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Horm Metab Res 1990; 22(1): 44-46
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1004846
Clinical

© Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart · New York

Circulating Opioid Peptides During Thermal Stress

P. P. Vescovi, G. Gerra, G. Pioli, M. Pedrazzoni, L. Maninetti, M. Passeri
  • Istituto di Clinica Medica Generale University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Publication History

1989

1989

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

In the present study we have examined the response of endogenous opiates (β-EP and Met-enk) and ACTH to a particular type of thermal stimulus such as sauna in 8 young healthy subjects. Sauna-induced hyperthermia resulted in an increase of plasma β-EP and ACTH, but appeared to have no significant effect on circulating Met-enk. The different responses of ACTH, β-EP and Met-enk to heat exposure indicate that hyperthermia represents a form of stress, which can trigger off a well-defined neuroendocrine reaction.

Key words

Sauna - β-Endorphin - Enkephalins - ACTH - Stress