Effects of diving experience on submersion-induced increases in plasma levels of beta-endorphin in scuba divers.
The submersion of eight male scuba divers in a state of neutral buoyancy for 20 min resulted in a significant increase (mean, 20%) in plasma beta-endorphin immunoreactivity (beta-EIR), and all subjects reported post-submersion feelings of well-being, relaxation or euphoria. The increase in beta-EIR was negatively correlated with age (r = -0.727) and diving experience (r = -0.860), and positively correlated with the amount of air usage during submersion (r = 0.863). Thus, diving experience appears to influence many of the nonsubjective parameters measured.
Tripathi
H L
HL
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298.
Eastman
N W
NW
Brase
D A
DA
Dewey
W L
WL
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000097:blood; D000388:Air; D004242:Diving; D005059:Euphoria; D006801:Humans; D007101:Immersion; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012063:Relaxation; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology
D001615:beta-Endorphin