Kentsin

Kentsin, a contraceptive tetrapeptide, is originally extracted from hamster embryos. Kentsin prevents the maturation of Graafian follicles and consequently inhibits ovulation. Kentsin has opiate properties on gastrointestinal motility[1][3][5].

Research Areas >> Endocrinology

Signaling Pathways >> Others >> Others

Research Areas >> Neurological Disease

Kentsin (100 μg/mL, 18 h) increases endogenous xenotropic virus expression in K-Balb 19a/h cells transformed with Kirsten sarcoma virus[2]. Kentsin (30 μM) does not inhibit electrically stimulated contractions of the guinea pig ileum (GPI) or mouse vas deferens (MVD)[1].

Kentsin (0-100 μg, i.c.v. or intrathecal administration) produces analgesia in both the hotplate and abdominal stretch tests[1]. Kentsin (20 and 100 ng/kg, i.c.v.) inhibits the antral motility index and disrupts the jejunal migrating motor complex in fasted dogs[3]. Kentsin (4.0 μg/kg, i.c.v. 2 hours after the beginning of a meal) restores the “fasted” (the migrating myoelectric complex of intestinal motility), and can be blocked by previous Naloxone (400 μg/kg, i.c.v.)[4]. Animal Model: Fasted dogs[3] Dosage: 20 and 100 ng/kg Administration: Intracerebroventricular injection (i.c.v.) Result: Inhibited the antral motility index by 51.2 and 76.1%. Disrupted the jejunal migrating motor complex for 2 and 4 h respectively.

[1]. Fox DA, et al. Kentsin: tetrapeptide from hamster embryos produces naloxone-sensitive effects without binding to opioid receptors. Peptides. 1987 Jul-Aug;8(4):613-8.  

[2]. Suk WA, et al. Increased expression of endogenous xenotropic murine retrovirus by treatment with the tetrapeptides, tuftsin and kentsin. J Gen Virol. 1981 Jan;52(Pt 1):189-94.  

[3]. Bueno L, et al. Central opioid-like influence of a tetrapeptide from hamster embryo (kentsin) on gastrointestinal motility in dogs. Eur J Pharmacol. 1985 Aug 7;114(1):67-70.  

[4]. Buéno L, et al. A tetrapeptide isolated from hamster embryo with central opiate properties on gastrointestinal motility but not on pain perception. Life Sci. 1986 Jul 14;39(2):141-6.  

[5]. Wieczorek Z, et al. The immunomodulatory activity of tetra- and tripeptides of tuftsin-kentsin group. Peptides. 1994;15(2):215-21.