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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

A RAPID Method for Blood Processing to Increase the Yield of Plasma Peptide Levels in Human Blood
Published on: April 28, 2016
Beta-endorphin secretion by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: regulation by glucocorticoids
A Kavelaars1, R E Ballieux, C J Heijnen
1Dept. of Immunology, University Hospital for Children and Youth "Het Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis", Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a 41-aminoacid neuropeptide, can induce lymphocytes to production of beta-endorphin (beta E). Furthermore, the neuropeptide Arginine-Vasopressin (AVP) can enhance CRF-induced production of beta E. We have demonstrated that CRF acts by stimulating monocytes to production of the cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1). IL-1 can in its turn activate the lymphocytes to secretion of beta E. Here we demonstrate that the glucocorticoid analogue dexamethasone is capable of modulating CRF-induced beta E secretion by lymphocytes. It appeared that dexamethasone can inhibit secretion of lymphocyte-derived beta E. The mechanism by which dexamethasone exerts its inhibitory activity is by blocking CRF-induced production of IL-1, thereby preventing induction of beta E secretion by B cells. These results support the concept that peptide hormones and glucocorticoids are mediating a reciprocal modulation of neuroendocrine and immunological activities.
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