title: Enhancement of human lymphocyte natural killing function by non-opioid fragments of beta-endorphin.
abstract: Opioid peptides have been shown to enhance peripheral blood lymphocyte natural killer (NK) cell function. In this study, we report that certain non-opioid fragments of beta-endorphin (2-16, 2-17, and 6-17) enhance NK activity with peak dose responses seen at 10(-12) to 10(-15) concentrations. This effect can be inhibited by naloxone. We conclude that non-opioid fragments of beta-endorphin are more potent than either beta- or gamma-endorphin in enhancing human lymphocyte NK activity.
mesh_terms: D004723:Endorphins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D009270:Naloxone / Q000494:pharmacology; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D018823:gamma-Endorphin
chemical_list: D004723:Endorphins; D010446:Peptide Fragments; C051725:beta-endorphin (2-16); C051726:beta-endorphin (2-17); D009270:Naloxone; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D018823:gamma-Endorphin; C033558:des-enkephalin-gamma-endorphin