beta-endorphin and Cerebrovascular-Disorders

Abnormalities of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis function have been observed frequently in stroke patients. The aim of this study was to investigate plasma beta-endorphin and cortisol 24-hour secretory patterns in patients early after stroke and in the convalescent period to evaluate a possible influence of brain damage on hormonal circadian pattern.. Patients (n = 15; age, 46 to 75 years) were evaluated in the first 24 hours and 10 days after hospital admission for ischemic cerebral stroke and compared with 15 age- and sex-matched normal subjects. Blood samples for beta-endorphin and cortisol determination were drawn every 4 hours from 8 AM to 8 PM and every 2 hours from midnight to 6 AM.. Mean 24-hour beta-endorphin and cortisol levels, recorded in the acute phase, were significantly (P < .05) higher than those recorded in normal subjects; circadian rhythm was not demonstrable for either hormone. In the convalescent period, plasma cortisol 24-hour mean values and circadian rhythm returned to the normal range, whereas the plasma beta-endorphin 24-hour mean values and circadian rhythm did not.. Cerebral stroke induces abnormalities of beta-endorphin and cortisol circadian secretion. Whereas cortisol abnormalities are transient, those of beta-endorphin last longer. The dissociation between beta-endorphin and cortisol 24-hour secretory patterns might potentially serve as a marker of psychoneurological abnormalities occurring after stroke.

Topics: Aged; beta-Endorphin; Brain Ischemia; Cerebrovascular Disorders; Circadian Rhythm; Convalescence; Female; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Male; Middle Aged

Topics: beta-Endorphin; Cerebrovascular Disorders; Enkephalin, Methionine; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Norepinephrine

Illustrated by several examples from the past it is demonstrated how difficult it is to predict future developments in neurosurgery. Several determinants can be recognized as exerting a positive or a negative influence in this respect. Careful observation of unexpected events and consequent consideration in combination with a spiritual independency, are aspects which will contribute in a positive way. The reverse will unavoidably lead to abolition of new ideas and concepts. Authority in a personal as well as in an impersonal way, may act as a negative determinant. This aspect is illustrated by some examples regarding the phenomenon of the "medical mandarin" as a personal authority, and the irrational adherence to paradigms as an impersonal one. Based upon recent experiments new ways for neurosurgical activities are indicated, concerning 1st transplantation of fetal central nervous tissue and of adrenal medullary tissue, and 2nd deep long-term stimulation of the beta endorphin-serotonin system for the control of chronic pain.

Topics: Adrenal Medulla; beta-Endorphin; Cerebrovascular Disorders; Corpus Striatum; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Endorphins; Enkephalins; Forecasting; Humans; Microsurgery; Neurosurgery; Otosclerosis; Pain Management; Parkinson Disease; Serotonin; Stapes Mobilization; Stereotaxic Techniques

beta-Endorphin-like immunoreactivity in cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) was observed to decrease in patients with Huntington's disease and dementia due to brain vascular disease. The greatest decrease was seen in patients with presenile and senile dementia of Alzheimer type(SDAT). The immunoreactivity significantly correlated with psychological functions when examined using a dementia rating scale (r=0.51, p less than 0.01, for all dementia, r=0.65, p less than 0.02, for only SDAT). These results suggest that a B-endorphin-like substance may be related in the pathophysiology of dementia.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alcoholism; Alzheimer Disease; beta-Endorphin; Cerebrovascular Disorders; Dementia; Endorphins; Female; Humans; Huntington Disease; Male; Middle Aged