Recently, the existence of a circulating peptide, beta-endorphin (B-EP) with potent analgesic properties has been revealed. Our group has evaluated B-EP plasma levels in several physiological and pathological models. The life span pattern of this newly identified hormone was characterized by a progressive increase during prepuberal development, by stable levels in adults with typical circadian and monthly variations, and by a decrease in aging subjects. Cerebrospinal fluid B-EP contents inversely showed a declining linear trend throughout life, which suggests an independent source of B-EP in this compartment. The concomitant changes in the reproductive system suggested the possible influence of gonads on B-EP plasma levels, as confirmed by decreasing B-EP levels in gonadectomized humans and rats. Headache, which is likely to occur concomitantly with hormonal milieu variations, appeared to be associated with a deficiency in the B-EP system, centrally and peripherally, the lowest values being found in the protracted forms of headache.
Circulating beta-endorphin levels at various stages of life: possible connections with migraine pathogenesis / Genazzani, A.R.*; Petraglia, F.; Facchini, V.; Facchinetti, F.. - In: CEPHALALGIA. - ISSN 0333-1024. - ELETTRONICO. - 3:(1983), pp. 35-41.
Circulating beta-endorphin levels at various stages of life: possible connections with migraine pathogenesis
Petraglia, F.;Facchinetti, F.
1983
Abstract
Recently, the existence of a circulating peptide, beta-endorphin (B-EP) with potent analgesic properties has been revealed. Our group has evaluated B-EP plasma levels in several physiological and pathological models. The life span pattern of this newly identified hormone was characterized by a progressive increase during prepuberal development, by stable levels in adults with typical circadian and monthly variations, and by a decrease in aging subjects. Cerebrospinal fluid B-EP contents inversely showed a declining linear trend throughout life, which suggests an independent source of B-EP in this compartment. The concomitant changes in the reproductive system suggested the possible influence of gonads on B-EP plasma levels, as confirmed by decreasing B-EP levels in gonadectomized humans and rats. Headache, which is likely to occur concomitantly with hormonal milieu variations, appeared to be associated with a deficiency in the B-EP system, centrally and peripherally, the lowest values being found in the protracted forms of headache.I documenti in FLORE sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.