title: Methionine enkephalin-like, substance P-like, and beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity in human parotid saliva.
abstract: These three neuropeptides were measured at daily baseline values by radioimmunoassay. Stimulated parotid saliva was collected from 31 subjects using a modified Carlson-Crittenden device affixed over Stenson's duct. Methionine enkephalin-like immunoreactivity ranged from 6.6 to 11.7 fmol/ml, with a mean of 9.3 fmol/ml. Substance P-like immunoreactivity ranged from 6.1 to 12.6 fmol/ml, with a mean of 9.3 fmol/ml. beta-Endorphin-like immunoreactivity ranged from 1.2 to 3.6 fmol/ml, with a mean of 2.6 fmol/ml. This is believed to be the first documentation of methionine enkephalin- and substance P-like activities in human parotid saliva and the first demonstration of beta-endorphin-like activity in any type of human saliva. Substance P-like activity was significantly higher in morning than evening samples; beta-endorphin-like activity also tended to be higher in the morning samples. Substance P and beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivities covaried in a significant positive manner, suggesting either common control mechanisms or similar responses to physiological variables.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Pikula
authors.forename: E F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Desiderio
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Fridland
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Lovelace
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000378:metabolism*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides / Q000032:analysis*; D013373:Substance P / Q000032:analysis*; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides; D013373:Substance P; D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine; D001615:beta-Endorphin