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Abstract: In this study the sialorphin (Gln-His-Asn-Pro-Arg) and its analog (Glp-His-Asn-Pro-Arg) were analyzed in terms of metal binding ability. Both peptides were synthesized using the solid-phase method. The application of number analytical methods: potentiometry, spectroscopy (UV–Vis, CD, NMR) and mass spectrometry allowed for a detailed characterization of the coordination abilities of presented peptides. The analysis of the obtained results has shown that both peptides are able to form a series of complexes. However due to the presence of free N-terminal amino group the sialorphin is more effective in metal ion binding. Nevertheless, in basic conditions both peptides involve the amide nitrogen belonging to the side chain of Asn3 moiety and form 4N complex with square planar structure. This unusual ability has been confirmed by the results obtained from the NMR studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Like other endogenous enkephalinase inhibitors, human opiorphin peptide (QRFSR) attenuates catabolism of enkephalins and appears to be a promising therapeutic, displaying antinociceptive action in several pain models. However, its opioid-like side-effect profile is insufficiently characterized. In the present set of experiments, acute intraperitoneal administration of opiorphin produced an antinociceptive effect in the tail-flick test in mice (0.3mg/kg) and this action was inhibited by opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (3mg/kg). Repeated treatment with opiorphin changed the antinociceptive response neither to itself nor to morphine, suggesting the lack of tolerance and morphine cross-tolerance, respectively. Repeated treatment with opiorphin (3mg/kg) also failed to produce opioid dependence. Opiorphin (0.3 or 1mg/kg) produced no rewarding effects in the conditioned place preference test. However, at the dose of 3mg/kg, the peptide produced antidepressant-like effect in the forced swim test, and it did not affect locomotor activity. The present set of results confirms the beneficial effects of opiorphin in pain management, and suggests a lack of opioid-like side effects as well as the presence of antidepressant-like actions of this peptide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The binding abilities of three novel cyclohexapeptides with three histidyl residues are presented. The analysis of the potentiometric and spectroscopic results, together with the theoretical calculations, allow the characterization of the coordination abilities of c(GlyHisArgHisHisGly), c(GlyHisArgHisGlyHis), c(GlyHisArgGlyHisHis) towards copper(II) ions and the impact of the peptide sequence on the efficiency in Cu(II) binding, and the type of formed complexes is also presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]