Low CSF met-enkephalin levels in cluster headache are elevated by acupuncture.
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.
Hardebo
J E
JE
Ekman
R
R
Eriksson
M
M
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
D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine; D001615:beta-Endorphin