A preliminary study of leucine-enkephalin and its effect in the uterus / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

By means of radioimmunoassay, leucine-enkephalin (L-ENK) in the uteri of women and rats was studied and its responses to ovarian steroids were observed. The histological localization of L-ENK and the influence of naloxone (NAL) on estrogen regulation of the rat uterus in terms of cAMP and eGMP determination were also studied. Results of the study demonstrated that presence of L-ENK like substance in the uteri of women and rats, and the concentrations varied in the various phases of the sexual cycle. indicating a positive correlation with levels of estrogen in the body. L-ENK was found localized in the interstetial cells of the human endometrium, and in the rat uterus. Effect of extrogen on nucleotide was influenced by NAL. The findings suggested that L-ENK may play an important role on physiologic function of utetus.