The novel nonapeptide acein targets angiotensin converting enzyme in the brain and induces dopamine release.

Background And Purpose: Using an in-house bioinformatics programme, we identified and synthesized a novel nonapeptide, H-Pro-Pro-Thr-Thr-Thr-Lys-Phe-Ala-Ala-OH. Here, we have studied its biological activity, in vitro and in vivo, and have identified its target in the brain.

Experimental Approach: The affinity of the peptide was characterized using purified whole brain and striatal membranes from guinea pigs and rats .

α-tocopherol and α-tocopheryl phosphate interact with the cannabinoid system in the rodent hippocampus.

α-Tocopherol (α-TOH), a dietary component of vitamin E, is well known for its antioxidant capacity. Nevertheless, recent studies have pointed out non-anti-radical properties including cellular and genomic actions. Decreased levels of α-tocopherol in the brain are associated with neuronal dysfunctions ranging from mood disorders to neurodegeneration.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New CRH Analogues.

A series of 7 new human/rat Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (h/r-CRH) analogues were synthesized. The induced alterations include substitution of Phe at position 12 with D-Phe, Leu at positions 14 and 15 with Aib and Met at positions 21 and 38 with Cys(Et) and Cys(Pr). The analogues were tested regarding their binding affinity to the CRH-1 receptor and their activity which is represented by means of percentage of maximum response in comparison to the native molecule.