Abstract
Tonin, a proteolytic enzyme isolated from rat submaxillary gland, was allowed to react upon ovine beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH) at 37 degrees C at a variety of pH values and for different lengths of time. Opiatelike activity generated by the reaction was assessed using a radioreceptor assay for beta-endorphin with rat brain homogenate. [3H]naloxone, and beta-endorphin as receptors, tracer, and hormone standard, respectively. Cleavage of beta-LPH with tonin produced a 10-fold increase in opiatelike activity as compared with beta-LPH alone. Digestion of beta-LPH with other enzymes such as renin, cathepsin D, trypsin, and chymotrypsin produced much less opiatelike activity. beta-Endorphin and methionine-enkephalin were not cleaved by tonin. Using this new assay, we were able to detect beta-LPH and materials containing opiatelike activity from rat pituitary extracts after gel chromatography. It is more specific and more sensitive than trypsin digest.
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