title: In vitro biosynthesis of beta-endorphin in pituitary glands.
abstract: beta-Endorphin is a 31 amino acid polypeptide isolated from the pituitary gland of different species of animals. It has strong morphine-like activity. It is formed of amino acid residues 61-91 of beta-lipotropin. Speculation has arisen whether it is biosynthesized in situ or transformed after secretion of beta-lipotropin. The present in vitro studies show that it is found as beta-endorphin in bovine pituitary slices incubated with radioactive amino acid precursor [35S]methionine. Chemical characterization and microsequencing of the newly biosynthesized material proves its identity with isolated unlabeled beta-endorphin and shows that it has a methionine residue at its fifth position, as expected.
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009020:Morphine; D010452:Peptide Biosynthesis; D010455:Peptides / Q000302:isolation & purification; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000378:metabolism*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D010455:Peptides; D009020:Morphine
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