[The neurotropic activity of food-derived opioid peptides beta-casomorphins].

In the review the history of food-derived opioid peptides beta-casomorphins (beta-cas) discovery is given. The beta-cas formation in gastrointestinal tract during the beta-casein degradation and the following penetration into the blood are described, in the first place in newborn mammals. The attention is focused on neurotropic activity of beta-cas: their influence on the pain sensitivity, locomotion, anxiety and learning of experimental animals. The beta-cas ability to change the characteristics of mother-infant interaction is specially analysed. The necessity to take into consideration of beta-cas physiological effects on nursing dams and newborns behaviour is noted.