CONTRYPHAN PEPTIDES

摘要

The present invention is directed to contryphan peptides having 6-12 amino acids, preferably including one or more D-tryptophan residues. More specifically, the present invention is directed to contryphan peptides having the general formula Xaa1-Cys-Xaa2-Xaa3-Glu-Pro-Trp-Cys (SEQ ID NO:1), wherein Xaa1 is Gly or des-Xaa1, Xaa2 is Pro or 4-trans-hydroxyproline and Xaa3 is DTrp or L-Trp, preferably D-Trp. The present invention is further directed to the peptides contryphan R and des-Gly1 contryphan R. In contryphan R, Xaa1 is Gly and Xaa3 is D-Trp. These contryphans are useful as anticonvulsant or neuroprotective agents.