title: beta-Endorphin: surface binding and internalization in thymoma cells.
abstract: The opioid peptide beta-endorphin binds to specific nonopioid binding sites (Mr 72,000) that are present on the surface of thymoma cells. beta-Endorphin is then internalized, apparently via the Mr 72,000 species, and is subsequently found within intracellular, vesicular structures. This process is accompanied by the down-regulation of the Mr 72,000 binding sites. Our findings suggest that beta-endorphin may modulate cellular functions, such as T-lymphocyte proliferation, at intracellular rather than cell surface sites.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schweigerer
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Teschemacher
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gramsch
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D004705:Endocytosis; D004723:Endorphins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007700:Kinetics; D051379:Mice; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000378:metabolism; D013945:Thymoma / Q000378:metabolism*; D013953:Thymus Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D001615:beta-Endorphin
chemical_list: D004723:Endorphins; D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D001615:beta-Endorphin