Des-tyrosine-gamma-endorphin administration in chronic schizophrenics. A preliminary report
C. A. Tamminga, P. J. Tighe, T. N. Chase, E. G. DeFraites and M. H. Schaffer
The beta-lipotrophin fragment des-tyrosine-gamma-endorphin (DT gamma E) has
been reported to have antipsychotic properties. We administered the
compound without other psychoactive drugs to a subpopulation of
schizophrenic subjects. Male patients with chronic psychotic illness and
previous long-term neuroleptic therapy were given DT gamma E at a similar
dose and duration of treatment that have been reported to be effective. No
improvement in psychotic symptoms occurred; plasma prolactin level, a
parameter characteristically altered by neuroleptic treatment, did not
change. The beneficial effects of DT gamma E in schizophrenia may be
specific to a diagnostic category, may be dependent on past pharmacologic
treatment, or may occur only in combination with other drugs.
