β-Endorphin and Adrenocorticotropin Are Selected Concomitantly by the Pituitary Gland

Abstract

The opiate-like peptide beta-endorphin and adrenocorticotropin are concomitantly secreted in increased amounts by the adenohypophysis in response to acute stress or long-term adrenalectomy as well as in vitro in response to purified corticotropin releasing factor and other secretagogues. Conversely, administration of the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone inhibits the secretion of both adrenocorticotropin and beta-endorphin. Thus, both hormones possess common and identical regulatory mechanisms and there may be a functional role for circulating beta-endorphin.

Stimulation of release of -endorphin and oxytocin by prostaglandin F2 in cattle at parturition

“…In this study, we found an increased release of ß-endorphin in parturient cows which is in agreement with previous results from different species (Csontos et al, 1979;Goland et al, 1981;Petraglia et al, 1985;Aurich et al, 1990 (Guillemin et al, 1977), in pregnant sheep submitted to hypoglycaemia, the placenta has been identified as an additional source of ß-endorphin (Falconer et al, 1988). ß-Endorphin can also be synthesized by human placental tissue (Liotta et al, 1982).…”

Role of cortisol in the pathogenesis of deficient counterregulation after antecedent hypoglycemia in normal humans.

“…ACTH responses were suppressed ‫ف(‬ 30%) after antecedent cortisol whereas ␤-endorphin responses to hypoglycemia were unaffected. ACTH and ␤-endorphin are co-secreted from corticotropes within the anterior pituitary (43). Therefore, it may have been expected that the responses of both peptides would have been similarly blunted by antecedent cortisol.…”

Opioids from immunocytes interact with receptors on sensory nerves to inhibit nociception in inflammation.

“…The specimens were then dehydrated in a graded series of ethanol, cleared in methyl salicylate, and embedded in Paraplast Plus (Merck). Sections (5)(6)(7) pum thick) were cut, dewaxed in xylene, rehydrated in a graded series of ethanol, washed briefly in PBS, and then immunostained using avidin-biotin peroxidase complex (Vector Laboratories). Unless (4,16) with the observer blind to the experimental condition employed.…”