Suppression of electroacupuncture(EA)-induced beta-endorphin and ACTH release by hydrocortisone in man. Absence of effects on EA-induced anaesthesia.
Auricular electroacupuncture (EA) increased plasma ACTH and beta-endorphin levels significantly in 10 patients receiving EA as an analgesic aid during surgery. Pre-treatment with iv hydrocortisone (200 mg) completely suppressed both ACTH and beta-endorphin release in response to EA without significantly affecting EA anaesthesia in 6 other patients and in a patient with Addison's disease.
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D000758:Anesthesia; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004723:Endorphins / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D001615:beta-Endorphin
D004723:Endorphins; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone