Antinociceptive effect of MAS MT in rats

MAS MT is a myotropic decapeptide isolated from Manduca sexta. This peptide exerts stimulatory effect on insects heart-beat frequency. The present study was undertaken in order to determine a probable antinociceptive effect in rats of native synthetic decapeptide, MAS MT-I and its two analogs, heptapeptides MAS MT-II and MAS MT-III. All these peptides were applied directly into the lateral brain ventricle (icv) at three doses: 10, 25 and 50 nmol. The analgesic (antinociceptive) effect was evaluated by a tail immersion test. It was found that two doses of MAS MT-I: 25 and 50 nmol induced significant antinociceptive effect, while MAS MT-II and MAS MT-III exert a less antinociceptive effect in comparison with native MAS MT-I. Prior icv administration of naloxone, an opioid antagonist weakly blocked MAS MT-I effect. We conclude that antinociceptive effect of MAS MT-I in rats is not mediated by central opioid system.