title: beta-Endorphin, immunological and biochemical changes in synovial fluid in rheumatic disorders.
abstract: In 120 patients with rheumatic disorders concomitant assays of serum and synovial fluid were done for acute phase reactants, immunoglobulins and the neuropeptide beta-endorphin. One-third of the patients with rheumatoid disease demonstrated synovial fluid levels of endorphin to be several-fold higher than serum levels, while in two-thirds the opposite results were found. These changes are discussed as adaptive or defense mechanisms. The synovial membrane is postulated to synthesize beta-endorphin.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000378:metabolism; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004723:Endorphins / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000378:metabolism; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D001615:beta-Endorphin
chemical_list: D001798:Blood Proteins; D004723:Endorphins; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor