Beneficial effect of gamma-endorphin-type peptides in anaphylactic shock

gamma-Endorphin-type peptides (i.e. gamma-endorphin, des-tyr'-gamma-endorphin [DT gamma E]) result from the processing of the opioid peptide, beta-endorphin. Previous studies have implicated the involvement of beta-endorphin in various types of shock, including anaphylactic shock. In the present experiments the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of gamma-endorphin (10 micrograms) or DT gamma E (3.3-10 micrograms) significantly improved survival in anaphylactic shock in mice. Moreover, DT gamma E (10 micrograms) reversed the effect of i.c.v. beta-endorphin (3.3 micrograms) to exacerbate shock. A similar dose of DT gamma E was ineffective in antagonizing beta-endorphin-induced analgesia. The anti-anaphylactic action of DT gamma E as well as its effect to block the pro-anaphylactic action of beta-endorphin were prevented by pretreatment with the sympathetic ganglionic blocker, chlorisondamine chloride. The results suggest that gamma-endorphin-type peptides may act in the central nervous system (CNS) to physiologically oppose the autonomic pathophysiologic influences of beta-endorphin.