NIDA research monograph
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The present study examined the role of endogenous opioid peptides in the pathophysiological sequelae of fluid percussion head injury in the cat. Two hours following injury, tissue concentrations of dynorphin-like immunoreactive material (ir-Dyn) were significantly elevated in specific brain regions where injury, as evidenced by histological examination, was most severe. Changes in ir-Dyn but not beta-endorphin-like immunoreactive material (ir-End) were significantly correlated with a fall in regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) that occurred 2 h following injury. Administration of the opiate antagonist WIN44,441-3 (with enhanced activity at kappa-receptors) stereospecifically increased cerebral blood flow to the injured regions.