Microdialysis sampling of lipophilic molecules in human tissues is challenging because protein binding and adhesion to the membrane limit recovery. Hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HP-ß-CD) forms complexes with hydrophobic molecules thereby improving microdialysis recovery of lipophilic molecules in vitro and in rodents. We tested the approach in human subjects. First, we determined HP-ß-CD influe...

BACKGROUND Electroacupuncture (EA) can produce analgesia by increasing the β-endorphin level and activation of peripheral μ-opioid receptors in inflamed tissues. Endogenous cannabinoids and peripheral cannabinoid CB2 receptors (CB2Rs) are also involved in the antinociceptive effect of EA on inflammatory pain. However, little is known about how peripheral CB2Rs interact with the endogenous opioi...

Stress is known to elicit pain relief, a phenomenon referred to as stress-induced analgesia. Based on stress parameters, opioid and non-opioid intrinsic pain inhibitory systems can be activated. In the present study, we assessed whether changing the duration of stress would affect the involvement of endogenous opioids in antinociception elicited by swim in warm water (32 °C), known to be opioid...

BACKGROUND Leukocytes infiltrating inflamed tissue produce and release opioid peptides such as beta-endorphin, which activate opioid receptors on peripheral terminals of sensory nerves resulting in analgesia. Gene therapy is an attractive strategy to enhance continuous production of endogenous opioids. However, classical viral and plasmid vectors for gene delivery are hampered by immunogenicity...

background:chronic active adrenocorticotropin hormone (acth) immunization of ewes (with a previous history of immunization) resulted in elevated titres of antibody against acth, which induced a reduction in circulating levels of cortisol. objectives:the aim of the present study was to investigate: a) the influence of active immunization against acth on milk production of the ewe as assessed by ...

Background: The present study examined the possible role of endogenous opioidergic system in effect of food deprivation on formalin-induced nociceptive behaviors in male and female rats. Also, we investigated the effect of food deprivation on the plasma level of beta-endorphin and sex hormones. Methods: Food was withdrawn 48 h prior to performing the formalin test, but water continued to be ava...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES This study examined the association of physical activity and sedentarism with tobacco and alcohol consumption, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in teenagers of both genders. METHODS A total number of 1897 Spanish teenagers (12-16 year-olds) took part in the present cross-sectional study. The variables were measured by means of questionnaires previously validat...

The fungus Penicillium purpurogenum was found to produce intracellular ß-glucosidase. Maximum activity of ß-glucosidase was observed on sucrose. Various cultural parameters of cultivation of P. purpurogenum for production of ß-glucosidase were optimized. Maximum enzyme content was observed after 96 hours of cultivation at 30°C. Addition of amino acids histidine and cysteine induced ß-glucosidas...

We investigated the endogenous opioid system and its role in mediating the reinforcing effects of ethanol that lead to high ethanol consumption as a biochemical marker of an individual's vulnerability to excessive ethanol consumption. We performed studies using human subjects with [high risk (HR)] and without [low risk (LR)] a family history of alcoholism to supplement our studies with experime...