purified opioid receptor. The possible roles lipids play in opioid binding are discussed in light of these data.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Consequence of dynorphin-A administration on anterior pituitary hormone concentrations in the adult male rhesus monkey.

This study examines the role of dynorphin-A(1-13) and dynorphin-A(1-10)-amide in the neuroendocrine regulation of anterior pituitary hormones in nonrestrained, adult male rhesus monkeys. The effects of these opioids on plasma concentrations of prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), thyrotropin (TSH) and growth hormone (GH) were assessed. Intravenous administration of dynorphin-A(1-13), 1-120 micrograms/kg, significantly increased plasma PRL levels. Average maximal increases of 90-230% occurred within 5 min and levels remained significantly elevated for up to 120 min. PRL response reached a plateau following the 30 micrograms/kg dose. Dynorphin-A(1-13) had no observable effects on plasma concentrations of LH, FSH, TSH or GH at any dose level studied. Administration of dynorphin-A(1-10)-amide produced significant dose-dependent increases in plasma PRL concentrations. Dose levels of 1-120 micrograms/kg produced mean peak increases from 100 to 230%, 5-10 min postadministration. Dynorphin-A(1-10)-amide had no significant effect on plasma concentrations of LH, FSH, TSH or GH. The increases in plasma PRL concentrations induced by dynorphin-A were naloxone-reversible. These results indicate a selective effect of dynorphin-A on the regulatory mechanisms of PRL secretion over that of other anterior pituitary hormones.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Mu-opioid receptor is associated with phosphatase activity.

A preparation of purified mu opioid receptor from bovine brain hydrolyzes p-nitrophenylphosphate. This phosphatase activity has a pH optimum of 9.0, a Km of 9.0 microM, and is stimulated by Mn++ and Mg++ ions. Evidence that the observed activity is not due to a contaminant in the opioid receptor preparation includes 1) the activity is associated primarily with 60,000 molecular weight material which is much smaller than bovine brain alkaline phosphatase; and 2) the activity could not be absorbed by antibodies specific for bovine alkaline phosphatase. Thus this appears to be the first demonstration of enzymatic activity associated with an opioid receptor.

4-Nitrophenylphosphatase↗
PubMed1986

Effects of dynorphin1-13 on opiate binding and dopamine and GABA uptake in stroked cat brain.

We previously reported that the opioid peptide dynorphin1-13 improves survival chances in stroked cats. Some evidence also suggests that changes in dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) uptake may be associated with stroke. In the present study, therefore, we determined binding of the opiate [3H]ethylketocyclazocine (EKC), as well as dopamine and GABA uptake in various brain regions of control, stroked and dynorphin1-13-treated stroked cats. Cats were stroked by middle cerebral artery occlusion. In the EKC binding study, the Kd of the high-affinity site of the occluded cortex was significantly increased, relative to that of both the unoccluded side and control cortex. Dynorphin1-13 treatment reversed this effect, lowering the Kd to control level. In the dopamine uptake study, the Km was decreased and Vmax was increased significantly in unoccluded cortex, compared with that in the occluded cortex or in control cortex. Again, dynorphin1-13 reversed these effects, raising the Km and lowering the Vmax. However, the Km of occluded cortex was also increased so that it became significantly higher than that of control cortex. The Km of unoccluded subcortex in stroked cats treated with dynorphin1-13 was significantly reduced compared with control. In the GABA uptake study, there was no significant change in any parameter. The change in opioid binding observed here and its reversal by dynorphin1-13 are consistent with the notion that the peptide's beneficial effect on stroke is mediated through opiate receptors. Since opioid systems in the brain are known to have association with dopaminergic ones, the change in dopamine uptake could also be the result of an opioid effect.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Competitive binding of dynorphin-(1-13) and beta-endorphin to cerebroside sulfate in solution.

Circular dichroism was used as a probe for competitive binding of two opioid peptides, dynorphin-(1-13) and beta-endorphin, with cerebroside sulfate, a membrane lipid thought to be part of the morphine receptor complex. The rationale was that bound beta-endorphin is partially helical but bound dynorphin-(1-13) remains unordered, thus making it possible to detect the degree of binding of beta-endorphin. The addition of dynorphin-(1-13) to a cerebroside sulfate solution of beta-endorphin invariably displaced beta-endorphin from the peptide-lipid complex, but the addition of beta-endorphin had little effect on dynorphin-(1-13) bound to the lipid. Similar results were obtained for competitive binding of the two peptides with two other amphiphiles, sodium dodecyl and decyl sulfate. The maximum number of binding sites on dynorphin-(1-13) and beta-endorphin was between five and six, which coincides with the five positively charged side chains plus an alpha NH+3 group at the NH2 terminus on both peptide molecules. The results support our working hypothesis that dynorphin-(1-13) may displace beta-endorphin bound to the receptor, which in turn can account for the inhibition of beta-endorphin-induced analgesia by dynorphin-(1-13).

