Mechanisms involved in the cardiovascular responses to opioid products of proenkephalin in the anaesthetised rat

Immunocytochemical distribution of Met-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 (Met-8) in the auditory system of the rat

“…It is now well established that Met 8 is concerned with cardiovascular, pain and motor mechanisms (Akil et al, 1984;Basbaum and Fields, 1984;Pasternak, 1987;Douglas and Kitchan, 1992) and can function as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator, but its functional role in the auditory system has not been assigned. Our results suggest that Met 8 could play, at least, two roles in hearing.…”

“…This means that the presence of Met 8 is a selective marker for the pro-enkephalin system (Abe et al, 1987;Murakami et al, 1987). Met 8 acts as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator and has been implicated in pain, cardiovascular and motor mechanisms (Akil et al, 1984;Basbaum and Fields, 1984;Pasternak, 1987;Douglas and Kitchan, 1992). The distribution of Met 8 has been studied using immunocytochemical, radioim-0378-5955 / 03 / $^see front matter ß 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.…”

Relevance of the C‐terminal Arg‐Phe sequence in γ2‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (γ2‐MSH) for inducing cardiovascular effects in conscious rats

“…This may be due to the fact that the Met-enkephalin part of MERFa binds on opioid receptors, mediating opposing e ects (hypotension and bradycardia) on the cardiovascular system (Douglas & Kitchen, 1992;Hao & Rabkin, 1997), whereas the C-terminal Arg-Phe structure can bind to the FMRFa/NPFFa receptor.…”

Physiological and anatomical bases for sex differences in pain and nausea as presenting symptoms of acute coronary syndromes

“…60 Inhibitory receptors exist in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, and are activated by natural opioids. 61,62 Men and women have different analgesic responses to opioids. 63,64 Moreover, hormone levels in women affect endorphorin levels and perceptions of ischemic pain.…”