title: Simultaneous circadian variations of plasma ACTH, beta-lipotropin, beta-endorphin and cortisol.
abstract: The major objective of this study was to investigate the analogy existing between the typical circadian periodicity of ACTH and that recently described of beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH) and beta-endorphin (beta-EP) plasma levels. The determination of their concentrations, plus cortisol, has been performed on the same plasma samples of 6 healthy volunteers. All hormones were measured by radioimmunoassay. Those of beta-LPH and beta-EP were preceded by a purification of plasma through silicic acid extraction and Sephadex G-75 gel filtration. The highest values (mean +/- SEM) were found in the morning (ACTH: 10.3 +/- 0.9; beta-LPH; 6.3 +/- 0.7; beta-EP: 6.5 +/- 0.5 fmol/ml; cortisol: 378 +/- 30 pmol/ml) and the lowest values in the evening (ACTH: 6:1 +/- 0.7; beta-LPH: 3.3 +/- 0.4; beta-EP: 3.7 +/- 0.6 fmol/ml; cortisol: 130 +/- 23 pmol/ml). Statistical analysis using the Fourier method led to the evidence of a concomitant circadian secretory pattern of the three proopiocortin-related peptides. These results strongly suggest that the phasic secretion of ACTH, beta-LPH and beta-EP underlies a common central control.
mesh_terms: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004723:Endorphins / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D008083:beta-Lipotropin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D004723:Endorphins; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D008083:beta-Lipotropin; D006854:Hydrocortisone