Kyotorphin (L-tyrosyl-L-arginine) is a neuroactive dipeptide which plays a role in pain regulation in the brain. It was first isolated from bovine brain, by Japanese scientists in 1979.[1] Kyotorphin was named for the site of its discovery, Kyoto, Japan and because of its morphine- (or endorphin-) like analgesic activity. Kyotorphin has an analgesic effect, but it does not interact with the opioid receptors. Instead, it acts by releasing met-enkephalin and stabilizing it from degradation. It may also possess properties of neuromediator/neuromodulator. It has been shown that kyotorphin is present in the human cerebrospinal fluid and that its concentration is lower in patients with persistent pain.[2]

References

  1. ^ Takagi H, Shiomi H, Ueda H, Amano H (November 1979). "A novel analgesic dipeptide from bovine brain is a possible Met-enkephalin releaser". Nature. 282 (5737): 410–2. doi:10.1038/282410a0. PMID 228202.
  2. ^ Nishimura K, Kaya K, Hazato T, Ueda H, Satoh M, Takagi H (November 1991). "[Kyotorphin like substance in human cerebrospinal fluid of patients with persistent pain]". Masui (in Japanese). 40 (11): 1686–90. PMID 1766121.