Neurotensin receptor agonists and opioid receptor agonists

Abstract

This document provides methods and materials for treating pain. For example, this document provides methods that involve administering a neurotensin receptor (NTR) agonist and an opioid receptor agonist to a mammal (e.g., a human). Compositions containing an NTR agonist in combination with an opioid receptor agonist also are provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for treating pain, said method comprising administering a neurotensin receptor agonist and morphine to a mammal in need thereof, wherein the neurotensin receptor agonist is a polypeptide having an N-methyl-Arginine at position 8, an L-Proline at position 10, a tert-Leucine at position 12, and an L-Leucine at position 13, based on the numbering of NT(1-13). 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the neurotensin receptor agonist is NT69L. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the neurotensin receptor agonist is NT69L′. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the neurotensin receptor agonist contains L-Arginine at position 9. 
     
     
         5 . A method for treating pain, said method comprising administering a neurotensin receptor agonist and morphine to a mammal in need thereof, wherein the neurotensin receptor agonist is a polypeptide having an Arginine at position 8, a Proline at position 10, and a Leucine or Isoleucine at position 12, and a Leucine at position 13, based on the numbering of NT(1-13). 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the Arginine at position 8 is an N-methyl-Arginine. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the Arginine at position 8 is an L-Arginine. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the Proline at position 10 is an L-Proline. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the Leucine or Isoleucine at position 12 is an L-Isoleucine. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the Leucine or Isoleucine at position 12 is a tert-Leucine. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the Leucine at position 13 is an L-Leucine. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the neurotensin receptor agonist contains L-Arginine at position 9 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the neurotensin receptor agonist is NT69L. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the neurotensin receptor agonist is NT69L′. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the neurotensin receptor agonist is NT. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the neurotensin receptor agonist is NT(8-13). 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the neurotensin receptor agonist is NT76.