Modulation of human T-cell suppressor activity by beta endorphin and glycyl-L-glutamine.

beta-endorphin (10(-7) M) induced suppressor cell activity in human peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures comparable to that of concanavalin A (Con A) (60 micrograms/ml). beta-endorphin and Con A, when used together during the induction portion of the suppressor assays, displayed synergistic activity. In contrast, glycyl-L-glutamine, the carboxy terminal dipeptide of beta-endorphin, inhibited development of Con A induced suppressor activity. It appears that the previously reported suppressive effects of beta-endorphin on immune function may be achieved by activation of specific suppressor T cell populations.