Stimulatory effect of dermorphin, a new synthetic potent opiate-like peptide, on human growth hormone secretion.
Two new related heptapeptides (dermorphins) with potent central and peripheral opiate-like activity have been isolated from the skin of South American frogs, and have been chemically characterized as H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2 (dermorphin) and H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Hyp-Ser-NH2 (Hyp6-dermorphin). The response of GH to infusion of a synthetic dermorphin (5.5 micrograms/kg/min for 30 min) was studied in 9 healthy men. Dermorphin (D) significantly increased plasma growth hormone (GH) concentrations. The GH response to D was blunted by prior administration of naloxone, suggesting that D interacts with mu-type opiate receptors. However, the evaluation of the physiological significance of D-induced GH release in humans requires further study.
D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004347:Drug Interactions; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009270:Naloxone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018847:Opioid Peptides; D011674:Pulse / Q000187:drug effects
D009842:Oligopeptides; D018847:Opioid Peptides; C030058:dermorphin; D009270:Naloxone; D013006:Growth Hormone