Abstract
THE pentapeptides leucine (Leu-) enkephalin and methionine (Met-) enkephalin were isolated from brain and shown to be endogenous opiates1. These peptides bind to the brain opiate receptor2, and their biological actions are blocked by the morphine antagonist naloxone3. The availability of synthetic enkephalins has led to the development of radioimmunoassays (refs 2, 4, and R. Miller, personal communication) and immunohistochemical techniques. Preliminary immunohistochemical studies5,6 have shown the distribution of enkephalin-containing fibres to coincide with the regional distribution of opiate receptors as determined by biochemical techniques and autoradiography6–8. The highest density of enkephalin-positive fibres6,8 was located in the globus pallidus. We have now confirmed the presence of enkephalin-immunoreactive fibres in the globus pallidus, and using specific lesions have shown this immunoreactivity to be abolished by destruction of the neural connections between the globus pallidus and the caudoputamen.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
