title: Low CSF met-enkephalin levels in cluster headache are elevated by acupuncture.
abstract: Significantly lower met-enkephalin levels were found in CSF from cluster headache sufferers as compared to age-matched healthy volunteers, whereas it was not possible to demonstrate any clear-cut difference for beta-endorphin. CSF opioid levels may rise following manual or electroacupuncture. It was studied whether traditional Chinese (manual) acupuncture affected CSF levels of met-enkephalin or beta-endorphin in these patients, and to what extent this treatment would be beneficial for the headache. A significant rise in lumbar CSF met-enkephalin levels was found, whereas no clear change in beta-endorphin levels was obtained. The treatment was, however, of little value in preventing the headache.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Hardebo
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ekman
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Eriksson
mesh_terms: D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003027:Cluster Headache / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000628:therapy; D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014653:Vascular Headaches / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid
chemical_list: D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine; D001615:beta-Endorphin