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Peptides with Morphine-like Action in the Brain

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Hans W. Kosterlitz  and
John Hughes
Hans W. Kosterlitz
Affiliation:
University of Aberdeen, Unit for Research on Addictive Drugs, Marischal College, Aberdeen AB9 1AS
John Hughes
Affiliation:
University of Aberdeen, Unit for Research on Addictive Drugs, Marischal College, Aberdeen AB9 1AS
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Summary

The reasons which led to the search in the brain for substances with morphine-like actions are discussed. Two pentapeptides, methionine-enkephalin and leucine-enkephalin, were isolated. The amino acid sequence of methionine-enkephalin occurs also in the pituitary prohormone β-lipotropin, of which longer fragments (endorphins) of up to 31 amino acids exhibit strong morphine-like action.

The physiological significance of these short and long opioid peptides is discussed, particularly with regard to their possible roles as neurotransmitter or neuromodulator.

With regard to the mechanisms involved in the development of tolerance to and dependence on opiates, the importance of interaction between the endogenous opioid peptides and the exogenous opiate alkaloids is stressed.

The possible therapeutic implications are discussed briefly.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 130 , Issue 3 , March 1977 , pp. 298 - 304
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1977 

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