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beta-Endorphin is not detectable in plasma from normal human subjects.

T Suda, A S Liotta, D T Krieger

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|October 13, 1978

Summary

Beta-endorphin is typically undetectable in normal human plasma, even after vasopressin administration. However, significant levels are found in patients with endocrine disorders linked to elevated beta-lipotropin and ACTH.

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Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Neuroscience
Biochemistry

Background:

Beta-endorphin is a key endogenous opioid peptide.
Its presence in human plasma is not fully understood under various physiological and pathological conditions.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and beta-lipotropin are precursors in the pro-opiomelanocortin pathway.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the detectability of beta-endorphin in human plasma.
To explore the relationship between beta-endorphin levels and conditions with altered ACTH and beta-lipotropin.
To determine if peripheral conversion of beta-lipotropin to beta-endorphin occurs in vivo.

Main Methods:

Measurement of beta-endorphin levels in plasma from normal subjects and patients with endocrine disorders.
Analysis of plasma beta-endorphin under baseline conditions and after vasopressin administration.
Investigation of in vivo peripheral conversion of beta-lipotropin to beta-endorphin.

Main Results:

Beta-endorphin was not detectable in plasma of normal subjects at baseline or after vasopressin.
Significant beta-endorphin levels were observed in patients with endocrine disorders characterized by increased ACTH and beta-lipotropin.
Highly purified beta-lipotropin did not appear to be peripherally converted to beta-endorphin in vivo in normal subjects.

Conclusions:

Plasma beta-endorphin levels are significantly elevated in specific endocrine disorders.
The pro-opiomelanocortin pathway, particularly ACTH and beta-lipotropin, is implicated in beta-endorphin regulation.
Peripheral conversion of beta-lipotropin to beta-endorphin is unlikely to be a major source in normal individuals.

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