[Endomorphines in schizophrenia]

Abstract

The biological enigma of schizophrenia has led, on the basis of thin evidence, to widen the field of clinical research to a study of endomorphines in this disease. Too many different methods of measuring the levels of opiate peptides in the CSF have been used so that it is not possible to analyse the results statistically. Clinical trials of agonists and antagonists to the opiate receptors have once again emphasised the biochemical heterogeneity of schizophrenics but have not allowed any confirmation that the endorphinical system plays any part in the genesis or symptomatology of schizophrenia. The presence of sub-groups who respond positively to experimental treatment can lead to the hope, despite the uncertainties of their mode of pharmacological action, to the next advance in the routine treatment of schizophrenia.