Response of plasma beta-endorphin immunoreactivity to d-amphetamine and placebo in schizophrenic patients.
The response of plasma beta-endorphin (ir) to infusions of randomly assigned d-amphetamine (20 mg) and placebo was studied in eight schizophrenic patients. Although there was no statistically significant difference between the response to d-amphetamine and placebo, significant increases in plasma beta-endorphin (ir) levels were observed following each infusion. Although heterogeneity in beta-endorphin (ir) response was observed, individual differences did not relate to clinical variables such as abnormalities on computed tomography or "process-reactive" distinctions. An excessive beta-endorphin response to placebo in schizophrenia is discussed.
D000328:Adult; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004723:Endorphins / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000097:blood; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood*; D001615:beta-Endorphin
D004723:Endorphins; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D011388:Prolactin; D013006:Growth Hormone; D003913:Dextroamphetamine