Exploratory neuropharmacological evaluation of a conformationally constrained thyrotropin-releasing hormone analogue

A conformationally constrained peptidomimetic derived from the endocrine and neuroactive tripeptide thyrotropin-releasing hormone (pGlu-His-Pro-NH₂) was synthesized by convenient solid-phase organic chemistry and evaluated as a potential central nervous system agent. While this ethylene-bridged peptide analogue has been reported to lack the hormonal effect of the native peptide, we have shown in animal models that it possesses central nervous system activity characteristic of thyrotropin-releasing hormone. Compared to control, the peptidomimetic showed significant analeptic and antidepressant-like potencies. Moreover, an enhanced selectivity in antidepressant-like effect was measured when compared to that of the native peptide. Immobilized artificial membrane chromatography and in vitro metabolic stability studies also revealed that this constrained peptidomimetic has higher affinity to the blood-brain barrier than the native peptide and is metabolically stable. Consequently, this structure may be used as a template to design centrally selective and metabolically stable thyrotropin-releasing hormone analogues as potential neuropharmaceutical agents.