The effect of some enkephalins on calcitonin secretion.

Synthetic enkephalins: 5 metenkephalin, D2 proenkephalin and 5 leuenkephalin and morphine were injected into cerebral ventricles of rats. After 30 minutes the rats were sacrificed and the calcitonin content of the thyroid was assayed. As compared to the controls, morphine reduced significantly the secretion of calcitonin. Of the enkephalins, only 5 leuenkephalin had a borderline effect on calcitonin secretion, stimulating to a significant degree the rise of the hormone. The data obtained demonstrate the selective effect of opiates on calcitonin secretion.