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Biomedical subjects

E Rolandi

Publications and source records attributed to E Rolandi.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Evaluation of beta-endorphin secretion in patients suffering from episodic cluster headache.

In order to obtain data regarding peripheral levels of beta-endorphin in head pain syndromes, we evaluated the plasma beta-endorphin secretory pattern in 12 adult male patients suffering from cluster headache. Blood samples were drawn every 2 hours for a 24-hour period, and in addition at 30-minute intervals for 120 minutes during cluster attacks. The same sampling was repeated during an asymptomatic period. Cluster headache patients showed no significant beta-endorphin circadian rhythm and a delayed acrophase during cluster periods compared with that recorded in the remission period and in normal subjects. Eighteen cluster headache attacks were recorded during the study day, 13 (72%) of which were followed by a significant increase in beta-endorphin levels. No correlation was found between beta-endorphin maximum net increase and intensity and/or duration of pain. These data suggest the hypothesis of a temporary alteration of beta-endorphin circadian secretion, probably related to involvement of neural structures controlling biorhythm pacemakers.

Adult↗

The 24-h pattern of human prolactin in serum.

Radioimmunoassay determinations of serum prolactin every 2 hrs in twelve healthy subjects (six women and six men), aged between 22 and 34, reveal that several episodes of hormone secretion occur over a 24-h period. The two episodes displaying significant oscillations have 24-h and 8-h periods, with maxima occurring respectively at 04(30) and at 07(00), 15(00) and 23(00). Accordingly, the highest prolactin levels in serum occur during the night, but oscillations are present throughout the day. The observation schedule adopted leads us to conclude that the main secretory rhythm is synchronized with sleep. The 8-h periods seem to be rather dependent on the course of time.

Adult↗