β-Endorphin, human peptide

• COA/MS/HPLC Report
• Handling and Storage of Synthetic Peptides
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Batch to batch variation of the purity

β-Endorphin is a prominent endogenous opioid peptide derived from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and processed by enzymatic cleavage of its 31-amino acid C-terminal region. It exhibits high affinity for μ-opioid (MOR) and δ-opioid (DOR) receptors, primarily localized in the hypothalamus and hypophysis cerebri, with additional distribution in brain regions such as the cerebral cortex, amygdala, and brainstem. This peptide modulates nociceptive information through spinal, supraspinal, and peripheral mechanisms, including inhibition of excitatory neurotransmitter release (e.g., glutamate) and activation of descending pain-control pathways involving periaqueductal gray (PAG) and rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) neurons.

At the peripheral level, β-endorphin is secreted by T lymphocytes during inflammation and acts on opioid receptors in sensory nerve endings to suppress hyperalgesia. Its effects are mediated via G-protein-coupled receptor signaling, leading to reduced calcium influx and increased potassium efflux, which hyperpolarizes neurons. The peptide also influences immune responses by modulating cytokine production, such as IL-10 and IL-1β, highlighting its dual role in neuromodulation and inflammatory regulation.

• Luan YH, Wang D, Yu Q, Chai XQ. Action of β-endorphin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and the possible effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on β-endorphin. J Clin Anesth. 2017 Feb;37:123-128. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2016.12.016. Epub 2017 Jan 9. PMID: 28235500.

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a common counterion from the purification process using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The presence of TFA can affect the peptide's net weight, appearance, and solubility.

Impact on Net Weight: The TFA salt contributes to the total mass of the product. In most cases, the peptide content constitutes >80% of the total weight, with TFA accounting for the remainder.

Solubility: TFA salts generally enhance the solubility of peptides in aqueous solutions.

In Biological Assays: For most standard in vitro assays, the residual TFA levels do not cause interference. However, for highly sensitive cellular or biochemical studies, please be aware of its presence.