Opiorphin
PreclinicalEndogenous peptide (opioid modulating)
Research material. Not for human or animal consumption.
Research overview
Opiorphin is a pentapeptide, Gln-Arg-Phe-Ser-Arg (QRFSR), identified in human saliva by the Pasteur Institute in 2006. It does not bind opioid receptors itself. Instead it inhibits two enzymes, neutral endopeptidase (neprilysin) and aminopeptidase N, that break down enkephalins, so natural opioid peptides last longer. In rodent pain models opiorphin produced pain relief comparable with morphine, which led to work on more stable analogues.
Laboratory, computational, ex vivo or animal model research is the main evidence base.
Questions about Opiorphin
PRODUCT QUESTIONSWhat is Opiorphin?
Opiorphin is a five residue peptide with the sequence glutamine, arginine, phenylalanine, serine, arginine. It is the human counterpart of sialorphin, a related peptide found in rat saliva.
What research has been published on Opiorphin?
Research is biochemical and preclinical. Enzyme assays measured inhibition of neutral endopeptidase and aminopeptidase N, and rodent studies tested pain relief in chemical and mechanical pain models, as well as effects on mood related behaviour. Its instability in blood has driven the design of modified analogues.
What batch documentation should accompany Opiorphin?
Opiorphin: Ask for the COA and analytical reports for the batch being quoted. Expect mass spectrometry and HPLC purity, with a check for pyroglutamate formation at the N terminal glutamine, a common change in stored peptides.
How should Opiorphin storage conditions be assessed?
Store Opiorphin lyophilised at −20°C and away from moisture. Its N terminal glutamine can cyclise to pyroglutamate in solution, so prepare solutions fresh and keep them cold.