Beta-endorphin concentrations in the sera of asthmatic patients

Recent findings in animals indicate the influence of beta-endorphins on bronchial smooth muscle tone. The purpose of our study was to compare beta-endorphin concentrations in sera of asthmatics during the asymptomatic period and after histamine provocation. The study was performed in a group of 32 asthmatic patients and 12 healthy subjects. Beta-endorphin concentrations were evaluated by radioimmunoassay (J-125 beta-Endorphin Human) twice daily at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., and also before and after histamine provocation. No significant differences were found in endorphin concentrations for both normal controls and asthmatics at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We demonstrated a statistically significant increase in endorphin concentrations in asthmatics as compared to the controls. We found a statistically significant decrease of beta-endorphin concentrations after histamine provocation in the asthmatic group.