title: Beta-endorphin levels and general anaesthesia for caesarean section. Preliminary report.
abstract: Plasma beta-endorphin levels were studied before induction of general anaesthesia for caesarean section and during some phases of surgery. A very high increase of beta-endorphin occurred following induction of anaesthesia. However fifteen minutes after fetal extraction a tendency of the beta-endorphin levels to decrease was noted. Some medical treatment, such as antiasthmatic medication with glucocorticoids and beta-mimetic treatment for controlling uterine hyperactivity, seemed to interfere with pituitary response.
mesh_terms: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D000328:Adult; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000777:Anesthetics; D002585:Cesarean Section; D004723:Endorphins / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000378:metabolism; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D001615:beta-Endorphin
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000777:Anesthetics; D004723:Endorphins; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D001615:beta-Endorphin