The interaction between gamma-type endorphins and HLA class I antigens

Hum Immunol. 1986 Apr;15(4):347-56. doi: 10.1016/0198-8859(86)90011-x.

Abstract

The clinical response of schizophrenic patients to treatment with gamma-type endorphins was found to be associated with certain HLA class I antigens (Bw22, B15, B13). Moreover, pretreatment of lymphocytes from healthy donors with des-Tyr1-gamma-endorphin (DT gamma E) inhibits the complement-dependent cytotoxicity between alloantisera and those HLA antigens, of which the frequency was increased among schizophrenic patients, who respond well to the gamma-endorphin therapy. Also for the opiate antagonist, naloxon interactions with HLA class I antigens could be demonstrated. Using the inhibition assay with DT gamma E it was possible to detect a subtype of HLA-A2, which, until now, was only defined by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and biochemistry. These data suggest an interaction between the HLA class I antigens and the receptor(s) for DT gamma E and naloxon, which may support the hypothesis that HLA class I antigens play a role in many recognition processes. Their role in immunological recognition would then be only a specialized form of a more general function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigen-Antibody Reactions
  • Endorphins / physiology*
  • Endorphins / therapeutic use
  • HLA Antigens / immunology
  • HLA Antigens / physiology*
  • HLA-A2 Antigen
  • Humans
  • Isoantibodies
  • Receptors, Opioid / physiology*
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology*
  • gamma-Endorphin

Substances

  • Endorphins
  • HLA Antigens
  • HLA-A2 Antigen
  • Isoantibodies
  • Receptors, Opioid
  • gamma-Endorphin