Kyotorphin

Kyotorphin is a dipeptide compound discovered in 1979 by Japanese scientists at Kyoto University, hence its name. It is composed of the amino acids L-tyrosine and L-arginine. Kyotorphin has been found to have analgesic properties, meaning it can relieve pain, and it is naturally present in the brain.

Structure and Function

Kyotorphin (Tyr-Arg) is a neuropeptide, a small protein-like molecule used by neurons to communicate with each other. It is an endogenous (naturally occurring) compound in the mammalian brain. The structure of kyotorphin is unique in that it is a dipeptide, meaning it is composed of two amino acids joined by a single peptide bond. The amino acids involved are tyrosine and arginine.

The function of kyotorphin is primarily analgesic. It has been found to induce analgesia in animals by releasing met-enkephalin and leu-enkephalin, which are endogenous opioid peptides. These peptides bind to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing the perception of pain.

Clinical Significance

The discovery of kyotorphin's analgesic properties has led to interest in its potential therapeutic applications. However, kyotorphin does not cross the blood-brain barrier, which limits its potential as a direct therapeutic agent. Research is ongoing into methods of delivering kyotorphin to the brain, such as through the use of nanotechnology.

In addition to its analgesic properties, some studies have suggested that kyotorphin may have neuroprotective effects. It may help to protect neurons from damage or degeneration, which could have implications for diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

See Also

• Neuropeptide
• Analgesic
• Blood-brain barrier