Abstract: Objective To investigate the relationship between beta endorphin (β-EP),neuropeptide Y (NPY)and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)and the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Methods Radioimmunoassay (RIA)was employed to detect the plasma levels of three neuropeptides in 40 patients with various types of vitiligo and in 23 normal controls. Results The plasma levels of bothβ-EP and NPY in vitiligo pateints were significantly higher than those in normal controls. The plasma level of NPY in progressive vitiligo was significantly higher than that in stable one. The plasma level of CGRP in generalized and progressive vitiligo was significantly increased when compared with normal controls. Conclusion These findings indicate that the three mentioned neuropeptides may play a role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.

Key words: Vitiligo, beta-endorphin, Neuropeptide Y, Calcitonin gene-related peptide