Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Methods to Assess Beta Cell Death Mediated by Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes
Published on: June 16, 2011
Two opposing modes of action of beta-endorphin on lymphocyte function
P van den Bergh1, J Rozing, L Nagelkerken
1Department of Immunology, TNO-Institute for Aging and Vascular Research, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Five opioid peptides (alpha-, beta-, and gamma-endorphin, methionine- and leucine-enkephalin) were tested for their effect on the concanavalin A-induced proliferative response of splenocytes of adult male F344 rats. The continuous presence of these opioid peptides during culture of T cells did not affect proliferation. However, 30 min of preincubation with beta-endorphin (beta-end), but not with the other opioid peptides, resulted in a dose-dependent enhancement of proliferation of 50-100%. This potentiating effect of beta-end on proliferation was preceded by an increase in the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and in the extent of IL-2 receptor expression. The stimulatory effect of beta-end was not prevented by naloxone, indicating that classical opioid receptors were not involved. The continuous presence of beta-end (or alpha-end) in cultures of cells that had been preincubated with beta-end completely abolished the stimulatory effect, pointing towards the potential of beta-end to regulate T-cell function via different mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR activation may...
The Two-State Receptor Model
The binding affinity of a drug determines its interaction with one...
Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...

