Analgesic effect of BDS 391 in thermal hyperalgesia induced by capsaicin

• Grant number: 12/08669-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2012
• End date: May 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - General Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Yara Cury
• Grantee: Luiza Gomes de Campos Nascimento
• Host Institution: Instituto Butantan. Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Animal toxins are directed against a wide variety of pharmacological targets, making them an invaluable source of ligands for studying the signaling pathways of pain and its control. Sea anemone (cnidaria) venoms contain many biologically active compounds such as cytolysins (18-20 kDa) and ion channel modulators (3-5 kDa). In addition, low molecular weight compounds have been isolated and identified in these venoms; however few studies have been carried out in order to determine the biological activity of such compounds. BDS 391 is a low molecular weight (~390 Da) and non-peptidic compound purified from the Brazilian sea anemone Bunodosoma cangicum venom. Studies on the structure of BDS 391 have demonstrated that this compound is composed of a bromoindole group connected to histidine. Our recent data have indicated that BDS 391 administered by intraplantar (i.pl.) route into the rat hind paw induces potent peripheral analgesia in models of acute and chronic pain. Initial results indicate that peripheral 5-HT3 receptors are involved in this effect. The aim of the present work is to further characterize the analgesic action of BDS 391 and its mechanisms, evaluating: (a)the antinociceptive of the BDS 391 on capsaicin-evoked thermal hyperalgesia and the involvement of 5HT3 receptors in this effect; (b)structure-activity relationship using BDS synthetic analogues.