title: No correlation between neuroleptic-induced increase of beta-endorphin serum level and therapeutic efficacy in schizophrenia.
abstract: In 23 acute, unmedicated, schizophrenic patients, psychotic behaviour and beta-endorphin serum level were measured before and during four weeks of neuroleptic therapy. Prior to drug treatment, beta-endorphin level of all patients was within the normal range. Neuroleptic therapy induced marked elevations of beta-endorphin in eight subjects; statistical analysis revealed a slight but significant increase for the whole group. This endocrine effect was not correlated with therapeutic efficacy of neuroleptic treatment.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004723:Endorphins / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010395:Penfluridol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010464:Perazine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D001615:beta-Endorphin
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D004723:Endorphins; D010395:Penfluridol; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D010464:Perazine; D006220:Haloperidol