translation revisited

[Guest guest]

This seems to prove the often disputed relationship between MS and

endorphin levels in the blood. Very important statements re

progressive vs. rr MS as well. Note use of MRIs.

SHORT REPORT

ß endorphin concentrations in PBMC of patients with different

clinical phenotypes of multiple sclerosis

M Gironi1, R Furlan1, M Rovaris1, G Comi1, M Filippi1, A E Panerai2

and P Sacerdote2

1 Department of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy

2 Department of Pharmacology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy

Correspondence to:

Dr M Gironi, San Raffaele, DIMER, Via Olgettina 48, 20132, Milan,

Italy;

mgironi@...

ABSTRACT

The possible link between the opioid peptide ß endorphin and the

heterogeneity of the clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS) was

investigated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)

concentrations of ß endorphin were measured in 50 patients in

different phases of MS. Thirty nine patients also underwent post-

contrast magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Among MS forms, the

highest ß endorphin concentrations were found in PBMC from patients

with relapsing remitting MS and the lowest in patients with the

progressive forms. Average ß endorphin concentrations were lower,

although not significantly, in patients with than in those without

magnetic resonance imaging enhanced lesions. These data suggest that

ß endorphin may have a role in the downregulation of the inflammatory

process.