HLA, AND THE RESPONSE TO TREATMENT WITH γ‐TYPE ENDORPHINS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract

In order to investigate whether genetic factors are involved in the response of schizophrenic patients to treatment with γ-type endorphins, we typed 32 Dutch schizophrenic patients for the HLA-A, -B, -C and -DR antigens. The total patient group showed an increase of HLA-Bw4 and HLA-Cw1. A subgroup of 20 paranoid patients showed an increase of HLA-Cw1 and a significant heterogeneity for the HLA-C locus. In 16 patients who responded moderately or markedly to treatment with γ-type endorphins, an increase of HLA-B15/Cw3 and a decrease of HLA-B17 were found as compared to 16 patients with no or a slight response. Moreover, HLA-B15 was particularly increased in those patients who responded markedly and remained free of psychotic symptoms for a period of at least 6 months after treatment with γ-type endorphins (RR = 24.6, P_uncorr.= 0.0015).Our results suggest that genetic factors coded for within the HLA region are associated with paranoid schizophrenia, and that HLA-B15/Cw3 is associated with a marked and prolonged response to treatment with γ-type endorphins.