Leu-Valorphin-Arg

Leu-Valorphin-Arg, LVVYPWTQR, corresponds to the sequence (32-40) of the β-, δ-, γ-, and ε-chains of human hemoglobin. It shows binding affinity for μ- and sigma-opioid receptors and has opioid activity in the GPI bioassay. LVV-Hemorphin-6 is found in large amounts in the pituitary and seems to be present in the circulation to a much lesser degree. In view of its high stability towards the membrane-bound lung enzymes and its strong inhibitory action on ACE activity, LVV-hemorphin-6 appears to be the most potent of the hemorphin-related peptides assayed.