'gamma-MSH' fragments from ACTH-beta-LPH precursor have an affinity for opiate receptors.
gamma-Melanotropin (gamma-MSH), a putative peptide residing in the cryptic N-terminal portion of ACTH-beta-LPH precursor, shares several amino acid residues with alpha-MSH or beta-MSH. The present study revealed that gamma-MSH and structurally related peptides had as potent an affinity for rat brain opiate receptors as did ACTH1-24 when 3H-naloxone was used as a ligand. Thus, gamma-MSH and structurally related peptides may have physiological significance in the activities of the CNS.
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects; D004745:Enkephalins / Q000378:metabolism; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D009270:Naloxone / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000378:metabolism*; D012964:Sodium / Q000494:pharmacology; D008083:beta-Lipotropin / Q000378:metabolism*
D004745:Enkephalins; D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D009270:Naloxone; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones; D008083:beta-Lipotropin; D012964:Sodium