Uncoupling of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) fragments is related to self-injury

Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) contains several interesting, behaviorally activ e peptides. Release patterns of these fragments have been related to bizarr e episodes of self-injurious behavior (SIB) among autistic individuals. Mor eover, elevation in P-endorphin (PE) but not ACTH levels was associated wit h a positive response to an acutely administered, centrally acting opioid b locker among autistic individuals exhibiting SIE. In the present study, POM C fragments were measured in 12 self-injurious patients before and after lo ng term (3 month) treatment with an opiate blocker naltrexone (NTX). POMC f ragments were sampled from blood collected at the beginning of the baseline and placebo-controlled treatment phases of the study. Results indicated th at the co-release (coupling) of POMC fragments were stable over time and th e profile of POMC fragments in plasma predicted the effectiveness of a CNS acting drug in autistic subjects who self-injure. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.