Regulation of Pituitary Beta Endorphin Release: Role of Serotonin Neurons
Abstract
Beta-Endorphin-like immunoreactivity (B-END-LI) is present In highest concentration in the anterior (AL) and intermediate lobe (IL) of the pituitary gland from where it is released in response to pain and other stimuli. Several lines of evidence suggest that serotonin neurons influence nociception via mechanisms which involve opiate receptors and the release of endogenous opiate peptides within the central nervous system (CNS) and possibly from the pituitary. The purpose of the presentresearch was to determine whether serotonin neurons are involved in the regulation of pituitary B-END-LI secretion and therefore provide evidence for a functional relationship between serotonergic-stimulated release of pituitary B-END-LI and endogenous mechanisms of analgesia. Since the pituitary is the major source for blood-borne B-END-LI, the effects of serotonergic drugs on plasma levels of B-END-LI was used to study serotonergic control over pituitary 3-endorphin.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 15, 1983
- Accession Number
- AD1010648
Entities
People
- Diana S. Malcolm
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences