title: Effect of plasmapheresis on serum beta-endorphin levels.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to examine the effects of plasmapheresis on serum beta-endorphin (BE) levels.
  
  
  METHODS
  The serum BE levels of 12 patients with various autoimmune or hematological disorders were monitored during plasmapheresis therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  BE levels increased after the initial session in 8 of 12 patients; in the remaining 4 patients no change (n = 2) or a decline (n = 2) in BE levels was found. However, no further changes were observed during subsequent therapy. During the last session, an elevation in the BE level was detected in 5 patients, with no change in 1 and a decrease in BE level in another 5 patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest that although plasmapheresis results in an elevation in serum BE levels initially, this change does not persist during subsequent sessions.
authors.affiliation: Polyclinic, Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God, Budapest, Hungary. bender.tamas@irgalmas.hu
authors.forename: Tamás
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bender
authors.forename: Kálmán
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Polner
authors.forename: István
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Barna
authors.forename: Pál
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Géher
authors.forename: Mária
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boke
authors.forename: Agnes
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Haris
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D001615:beta-Endorphin