title: Corticosteroidogenesis modulation by beta-endorphin and dynorphin1-17 in isolated rat adrenocortical cells.
abstract: Two opioid peptides, beta-endorphin and dynorphin1-17 were bioassayed with isolated rat adrenocortical cells. beta-Endorphin increases basal production of corticosterone as well as the adrenal responsiveness to low doses of ACTH, these effects being partially reversed by naloxone. Dynorphin1-17, without affecting basal corticosterone synthesis, increases adrenocortical responsiveness to ACTH; naloxone does not influence this effect. It is suggested that peripheral opioid peptides may participate in the maintenance of the homeostatic balance by modulating adrenal corticosteroidogenesis.
mesh_terms: D000302:Adrenal Cortex / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004399:Dynorphins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004723:Endorphins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D009270:Naloxone / Q000494:pharmacology; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D001615:beta-Endorphin
chemical_list: D004723:Endorphins; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D009270:Naloxone; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D004399:Dynorphins; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D003345:Corticosterone