Dynorphin and α-neoendorphin bind to the K subtype of opioid receptors and have been shown to inhibit the release of noradrenaline from cardiac sympathetic axons. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the endogenous localization of dynorphin and α-neoendorphin in the guinea pig heart. This goal was achieved by double- and triple-labelling immunofluorescence. Dynorphin- and α-neoendorphin-immunoreactive nerve fibers were numerous around coronary blood vessels and among cardiomyocytes. They also contained immunoreactivities to the rate-limiting enzyme of catecholamine synthesis tyrosine hydroxylase and to neuropeptide Y. These fibers disappeared in response to chemical sympathectomy (6-hydroxydopamine treatment). In contrast, substance P/calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactive axons of sensory origin did not contain dynorphin and α-neoendorphin immunoreactivities and were unaffected by chemical sympathectomy. The findings demonstrate that immunoreactive dynorphin and α-neoendorphin are contained in postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers innervating coronary blood vessels and cardiac muscle. Therefore, the inhibitory effect of these peptides upon noradrenaline release from the sympathetic terminal may well be an autoinhibitory feedback loop.

Keywords:
Heart, Sympathetic innervation, Opioid peptides, α-Neoendorphin, Dynorphin, Guinea pig
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© 1994 S. Karger AG, Basel
1994
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