Centrally administered beta-endorphin produces prolonged changes in delta-opioid ligand activity in vivo.

Spontaneous reflex bladder contractions were recorded isometrically in urethane anesthetized rats. Bladder contractions were depressed by intracerebroventricular injections of the mu-opioid receptor agonist [D-Ala2,MePhe4,Gly(ol)5]enkephalin (DAGO) and the delta-agonist [2D-penicillamine,5D-penicillamine]enkephalin (DPDPE) respectively. The effect of DPDPE was selectively antagonized by ICI 174,864 (N,N-diallyl-Tyr-Aib-Aib-Phe-Leu-OH; Aib = alpha-aminoisobutyric acid). However following the administration of beta-endorphin the antagonistic action of ICI 174,864 could no longer be observed. In addition ICI 174,864 exhibited agonistic activity following beta-endorphin and the effects of DPDPE were prolonged in a dose related manner by beta-endorphin. These observations suggest that beta-endorphin may produce complex changes in central delta-opioid receptor activity.