d-ala(2)-mephe(4)-met(0)-ol-enkephalin and Schizophrenia

Topics: Animals; Blood Circulation; Body Temperature Regulation; Brain Chemistry; Cats; D-Ala(2),MePhe(4),Met(0)-ol-enkephalin; Emotions; Endorphins; Enkephalins; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Male; Mice; Motor Activity; Pain; Pituitary Gland; Rats; Receptors, Opioid; Respiration; Schizophrenia

The biological enigma of schizophrenia has led, on the basis of thin evidence, to widen the field of clinical research to a study of endomorphines in this disease. Too many different methods of measuring the levels of opiate peptides in the CSF have been used so that it is not possible to analyse the results statistically. Clinical trials of agonists and antagonists to the opiate receptors have once again emphasised the biochemical heterogeneity of schizophrenics but have not allowed any confirmation that the endorphinical system plays any part in the genesis or symptomatology of schizophrenia. The presence of sub-groups who respond positively to experimental treatment can lead to the hope, despite the uncertainties of their mode of pharmacological action, to the next advance in the routine treatment of schizophrenia.

Topics: beta-Endorphin; Clinical Trials as Topic; D-Ala(2),MePhe(4),Met(0)-ol-enkephalin; Endorphins; Humans; Naloxone; Peptide Fragments; Receptors, Opioid; Schizophrenia

In a double blind, cross-over study 10 chronic schizophrenic patients with productive symptoms in spite of neuroleptic treatment received the methionine-enkephalin analogue FK 33-824 2 mg i.m. daily for 7 consecutive days. Ratings performed by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale did not show any significant differences between FK 33-824 and the active placebo pentobarbital. The clinical condition of one patient worsened during and after the administration of FK 33-824. It is suggested that this might be due to a dopamine stimulating effect. The discrepancy between the findings of the present and a previous open study is discussed. The present study does not support the hypothesis of dysfunction of the endorphin system in schizophrenia.

Topics: Adult; Chronic Disease; Clinical Trials as Topic; D-Ala(2),MePhe(4),Met(0)-ol-enkephalin; Double-Blind Method; Endorphins; Enkephalin, Methionine; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Schizophrenia

16 patients with paranoid and hallucinatory symptoms, who were concurrently receiving no other medication, participated in a double blind trial. Either 3 mg FK 33-824 or 20 mg diazepam was injected i.m. over a 2-day period, with a subsequent cross-over for the second medication. Both FK 33-824 and diazepam caused a slight decrease in psychopathological symptoms as measured by the BPRS, but no differences could be observed in their effect on schizophrenic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.

Topics: Adult; D-Ala(2),MePhe(4),Met(0)-ol-enkephalin; Double-Blind Method; Female; Hallucinations; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Schizophrenia; Schizophrenia, Paranoid; Schizophrenic Psychology

Topics: Adult; Antipsychotic Agents; Brain; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry; D-Ala(2),MePhe(4),Met(0)-ol-enkephalin; Depressive Disorder; Electroencephalography; Endorphins; Enkephalins; Female; Growth Hormone; Hormones; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prolactin; Psychotic Disorders; Schizophrenia