Effect of plasmapheresis on serum beta-endorphin levels.
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.
Bender
Tamás
T
Polyclinic, Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God, Budapest, Hungary. bender.tamas@irgalmas.hu
Polner
Kálmán
K
Barna
István
I
Géher
Pál
P
Boke
Mária
M
Haris
Agnes
A
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*
D001615:beta-Endorphin