Evidence for an inhibitory role of beta-endorphin and other opioids on human total T rosette formation.

Beta-endorphin, met-enkephalin, leu-enkephalin and morphine significantly inhibit rosette formation between human T lymphocytes and sheep red blood cells. This effect is completely reversed by naloxone, a specific antagonist, while naloxone by itself does not influence rosette formation. A further link between the immune system and the neuroendocrine system is suggested.