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Leu-enkephalin binding to cultured human T lymphocytes
Cell Biology International Reports
|May 1, 1984
Summary
Human lymphoid T cells possess cell surface binding activity for leu-enkephalin, suggesting lipoproteic receptors similar to the brain. However, these lymphocyte receptors show unusual specificity for opioid alkaloids.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Opioid receptors are crucial in the central nervous system.
- Leu-enkephalin is an endogenous opioid peptide.
- Lymphocytes play a role in immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and nature of leu-enkephalin binding on human lymphoid T cells.
- To compare lymphocyte opioid binding characteristics with those in the mammalian brain.
Main Methods:
- Cell surface binding assays using leu-enkephalin.
- Characterization of receptor-like structures.
- Analysis of binding specificity towards opioid alkaloids and inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Evidence for leu-enkephalin binding activity on human T cell surfaces.
- Binding is mediated by lipoproteic receptor structures, analogous to brain receptors.
- Lymphocytes display anomalous specificity for opioid alkaloids and their inhibitors compared to brain receptors.
Conclusions:
- Human lymphoid T cells express cell surface receptors for leu-enkephalin.
- These receptors share similarities with mammalian brain opioid receptors but exhibit distinct binding specificities.