Alpha‑Endorphin Antibody – Research Use Only

This biotechnology‑grade antibody is designed for the sensitive detection of alpha‑endorphin, an endogenous opioid peptide derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) processing. Alpha‑endorphin plays key roles in neuropeptide signaling, neuroendocrine regulation, immune modulation, and CNS peptide processing. This antibody supports high‑specificity detection in biochemical and immunological workflows, including ELISA, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and peptide quantification assays.

Scientific Overview

Alpha‑endorphin is a 16‑amino‑acid neuropeptide belonging to the endogenous opioid family. It is produced through the proteolytic processing of POMC and is closely related to beta‑endorphin and other opioid peptides. Alpha‑endorphin participates in neuroendocrine signaling, immune cell modulation, nociceptive pathways, and CNS peptide processing. Because of its biological relevance and structural similarity to other opioid peptides, high‑specificity antibodies are essential for accurate detection and quantification.

This antibody is suitable for:

• Neuropeptide expression studies
• Opioid peptide pathway research
• Neuroendocrine and pituitary biology
• Immune modulation studies involving opioid peptides
• Peptide processing and POMC‑derived peptide analysis

Usage & Handling Guidance

Thaw gently on ice before use. Mix by gentle inversion; avoid vortexing. Aliquot upon first thaw to prevent freeze–thaw cycles. Maintain samples on ice during assay setup.

• Recommended dilutions: 1:500–1:5,000 for ELISA; 1:1,000–1:10,000 for Western blotting (optimize per assay)
• Storage: -20 °C
• Handling: Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles
• Compatibility: Peptide detection assays, neurobiology workflows, immunoassays

What You Get

• 50 µg alpha‑endorphin antibody (solution)
• High‑purity biotechnology‑grade preparation
• Batch‑specific documentation available upon request
• For research use only (RUO)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does this antibody detect?
  It is designed to detect alpha‑endorphin, a POMC‑derived endogenous opioid peptide.
• Is this antibody suitable for neurobiology research?
  Yes — it is commonly used in CNS, pituitary, and neuroendocrine studies.
• Does it cross‑react with beta‑endorphin?
  Cross‑reactivity varies by lot; users should validate for their specific assay.
• What dilution should I start with?
  Typical starting dilutions are 1:500–1:5,000 for ELISA and 1:1,000–1:10,000 for Western blotting.
• How should the antibody be stored?
  Store at -20 °C and avoid freeze–thaw cycles.
• Is this product suitable for diagnostic or therapeutic use?
  No. This reagent is intended strictly for laboratory, academic, and government research use only (RUO).

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References

• Heijnen CJ, Bevers C, Kavelaars A, Ballieux RE. Effect of alpha-endorphin on the antigen-induced primary antibody response of human blood B cells in vitro. J Immunol. 1986 Jan;136(1):213-6.
• Munn NA, Lum LG. Immunoregulatory effects of alpha-endorphin, beta-endorphin, methionine-enkephalin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone on anti-tetanus toxoid antibody synthesis by human lymphocytes. Clin Immunol Immunopathol. 1989 Sep;52(3):376-85.
• Guillemin R, Ling N, Vargo T. Radioimmunoassays for alpha-endorphin and beta-endorphin. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1977 Jul 11;77(1):361-6.
• Mizoguchi H, Kon-No T, Watanabe H, Watanabe C, Yonezawa A, Sato T, Sakurada T, Sakurada S. Involvement of spinal release of α-neo-endorphin on the antinociceptive effect of TAPA. Peptides. 2013 Dec;50:139-44.
• Akil H, Lin HL, Ueda Y, Knobloch M, Watson SJ, Coy D. Some of the alpha-NH2-acetylated beta-endorphin-like material in rat and monkey pituitary and brain is acetylated alpha- and beta-endorphin. Life Sci. 1983;33 Suppl 1:9-12.
• Maruthainar K, Peng-Loh Y, Smyth DG. The processing of beta-endorphin and alpha-melanotrophin in the pars intermedia of Xenopus laevis is influenced by background adaptation. J Endocrinol. 1992 Dec;135(3):469-78.
• Weber E, Roth KA, Barchas JD. Immunohistochemical distribution of alpha-neo-endorphin/dynorphin neuronal systems in rat brain: evidence for colocalization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1982 May;79(9):3062-6.
• Doniach I. Histopathology of the pituitary. Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1985 Nov;14(4):765-89.
• Herz A, Gramsch C, Höllt V, Meo T, Riethmüller G. Characteristics of a monoclonal beta-endorphin antibody recognizing the N-terminus of opioid peptides. Life Sci. 1982 Oct 18-25;31(16-17):1721-4.