Target Leu-enkephalin Target background Enkephalins (penta-peptides) have been discovered as regulators of nerve impulses involving pain in the brain. It has been shown that these peptides act as natural analgesics (pain-killers) and their action mimics that of morphine and other opiates. At present, it is thought that the morphine-like effects are due to aromatic side chains on phenylanine and tyrosine which mimic a similar structure on morphine. Research suggests that it does not make much difference whether the enkephalin contains methionine or leucine at the acid end of the peptide for its action. Target alias Enkephalin, endorphins, endorphin, Met5-enkephalin, Leu5-enkephalin, Met-enkephalin, Leu-enkephalin, anti-Enkephalin, anti-endorphins, anti-endorphin, anti-Met5-enkephalin, anti-Leu5-enkephalin, anti-Met-enkephalin, anti-Leu-enkephalin Immunogen pentapeptide ( Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu) Specificity A sensitive antibody against enkephalinergic fibrilar networks in the globus pallidus, N. accumbens, septum, hypothalamus, thalamus, amygdala, N. interstitialis of the stria terminalis and brain stem nuclei. This antibody does not distinguish between Met5-enkephalin and Leu5-enkephalin by radioimmunoassay or by immunocytochemistry. It is recommended for localizing enkephalinergic sites by immunohistochemistry. It does not bind to beta-endorphin or dynorphin-containing areas. It exhibits approximately. 40% cross reactivity with c-terminal extended Met-enkephalin hexapeptides and 7% cross reactivity with the extended heptapeptide (-Arg-Phe-0H), but does not recognize other endogenous peptides. All wellestablished enkephalin immunoreactive sites are recognized by this antibody in immunohistochemistry (IHC) and electron microscopy immunocytochemistry (ICC). Specific for: rat and human Clone ID NOC1 Isotype IgG1 Preservative None Format Lyophilized tissue culture supernatant Recommend starting dilution If reconstituted with deionized water in 0.5 mL: IHC 1:100 - 1:400. Optimal dilution has to be determined by the user. Limitations Research Use Only Storage Lyophilized antibodies can be kept at 4ºC for up to 3 months and should be kept at -20ºC for long-term storage (2 years). To avoid freeze-thaw cycles, reconstituted antibodies should be aliquoted before freezing for long-term (1 year) storage (-80ºC) or kept at 4ºC for short-term usage (2 months). For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made with the assay buffer. After the maximum long-term storage period (2 years lyophilized or 1 year reconstituted) antibodies should be tested in your assay with a standard sample to verify if you have noticed any decrease in their efficacy. To limit antibody loss or degradation, BSA (final concentration 1%) and sodium azide (final concentration 0.02%) can be added to the suggested first dilution. It is important to first verify if those preservatives are compatible with your assay. References