Circadian rhythms and levels of beta-endorphin, ACTH, and cortisol during chronic methadone maintenance treatment in humans.
Previous studies have shown alterations of neuroendocrine function in humans receiving any narcotic on short-term basis or short-acting narcotics on a chronic basis. In this study of 16 well-stabilized patients, it was demonstrated that normalization of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function, as reflected by normal levels and normal circadian rhythm of levels of beta-endorphin, ACTH and cortisol, is achieved during long-term steady state methadone maintenance treatment of former heroin addicts.
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000187:drug effects*; D004723:Endorphins / Q000097:blood*; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012016:Reference Values; D001615:beta-Endorphin
D004723:Endorphins; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D008691:Methadone; D006854:Hydrocortisone