title: Evaluation of the effect of beta-endorphin on IL-4 and gamma-IFN production by CD4+ lymphocytes.
abstract: Beta-endorphin stimulates phytohemagglutinin-induced production of IL-4 and does not modify the production of gamma-IFN in nonfractionated leukocyte suspension. In a culture of purified CD4+ T-cells, beta-endorphin does not modify the levels of IL-4 and gamma-IFN, but stimulates the production of IL-4 and inhibits gamma-IFN production after addition of monocytes to CD4+ lymphocytes. Stimulation of IL-4 synthesis by beta-endorphin is mediated by the cycloxygenase cycle products. Hence, beta-endorphin shifts T-helper polarization towards Th2 cells with subsequent predominance of the humoral form of the immune response.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Division of Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, Russia. gein@iegm.ru
authors.forename: S V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Gein
authors.forename: K G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Gorshkova
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008297:Male; D055815:Young Adult; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D015847:Interleukin-4; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D007371:Interferon-gamma