Rise in Plasma Beta-Endorphin, ACTH, and Cortisol in Cancer Patients Undergoing Whole Body Hyperthermia

Abstract
It has been previously reported that sauna-induced fevers (∼ 39°C) result in rises of β-endorphins in normal volunteers. This report describes changes in plasma β-endorphins in cancer patients undergoing whole body hyperthermia (40.5°C to 41.8°C). Results presented show that there is a linear relationship between thermal stress, defined in terms of core temperature and/or duration of hyperthermia, and the quantitative rise in plasma β-endorphin levels. Data relating to changes in ACTH and cortisol levels are in a single temperature range (41.5°C-41.8°C) are also reported.

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