Enkephalin-induced dilatation of pial arteries in vitro probably mediated by opiate receptors.
Feline pial arteries in an actively contracted state were dilated in a dose dependent manner by enkephalins and morphine in vitro. This vasodilatation was blocked by naloxone suggesting the presence of opiate receptors in the vessel walls.
D000818:Animals; D001158:Arteries / Q000187:drug effects; D002415:Cats; D004723:Endorphins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004745:Enkephalins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009020:Morphine / Q000494:pharmacology; D010841:Pia Mater / Q000098:blood supply; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000502:physiology*; D014665:Vasodilator Agents
D004723:Endorphins; D004745:Enkephalins; D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D009020:Morphine