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Characterization of opioid peptides in human thyroid medullary carcinoma
Author(s) -
Roth Kevin A.,
Bensch Klaus G.,
Hoffman Andrew R.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(19870501)59:9<1594::aid-cncr2820590912>3.0.co;2-c
Subject(s) - dynorphin , opioid peptide , medullary carcinoma , medicine , immunohistochemistry , endocrinology , thyroid carcinoma , medullary cavity , thyroid , proenkephalin , endorphins , opioid , receptor
A thyroid medullary carcinoma from a man with the multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome Type IIB was examined for the presence of opioid peptides. The tumor contained peptides derived from all three opioid precursors: pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC), pro‐dynorphin, and pro‐enkephalin. The tissue concentrations of the various opioid peptides varied considerably. β‐Endorphin, a POMC‐derived peptide, was present in concentrations between 9 to 12 pmoles/g tissue; 8 pmoles/g tissue of α‐neo‐endorphin, a pro‐dynorphin‐derived product, were seen, whereas the pro‐enkephalin‐associated peptides were present in much lower concentrations (0.6–2.1 pmoles/g tissue). Immunohistochemical studies showed scattered opioid‐positive cells in the tumor tissue and in two other thyroid medullary carcinomas. These data demonstrate that malignant neuroendocrine tumors may contain peptides derived from all three families of the endogenous opioids.