BACKGROUND The melanocortin (MC) peptides and opioid peptide β-endorphin are cleaved from the polypeptide precursor pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). POMC-derived peptides are generated by extensive posttranslational processing that involves several enzymes including prohormone convertase 1/3 and 2 (PC1/3 and PC2). Because ethanol (EtOH) decreases POMC mRNA levels, we determined whether the exposure...

Tobacco smoke is immunotoxic, but the effect of smoking on the immunologic function of the mammary gland of mothers who smoke cigarettes ("smoker mothers") has not been studied. Our objective was to test, in smoker mothers, the colostral and transitional milk concentrations of interleukin-(IL)1alpha. The immunomodulators beta-endorphin and leptin were also tested. Pregnant women who self-identi...

Continuous labeling and pulse-chase techniques were employed to study the synthesis and secretion of multiple forms of immunoreactive ,f?-endorphin by cultured dispersed rat anterior lobe cells and intact neurointermediate pituitary lobe. Cell and medium extract immunoreactive pendorphin (specific immunoprecipitation and radioimmunoassay) exhibiting a K,, similar to authentic ,&endorphin upon g...

This paper explores the physiological basis of the acupuncture effect in the treatment of addiction and focuses on the relationship of acupuncture to the reward “cascade.” It proposes that the reward cascade combined with endorphin mechanisms may provide the biochemical framework to explain the mechanisms by which acupuncture provides relief from the symptoms of drug withdrawal, aids in the rec...

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the regulation of prodynorphin peptides by dopaminergic agents in the central nervous system. The indirectly acting catecholamine agonist D-amphetamine sulfate (AMPH) and the dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol (HAL) were administered to rats across a variety of treatment schedules and drug doses. The striatum, substantia nigra and hippocamp...

3-endorphin in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Latncet 1979;ii:380-2, 3. 19 Malizia E, Andreucci G, Paoluci D, Crescenzi F, Fabbri A, Fraioli F. Electroacupuncture and peripheral 3-endorphin and ACTH levels. Lancet 1979;ii:535-6. 2(1 Abbate D, Santamaria A, Brambilla A, Panerai AE, Di Giulio AM. ,3-Endorphin and electroacupuncture. Lancet 1980;ii:1309. 21 Wen HL, Ng YH, Ho WKK, et al. Acupunctur...