title: Effects of beta-endorphin on endothelial/monocytic endothelin-1 and nitric oxide release mediated by mu1-opioid receptors: a potential link between stress and endothelial dysfunction?
abstract: Observations have been made linking the presence of psychosocial factors associated with elevated beta-endorphin concentrations with atherosclerosis. In this study, the authors assume an important role of the stress hormone beta-endorphin in several mechanisms that contribute to a dysbalance of human endothelial and monocytic endothelin (ET)-1 and nitric oxide (NO) release, mediated by mu1-opioid receptors. ET-1 and NO release were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or fluorometrically. mu1-Opioid receptors were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after stimulation with beta-endorphin. beta-Endorphin significantly increased endothelial and monocytic ET-1 release. The effect was mediated by mu1-opioid receptors and abolished by naloxonazine, a selective mu1-opioid receptor antagonist. In contrast, NO release was decreased under the influence of beta-endorphin. mu1-Opioid receptors on human monocytes and endothelial cells mediated a beta-endorphin-induced stimulation of ET-1 release, whereas NO release was decreased. Thus, the authors hypothesize a role of beta-Endorphin in the pathogenesis of stress-induced endothelial dysfunction through peripherally circulating beta-endorphin, which may offset the balance of vasoactive mediators, leading to an unopposed vasoconstriction. The data may also provide a new concept of mu1-opioid receptor antagonists, preventing beta-endorphin-induced disorders of vascular biology.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany. uwilbert@med.uni-muenchen.de
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Wilbert-Lampen
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trapp
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Barth
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Plasse
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Leistner
mesh_terms: D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D019332:Endothelin-1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009000:Monocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D017450:Receptors, Opioid, mu / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013997:Time Factors; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D019332:Endothelin-1; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D017450:Receptors, Opioid, mu; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone