Characterization of opioid peptides in guinea-pig heart and skin.
Using reverse phase HPLC separations, and assay of eluate fractions in the mouse vas deferens, extracts of heart and skin from guinea-pigs were shown to contain several species of opioid-active material in low amounts (3-20 pmol/g as [Met5]enkephalin). Immunohistochemical studies revealed in the heart a small number of enkephalin-immunoreactive nerve fibres, particularly in cardiac ganglia and some small cells (paraganglionic cells, APUD cells). In the skin, enkephalin-immunoreactivity was confined to Merkel cells. Cardiac and cutaneous opioid peptides may modulate peripheral cardiovascular and sensory functions.
D000818:Animals; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004745:Enkephalins / Q000032:analysis*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000032:analysis; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D009206:Myocardium / Q000032:analysis*; D012867:Skin / Q000032:analysis*
D004745:Enkephalins