Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NC) and its receptor (OP4) have been implicated in
the regulation of various functions including nociception. [Nphe(1)]NC(1-13
)NH2 (Nphe) is a selective OP4 antagonist which prevents the pronociceptive
effects of supraspinal NC and causes per se a naloxone-insensitive antinoc
iceptive effect. In the present study, we tested Nphe in wild type (WT) and
OP4 receptor knock out mice and found that a clear antinociceptive effect
of the antagonist was evident only in WT mice. Moreover, we evaluated, over
5 days of treatment, the antinociceptive effects of Nphe in comparison wit
h those of DAMGO and found that tolerance develops to the effects of the op
ioid receptor agonist but not to Nphe. These data demonstrate that the anti
nociceptive action of Nphe is due to the block of OP4 receptors and that no
tolerance develops to this kind of anti nociception. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sci
ence Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.