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. 1986 Sep 1;238(2):531–535. doi: 10.1042/bj2380531

The stimulation of glycogenolysis in isolated hepatocytes by opioid peptides.

R P Leach, M A Titheradge
PMCID: PMC1147166  PMID: 2879534

Abstract

The opioid peptides [Leu]enkephalin and dynorphin-(1-13) were shown to enhance glycogen breakdown when added directly to hepatocytes. This was the result of a concerted effect on the enzymes of glycogen metabolism, with a stimulation of glycogen phosphorylase activity and a simultaneous decrease in glycogen synthase I activity. The latter only became significant when the enzyme was activated by incubating the cells in presence of 20 mM- or 40 mM-glucose. The effect of the opioid peptides was independent of an increase in cyclic AMP or any change in the activity ratio of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and was abolished by depleting the cells of Ca2+. Both [Leu]enkephalin and dynorphin-(1-13) produced a significant decrease in cyclic AMP formation, suggesting that in liver, as in neuronal tissue, they may act by inhibiting adenylate cyclase activity.

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Selected References

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