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Plasma Levels of Immunoreactive ß-Endorphin and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone During Labor and Delivery

From the Departments of Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Abstract

ß-endorphin and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) are derived from the same precursor protein,¹³ and the plasma levels of ß-endorphin and ACTH are thought to be representative of the pituitary secretion of these peptides. Simultaneous measurments of immunoreactive ß-endorphin and ACTH were done on plasma samples from pregnant women at term and found to be normal, but a significant increase was observed during the stress of labor. Simultaneous measurement of immunoreactive ß-endorphin and ACTH in the umbilical vein at time of vaginal delivery demonstrated elevated levels of both peptides. The newborn also demonstrated an increased ratio of ß-endorphin to ACTH, of which the role is uncertain at present.