RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 β endorphin concentrations in PBMC of patients with different clinical phenotypes of multiple sclerosis JF Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry JO J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 495 OP 497 DO 10.1136/jnnp.74.4.495 VO 74 IS 4 A1 M Gironi A1 R Furlan A1 M Rovaris A1 G Comi A1 M Filippi A1 A E Panerai A1 P Sacerdote YR 2003 UL http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/74/4/495.abstract AB The possible link between the opioid peptide β endorphin and the heterogeneity of the clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS) was investigated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) concentrations of β endorphin were measured in 50 patients in different phases of MS. Thirty nine patients also underwent post-contrast magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Among MS forms, the highest β endorphin concentrations were found in PBMC from patients with relapsing remitting MS and the lowest in patients with the progressive forms. Average β endorphin concentrations were lower, although not significantly, in patients with than in those without magnetic resonance imaging enhanced lesions. These data suggest that β endorphin may have a role in the downregulation of the inflammatory process.