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Corticotropin-like material in pigeon brains
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT.
Summary
Researchers identified a pigeon brain extract fraction that stimulates corticosterone production in rat adrenal cells, suggesting potential adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-like activity. This fraction showed no opiate-like effects, ruling out opioid involvement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The search for novel peptides with hormonal activity is ongoing.
- Pigeon brain is a potential source of biologically active molecules.
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) regulates corticosteroid production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize bioactive peptides from pigeon brain extract.
- To investigate the potential ACTH-like bioactivity of these fractions.
- To assess the presence of opiate-like activity in the isolated fractions.
Main Methods:
- Acetone powder extraction of pigeon brain tissue.
- Fractionation using Sephadex G-25 chromatography.
- Bioassays using isolated rat adrenal cells for corticosterone production and radioreceptor assays for opiate activity.
Main Results:
- A low molecular weight fraction (Fraction B, <5,000 Da) significantly stimulated corticosterone production in isolated rat adrenal cells.
- Other isolated fractions (A and C) lacked significant ACTH-like bioactivity.
- No opiate-like activity was detected in any fraction via radioreceptor assay or hot plate test.
Conclusions:
- A pigeon brain extract fraction exhibits ACTH-like bioactivity, stimulating corticosterone release.
- The identified bioactive fraction does not possess significant opiate-like properties.
- Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the exact nature and sequence of this novel bioactive peptide.