[Effect of beta-endorphin on catecholamine levels in the rat hypothalamus and cerebral cortex]

The present paper deals with the effect of beta-endorphin on catecholamine content in the hypothalamus and cerebral cortex of male rats. beta-endorphin was found to decrease catecholamine content in the rat brain, with the degree of reduction depending on the brain topography and the time following the peptide administration. 5 min later no changes in catecholamine content were observed either in the hypothalamus or in the cerebral cortex. 20 min later beta-endorphin induced a statistically significant fall of catecholamine concentration in the hypothalamus. A tendency towards its decrease was also observed in the cerebral cortex. 60 min later beta-endorphin produced an insignificant decrease in catecholamine level in both brain areas under study. It may be therefore suggested that beta-endorphin-induced decrease of catecholamine content in the hypothalamus and cerebral cortex represents one of the mechanisms underlying beta-endorphin stimulating action on a number of trophic functions of the hypophysis.