title: [beta-Endorphins and the male reproductive system].
abstract: In the antique Chinese culture, it was already known about opioide for therapeutic usage. On 1975, Hughes et al., identificated two endogen pentapetides with potent opiate activity Leu-enkephalin and Met-enkephalin, ever since beta-Endorphin have been considered involucrated in many biological functions. beta-Endorphin have found in testis, seminal vesicle and prostate in different species. It has been observed a paracrine effect between in Leydig and Sertoli cells and inhibit the basal release of LH in man by inhibiting its pulsatile discharge. In this paper is discussed, in a general way, localization and production sites of beta-Endorphin especially their participation in male reproductive tract-physiology. Finally, it is mentioned the experimental methodology to identify and quantify beta-Endorphin in blood plasma and semen.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Investigación Médica en Biología de la Reproducción, Gineco 4 Luis Castelazo Ayala IMSS, México D.F.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Morales Martínez
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pedrón
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009294:Narcotics / Q000032:analysis*; D010455:Peptides / Q000032:analysis; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry*; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D009294:Narcotics; D010455:Peptides; D001615:beta-Endorphin
vernacular_title: beta-Endorfinas y el aparato reproductor masculino.