Objective. Leconotide is an ω-conotoxin that blocks neuronal voltage sensitive calcium channels. This study compared the antihyperalgesic potencies of leconotide and ziconotide given intravenously alone and in combinations with a potassium channel modulator flupirtine, given intraperitoneally, in a rat model of diabetic neuropathic pain.

Design. Rats were given streptozotocin (150 mg/kg ip) to induce diabetic neuropathy and hyperalgesia. Experiments were performed on diabetic rats with ≥30% hyperalgesia to noxious heat. Rats were given each conopeptide alone and with flupirtine. Open field activity monitoring and non-invasive blood pressure measurements were used to define the maximum doses and combinations that caused no side effects. Doses in a range up to maximum no side effect doses were tested for antihyperalgesic effects in rats with hyperalgesia.

Results. The maximum no side effect dose of leconotide (2 mg/kg intravenously) caused 51.7% reversal of hyperalgesia compared with 0.4% for the highest no side effect dose of ziconotide (0.02 mg/kg; P < 0.001, one-way anova). Leconotide caused dose-related antihyperalgesic effects that were potentiated by coadministration with flupirtine at doses that were ineffective when given alone. Leconotide (0.02 mg/kg) and flupirtine (5 mg/kg) caused 25.3 ± 7.6 and −6 ± 9.5% reversal of hyperalgesia, respectively when given alone but in combination they caused 84.1 ± 7.2% reversal of hyperalgesia (P < 0.01; one-way anova). No such interaction occurred with ziconotide.

Conclusion. Leconotide could have wider clinical applications than ziconotide. Unlike ziconotide, powerful antihyperalgesia without side effects can be achieved by intravenous administration of leconotide thus avoiding the need for an intrathecal injection.