BASAL PLASMA BETA-ENDORPHIN IN PREPUBERTAL SONS OF ALCOHOLICS AND DRUG-ADDICTS - LACK OF ASSOCIATION WITH PROBLEM BEHAVIORS

Several reports have speculated that variations in beta-endorphin func tioning may actually proceed the development of alcoholism and other d rug use disorders, and is consequently a genetic mechanism of some eti ologic importance. The goal of this investigation was to determine whe ther differences in basal plasma beta-endorphin concentrations could b e confirmed in prepubertal children naive to alcohol and drugs, yet at parental risk for alcoholism, or drug dependence. Consequently, we ha ve examined fasting basal plasma beta-endorphin concentrations in a sa mple of prepubertal sons of alcoholic fathers and compared them to bot h our existing sample of sons of drug dependent fathers and normal con trol boys. In addition, we examined the relationship between plasma be ta-endorphin concentrations and maternal reports of problem behaviors posited to be related to the liability for alcoholism or drug abuse. T he results reveal no differences in fasting basal plasma beta-endorphi n concentrations. Although the at-risk groups differ significantly fro m normal boys having elevated scale scores for internalizing and exter nalizing problem behaviors, no association between plasma beta-endorph in and these behavioral risk factors could be found. Overall, the resu lts fail to support an inherited 'opioid deficiency hypothesis' for th e development of alcoholism or drug dependence. (C) 1997 Elsevier Scie nce Ireland Ltd.