Fetal Beta-Endorphin Levels in Response to Reductions in Uterine Blood Flow

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Fetal β-endorphin release has been associated with fetal hypoxia. The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of uterine blood flow reduction needed to elicit fetal β-endorphin release in the sheep since there is a large reserve of oxygen supply to the fetus. Uterine blood flow was reduced by 26 ± 2, 46 ± 3 and 66 ± 2%, producing fetal oxygen content concentrations of 5.7 ± 0.6, 4.4 ± 0.7 and 2.6 ± 0.3 ml/dl, respectively. Although fetal oxygen concentrations were significantly decreased in the groups with a reduction in uterine blood flow of 46 and 66%, β-endorphin was elevated only in the latter group. It is speculated that fetal β-endorphin is released at a level of hypoxia which leads to a decrease in fetal oxygen consumption. A reduction in uterine blood flow of 66% appears to produce a stressful environment for the fetus as measured by fetal plasma β-endorphin levels.

This publication has 14 references indexed in Scilit: