title: beta-Endorphin in the human pancreas.
abstract: Using a specific antiserum, beta-endorphin was quantitated in 8 human pancreas obtained at autopsy by radioimmunoassay and localized by immunocytochemistry. The mean (+/- SE) concentration of beta-endorphin in pancreatic extracts of 5 non-diabetic adults was 13.5 +/- 9.8 ng/gm with a range of 2.1 to 52.8 ng/gm of tissue. Pancreatic beta-endorphin concentration in two premature infants were within the range found in adults. In one diabetic pancreas, there was no measurable beta-endorphin. Specific beta-endorphin immunofluorescence is localized within the pancreatic islets. This finding suggests that beta-endorphin may participate in intraislet regulation of pancreatic hormone secretion.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D004723:Endorphins / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010179:Pancreas / Q000032:analysis* / Q000473:pathology; D011863:Radioimmunoassay
chemical_list: D004723:Endorphins