Distribution of immunoreactive alpha-neo-endorphin in the rat brain.
The distribution of immunoreactive alpha-neo-endorphin (alpha-Neo) in the rat brain was demonstrated by means of highly specific radioimmunoassay (RIA). The highest concentrations of immunoreactive (ir) alpha-Neo (100 pmol/g tissue) were found in the substantia nigra, the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (86 pmol/g) and the preoptic area (63 pmol/g); medium levels were found in the basal ganglia, mesencephalic reticular formation, nucleus accumbens and hippocampus. Other structures contained less alpha-Neo-ir. The possible anatomical interaction between alpha-Neo and monoaminergic nerve terminals or cell bodies in some structures is discussed.
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000378:metabolism; D004723:Endorphins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D013378:Substantia Nigra / Q000032:analysis
D002395:Catecholamines; D004723:Endorphins; D011498:Protein Precursors; D012701:Serotonin; C025681:alpha-neoendorphin