Attaching sugar molecules (glycosylation) to opioid and other neuropeptides improved their blood-brain barrier penetration and stability, enabling peripherally administered peptides to reach the brain — a new drug delivery paradigm.
Key findingGlycosylation of opioid and other neuropeptides enhanced BBB penetration, metabolic stability, and analgesic potency after peripheral administration,
What the researchers found
Glycosylation of opioid and other neuropeptides enhanced BBB penetration, metabolic stability, and analgesic potency after peripheral administration, establishing glycopeptides as a practical strategy for delivering peptide drugs to the brain.
Why it matters
Relevant for opioid-peptides, neuropeptides, pain, bioavailability, peptide-delivery.
How the study worked
review study on opioid-peptides, neuropeptides.
What this study cannot tell us
See abstract.
How to read the evidence
moderate evidence.
When this study was published
Published in 2005.
The bigger picture
Advances peptide research with clinical implications.
Questions still open
- Further research needed.
- Clinical translation to evaluate.
Common questions
What was studied?
What was found?
Read the original research
Glycosylated neuropeptides: a new vista for neuropsychopharmacology?
Medicinal research reviews, 25(5), 557-85
Citation
Polt, Robin; Dhanasekaran, Muthu; Keyari, Charles M. (2005). Glycosylated neuropeptides: a new vista for neuropsychopharmacology?. Medicinal research reviews, 25(5), 557-85.