Abstract
The release of Met-enkephalin immunoreactive material (ME-IR) from rat spinal slices was measured in vitro. This release increased about 4 fold in response to the addition of K+ ions. K+-evoked release of ME-IR was Ca++ dependent. Veratridine, a depolarizing agent, also stimulated the release of ME-IR. Veratridine-induced ME-IR release was completely prevented by tetrodotoxin (TTX), a Na+ channel blocker. Somatostatin (SRIF) inhibited both basal and K+-evoked release of ME-IR at 10-7 M. Substance P had a similar effect although higher concentrations were needed. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and neurotensin (NT) did not affect the basal release but slightly decreased K+-evoked release at 10-5 M. Serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA), did not affect ME-IR release. These results suggest that some of the neuropeptides present in the spinal cord, especially SP and SRIF, may be potent modulators of ME-IR release at the spinal level.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 849-852 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Peptides |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1984 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Met-enkephalin release
- Somatostatin
- Spinal cord
- Substance P