The increased opiate action of beta-endorphin in iron-deficient rats: the possible involvement of dopamine.

Rats made nutritionally iron-deficient (ID) have been shown to have a lower brain non-haem. A selective diminution of the binding capacity of the D2-dopaminergic receptors alone was found among nutritionally iron-deficient rats. Peripherally administered beta-endorphin significantly elevated the pain threshold only in the iron-deficient rats. Naloxone blocked the beta-endorphin effect in ID rats. Morphine, as well as haloperidol, elevated the pain threshold in both the iron-deficient and the control rats but significantly more in the former group. No additive effects of combined treatment with beta-endorphin and haloperidol on pain threshold were found. Other neuroleptics also elevated the pain threshold. A possible hypothesis is that dopamine (via beta-endorphin) may play a role in modifying the pain threshold.