Increased concentration of α- and γ-endorphin in post mortem hypothalamic tissue of schizophrenic patients

The concentrations of α-, β- and γ-endorphin were determined by radioimmunoassay in HPLC fractionated extracts of post mortem hypothalamic tissue obtained from schizophrenic patients and controls. The hypothalamic concentration of α- and γ-endorphin was significantly higher in patients than in controls. No difference was found in the concentration of β-endorphin, the putative precursor of α- and γ-endorphins. These results suggest a deviant metabolism of β-endorphin in the brain of schizophrenic patients. Whether this phenomenon is related to the psychopathology, or is a consequence of ante mortem farmacotherapy, remains to be established