RT Journal
A1 Lewis RV, Gerber LD, Stein S, et al
T1 ON βh-leu5-endorphin and schizophrenia
JF Archives of General Psychiatry
JO Archives of General Psychiatry
YR 1979
FD February 1
VO 36
IS 2
SP 237
OP 239
DO 10.1001/archpsyc.1979.01780020127015
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.1979.01780020127015
AB • A previously unknown peptide, βH-Leu5-endorphin, has been reported in the dialysates of schizophrenic patients. Accordingly, hemofiltrates from two schizophrenic and two control patients were examined for the presence of βH-Leu5-endorphin. The opioid peptides were detected by a radioreceptor assay after separation and identification by gel filtration and high-performance liquid chromatography. With a detection limit of 30 pmole/L of hemofiltrate, no βH-Leu5-endorphin or Met5-endorphin was found in controls or in patients. Whatever the possible involvement of endorphins in schizophrenic behavior, they are not present at detectable levels in the hemofiltrates of two wellcharacterized schizophrenic patients, thereby casting doubt on a general relationship of Leu-endorphin and schizophrenia.