In vitro influence of enkephalins on the proliferative response of mouse and rat splenic lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin.
The opioid peptides leucine enkephalin (LENK) and methionine enkephalin (MENK) were investigated for their effect on the proliferative response of activated BALB/C mouse and Sprague-Dawley rat splenic lymphocytes in vitro. The results showed that LENK and MENK (1 x 10(-3) mg/ml to 1 x 10(-13) mg/ml) significantly suppressed the proliferative response of mouse lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and enhanced the proliferation of rat lymphocytes at peptide concentrations similar to those effective in mice. It is proposed that endogenous ENKs play a neuroendocrine role between the central nervous system and the immune system.
Lin
J
J
Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, CAMS, Beijing.
Lu
G
G
Jiang
G
G
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004743:Enkephalin, Leucine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine; D004743:Enkephalin, Leucine