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Published on: October 22, 2015
Endogenous codeine and morphine in anorexia and bulimia nervosa
M A Marrazzi1, E D Luby, J Kinzie
1Dept. Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
Life Sciences
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Elevated levels of endogenous opioids, codeine and morphine, were found in patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. This suggests a role for these substances in the development and maintenance of starvation dependence in eating disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are complex conditions with multifactorial etiologies.
- Endogenous opioids play crucial roles in reward, mood, and appetite regulation.
- Previous research suggests a potential link between opioid systems and eating behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the levels of endogenous plasma alkaloids, codeine and morphine, in patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
- To explore the potential role of these elevated opioids in the pathophysiology of eating disorders.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples were collected from patients with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and healthy control subjects.
- Concentrations of endogenous codeine and morphine were quantified using sensitive analytical techniques.
Main Results:
- Patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa exhibited significantly higher plasma levels of codeine and morphine compared to control subjects.
- These findings indicate an upregulation of endogenous opioid pathways in individuals with these eating disorders.
Conclusions:
- The elevated levels of endogenous codeine and morphine support the auto-addiction opioid model of eating disorders.
- This model posits that initial dieting leads to endogenous opioid release, reinforcing starvation dependence and contributing to the perpetuation of these disorders.
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