Regional distribution of alpha- and gamma-type endorphins in rat brain.

The regional distribution of Met-enkephalin, beta-endorphin and alpha- and gamma-type endorphins in rat brain was investigated. To that end, brains were dissected into anatomically defined areas. Acetic acid tissue extracts were fractionated using an HPLC system suitable for separation of endorphins and peptide concentrations were subsequently measured by specific radioimmunoassay systems. The distribution of Met-enkephalin and beta-endorphin through the brain was fairly uneven and in accordance with results obtained by others. The peptides alpha-endorphin, gamma-endorphin, des-Tyr-alpha-endorphin (DT alpha E) and des-Tyr-gamma-endorphin (DT gamma E) were detectable in almost all brain areas. Their distribution, however, appeared to be uneven. Hypothalamus and septum showed the highest levels of alpha- and gamma-type endorphins. These regions also contained high amounts of beta-endorphin, underscoring a precursor function of this peptide in the formation of alpha- and gamma-type fragments. In general, levels of alpha-endorphin were higher than those of des-Try-alpha-endorphin, whereas the opposite was found for gamma- and des-Tyr-gamma-endorphin.