Evolution of neuropeptide concepts illustrated by MIF-1 and MSH

Abstract

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) release-inhibiting factor (MIF)-1 is a tripeptide mainly produced by the hypothalamus. Since its discovery in 1968, MIF-1 has invoked a rich body of literature elucidating its biochemical properties, cellular actions, effects on animal behavior, and therapeutic potential in the human disorders Parkinson's disease and mental depression. The chemical synthesis of MIF-1 analogs and isolation of naturally occurring peptides with potent biological activities have yielded a farmly of Tyr-MIF-1 peptides. Among these, endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 show selective agonistic activity for the mu-opiate receptor and, therapeutic potential in pain and addiction. Overall, the structural-functional analyses of MIF-1 and other members in this peptide family during the past four decades clearly demonstrate the evolution of the concepts of peptides during our lifetime. This review will summarize some of the concepts, from their initial controversy to widely accepted facts nowadays. PU - SPRINGER-VERLAG BERLIN PI - BERLIN PA - HEIDELBERGER PLATZ 3, D-14197 BERLIN, GERMANY