methodological approach to beta-endorphin assay in biological samples

In this study, a methodological approach to B-endorphin in biological fluids [seminal plasma, blood plasma and serum] was done. Measurement of beta-endorphin was performed by immunoassay method [immunoradiometric assay [IRMA] and radioimmunoassay [RIA]], either directly or proceeded by extraction procedures, e.g. Sep Pak [C18], affinity columns of sepharose particles and HPLC. A recovery study of B-endorphin was done to assess the binding effect of endogenous proteins in test samples on assay performance. It can be concluded that measurement of B-endorphin in peripheral blood samples [plasma and serum] can be performed by a direct immunoradiometric assay without extraction methods. As regards the measurement of B-endorphin in seminal plasma by IRMA and RIA, it must be proceeded by acidification of the sample, boiling and extraction by Sep Pak [C18] cartridges

Role of prolactin metabolism in bilharzial hepatic fibrosis associated with sexual disturbances

Serum prolactin levels were assayed in 20 male patients with bilharzial liver fibrosis Also, LH and FSH were measured. Twelve male individuals with no known diseases which affect pituitary hormones constituted the control group Cases with hyperprolactinaemia [>20mg/ml] and associated with sexual disturbances [18 patients] were treated with bromocriptine [2.5mg tds for one month]. After treatment, serum prolactin levels were reassayed with revaluation of sexual disturbances. The treated cases showed improvement of the reproductive state in the form of increased libido and improved potency.This could be attributed to the significant decrease of serum prolactin levels to within reference ranges