Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of a library of modified endomorphin 1 peptides

Endomorphin 1 (Endo-1 = Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH(2)), an endogenous opioid with high affinity and selectivity for mu-opioid receptors, mediates acute and neuropathic pain in rodents. To overcome metabolic instability and poor membrane permeability, the N- and C-termini of Endo-1 were modified by lipoamino acids (Laa) and/or sugars, and 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) replacement of Tyr. Analogues were assessed for mu-opioid receptor affinity, inhibition of cAMP accumulation, enzymatic stability, and permeability across Caco-2 cell monolayers. C-Terminus modi. cation decreased receptor affinity, while N-terminus C8-Laa improved stability and permeability with slight change in receptor affinity. Dmt provided a promising lead compound: [C8Laa-Dmt[1]]-Endo-1 is nine times more stable (t(1/2) = 43.5 min), >8- fold more permeable in Caco-2 cell monolayers, and exhibits 140-fold greater mu-opioid receptor affinity (K(i mu) = 0.08 nM). (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.