Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Increased concentration of. cap alpha. - and. gamma. -endorphin in post mortem hypothalamic tissue of schizophrenic patients

Journal Article · · Life Sci.; (United States)
The concentrations of ..cap alpha..-, ..beta..- and ..gamma..-endorphin were determined by radioimmunoassay in HPLC fractionated extracts of post mortem hypothalamic tissue obtained from schizophrenic patients and controls. The hypothalamic concentration of ..cap alpha..- and ..gamma..-endorphin was significantly higher in patients than in controls. No difference was found in the concentration of ..beta..-endorphin, the putative precursor of ..cap alpha..- and ..gamma..-endorphins. These results suggest a deviant metabolism of ..beta..-endorphin in the brain of schizophrenic patients. Whether this phenomenon is related to the psychopathology, or is a consequence of ante mortem farmacotherapy, remains to be established.
Research Organization:
State Univ. of Utrecht (Netherlands)
OSTI ID:
5175765
Journal Information:
Life Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Life Sci.; (United States) Vol. 42:18; ISSN LIFSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English