title: Action of pro-opiomelanocortin products on the rat vas deferens.
abstract: Behavioral study of pro-opiomelanocortin products indicates that beta-endorphin and corticotrophin-like peptides have antagonistic effects. However, these peptides have similar actions on the rat vas deferens. beta-endorphin, alpha-MSH and ACTH each inhibit electrically evoked contraction of the duct, but the corticotrophin derived peptides are tenfold more potent on a molar basis (ED50 = 9 nM). Pharmacological analysis shows that the action of corticotrophin-derived peptides does not involve an opiate receptor mechanism. The results are discussed in terms of the central action of the peptides.
mesh_terms: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D004723:Endorphins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009020:Morphine / Q000494:pharmacology; D011333:Pro-Opiomelanocortin / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000187:drug effects*; D014649:Vas Deferens / Q000187:drug effects; D001615:beta-Endorphin
chemical_list: D004723:Endorphins; D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D011333:Pro-Opiomelanocortin; D009020:Morphine; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones