title: Plasma levels of immunoreactive beta-endorphin and adrenocorticotropic hormone during labor and delivery.
abstract: beta-endorphin and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) are derived from the same precursor protein, and the plasma levels of beta-endorphin and ACTH are thought to be representative of the pituitary secretion of these peptides. Simultaneous measurements of immunoreactive beta-endorphin and ACTH were done on plasma samples from pregnant women at term and found to be normal, but a significant increase was observed during the stress of labor. Simultaneous measurement of immunoreactive beta-endorphin and ACTH in the umbilical vein at time of vaginal delivery demonstrated elevated levels of both peptides. The newborn also demonstrated an increased ratio of beta-endorphin to ACTH, of which the role is uncertain at present.
mesh_terms: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D004723:Endorphins / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D011247:Pregnancy; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D001615:beta-Endorphin
chemical_list: D004723:Endorphins; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone