The Japanese Journal of Pharmacology
Online ISSN : 1347-3506
Print ISSN : 0021-5198
ISSN-L : 0021-5198
Forum Minireviews
Recent Advances in the Search for the μ-Opioidergic System
Morphological Studies of the Endomorphinergic Neurons in the Central Nervous System
Qing-Ping WangJames E. ZadinaJian-Lian GuanSeiji Shioda
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2002 Volume 89 Issue 3 Pages 209-215

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Abstract

Endomorphins (EMs) are newly found endogenous opioid peptides. Both endomorphin-1 (EM-1) and -2 (EM-2) are composed of four amino acids. Their high affinity and specificity for μ-opioid receptors have been confirmed by many physiological and pharmacological studies. In the present minireview, we discuss the distribution and localization of these peptides. While EM-2 is more prevalent in the spinal cord and lower brainstem, EM-1 is more widely and densely distributed throughout the brain than EM-2. We also discuss the possible coexistence of EM with other neurotransmitters. Finally, we introduce some new results regarding the ultrastructure and synaptic relationships of EM-2 obtained by the immunoelectron microscopic method.

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© The Japanese Pharmacological Society 2002
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