Tripeptide analogues of melanocyte-stimulating hormone release-inhibiting hormone (Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2) as inhibitors of oxotremorine-induced tremor.

Fourteen di- and tripeptide analogues of MIF, Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2, have been synthesized and assayed for inhibition of oxotremorine-induced tremor. Replacement of Pro by HCO-Pro or cyclopentanecarboxylic acid gave inactive analogues, while some peptides of the general structure less than Glu-Leu-Gly-NR1R2 were highly active. Thus, R1 = C3H8 and R2 = H gave 4 times the activity of MIF, R1 = I-C3H8 and R2 = H gave 13 times the activity of MIF, and R1 = R2 = CH3 gave 29 times the activity of MIF. cyclo(-Pro-Leu-), Pro-Lys-Gly-NH2, and Pro-Arg-Gly-NH2 had no activity. Apparently, small modifications in the structure of MIF can yield highly active analogues with potential clinical value, e.g., in the treatment of Parkinson's disease or mental depression.