Beta-endorphin amplifies the effect of interleukin-1 on mouse mesangial cell proliferation.

We report experiments that show that beta-endorphin, a neuropeptide, enhances the effect of interleukin-1 on mouse mesangial cell proliferation. Met-enkephalin, which comprises the first five amino acids of the beta-endorphin molecule, can also be shown to possess similar biologic activity. This action of beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin is mediated through naloxone-insensitive receptors on the mesangial cell, because naloxone treatment of the kidney cells does not abrogate this activity. The studies delineate a novel mechanism by which a neuropeptide may influence the development of immune-mediated cellular pathology.