Release of beta-endorphin in response to physical exercise in non-pregnant and pregnant women.
The effect of physical exercise on beta-endorphin (beta-E) concentration in plasma was studied in 8 non-pregnant and in 8 pregnant women in their last trimester of pregnancy, using a 10-min bicycle ergometer test. In the non-pregnant women the mean beta-E levels were 2.4 +/- 0.7 (S.E.) pmol/l before the test, 4.3 +/- 0.9 pmol/l at the end of the test, and 4.3 +/- 0.6 and 5.0 +/- 2.0 pmol/l 15 and 30 min after the test, respectively, declining thereafter. In the pregnant women the mean beta-E values were 5.1 +/- 2.0 pmol/l before the test, 7.3 +/- 1.7 pmol/l at the end of the test, 6.7 +/- 2.0 pmol/l 15 min after the test, and 12.6 +/- 4.1 pmol/l 60 min after the test, declining thereafter. Thus, beta-E secretion increased in response to exercise both in non-pregnant and in pregnant women, the response lasting longer in pregnant women.
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001794:Blood Pressure; D004723:Endorphins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D001615:beta-Endorphin
D001786:Blood Glucose; D004723:Endorphins; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D011388:Prolactin