Binding, Competitive↗
PubMed1986

Enzymatic reconstitution of brain membrane and membrane opiate receptors.

A new method using lysophosphatide and acyl-CoA as detergents has been used to solubilize the rat brain opiate receptor. After solubilization, lysophosphatide and acyl-CoA can be almost completely removed by an enzymatic reaction that uses an acyltransferase from rat liver microsomes and reconstitutes the solubilized receptor in membranous vesicles. Morphological studies performed with negative staining and freeze-fracture electron microscopy revealed that the general appearance and intramembrane particle distribution of fracture faces in the reconstituted membrane are similar to those of the native membrane; this indicates that hydrophobic protein components of the original membrane were incorporated during reconstitution. Reconstituted membrane, however, contained higher levels of phosphatidylcholine and lower levels of cholesterol. The activities of the membrane-bound enzymes Na+, K+-ATPase and Ca2+, Mg2+-ATPase in the reconstituted system were 24 and 3%, respectively, those of the native membrane. Although binding of opiate ligands to the reconstituted membrane was stereospecific and saturable, higher concentrations of some of the unlabeled ligands were required to inhibit binding of the radiolabeled ligands. These changes in receptor characteristics are likely due to changes in lipid composition, physical state, and/or distribution of the lipids in the reconstituted membrane bilayer. This conclusion is supported by an increase in the affinity of opiate ligands for reconstituted membrane after adjustment of the latter's lipid composition to match more closely that of the original membrane. This was accomplished by treatment with phospholipid exchange protein to remove the excess phosphatidylcholine and by incorporation of cholesterol into the reconstituted membrane.

Acyltransferases↗
PubMed1986

Dynorphin effects on plasma concentrations of anterior pituitary hormones in the nonhuman primate.

The role of dynorphin-(1-13) and dynorphin-(1-10)-amide in the neuroendocrine control of primate anterior pituitary hormones was studied in nonrestrained, ovariectomized rhesus monkeys. The effects of these opioids on plasma concentrations of prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and thyrotropin (TSH), and interactions with naloxone are reported here. Intravenous administration of dynorphin-(1-13), 30 to 120 micrograms/kg, significantly increased plasma PRL levels 3- to 4-fold. These PRL increases occurred within 5 min and levels remained elevated for at least 60 min. Administration of naloxone (1.0 mg/kg i.v.) antagonized the rise in PRL levels. Dynorphin-(1-13) had no significant effect on plasma LH, FSH or TSH levels. Dynorphin-(1-10)-amide (30-120 micrograms/kg) increased plasma PRL levels 2- to 4-fold at 5 to 40 min after administration. Plasma LH levels were significantly depressed 100 to 120 min postdrug. Dynorphin-(1-10)-amide produced no change in plasma FSH or TSH levels. These results indicate that dynorphin is involved in the modulation of PRL and perhaps LH secretion, although not affecting TSH or FSH release.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Action at the mu receptor is sufficient to explain the supraspinal analgesic effect of opiates.

Mu, delta and kappa opiate receptors have been implicated in the production of analgesia. In order to study the relative contributions of these receptor types to supraspinally mediated analgesia, apparent pA2 values and rank order potencies were determined for i.c.v. injected highly selective opioid agonists in the mouse using a thermal nociceptive test. Drugs used included the prototypical mu agonist morphine, putative mu agonists [D-Ala2, N-methyl-Phe4, Gly5-ol] enkephalin and BAM 22P, putative delta agonists [D-Pen2, D-Pen5] enkephalin, [D-Thr2, Thr6, Leu5] enkephalin and [D-Ser2, Leu5, Thr6] enkephalin and the putative kappa agonists [trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl]- benzeneacetamide methane sulfonate hydrate] and Dynorphin A (1-13). We were unable to demonstrate significant analgesic potencies for i.c.v. injected Dynorphin A (1-13) or BAM 22P in the absence of marked behavioral abnormalities. The rank order potency of the remaining compounds studied was found to be: [D-Ala2, N-methyl-Phe4, Gly5-ol] enkephalin greater than [D-Thr2, Thr6, Leu5] enkephalin greater than [D-Ser2, Leu5, Thr6] enkephalin greater than Morphine greater than [D-Pen2, D-Pen5] enkephalin greater than [trans-3, 4-dichloro-N-methyl-N[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetamide methane sulfonate hydrate]. Apparent pA2 values of morphine, [D-Ala2, N-methyl-Phe4, Gly5-ol] enkephalin and [D-Pen2, D-Pen5] enkephalin in naloxone antagonism trials did not differ significantly. These results indicate that although both mu- and delta-selective ligands produce potent analgesia, a single receptor (mu) is sufficient to explain the supraspinal effects of opiate drugs.

Analgesia↗