Human erythrocytes have binding sites for beta-endorphin.

Monoiodinated human beta-endorphin was found to bind specifically to human erythrocytes. Unlabeled beta-endorphin and beta-endorphin inhibited binding, but (-)naloxone, [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]-enkephalin, and leu- and met-enkephalin did not. Immunoelectron microscopy, using rabbit anti-beta-endorphin antibody, an antirabbit IgG secondary antibody, and complexed horseradish peroxidase, revealed that at low concentrations beta-endorphin binds to the cell surface. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy showed no effect of beta-endorphin on membrane fluidity. This receptor does not appear to conform to the characteristics of an opiate receptor.