Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UNIPROT:P01189 (beta-endorphin)
 21,003 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

In chicks (Gallus domesticus) the effects of beta-endorphin and D-Ala-2-methionine-enkephalinamide given into the third cerebral ventricle on behaviour, electrocortical activity and body temperature were studied. Dose-dependent behavioural stuporous state, decrease in painful stimuli and hypothermic effects were observed after both peptides. Electrocortical high-amplitude slow frequency waves occurred during behavioural sedation and stupor. Spectrum power analysis has allowed to quantify the ECoG activity and has revealed an increase in total voltage output with a predominant increase within the lower spectrum frequencies. The hypothermic effects were significantly more marked when chicks were kept at ambient temperature below their thermoneutral range. Behavioural, electrocortical and body temperature effects were rapidly reversed by naloxone showing that these effects are mediated through an activation of specific opioid receptors.
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PMID:Effects of intraventricular beta-endorphin and D-ALA2-methionine-enkephalinamide on behaviour, spectrum power of electrocortical activity and body temperature in chicks. 739 25

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition characterized by impaired communication and obsessive behavior that affects 1 in 59 children. ASD is expected to affect 1 in about 40 children by 2020, but there is still no distinct pathogenesis or effective treatments. Prenatal stress has been associated with higher risk of developing ASD in the offspring. Moreover, children with ASD cannot handle anxiety and respond disproportionately even to otherwise benign triggers. Stress and environmental stimuli trigger the unique immune cells, mast cells, which could then trigger microglia leading to abnormal synaptic pruning and dysfunctional neuronal connectivity. This process could alter the "fear threshold" in the amygdala and lead to an exaggerated "fight-or-flight" reaction. The combination of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), secreted under stress, together with environmental stimuli could be major contributors to the pathogenesis of ASD. Recognizing these associations and preventing stimulation of mast cells and/or microglia could greatly benefit ASD patients.
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PMID:Mast Cells, Stress, Fear and Autism Spectrum Disorder. 3134 5