Effect of exogenous beta-endorphin on anterior pituitary hormone secretion in man.
The effect of large amounts of synthesized human beta-endorphin (beta-EP) administered intrathecally on pituitary-adrenocortical function was investigated by determining the plasma levels of ACTH, cortisol, growth hormone and prolactin in 8 patients with pain caused by severe disseminated cancer. They were divided into 2 groups, an Ep group of 8 patients and a control group of 5 of the same 8 patients. There were no significant effects of beta-Ep on plasma ACTH, cortisol and growth hormone levels. However, the injection of beta-Ep into human subjects resulted in a rise in plasma concentrations of prolactin.
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004723:Endorphins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D010908:Pituitary Hormones, Anterior / Q000378:metabolism*; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000187:drug effects*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D001615:beta-Endorphin
D004723:Endorphins; D010908:Pituitary Hormones, Anterior; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D011388:Prolactin; D013006:Growth Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone