[Dalargin--a peptide preparation with cytoprotective action]

The role and possible clinical use of regulatory peptides, a new type of regulatory substances, is discussed. Special attention is paid to the opioid peptides and their analogues. The new drug dalargin has been developed on the basis of the endogenous opioid peptide leucine-encephalin. Its action has been studied using experimental models. It has been established that the optimal dose (10 micrograms/kg) of dalargin is effective in preventing ulceration in the cystamine duodenal ulcer rat model and the development of stomach erosive lesions in immobilization stress, reducing the degree of liver degeneration in CCl4 poisoning, etc. With an increase of the dose of dalargin the effect "escapes". Dalargin is primarily bound by delta-receptors, it produces no analgetic effect and does not enter the brain. Dalargin exhibits a pronounced cytoprotective and regeneratory action and may take an important place in treating the internal organ diseases.