Numerous studies have investigated the behavioural effects of beta-endorphin, both endogenous and exogenously applied. However, the potential for biotransformation of beta-endorphin in the extracellular space of the brain has not been previously directly addressed in vivo. Utilising microinfusion/microdialysis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry, we investigated be...

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES Correction for “Variation in the β-endorphin, oxytocin, and dopamine receptor genes is associated with different dimensions of human sociality,” by Eiluned Pearce, Rafael Wlodarski, Anna Machin, and Robin I. M. Dunbar, which appeared in issue 20, May 16, 2017, of Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (114:5300–5305; first published May 1, 2017; 10.1073/pnas.1700712114). Th...

Opioid and opioid-like receptors are activated by a variety of endogenous peptides including [Met]enkephalin (met), [Leu]enkephalin (leu), β-endorphin (β-end), α-neodynorphin, dynorphin A (dynA), B (dynB), big (Big dyn), nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ); endomorphin-1 endomorphin-2 also potential peptides. The Greek letter nomenclature for the opioid receptors, μ, δ κ, is well established, NC-IUP...

Brain injuries can interrupt descending neural pathways that convey motor commands from the cortex to spinal motoneurons. Here, we demonstrate a unilateral injury of hindlimb sensorimotor rats with completely transected thoracic cord produces postural asymmetry contralateral flexion and asymmetric withdrawal reflexes within 3 hr, as well in gene expression patterns lumbar cord. The injury-induc...