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On the multiplicity of active substances in single neurons: β-endorphin and α-melanocyte stimulating hormone as a model system

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Hormones and the Brain

Abstract

This paper emphasizes the problems associated with neuronal systems which contain two or more active substances (transmitters or modulators) within the same cell. The main focus will be on the arcuate neurons which contain the 31K Dalton precursor of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and β-endorphin. These neurons actually produce β-endorphin (β-END) and α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) as active substances in brain. This neuronal system is the most carefully studied of the systems with two or more potentially active substances in them. A great deal is known about the biosynthesis, anatomy, release receptor pharmacology and behaviour associated with this 31K system. Several topics are reviewed in order to more clearly explain the key control points and problems in multiple transmitter systems. In the final section of the paper, future problems and implications associated with multiple active substances are presented. Special attention is paid to biosynthesis and packaging, multiple forms, metabolism and regulation, receptors and, finally, physiological function and pharmacology.

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  1. Mental Health Research Institute, University of Michigan, 205 Washtenaw Place, 48109, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Dr S. J. Watson

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Watson, S.J., Akil, H. (1980). On the multiplicity of active substances in single neurons: β-endorphin and α-melanocyte stimulating hormone as a model system. In: Hormones and the Brain. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-8709-8_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-8709-8_7

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-009-8711-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-8709-8

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