Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of plasmapheresis on serum β-endorphin (BE) levels. Method: The serum BE levels of 12 patients with various autoimmune or hematological disorders were monitored during plasmapheresis therapy. Results: BE levels increased after the initial session in 8 of 12 patients; in the remaining 4 patients no change (n = 2) or a decline (n = 2) in BE levels was found. However, no further changes were observed during subsequent therapy. During the last session, an elevation in the BE level was detected in 5 patients, with no change in 1 and a decrease in BE level in another 5 patients. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that although plasmapheresis results in an elevation in serum BE levels initially, this change does not persist during subsequent sessions.

Keywords:
β-Endorphin, Plasmapheresis, Autoimmune disease
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© 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel
2005
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