beta-Endorphin and adrenocorticotropin are selected concomitantly by the pituitary gland

Guillemin R, Vargo T, Rossier J, Minick S, Ling N, Rivier C, Vale W, Bloom F

doi:10.1126/science.197601

beta-Endorphin and adrenocorticotropin are selected concomitantly by the pituitary gland

Guillemin R et al., 1977

Science (New York, N.Y.), 197(4311), 1367-1369

DOI 10.1126/science.197601 PMID 197601 Source

Abstract

The opiate-like peptide beta-endorphin and adrenocorticotropin are concomitantly secreted in increased amounts by the adenohypophysis in response to acute stress or long-term adrenalectomy as well as in vitro in response to purified corticotropin releasing factor and other secretagogues. Conversely, administration of the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone inhibits the secretion of both adrenocorticotropin and beta-endorphin. Thus, both hormones possess common and identical regulatory mechanisms and there may be a functional role for circulating beta-endorphin.

Topics

Reproductive Endocrinology > Other > HPA Axis General OB/GYN > Clinical Practice > Basic Science

beta-endorphin ACTH secretion, adrenocorticotropin beta-endorphin co-release, pituitary hormone stress response, corticotropin releasing factor endorphin, stress hormone pituitary, ACTH endorphin glucocorticoid feedback, opiate peptide pituitary, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, beta-endorphin adrenal function, stress reproductive hormones, dexamethasone ACTH suppression, endorphin reproductive physiology

Cite this article

Guillemin, R., Vargo, T., Rossier, J., Minick, S., Ling, N., Rivier, C., Vale, W., & Bloom, F. (1977). beta-Endorphin and adrenocorticotropin are selected concomitantly by the pituitary gland. *Science (New York, N.Y.)*, *197*(4311), 1367-1369. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.197601

Keywords

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, Amino Acid Sequence, Animals, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone, Endorphins, Hypophysectomy, Male, Peptides, Pituitary Gland, Protein Precursors, Rats, Stress, Physiological, Time Factors