Myelopeptides--bone marrow mediators with immunostimulating and endorphin-like activity

Scand J Immunol. 1986 Sep;24(3):237-43. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.1986.tb02090.x.

Abstract

Bone marrow cells produce soluble mediators with structural and functional heterogeneity. They were found to stimulate antibody production at the peak of the immune response, owing to compounds of a peptide nature (Mr 2000-1300). Active material was isolated by means of gel chromatography and electrophoresis. This material positively reacts with ninhydrin, and has maximum absorption close to 278 nm. Its antibody-stimulating activity decreased or stopped completely after treatment with proteolytic enzymes. Apart from the immunostimulating activity, bone marrow mediators have opiate-like activity. They have an analgetic effect, and interact with the opiate receptors of brain nerve cells. After a physicochemical and functional analysis, we conclude that bone marrow produces regulatory peptides that were previously unknown. We called them myelopeptides.

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / isolation & purification
  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation
  • Bone Marrow / physiology*
  • Cats
  • Chromatography, Gel
  • Endorphins / isolation & purification
  • Female
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Peptide Hydrolases
  • Peptides / isolation & purification
  • Peptides / physiology*
  • Swine

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Endorphins
  • Peptides
  • Peptide Hydrolases