Related Experiment Videos
Enkephalinase activity in both physiological and pathological conditions in man
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Enzyme activity of "enkephalinase" was measured in various physiological and pathological conditions. Enkephalinase activity (EKA) generally increased in pregnancy, infancy, headaches, and opioid addiction.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Enzymology
Background:
- Enkephalinase is a key enzyme in degrading endogenous enkephalins, crucial for opioid system regulation.
- Previously identified in membrane-bound form, soluble enkephalinase has been recently characterized.
- A new fluorimetric method now allows sensitive measurement of enkephalinase activity, replacing older radiometric techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavior of soluble enkephalinase in various physiological and pathological states.
- To explore alterations in enkephalinase activity (EKA) in conditions involving the endogenous opioid system.
- To analyze EKA in human plasma, amniotic fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Main Methods:
- Utilized a sensitive fluorimetric assay for quantifying enkephalinase activity.
- Measured EKA in biological fluids including plasma, amniotic fluid, and CSF.
- Focused studies on pregnancy, infancy, idiopathic headache, and opioid addiction.
Main Results:
- Enkephalinase activity (EKA) was generally found to be increased in the studied conditions.
- Observed increased EKA in pregnancy, infancy, idiopathic headache, and opioid addiction.
- In some cases, increased EKA correlated with substrate levels; in others, no clear correlation was apparent.
Conclusions:
- Soluble enkephalinase activity is altered in specific physiological and pathological conditions.
- EKA measurements provide insights into endogenous opioid system function.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise relationship between EKA, substrate levels, and disease states.