Biphasic effect on nociception and antiopiate activity of the neuropeptide FF (FLFQPQRFamide) in the rat.

The purpose of the present study was to systematically investigate the effects of the mammalian neuropeptide Phe-Leu-Phe-Gln-Pro-Gln-Arg-Phe-NH2 (NPFF) on nociception, using the tail-flick test. We report that ICV administration of NPFF induces a rapid and short-lasting hyperesthesic effect during day or night, for doses ranging from 10 ng to 10 micrograms. During the night, this hyperesthesic effect is followed by a long-lasting analgesic effect, the magnitude of which is related to the magnitude of the hyperesthesic effect. In addition to this intrinsic effect of NPFF, we report that NPFF reverses morphine-induced analgesia and that the magnitude of the response elicited by NPFF increases as a function of morphine-induced analgesia.