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Abstract Animal venoms are rich sources of neuroactive compounds, including anti-inflammatory, antiepileptic, and antinociceptive molecules. Our study identified a protonectin peptide from the wasp Parachartergus fraternus' venom using mass spectrometry and cDNA library construction. Using this peptide as a template, we designed a new peptide, protonectin-F, which exhibited higher antinociceptive activity and less motor impairment compared to protonectin. In drug interaction experiments with naloxone and AM251, Protonectin-F's activity was decreased by opioid and cannabinoid antagonism, two critical antinociception pathways. Further experiments revealed that this effect is most likely not induced by direct action on receptors but by activation of the descending pain control pathway. We noted that protonectin-F induced less tolerance in mice after repeated administration than morphine. Protonectin-F was also able to decrease TNF-α production in vitro and modulate the inflammatory response, which can further contribute to its antinociceptive activity. These findings suggest that protonectin-F may be a potential molecule for developing drugs to treat pain disorders with fewer adverse effects. Our results reinforce the biotechnological importance of animal venom for developing new molecules of clinical interest.

Resumo: Relatamos o caso de doente feminina, 38 anos, com diagnóstico de doença de Pompe há oito anos. Há cinco anos vinha com queixas respiratórias, evoluindo com insuficiência respiratória crónica. Em uso de CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) nocturno há um ano, apresentava agravamento clínico progressivo. Veio encaminhada ao Hospital Universitário de Brasília, com descompensação respiratória e cor pulmonale. Iniciou-se ventilação não invasiva com dois níveis de pressões (VNI) e realizou-se polissonografia, que demonstrou a necessidade do ajuste de frequência respiratória associada aos ajustes das pressões para adequação da ventilação durante o sono. Evoluiu com melhora importante após uso da VNI.Rev Port Pneumol 2008; XIV (1): 159-164 Abstract: We report the case of a 38 years-old female patient with Pompe disease, diagnosed eight years ago. Respiratory complaints appeared five years ago progressing to chronic respiratory failure. Nocturnal CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) was prescribed last year, presenting progressive clinical worsening. She was referred to Hospital Universitário de Brasília, on account of respiratory failure and cor pulmonale. Thus, she began non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with bi-level positive airways pressure, and a polysomnography showed the need of spontaneous/timed mode associated with adjustments in breathing pressures to improve ventilation during sleep. There was significant clinical improvement after NIV support was established.Rev Port Pneumol 2008; XIV (1): 159-164 Palavras-chave: Doença de depósito de glicogénio tipo II, doença de Pompe, miopatia, insuficiência respiratória, ventilação mecânica, Key-words: Glycogen storage disease type II, Pompe disease, myopathy, respiratory failure, ventilation, mechanical