Abstract
beta-Endorphin, an opiate-like peptide, has potent antinociceptive properties when it is administered directly into the brain and assayed in the the tail-flick, hot-plate, and writhing tests in mice and in the wet shake test in rats. On a molar basis, beta-endorphin is 18 to 33 times more potent than morphine and its actions are blocked by the specific opiate antagonist, naloxone hydrochloride. The activity of beta-endorphin in vivo is also compared to other peptides that show opiate-like activity in assays in vitro.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Analgesics, Opioid*
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Animals
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Biological Assay
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Humans
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Ligands
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Male
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred ICR
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Morphine / pharmacology
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Naloxone / pharmacology
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / pharmacology*
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Oligopeptides / pharmacology
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Peptides / antagonists & inhibitors
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Peptides / pharmacology*
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Rats
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Structure-Activity Relationship
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Substance-Related Disorders
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beta-Lipotropin / pharmacology
Substances
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Analgesics, Opioid
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Ligands
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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Oligopeptides
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Peptides
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Naloxone
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Morphine
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beta-Lipotropin