gamma-endorphin--des-tyr(1)- and Dyskinesia--Drug-Induced

Destyrosine-gamma-endorphin (DTGE) has purported neuroleptic properties, although the findings have been conflicting. Four chronic psychotic inpatients with neuroleptic-induced dyskinesias were treated with single injections of placebo and DTGE in high doses (20-120 mg). No consistent differences were found in tardive dyskinesia, parkinsonism, eye-blinking rates, or mental status. Laboratory tests were unchanged. It is concluded that acute DTGE treatment has no beneficial effect in drug-induced dyskinesia.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antipsychotic Agents; Blinking; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced; Endorphins; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Parkinson Disease, Secondary; Peptide Fragments; Receptors, Dopamine; Schizophrenia; Schizophrenic Psychology

The endorphin neuropeptides may have neuroleptic-like effects on dopamine function and may be antischizophrenic. Ten chronic psychotic patients with neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia and parkinsonism received placebo and des-tyrosine-gamma-endorphin (DT gamma E). Drug effects on movement disorders and eye-blinking rates were assessed by blind evaluations of randomly sequenced videotapes made during standardized examinations before and 30, 60, and 120 minutes after each injection and at 24 hours postinjection on days of consecutive treatment. Changes in schizophrenic symptoms were evaluated openly with the schizophrenia subscale of the Comprehensive Psychiatric Rating Scale. There were no significant effects of DT gamma E on any parameter and no side effects. This suggests that DT gamma E, within the tested dose range, does not influence the pathophysiology of neuroleptic-induced dyskinesias or chronic schizophrenia or have neuroleptic properties. However, DT gamma E is well tolerated and should be tested with higher doses during prolonged treatment.

Topics: Blinking; Clinical Trials as Topic; Double-Blind Method; Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced; Endorphins; Female; Humans; Male; Parkinson Disease, Secondary; Peptide Fragments; Placebos; Receptors, Dopamine; Schizophrenia