Control mechanisms of peripheral enkephalin hydrolysis in mammalian plasma.

The protection of the adrenal-released enkephalins from enzyme hydrolysis by endogenous plasma components was studied in laboratory animals and in man. The results indicate that mechanisms active in protecting leu-enkephalin from hydrolysis are present in the plasma of all species examined. The protection seems to be due to two groups of substances, possibly of peptidic nature. The amount of protection given by these substances seems to be sufficient to play a significant role in controlling the physiological levels of leu-enkephalin released into the bloodstream.