Modulation of opioid antinociception by CCK at the supraspinal level: evidence of regulatory mechanisms between CCK and enkephalin systems in the control of pain.

1. Much evidence in the literature supports the idea that cholecystokinin (CCK) interacts with opioids in pain mechanisms. In this work, we have investigated the supraspinal interactions between enkephalins and CCK, using the hot plate test in mice. 2. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of BDNL (a mixed CCKA/CCKB agonist) induced dose-dependent antinociceptive responses on both paw lick and jump responses. In contrast, using the same test, the i.c.v. injection of BC 264 (a selective CCKB agonist) induced a hyperalgesic effect, which was restricted to paw licking and occurred only at a high dose of 2.5 nmol. 3. In addition, i.c.v. administration of BDNL potentiated the antinociceptive effects of the mixed inhibitor of enkephalin degrading enzymes, RB 101 and of the mu-agonist, DAMGO, while BC 264 reduced these effects. 4. Furthermore, at a dose where it interacts selectively with delta-opioid receptors, the opioid agonist BUBU reversed the hyperalgesic responses of BC 264 (2.5 nmol) but was unable to modify the effects induced by BDNL. 5. Taken together, these results suggest the existence of regulatory mechanisms between CCK and enkephalin systems in the control of pain. These regulatory loops could enhance the antinociceptive effects of morphine allowing the opiate doses used to be reduced and thus, possibly, the side-effects to be minimized.