[Endorphins and neurotensin in Huntington chorea]

Abstract

Concentration of alpha-endorphin, beta-endorphin, gamma-endorphin and neurotensin in blood and beta-endorphin in cerebrospinal fluid of 48 patients with various forms of Huntington's disease was measured. Two modifications of immunoassay were used. The level of all neuropeptides studied was significantly decreased. Patients with a kinetiko-rigid form of the disease showed a two-fold lowering in beta-endorphin levels in cerebrospinal fluid in comparison with patients with the classic form. The relationships between these findings and clinical-biochemical characteristics of Huntington's disease are discussed.