Identification and measurement of beta-endorphin levels in the skin during induced hair growth in mice.
We describe new and effective techniques for extracting proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides from mammaliar skin. Using this methodology (hot-acid extraction) and two independent HPLC-controlled RIA systems, we identify beta-endorphin peptide in mammalian skin and demonstrate significant hair cycle-dependent fluctuations in both the skin concentration and the in situ expression pattern of beta-endorphin (sebaceous glands) during the entire murine hair cycle. The observed anagen (growth phase) associated increase in beta-endorphin concentration and its decline during the follicle involution (catagen) or resting (telogen) phase raise the possibility of a regulatory function of this neuropeptide in cyclic changes of skin physiology.
Furkert
J
J
Research Institute for Molecular Pharmacology, Berlin, Germany.
Klug
U
U
Slominski
A
A
Eichmüller
S
S
Mehlis
B
B
Kertscher
U
U
Paus
R
R
D000818:Animals; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000254:growth & development*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry*; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology
D001615:beta-Endorphin