ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Met5-enkephalin-arg6-gly7-leu8
;
Enkephalin
;
Gastrointestinal tract
;
Immunohistochemistry
;
Opioid peptides
;
Rat
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The distribution and characterization of the opioid octapeptide met5-enkephalin-arg6-gly7-leu8 (met5-enk-arg6-gly7-leu8) within the gastrointestinal tract of the rat has been determined by immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay by use of a newly developed antibody to met5-enk-arg6-gly7-leu8. With both techniques, met5-enk-arg6-gly7-leu8-immunoreactivity (met5-enk-arg6-gly7-leu8IR) was detected in all regions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract except the esophagus. The highest concentration of immunoreactive met5-enk-arg6-gly7-leu8 was observed in the colon, while intermediate concentrations were found in the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Immunostained somata were observed chiefly in the myenteric plexus; immunostained processes were present primarily in the myenteric plexus and the circular muscle layer. This distribution pattern is similar to that previously observed with antiserum to met5-enkephalin-arg6-phe7 (met5-enk-arg6phe7). Chromatographic analysis of met5-enk-arg6-gly7leu8-immunoreactive peptides extracted from the GI tract revealed the presence of an immunoreactive peptide of high molecular weight which accounted for approximately three-quarters of met5-enk-arg6-gly7-leu8-IR in both stomach and colon. These findings suggest a role for peptides related to the octapeptide met5-enk-arg6-gly7-leu8 in the regulation of GI function.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00218384
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