POMC and neuropathy: •ACTH, α-MSH, and CLIP increased mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity after CCI.•α-MSH dose-dependently increased mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity•γ-MSH (1 μg/5 μL) decreased hypersensitivity, whereas (10 μg/5 μL) increased hypersensitivity•SHU9119 produced mechanical and thermal antinociceptive effects in CCI animals•UW3 and UW5 showed analgesic effects of all doses tested and lasted 2 h•In the management of neuropathy, UW3 and UW5 (0.1 μg/0.5 μL) exhibited longer analgesic efficacy relative to morphine in CCI animals treated for 9 days (starting on after day 7 of CCI)