Antibody-coated microprobes were used to determine whether immunoreactive enkephalins were released in response to fatiguing isometric contractions of the hind-limb muscles in cats anesthetized with α-chloralose. Contractions were performed by stimulating the tibial nerve via a microprocessor-controlled stimulator. Microprobes were inserted into the periaqueductal grey (P 0.5-1.0 mm) prior to, during and following fatiguing contractions. During fatiguing contractions, mean arterial blood pressure increased by 76 ± 9 mmHg above resting and recovery levels. Levels of immunoreactive enkephalins were elevated in the dorsolateral periaqueductal grey during the isometric contraction when compared to resting levels. It is possible that isometric muscle contraction causes the release of Met-enkephalin-like substances in the periaqueductal grey.

Antibody microprobes were used to study release of immunoreactive neurokinins in the dorsal horn of the anaesthetized spinal cat following sustained isometric contraction of ipsilateral hindlimb muscles. Microprobes had immobilized antibodies to neurokinin A (NKA) on their outer surfaces and bound a proportion of released molecules when inserted in the central nervous system. Bound molecules were detected in autoradiographs as zones of reduced binding of 125I-NKA in which microprobes were incubated after withdrawal from the spinal cord. The left hindlimb was immobilized using an epoxy bandage splint and isometric contraction of muscles induced by intermittent tetanic stimulation of a ventral root. A basal presence of immunoreactive neurokinins was detected and this was increased by sustained isometric muscle contraction. It is probable that ergoreceptors contain and release neurokinins.