title: Des-tyrosine-gamma-endorphin administration in chronic schizophrenics. A preliminary report.
abstract: The beta-lipotrophin fragment des-tyrosine-gamma-endorphin (DT gamma E) has been reported to have antipsychotic properties. We administered the compound without other psychoactive drugs to a subpopulation of schizophrenic subjects. Male patients with chronic psychotic illness and previous long-term neuroleptic therapy were given DT gamma E at a similar dose and duration of treatment that have been reported to be effective. No improvement in psychotic symptoms occurred; plasma prolactin level, a parameter characteristically altered by neuroleptic treatment, did not change. The beneficial effects of DT gamma E in schizophrenia may be specific to a diagnostic category, may be dependent on past pharmacologic treatment, or may occur only in combination with other drugs.
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004723:Endorphins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010919:Placebos; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
chemical_list: D004723:Endorphins; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D010919:Placebos; C018903:gamma-endorphin, des-Tyr(1)-