Trazodone influence on rat sera beta-endorphins level.

Some 25 years ago it was found that parts of CNS could produce strong analgesic response on little morphine quantities. Later studies proved the existence for dozen of morphine-like substances, called opioids, which are normally produced in the brain. The most important are endorphins, met- and leu-encephalin and dinorphin produced both in hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The aim of our study was to found whether and how strong produce of beta-endorphins is to be expected when psychotropic drugs are used. Trazodon as antidepressant was used, and RIA technique for quantification of sera beta-endorphins. The results showed significant difference in rat sera beta-endorphins between certain days of drug application. These studies showed that beta-endorphins could be of great importance, used as markers for evaluation of patient treatment and eventual abuse of psychotropic drugs.