Acupuncture in heroin addicts; changes in Met-enkephalin and beta-endorphin in blood and cerebrospinal fluid

Lancet. 1979 Aug 25;2(8139):380-3. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(79)90401-x.

Abstract

In heroin addicts showing features of heroin withdrawal basal beta-endorphin levels were elevated in both blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and did not change during electroacupuncture, although this therapy suppressed the clinical features of withdrawal. Met-enkephalin levels were not elevated in blood or CSF before treatment. However, successful electroacupuncture was associated with a rise in CSF met-enkephalin levels in all patients studied, although concentrations in blood did not alter.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Therapy
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Adult
  • Antigens
  • Endorphins / blood
  • Endorphins / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Endorphins / metabolism*
  • Enkephalins / blood
  • Enkephalins / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Heroin Dependence / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood
  • Male
  • Methionine / blood
  • Middle Aged
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / metabolism*
  • beta-Lipotropin / blood
  • beta-Lipotropin / cerebrospinal fluid

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Endorphins
  • Enkephalins
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • beta-Lipotropin
  • Methionine
  • Hydrocortisone