SPECIFIC SYMPATHOMIMETIC SUBSTANCE IN THE BRAIN

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Abstract
A sympathomimetic substance ("encephalin") was isolated from the brains of humans and various animals species through a dialysis, adsorption and elution process. It resembles epinephrine and nor-epinephrine (sympathin) in most of its pharmacodynamic properties but differs from both of them in certain respects (vasopressor effect not intensified by cocaine; greater resistance against oxidation by I2 , alkalinization and ultraviolet irradiation; differences in fluorescence and some chromogenic effects). Encephalin is present in all parts of the brain. It can be assayed with a colorimetric method, based on Shaw''s method for the detn. of epinephrine.