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Related Experiment Videos

Opioid peptides in human plasma: evidence for multiple forms.

M R Boarder, E Erdelyi, J D Barchas

    The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
    |April 1, 1982
    PubMed
    Summary

    Opioid peptides, including enkephalin-containing compounds, circulate in human blood at significant levels. Mild stress elevates these circulating opioid levels, suggesting a potential endocrine function.

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    Area of Science:

    • Neuroendocrinology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Enkephalin-containing peptides and proteins are found in secretory tissues like the adrenal medulla.
    • Their presence and function in human circulation remain largely uncharacterized.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the presence and characteristics of circulating opioid peptides in human blood.
    • To determine if these peptides are related to known enkephalins and if their levels change under stress.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of human plasma using acid-acetone extraction.
    • Chromatography techniques including Sephadex G-75, reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography, and Sephadex G-50.
    • Radioreceptor assay for opioid activity and tryptic digestion for peptide analysis.

    Main Results:

    • Evidence for multiple opioid peptides of varying molecular weights in human plasma.
    • Discovery of large quantities of peptides and small proteins generating opioid activity post-digestion, distinct from previously known plasma opioids.
    • Quantification of circulating opioid activity at 63.2 +/- 6.5 pmol/ml (leucine-enkephalin equivalents).
    • Identification of an opioid peptide (apparent mol wt, 3000) with an N-terminal enkephalin sequence.
    • A 2-fold increase in circulating opioid activity observed after mild stress.

    Conclusions:

    • Human blood contains significant levels of circulating opioid peptides, including enkephalin-containing compounds.
    • These circulating peptides differ from previously identified ones and may possess independent endocrine functions.
    • Stress can modulate circulating opioid levels, highlighting their dynamic physiological role.

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