ABSTRACT
In order to study the possible role of beta endorphin (? EP) in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, serum ? EP was detected by radioimmunoassay in 51 patients with psoriasis and 32 healthy controls. The results showed that serum ? EP level was markedly increased in patients with psoriasis in comparison with healthy controls. The serum ? EP level was reduced when the skin lesions of the patients were cleared after treatment, however, it was still higher than in healthy controls. Although there was a tendency towards an increase of ? EP in patients with precipitating factors in comparison with those without precipitating factors, their levels were not significantly different. There was a negative correlation between the intensity of pruritus and ? EP levels. It is suggested that ? EP involves in the pathogenisis of psoriasis. Its production and release were controlled by the central nervous system and also affected by the inflammation of skin lesions. There might be a causality between ? EP levels and inflammatory reaction of skin lesions.