Margules D L, Moisset B, Lewis M J, Shibuya H, Pert C B
Science. 1978 Dec 1;202(4371):988-91. doi: 10.1126/science.715455.
Small doses of the opiate antagonist naloxone selectively abolished overeating in genetically obese mice (ob/ob) and rats (fa/fa). Elevated concentrations of the naturally occurring opiate beta-endorphin were found in the pituitaries of both obese species and in the blood plasma of the obese rats. Brain levels of beta-endorphin and Leu-enkephalin were unchanged. These data suggest that excess pituitary beta-endorphin may play a role in the development of the overeating and obesity syndrome.
