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Presence of immunoreactive endothelin in human milk
H C Lam1, K Takahashi, M A Ghatei
1Department of Medicine, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London, England.
Insights
Endothelin, a peptide, was found in human milk using radioimmunoassay. Further analysis confirmed the presence of endothelin-1, -2, and -3 in breast milk samples.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide.
- Its presence and function in human milk are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and characterize endothelin in human milk.
- To quantify endothelin levels in human milk.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used for detection and quantification.
- Gel filtration and Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) were employed for characterization.
Main Results:
- Endothelin-like immunoreactivity was detected in human milk at 6.8 +/- 1.6 pmol/l.
- FPLC analysis identified four distinct peaks, corresponding to endothelin-1, -2, and -3, plus another unidentified peak.
Conclusions:
- Endothelin peptides are present in human milk.
- The findings suggest a potential physiological role for endothelin in lactation or infant development.
Abstract:
Endothelin-like immunoreactivity was detected in human milk at a concentration of 6.8 +/- 1.6 pmol/l (mean +/- SEM; n = 16) using a highly sensitive radioimmunoassay. Gel filtration and fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) verified the identity of the endothelin. FPLC revealed 4 peaks, one eluting just after the void volume, and the other three in the positions of endothelin-1, -2, and -3, respectively.