Schinus terebinthifolia leaf lectin has central and peripheral antinociceptive action mediated by its carbohydrate-recognition domain and delta-opioid receptors

• Published in: Journal of ethnopharmacology 2023-01, Vol.301, p.115817-115817, Article 115817
• Main Authors: Marinho, Amanda de Oliveira, Brito, Jéssica de Santana, da Costa, Jainaldo Alves, da Silva, Abdênego Rodrigues, da Silva, Suéllen Pedrosa, de Amorim, Luciclaudio Cassimiro, Correia, Maria Tereza dos Santos, Paiva, Patrícia Maria Guedes, de Oliveira, Alisson Macário, Patriota, Leydianne Leite de Siqueira, Napoleão, Thiago Henrique
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analgesia; Lectin; Opioids; Pain; Schinus terebinthifolia
• ISSN: 0378-8741; 1872-7573
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115817

Preparations from the bark and leaves of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi are commonly used to treat toothaches and sore throats. The use of medications based on leaves of this plant has also been reported for pain of arthritis, toothache, and sore throat. Some evidence indicated that the lectin SteLL is an antinociceptive agent from leaves. This study evaluated the antinociceptive activity of S. terebinthifolia leaf lectin (SteLL) using mouse models of peripheral and central nociception. Animals were treated intraperitoneally with SteLL at 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg. An acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test was performed to screen for the antinociceptive effect of the lectin. Next, the formalin test was used to assess the effects of SteLL on neurogenic (first phase) and inflammatory (second phase) pain, as well as to investigate the involvement of the carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD) of SteLL and opioid receptors in the antinociceptive effect. The tail immersion test was performed to assess the central antinociception. Additionally, a rotarod test was performed to evaluate the effects of lectin on motor coordination in mice. SteLL reduced the number of acetic acid-induced writhes by 83.5–100.0%. In the first phase of the formalin test, SteLL reduced paw licking time by 49.4–50.5%, while in the second phase, SteLL reduced paw licking time by 80.5–82.6%. This antinociceptive effect was reversed by the previous incubation of the lectin with ovalbumin (indicating the possible involvement of the CRD) and by the administration of naloxone, a nonselective opioid receptor antagonist. When testing selective antagonists of opioid receptors (μ, δ, and κ), only naltrindole, a selective δ receptor antagonist, blocked the antinociceptive action of SteLL during the second phase of the formalin test. In the tail immersion test, SteLL (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) administration reduced sensitivity to thermal stimulus, which was observed even after 2 h. SteLL (10 mg/kg) did not affect animal motor coordination in rotarod test when compared to the control group. SteLL has peripheral and central analgesic action involving opioid receptor modulation without affecting the motor coordination of animals. These results provide new perspectives for developing analgesic agents using lectins. [Display omitted] •Antinociceptive activity of Schinus terebinthifolia leaf lectin (SteLL) was evaluated.•SteLL reduced the number of acetic acid-induced writhes by 83.5–100.0%.•SteLL reduced paw licki