Beta-casomorphins: substitution of phenylalanine with beta-homo phenylalanine increases the mu-type opioid receptor affinity.

Two analogues of bovine beta-casomorphin-7 and beta-casomorphin-5 containing a beta-homo phenylalanine in substitution of the phenylalanine in position 3 were synthesised and tested for their mu-opioid receptor affinity. The modification enhanced the mu receptor affinity 5-fold in the case of modified beta-CM-7 and 2-fold for modified beta-CM-5 when compared to the natural peptides.