IMMUNOENDOCRINE ASPECTS OF ANOREXIA-NERVOSA

The T-lymphocyte proliferative response to phytohemoagglutinin (PHA) s timulation was the same in 11 anorexic women, 6 restricted (AN-R) and 5 bulimic (AN-B), and in 11 sex- and age-matched controls, in basal co nditions and after acute administration of corticotropin-releasing hor mone (CRH). Basal plasma levels of ACTH and cortisol were higher in pa tients than in controls, while beta-endorphin (beta-EP), growth hormon e (GH) and prolactin (PRL) concentrations did not differ in the two gr oups. ACTH and beta-EP responses to CRH stimulation were blunted in pa tients, while those of cortisol did not differ in the two groups. ACTH , beta-EP and cortisol responses to the dexamethasone suppression test were impaired in 55% of the patients. Baseline T-lymphocyte concentra tions of cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8) and beta-EP were measured in anothe r group of 56 anorexics, 33 restricted and 23 bulimic, and in 24 contr ols. CCK-8 values were significantly lower and beta-EP values signific antly higher in patients than in controls.