title: Des-tyr-gamma-endorphin (DT gamma E) and pineal levels of melatonin and arginine vasopressin (AVP).
abstract: In this experiment we investigated in rats the effects of chronic injections (13 X 1.0 microgram and 13 X 2 micrograms i.m.) and one acute injection (0.3 microgram s.c.) of des-Tyr-gamma-endorphin (DT gamma E) on the pineal content of melatonin and arginine vasopressin (AVP). Compared with control levels all three regimens of DT gamma E significantly elevated pineal melatonin. The greatest increase was obtained with the 0.3 microgram acute dose while the smallest increase was obtained with the 2 micrograms chronic dose. In contrast to the effect on melatonin, pooled levels of pineal AVP were lower in DT gamma E treated rats than in control rats. The greatest reduction was obtained with the 2 microgram chronic dose and the smallest reduction was obtained with the 1 microgram chronic dose.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001127:Arginine Vasopressin / Q000032:analysis*; D004723:Endorphins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000032:analysis*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000032:analysis* / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D004723:Endorphins; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D001127:Arginine Vasopressin; C018903:gamma-endorphin, des-Tyr(1)-; D008550:Melatonin