The role of beta-endorphin in pregnancy and delivery

Abstract

This paper deals with beta-endorphin determination in 20 autopsy specimens of human fetal and neonatal pancreas, as well as in the placental tissue specimens of the same fetoplacental units, by means of radioimmunoassay (RIA - Nichols Institute). Peripheral blood samples of 10 healthy non-gravids were taken as controls. Our results present a marked increase of beta-endorphin levels with the progression of gestation, reaching a peak of 3960 pg/g at term. The data obtained indicate that beta-endorphin plays an important role in pregnancy and delivery regulation.