Dermorphin reduces the metyrapone-evoked release of adrenocorticotropin, beta-endorphin, and beta-lipotropin in man.
The aim of this study was to investigate further the influence of dermorphin (D), a new potent opioid peptide (H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2), on the functional activity of the pituitary-adrenocortical system in man. Six normal men were treated with oral metyrapone to stimulate the secretion of ACTH, beta-lipotropin, and beta-endorphin. In these subjects, significant suppression of metyrapone-evoked release of ACTH and related peptides occurred during D infusion (5.5 micrograms/kg X min for 30 min) compared with that during saline infusion. These results indicate that D can induce a significant decline in plasma levels of ACTH, beta-lipotropin, and beta-endorphin, the major circulating peptides from the C-terminal part of proopiocortin, and suggest that opioid peptides may be involved in the control of the functional activity of pituitary-adrenocortical activity in man.
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D004723:Endorphins / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008297:Male; D008797:Metyrapone / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018847:Opioid Peptides; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D008083:beta-Lipotropin / Q000097:blood*
D004723:Endorphins; D009842:Oligopeptides; D018847:Opioid Peptides; C030058:dermorphin; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D008083:beta-Lipotropin; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D008797:Metyrapone