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Related Experiment Videos

Methionine-enkephalin peptides in human teeth.

F S Tanzer1, E Tolun, G H Fridland

  • 1Department of Biologic and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Tennessee, Memphis.

International Journal of Peptide and Protein Research
|August 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary

Researchers confirmed the presence of methionine enkephalin (ME) in human teeth. This finding demonstrates the existence of the opioid system within the trigeminal sensory nerves.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry
  • Dental Research

Background:

  • Opioid peptides play crucial roles in pain modulation and sensory processing.
  • The trigeminal system is responsible for facial sensation and innervates dental structures.
  • Previous research has not definitively established the presence of endogenous opioid systems within human dental tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and confirm the presence of methionine enkephalin (ME) and related peptides in human teeth.
  • To identify the source and localization of these opioid peptides within dental tissues.
  • To determine if the preproenkephalinergic system is functional in human dental sensory nerve endings.

Main Methods:

  • Decalcification and depulpation of human teeth.

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  • High-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) for peptide separation.
  • Radioimmunoassay and radioreceptorassay for peptide quantification.
  • Enzymatic digestion using trypsin and carboxypeptidase B.
  • Mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for structural identification.

    • Main Results:

    • Methionine enkephalin (ME) and ME-containing peptides were unequivocally detected in human teeth.
    • Mass spectrometry confirmed the precise structure of ME.
    • The findings provide evidence for the preproenkephalinergic system in human trigeminal sensory nerve terminals within the teeth.

    Conclusions:

    • Human teeth harbor the endogenous opioid peptide methionine enkephalin.
    • The presence of ME suggests a potential role for endogenous opioids in dental pain perception and modulation.
    • These results indicate the functional relevance of the preproenkephalinergic system in dental sensory pathways.