Lack of Beta-Endorphin Plasma Level Rise in Oxytocin-Induced Labor

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Abstract
Β-Endorphin (Β-EP), Β-lipotropin (Β-LPH) and cortisol plasma levels were measured during labor in 18 pregnant women. In 7 cases labor progressed spontaneously and in 11 cases oxytocin (5 mlU/min) was administered to stimulate uterine contractions. In control and oxytocin-treated subjects hourly blood samples were taken until delivery. In spontaneous labor all three hormones showed a progressive and significant increase until parturition. In oxytocin-treated patients, however, both Β-EP and Β-LPH remained constant until parturition. Cortisol levels in oxytocin-treated patients presented a significant increase but reached values significantly lower than in control patients. These results indicate that women with uterine hypocontractility during labor requiring oxytocin showed no rise in their plasma Β-EP and Β-LPH and a blunted cortisol rise during oxytocin administration.