[Beta-endorphin levels in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid in humans]

Beta-endorphin concentrations were determined in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood before and after lumbar tap in 19 patients with lumbosacral pains. No statistically significant difference was observed in this concentration before and after lumbar tap, although in individual cases a significant rise of beta-endorphin occurred. The mean beta-endorphin concentration in blood was about twice as high as in the cerebrospinal fluid. No correlation was noticed between the concentration of beta-endorphin in blood and in CSF.