Enkephalin analogue in schizophrenia. Double blind cross-over trial.
In a double blind, cross-over study 10 chronic schizophrenic patients with productive symptoms in spite of neuroleptic treatment received the methionine-enkephalin analogue FK 33-824 2 mg i.m. daily for 7 consecutive days. Ratings performed by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale did not show any significant differences between FK 33-824 and the active placebo pentobarbital. The clinical condition of one patient worsened during and after the administration of FK 33-824. It is suggested that this might be due to a dopamine stimulating effect. The discrepancy between the findings of the present and a previous open study is discussed. The present study does not support the hypothesis of dysfunction of the endorphin system in schizophrenia.
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005405:D-Ala(2),MePhe(4),Met(0)-ol-enkephalin; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004723:Endorphins / Q000502:physiology; D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology
D004723:Endorphins; D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine; D005405:D-Ala(2),MePhe(4),Met(0)-ol-enkephalin