Beta-endorphin in the human gallbladder.

The presence of beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity (beta-END-LI) in human gallbladder and its release were examined by means of radioimmunochemical measurements and immunohistochemical stainings. beta-END-LI was detected in the gallbladder (27.2 +/- 3.2 ng/g wet weight, mean +/- S.E.). The immunoreactivity in beta-END-LI extracted from the gallbladder was similar to that of synthetic beta-END, judging from the result of its inhibition curve parallel to that of the synthetic substance in the radioimmunoassay (RIA) system. On gel-filtration chromatography of a gallbladder extract, two components of beta-END-LI were found; one eluted on a position of beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH) and another on a position of synthetic beta-END. Specific beta-END-LI positive cells were detectable in metaplastic mucous glands. When human gallbladder mucosa was perfused with a solution of 10(-8) M or 10(-6) M cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8), the release of beta-END-LI from mucosa into the perfusate increased 2-3 fold. These results indicate that beta-END-LI present in human gallbladder is released by the direct action of CCK-8 on the gallbladder mucosa and suggest that it may have a physiological or pathophysiological role.