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Endogenous opioid peptides in pregnancy
Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1983.tb08963.x
Issue
1471-0528/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=b4e1d96c46e18c61210d584b63c13ee375cf562b "BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology")
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Volume 90, Issue 6, pages 535–538, June 1983
Additional Information
How to Cite
NEWNHAM, J. P., TOMLIN, S., RATTER, S. J., BOURNE, G. L. and REES, L. H. (1983), Endogenous opioid peptides in pregnancy. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 90: 535–538. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1983.tb08963.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Received 2 August 1982 Accepted 5 December 1982
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Summary. Plasma levels of two endogenous opioid peptides, β-endorphin and met-enkephalin, as well as immunoreactive N-terminal β-lipotrophin (N-LPH) were studied in normal pregnant women from 8 to 41 weeks gestation. A total of 116 samples were assayed for β-endorphin-like immunoreactivity (C-LPH), 103 for N-LPH and 75 for met-enkephalin. Plasma β-endorphin-like immunoreactivity and N-LPH levels rose progressively throughout gestation and reached a maximum at term. Plasma met-enkephalin immunoreactivity did not significantly change throughout pregnancy. These results reflect an increasing and consistent adreno-corticotrophin (ACTH)/β-LPH and β-endorphin secretion throughout pregnancy, while the unchanged met-enkephalin levels are compatible with its known derivation from a separate precursor system.