DADLE

Also known as [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]-Enkephalin

DADLE is a synthetic enkephalin analog that acts as a potent agonist at delta-opioid receptors, used to study their physiological roles.

Length: 5 amino acids (modified)
Half-life: More stable than native enkephalin due to D-amino acid substitutions.
Mechanism: It is a potent agonist primarily for the delta-opioid receptor (DOR), with some activity at the mu-opioid receptor (MOR).
Studied in: Employed in neuroscience and pharmacology research to investigate the function and signaling of delta-opioid receptors.

About DADLE

DADLE, or [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]-Enkephalin, is a synthetic pentapeptide analog of the endogenous opioid Leu-enkephalin. The substitution of L-amino acids with degradation-resistant D-amino acids at positions 2 and 5 significantly enhances its stability against peptidases, allowing for more sustained effects in experimental preparations compared to its natural counterpart.

While it was one of the first widely used delta-opioid receptor (DOR) agonists, it is now understood to be non-selective, exhibiting significant affinity for the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) as well. Despite this characteristic, it remains a classic reference compound for studying opioid receptor pharmacology, particularly in comparative studies or when exploring mixed MOR/DOR agonist effects in neuronal circuits.

Laboratory notes

Contains D-amino acid substitutions at positions 2 and 5, increasing its stability against enzymatic cleavage.
Acts as a potent agonist at both delta- and mu-opioid receptors, a characteristic to consider during experimental design.
Readily soluble in aqueous solutions; for long-term storage, keep lyophilised at -20°C.

Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.

Questions about DADLE

Is DADLE a selective agonist?

It is primarily considered a delta-opioid receptor agonist, but it also displays significant agonist activity at mu-opioid receptors. It is less selective than newer, more specialized compounds.

Why is DADLE more stable than endogenous enkephalin?

The presence of D-alanine and D-leucine prevents cleavage by common aminopeptidases that rapidly degrade natural enkephalins.

What is a typical application for DADLE in the lab?

It is often used as a reference compound in receptor binding assays and functional assays on cultured cells or tissue slices to characterise opioid receptor responses.

Is DADLE for human use?

No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.

Related research peptides

All products are sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, not a medicine, not for diagnosing, treating or preventing any condition.