Immunocytochemical demonstration of beta-endorphin and beta-lipotropin in cultured human spinal ganglion neurons.
Human fetal spinal ganglion neurons isolated and cultured in vitro were found to contain immunoreactive beta-endorphin and beta-lipotropin as demonstrated by immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence techniques. The specificity of the immunoreactions was confirmed by the negative staining by prior absorption of the specific antisera with added peptides. The culture system described may provide a valuable model system in which cellular mechanism underlying the functions of opioid peptides can be investigated.
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004723:Endorphins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D008083:beta-Lipotropin / Q000378:metabolism*
D004723:Endorphins; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D008083:beta-Lipotropin