On βH-Leu5-Endorphin and Schizophrenia

Abstract

• A previously unknown peptide, β_H-Leu⁵-endorphin, has been reported in the dialysates of schizophrenic patients. Accordingly, hemofiltrates from two schizophrenic and two control patients were examined for the presence of β_H-Leu⁵-endorphin. The opioid peptides were detected by a radioreceptor assay after separation and identification by gel filtration and high-performance liquid chromatography. With a detection limit of 30 pmole/L of hemofiltrate, no β_H-Leu⁵-endorphin or Met⁵-endorphin was found in controls or in patients. Whatever the possible involvement of endorphins in schizophrenic behavior, they are not present at detectable levels in the hemofiltrates of two wellcharacterized schizophrenic patients, thereby casting doubt on a general relationship of Leu-endorphin and schizophrenia.