[Immunoglobulins, binding opioid peptides, biogenic amines, and opiates, in substance abusers]

Immunoglobulins binding morphine, biogenic amines, and an opioid peptide dermorphine were measured by solid-phase enzyme immunoassay in patients abusing narcotics. The patients' ages varied from 20 to 40, with the duration of narcotic use 1-17 years. Narcotic dependence was found to involve increased production of immunoglobulins binding opioid and monoamine neuromediators. Enzyme immunoassay of antibodies to opiates detects latent forms of narcomania in cases when the narcotic is not present in the body. These results serve the basis for creating a new method for analysis of narcotic abuse and evaluation of the duration of their use, which can be used in practical medicine and in forensic medical expert evaluations.