[Opioid activity of peptides and wound healing of the skin]

The binding of dalargin, its four analogues and FK-33824, DADLE, met-enkephalin and morphine to peripheral mu- and delta-receptors and to brain receptors has been investigated in comparison with their influence on skin wound healing in rats. It has been shown that only substances with opiate activity, including morphine, stimulated wound healing. No correlation between wound healing effect of peptides and their binding to a definite receptor has been found. Naloxone inhibited wound healing and suppressed opiate peptide-mediated healing process. It is suggested that endogenous opiate peptides are involved in the maintenance of structural homeostasis.