[Beta-endorphins and bronchial asthma in children]

The content of beta-endorphins was studied in 64 children aged 6 to 14 years with atopic bronchial asthma (BA). The phasic relationship was established in the time course of changes in the content of beta-endorphins. In the paroxysmal period of BA, the concentration of beta-endorphins in blood was lowered, whereas after attacks and in the stage of remission, the level of beta-endorphins was increased and differed significantly from the indicators in the control group. The reduction of the content of beta-endorphins during exacerbation correlated with the disease gravity. The content of endorphins was found to be affected by the age and sex: the greater reduction of the level of beta-endorphins was recorded in children aged 6 to 11 years and in boys. The reduction of the level of beta-endorphins was followed by the impairment of interhormonal relations between ACTH and beta-endorphins, ACTH and hydrocortisone in all the disease phases. A correlation was discovered between the level of beta-endorphins and ACTH, cAMP as well as the level of IgE in blood plasma. It is suggested that derangements in the endorphin system may influence the mechanisms by which bronchial hyperreactivity is formed.