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| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name (2S,5S,8S,11S,14S)-14,17-diamino-8-benzyl-2,11-bis(3-guanidinopropyl)-5-(hydroxymethyl)-4,7,10,13,17-pentaoxo-3,6,9,12-tetraazaheptadecan-1-oic acid | |
| Other names Gln-Arg-Phe-Ser-Arg;L-Glutaminyl-L-arginyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-seryl-L-arginine | |
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) | |
| ChEMBL | |
| ChemSpider |
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| Properties | |
| C29H48N12O8 | |
| Molar mass | 692.779 g·mol−1 |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in theirstandard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
Opiorphin is anendogenouschemical compound first isolated fromhumansaliva. Initial research withmice shows the compound has apainkilling effect greater than that ofmorphine.[2] It works by stopping the normal breakup ofenkephalins, natural pain-killingopioids in thespinal cord. It is a relatively simple molecule consisting of a five-amino acidpolypeptide,Gln-Arg-Phe-Ser-Arg (QRFSR).[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]
Opiorphin pentapeptide originates from theN-terminal region of the protein PROL1 (proline-rich, lacrimal 1).[3] Opiorphin inhibits threeproteases: neutral ecto-endopeptidase (MME), ecto-aminopeptidase N (ANPEP)[3]and perhaps also a dipeptidyl peptidaseDPP3.[8]Such action extends the duration of enkephalin effect where the natural pain killers are released physiologically in response to specific potentially painful stimuli, in contrast with administration of narcotics, which floods the entire body and causes many undesirable adverse reactions, including addiction liability and constipation.[11][12]In addition, opiorphin may exert anti-depressive[13][14] and antipanic action.[15]
Therapeutic application of opiorphin in humans would require modifying the molecule to avoid its rapid degradation in the intestine and its poor penetration of theblood–brain barrier.[11][12] This modification is done in the body by transformation of N-terminal glutamine into pyroglutamate. This form preserves the analgesic properties of opiorphin but with increased pharmaceutical stability.[16]
