neuropeptide?

Question

It is said that opiate neuropeptides influence immune functions. Any examples? and what's the mechanism? Thanks.

Answer 1

It needs a long explanation to have a clear picture to answer your question. Anyway, I presume that you already have in mind a picture of the immune system. As a brief explanation of the mechanisms:

Opiate peptides such as Beta-endorphin and enkephalins directly reduce the function of monocytes. Enkephalins and beta-endorphin synthesis affect the assembly of intermediate filaments directly involved in the motility of the monocytes. Dysfunction in their synthesis cause severe damaged in monocyte function essential for proper ingestion of particles.

Opiate peptide beta-endorphin can bind monocytes, lymphocytes and granulocytes (all main components of the immune system). Studies using isolated cells, have shown that beta-endorphin binding can affect lymphocyte proliferation, production of interferon-gamma (one of the key cytokines induced during immune responses), and phagocyte chemotaxis.

Beta-endorphin modulates function of lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages and mast cells.