Beta-Endorphin. Synthesis and properties of double-headed and related analogs

A double-headed analog of human beta-endorphin (betah-EP), N,N'-bis (beta-endorphinyl)-cystine (II), has been synthesized by the solid-phase method, along with betah-EP-Cys(CH2CONH2)-OH (I) and [Tyr31]-betah-EP (III). Their relative potencies in a radioreceptor-binding assay were: betah-EP, 100; II, 235; I, 170; and III, 204. In the tail-flick test for analgesic activity their relative potencies were: betah-EP, 100; II, 86; I, 93; and III, 116.