Chemistry:γ-Endorphin
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| Other names
Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met-Thr-Ser-Glu-Lys-Ser-Gln-Thr-Pro-Leu-Val-Thr-Leu
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| Properties | |
| C83H131N19O27S | |
| Molar mass | 1859.10434 |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
 verify (what is   ?)
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γ-Endorphin (gamma-endorphin) is an opioid peptide that is characterized by the presence of 17 amino acids. The first 16 amino acids are identical to α-endorphin; leucine added at the end. In addition, γ-endorphin is identical to the first 17 amino acids of β-endorphin. Similar to other endorphins, research focusing upon γ-endorphin has been ongoing since its discovery in the 1970s. Yet, most of the information about the substance's exact role within the body is speculation that has yet to be proven. Some studies have indicated, however, that the polypeptide has antipsychotic effects on a certain category of patients with schizophrenia, while others suggest that γ-endorphin may act to help regulate blood pressure. Further research is needed, but if γ-endorphin does indeed possess such characteristics, the substance could eventually be utilized as a useful means of medical treatment.[1]
It has been hypothesized[by whom?] that γ-endorphin may play a role in substance abuse, as well a neurological problems.[citation needed] The DRD2 gene regulates dopamine[citation needed] to which any mutation in this gene can lead to neurological and psychological disorders. It has been shown in a that a lack of γ-endorphin in utero leads to the DRD2-A2 allele over-expression. the DRD2-A1 allele increases the desire for alcohol and has been shown to be associated with a low γ-endorphin count.[2] The argument of γ-endorphin relating to psychological issues is strong; however, more testing would need to be done to confirm this.
γ-Endorphin resides in the pituitary gland of humans, as well as in other animals such as rats. An experiment was performed where two human pituitary glands were made available, and through various procedures like gel filtration chromatography and high-performance chromatography, 0.7 nmol of gamma-endorphin was found.[3]
References
- ↑ "Molecular Expressions: Images from the Microscope". Micro.magnet.fsu.edu. http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/.
- ↑ Blum, Kenneth; Oscar-Berman, Marlene; Badgaiyan, Rajendra D.; Palomo, Tomas; Gold, Mark S. (May 2014). "Hypothesizing dopaminergic genetic antecedents in schizophrenia and substance seeking behavior". Medical Hypotheses 82 (5): 606–614. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2014.02.019. ISSN 0306-9877. PMID 24636783. PMC 4039414. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2014.02.019.
- ↑ Burbach, J.Peter H.; Wiegant, Victor M. (1984-01-30). "Isolation and characterization of α-endorphin and γ-endorphin from single human pituitary glands". FEBS Letters 166 (2): 267–272. doi:10.1016/0014-5793(84)80093-9. ISSN 0014-5793. PMID 6198214.
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