beta-Endorphin immunoreactive material and authentic beta-endorphin in the plasma of males undergoing anaerobic exercise on a rowing ergometer.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), beta-endorphin immunoreactive material (beta-endorphin IRM), and authentic beta-endorphin (1 -31) have been determined in the plasma of 23 volunteers undergoing anaerobic exercise on a rowing ergometer. The volunteers had different histories of training from occasional physical activities up to intensive preparation for international rowing competitions. ACTH and beta-endorphin-IRM were determined using commercially available immunometric assays; for determination of beta-endorphin (1-31) a highly specific two-site fluid phase immunoprecipitation radioimmunoassay was developed, which did not cross-react with any beta-endorphin derivative or any other opioid peptide tested. In agreement with reports from the literature ACTH and beta-endorphin-IRM concentrations in the plasma rose upon anaerobic exercise in all 23 subjects; this increase in the ACTH and beta-endorphin IRM levels was significantly correlated with the increase of lactate levels observed upon anaerobic exercise. Authentic beta-endorphin (1-31) was only found in two plasma samples containing minor concentrations of the peptide. We conclude that the beta-endorphin immunoreactive material released into blood under anaerobic exercise is identical with authentic beta-endorphin (1-31) only to a minor extent and thus should not be called "beta-endorphin". The major part of the material in fact released into the blood upon anaerobic exercise is probably identical with beta-lipotropin and further components so far unknown.
Schulz
A
A
Rudolf-Buchheim-Institute for Pharmacology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
Harbach
H
H
Katz
N
N
Geiger
L
L
Teschemacher
H
H
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood; D000328:Adult; D000693:Anaerobiosis; D003429:Cross Reactions; D016552:Ergometry; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology
D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone