Structure-Function Studies on Red Pigment-Concentrating Hormone; The Significance of the Terminal Residues

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Abstract
The significance of the terminal residues of the red pigment-concentrating hormone (RPCH: .**GRAPHIC**. Leu-Asn-Phe-Ser-Pro-Gly-Trp-NH2) for its blanching effect on crustacean chromatophores investigated. The chemical synthesis of small analogues starting from the C-terminal amino acid described are: Ac-Trp-NH2, Boc-Gly-Trp-NH2, Ac-Gly-Trp-NH2, Gly-Trp-NH2, Ac-Pro-Gly-Trp-NH2, .**GRAPHIC**. .**GRAPHIC**. Pro-Gly-Trp-NH2, Ac-Pro-Gly and .**GRAPHIC**. Pro-Gly-NH2. Assay of the biological activity of the various synthetic compounds in the shrimp Leander adspersus has established that only the C-terminal tryptophan residue is indispensable for the blanching effect of the hormone, although elongation of the chain length improves its potency.