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beta-Endorphin: hyperthermia in mice by intravenous injection
International Journal of Peptide and Protein Research
|May 1, 1980
Summary
Intravenous beta-endorphin caused increased body temperature in both naive and morphine-dependent mice. It also reduced body weight loss during morphine withdrawal, indicating potential therapeutic effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
Background:
- Opioid peptides like beta-endorphin play crucial roles in pain modulation and physiological regulation.
- Morphine withdrawal is characterized by significant physiological disturbances, including body weight loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of intravenous beta-endorphin on body temperature and body weight loss.
- To compare these effects in naive and morphine-dependent mice.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous administration of beta-endorphin at varying doses (2.6-25.5 mg/kg) to mice.
- Monitoring of body temperature and body weight changes.
Main Results:
- Beta-endorphin induced hyperthermia in both naive and morphine-dependent mice.
- Both beta-endorphin and morphine administration attenuated body weight loss during morphine withdrawal.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous beta-endorphin exhibits thermogenic properties.
- Beta-endorphin may offer a therapeutic strategy to mitigate weight loss associated with opioid withdrawal.