Plasma beta-endorphin concentrations during suckling in lactating women.
Beta-endorphin appears to be involved in the hormonal response to suckling in some animals. The peripheral secretory patterns of beta-endorphin, prolactin and cortisol were investigated in serial venous blood samples taken during suckling from eight healthy women who were breast-feeding on the third or fourth day of the puerperium. Plasma levels of prolactin and beta-endorphin increased significantly during suckling reaching a peak after 20 min, levels of cortisol remained unaffected. It is suggested that the increased beta-endorphin derives from an extra-hypophyseal source.
Franceschini
R
R
Department of Internal Medicine University of Genoa, Italy.
Venturini
P L
PL
Cataldi
A
A
Barreca
T
T
Ragni
N
N
Rolandi
E
E
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007774:Lactation / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood*
D001615:beta-Endorphin; D011388:Prolactin; D006854:Hydrocortisone