Martini A, Bondiolotti G P, Sacerdote P, Pierro L, Picotti G B, Panerai A E, Restelli L, Zancaner F, Monza G
J Int Med Res. 1984;12(2):92-5. doi: 10.1177/030006058401200205.
Plasma and ventricular cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) Beta-endorphin concentrations were evaluated after chromatographic separation in patients carrying a ventricular shunt before and after the administration of diclofenac or placebo. In the same subjects the ventricular CSF concentrations of the serotonin and the catecholamine metabolites 5-hydroxyindole-acetic acid (5-HIAA), homovanillic acid (HVA) and MOPEG were also evaluated. Plasma, but not ventricular, Beta-endorphin concentrations increased significantly after diclofenac, while placebo was ineffective. No significant changes in ventricular 5-HIAA, HVA or MOPEG levels were observed. These data suggest a role for Beta-endorphin in the analgesic effect of diclofenac.
