Abstract
Opioid peptides have been shown to enhance peripheral blood lymphocyte natural killer (NK) cell function. In this study, we report that certain non-opioid fragments of beta-endorphin (2-16, 2-17, and 6-17) enhance NK activity with peak dose responses seen at 10-12 to 10-15 concentrations. This effect can be inhibited by naloxone. We conclude that non-opioid fragments of beta-endorphin are more potent than either beta- or gamma-endorphin in enhancing human lymphocyte NK activity.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1083-1087 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Life Sciences |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 16 1987 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics(all)