β-Endorphin (β-EP) and cholecystokinin 8 (CCK-8) concentrations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were measured in 12 drug-free autistic (AU) children, in 10 drug-free children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) and in 11 healthy controls. The aim of the study was to see whether or not there was an alteration of β-EP and CCK-8 concentrations in this peripheral compartment, in which it has been suggested that secretion and regulation of the two peptides mimic those of neurons in the central nervous system. Mean β-EP values were significantly higher in AU than in PDD and control children, while there were no differences in CCK-8 values of the three groups.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.