Synthesis and pharmacological activity of partially modified retro-inverso dermorphin tetrapeptides

SALVADORI S;MARASTONI M;BALBONI, GIANFRANCO;SARTO GP;TOMATIS R.

1985-01-01

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Abstract

We studied the effect of partial retro-inverso modification of selected peptide bonds of N-terminal tetrapeptide analogues of dermorphin (H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2). Among the 14 compounds synthesized and tested for opioid activity, some tetrapeptides have the C-terminus carrying different amide moieties; retromodifications concern the Phe-Gly bond (Ia-f) and/or the C-terminal carboxamide function (IIIa-d, IIa-d). All pseudotetrapeptide derivatives showed opioid activity in vitro and in vivo. The most potent compounds (II) have a biological potency comparable with that of the original tetrapeptides in the guinea pig ileum preparation and in the mouse tail-flick test after intracerebral or subcutaneous administration.