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Met-enkephalin inhibits in vitro dopamine-induced LHRH release from mediobasal hypothalamus of male rats

Nature volume 274, pages 281–282 (1978)Cite this article

Abstract

THE morphinomimetic pentapeptides enkephalins1 have been identified in the central nervous system (CNS)2–5. In the rat, Met-enkephalin seems to be the predominant opiate-like pentapeptide6; it has been found in different structures of the brain, including the anterior and the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH)2–4. Enkephalins, like morphine, have been shown to enhance the secretion of prolactin7–9 and growth hormone9,10, and to inhibit the release of thyroid stimulating hormone11, and luteinising hormone (LH) and ovulation12,13. These effects can be inhibited by naloxone, an opiate antagonist; most authors have postulated that they involve a direct action at the hypothalamic level8–14. In this report, we rule out a direct action of Met-enkephalin on LH releasing hormone (LHRH) release and postulate instead that Met-enkephalin modulates a dopamine-stimulated secretion.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unité de Neuroendocrinologie (U.159), Centre Paul Broca de l'Inserm, 2ter rue d'Alésia, 75014, Paris, France

    W. H. ROTSZTEJN, SOPHIA V. DROUVA, E. PATTOU & C. KORDON

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  1. W. H. ROTSZTEJN
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  2. SOPHIA V. DROUVA
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  3. E. PATTOU
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  4. C. KORDON
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ROTSZTEJN, W., DROUVA, S., PATTOU, E. et al. Met-enkephalin inhibits in vitro dopamine-induced LHRH release from mediobasal hypothalamus of male rats. Nature 274, 281–282 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/274281a0

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