title: The effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy on plasma neuropeptide concentrations in patients with osteoarthritis.
abstract: Plasma levels of the endogenous opioid peptides beta-endorphin and [Met]enkephalin were estimated in 10 osteoarthritic patients during treatment with a sustained-release indomethacin preparation (Osmosin). Significant diurnal variation of beta-endorphin levels was evident both on and off treatment (p less than 0.05, respectively), but the therapy was nevertheless accompanied by decreased morning levels of this peptide; no such changes were recorded for [Met)enkephalin. Whilst the treatment was associated with a reduction of pain, particularly in the evening (p less than 0.02), no correlation was evident between pain and beta-endorphin levels, nor between the patients' perception of pain relief and changes in beta-endorphin levels. The results suggest either that prostaglandins may be involved in the synthesis/release of beta-endorphin, or that the alleviation of stress may in turn reduce the need for continued beta-endorphin production in these patients.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brandman
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Vandenburg
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Currie
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004723:Endorphins / Q000097:blood*; D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D001615:beta-Endorphin
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004723:Endorphins; D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D007213:Indomethacin