title: Evaluation of beta-endorphin secretion in patients suffering from episodic cluster headache.
abstract: In order to obtain data regarding peripheral levels of beta-endorphin in head pain syndromes, we evaluated the plasma beta-endorphin secretory pattern in 12 adult male patients suffering from cluster headache. Blood samples were drawn every 2 hours for a 24-hour period, and in addition at 30-minute intervals for 120 minutes during cluster attacks. The same sampling was repeated during an asymptomatic period. Cluster headache patients showed no significant beta-endorphin circadian rhythm and a delayed acrophase during cluster periods compared with that recorded in the remission period and in normal subjects. Eighteen cluster headache attacks were recorded during the study day, 13 (72%) of which were followed by a significant increase in beta-endorphin levels. No correlation was found between beta-endorphin maximum net increase and intensity and/or duration of pain. These data suggest the hypothesis of a temporary alteration of beta-endorphin circadian secretion, probably related to involvement of neural structures controlling biorhythm pacemakers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Franceschini
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Leandri
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Gianelli
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cataldi
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bruno
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rolandi
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Barreca
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003027:Cluster Headache / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D001615:beta-Endorphin