title: Correlation of immune cell activities and beta-endorphin release in breast carcinoma patients treated with galactose-specific lectin standardized mistletoe extract.
abstract: A prospectively randomized clinical study was performed with breast carcinoma patients to determine the correlation of defined parameters of the cellular immunity and beta-endorphin plasma levels after mistletoe lectin (ML-1) standardized therapy. The subcutaneous administration of optimal ML-1 dosages (0.5-1.0 ng ML-1/kg body weight; twice a week) induced an increased beta-endorphin plasma level, enhanced activity of peripheral blood natural killer (NK-)cells and T-lymphocytes (expression of CD-25/interleukin-2 receptors and HLA/DR-antigens). Statistical analysis of the data (Spearman correlation) revealed a significant correlation between NK- and T-cell activity and beta-endorphin plasma level. Thus, an obvious correlation between immune system and the neuroendocrine system may be anticipated which might gain therapeutical relevance.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Microbiology und Hygiene, University of Cologne, Germany.
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Heiny
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Albrecht
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Beuth
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D014784:Mistletoe; D028321:Plant Preparations; D010940:Plant Proteins; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D054790:Ribosome Inactivating Proteins, Type 2; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014118:Toxins, Biological / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D028321:Plant Preparations; D010940:Plant Proteins; D054790:Ribosome Inactivating Proteins, Type 2; D014118:Toxins, Biological; C009674:ribosome inactivating protein, Viscum; D001615:beta-Endorphin