beta-endorphin and Brain-Damage--Chronic

Cerebrospinal fluid beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity (CSF BLI) was determined for 69 patients who met DSM-III criteria for delirium and for 8 controls. The CSF BLI was significantly lower in the delirious patient group than in the controls (12.5 +/- 3.0 pg/ml versus 15.0 +/- 3.4 pg/ml, p less than 0.05). CSF BLI had no correlation with age or neuroleptic drug dosage, but did have a significant positive correlation with cognitive functioning as evaluated by the Mini-Mental State. Our findings suggest a role for beta-endorphinergic dysfunction in the development of delirium.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alzheimer Disease; beta-Endorphin; Brain Damage, Chronic; Delirium; Humans; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Radioimmunoassay

In 34 chronic alcoholics, subdivided into two groups according to the state of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH), beta-endorphin (beta-EP), ACTH and cortisol levels were determined in basal conditions in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Hormonal concentrations were correlated with brain damage and mnesic function. The results indicate the reduced CSF beta-EP content in chronic alcoholics and suggest that peripheral beta-EP may penetrate into the CSF compartment when there is BBB damage. They also sustain the different origins of central and peripheral pro-opiocortin-related peptides, and support the concept that beta-EP, beta-LPH and ACTH may be autonomously regulated at the central level. Moreover, both morphological brain damage and mnesic impairment in chronic alcoholics are unrelated to CSF peptide levels. The role of opioid peptides in the nature of alcohol-seeking behavior is supported.

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Adult; Aged; Alcoholism; Atrophy; beta-Endorphin; beta-Lipotropin; Brain; Brain Damage, Chronic; Endorphins; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Tomography, X-Ray Computed