Related Experiment Videos

Preproenkephalin mRNA in T-cells, macrophages, and mast cells

J Martin1, M B Prystowsky, R H Angeletti

  • 1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6079.

Journal of Neuroscience Research
|January 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Preproenkephalin mRNA is present in myeloid and mast cell tumors. This finding was confirmed in natural macrophages and mast cells, suggesting a role for these cells in enkephalin production.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Preproenkephalin (PPE) is a precursor to opioid peptides.
  • The expression of PPE mRNA in various cell types, particularly in tumors, is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and levels of preproenkephalin mRNA in tumor cell lines derived from myeloid and mast cells.
  • To compare PPE mRNA expression in tumor cells with that in their normal counterparts.

Main Methods:

  • RNA dot blot hybridization was used to detect and quantify preproenkephalin mRNA.
  • Tumor cell lines from B-cell lymphomas, T-cell lymphomas, mastocytomas, and macrophage cell lines were analyzed.
  • Purified natural macrophages and mast cells were also examined.

Main Results:

  • Preproenkephalin mRNA was detected in several T-cell lymphomas.
  • High levels of preproenkephalin mRNA were found in a mastocytoma and two macrophage cell lines.
  • Normal macrophages and mast cells also showed easily detectable levels of preproenkephalin mRNA.
  • A B-cell lymphoma was negative for preproenkephalin mRNA.

Conclusions:

  • Tumor cells of myeloid and mast cell origin express preproenkephalin mRNA.
  • The findings suggest that macrophages and mast cells, both in tumor and natural states, can produce enkephalins.
  • This indicates a potential role for myeloid and mast cell-derived enkephalins in physiological or pathological processes.

Related Concept Videos