To characterize better the roles of the two receptors in hyperalgesia and to obtain ligands whose binding affinity and efficacy differed for the two receptors, we modified the Bv8 molecule in regions essential for

receptor recognition and activation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We modified the Z VAD FMK Bv8 molecule by substituting Trp in position 24 with Ala (A-24) and compared it with Bv8 for binding and activating PK1 and PK2 receptors in cell preparations and in affecting nociceptive thresholds in rodents. KEY RESULTS A-24 preferentially bound to PK2 receptors and activated them with a lower potency (5-fold) than Bv8. When systemically injected, A-24 induced Bv8-like hyperalgesia in rats and in mice, at doses 100 times higher than Bv8. Locally and systemically injected at inactive doses, A-24 antagonized Bv8-induced hyperalgesia. Cyclosporin A in vivo In rat and mouse models of inflammatory and post-surgical pain, A-24 showed potent and long-lasting anti-hyperalgesic activity. Unlike Bv8, A-24 increased -endorphin levels in mouse brain. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS A-24

induced its anti-hyperalgesic effect in rodents by directly blocking nociceptor PK1 receptors and by activating the central opioid system and the descending pain control pathway through brain PK2 receptors.”
“25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) half-life is a potential biomarker for investigating vitamin D metabolism and requirements. IPI-145 We performed a pilot study to assess the approach and practical feasibility of measuring 25(OH)D half-life after an oral dose.

A total of twelve healthy Gambian men aged 18-23 years were divided into two groups to investigate the rate and timing of (1) absorption and (2) plasma disappearance after an 80 nmol oral dose of 25(OH)D-2. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and, in the first group, every 2 h postdose for 12 h, at 24 h, 48 h and on day 15. In the second group, fasting blood samples were collected on days 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21. Urine was collected for 2 h after the first morning void at baseline and on day 15. 25(OH)D-2 plasma concentration was measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem MS/MS and corrected for baseline. Biomarkers of vitamin D, Ca and P metabolism were measured at baseline and on day 15. The peak plasma concentration of 25(OH)D-2 was 9.6 (SD 0.9) nmol/l at 4.4 (SD 1.8) h. The terminal slope of 25(OH)D-2 disappearance was identified to commence from day 6. The terminal half-life of plasma 25(OH)D-2 was 13.4 (SD 2.7) d. There were no significant differences in plasma 25(OH)D-3, total 1,25(OH)(2)D, parathyroid hormone, P, Ca and ionised Ca and urinary Ca and P between baseline and day 15 and between the two groups. The present study provides data on the plasma response to oral 25(OH)D-2 that will underpin and contribute to the further development of studies to investigate 25(OH)D half-life.