T-lymphocyte concentrations of cholecystokinin-8 and beta-endorphin in eating disorders: II. Bulimia nervosa.

Concentrations of cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8) and beta-endorphin (beta-EP) in T-lymphocytes of 26 women with bulimia nervosa (BN) and in 26 age- and sex-matched healthy comparison subjects were measured. Ten patients were then treated with 300 mg/day of fluvoxamine, p.o., and five patients were treated with 300 mg/day of amineptine, p.o., for 4 months. Concentrations of the two peptides were measured again after 1, 2, and 4 months of therapy. Basal CCK-8 values were significantly lower in patients than in healthy subjects. During fluvoxamine therapy, CCK-8 values increased, reaching normal levels by month 4 of treatment. No such increase occurred during amineptine therapy. Baseline beta-EP values were normal in the bulimic patients but had declined by month 4 of fluvoxamine therapy.