gamma-endorphin--des-tyr(1)- and Chronic-Disease

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Antipsychotic Agents; Chronic Disease; Drug Evaluation; Endorphins; Female; Humans; Male; Peptide Fragments; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Schizophrenia

The beta-lipotrophin fragment des-tyrosine-gamma-endorphin (DT gamma E) has been reported to have antipsychotic properties. We administered the compound without other psychoactive drugs to a subpopulation of schizophrenic subjects. Male patients with chronic psychotic illness and previous long-term neuroleptic therapy were given DT gamma E at a similar dose and duration of treatment that have been reported to be effective. No improvement in psychotic symptoms occurred; plasma prolactin level, a parameter characteristically altered by neuroleptic treatment, did not change. The beneficial effects of DT gamma E in schizophrenia may be specific to a diagnostic category, may be dependent on past pharmacologic treatment, or may occur only in combination with other drugs.

Topics: Chronic Disease; Drug Evaluation; Endorphins; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Male; Peptide Fragments; Placebos; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Schizophrenia; Schizophrenic Psychology

Topics: Adult; Antipsychotic Agents; Chronic Disease; Endorphins; Female; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Male; Peptide Fragments; Placebos; Schizophrenia