Des-tyr-gamma-endorphin (DT gamma E) and pineal levels of melatonin and arginine vasopressin (AVP)

• Published in: European journal of pharmacology Vol. 76; no. 2-3; p. 271
• Main Authors: King, M G, Geffard, M R, Chavreau, J, Gaffori, O, Le Moal, M, Muyard, J P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 03-12-1981
• Subjects: Animals; Antipsychotic Agents - pharmacology; Arginine Vasopressin - analysis; Endorphins - pharmacology; Injections, Intramuscular; Injections, Subcutaneous; Male; Melatonin - analysis; Peptide Fragments - pharmacology; Pineal Gland - analysis; Pineal Gland - drug effects; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains
• ISSN: 0014-2999
• DOI: 10.1016/0014-2999(81)90512-4

In this experiment we investigated in rats the effects of chronic injections (13 X 1.0 microgram and 13 X 2 micrograms i.m.) and one acute injection (0.3 microgram s.c.) of des-Tyr-gamma-endorphin (DT gamma E) on the pineal content of melatonin and arginine vasopressin (AVP). Compared with control levels all three regimens of DT gamma E significantly elevated pineal melatonin. The greatest increase was obtained with the 0.3 microgram acute dose while the smallest increase was obtained with the 2 micrograms chronic dose. In contrast to the effect on melatonin, pooled levels of pineal AVP were lower in DT gamma E treated rats than in control rats. The greatest reduction was obtained with the 2 microgram chronic dose and the smallest reduction was obtained with the 1 microgram chronic dose.