[The dynamics of beta-endorphins in plasma in the peri- and intraoperative phase of radical gynecologic surgery]. / Die Dynamik des beta-Endorphins im Plasma in der peri- und intraoperativen Phase bei gynäkologischen Radikaloperationen.

ABSTRACT

Stress produced by anaesthesia and operation results in the activation of regulatory processes aimed at maintaining homoeostasis. Numerous studies point to the opioid system acting in the adaptation process as a reserve force in homoeostatic maintenance. We made peri- and intraoperative radioimmunological measurements of the beta-endorphin, a c-terminal fragment of the pro-opiomelanocortin. In spite of the latent stress prevalent in patients before the operation, there was no change in the concentration of beta-endorphin in the plasma before the operation. As soon as the operation began a marked increase in the beta-endorphin concentration was observed, reaching a peak at the end of the operation. Postoperatively, the beta-endorphin level rapidly decreased and the initial value was attained within 24 hours. Our studies provide evidence that there is a protective mechanism guarding the organism against external disturbing factors in stress situations.