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Effect of chronic left ventricular failure on beta-endorphin
1Cardiovascular Section, New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, New York 10021.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Endogenous opiates do not worsen heart failure. Beta-endorphin levels were normal in dogs with chronic heart failure (HF), and naloxone did not alter hemodynamics, suggesting no exacerbation of circulatory dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Endogenous opiates can impair circulation in shock by reducing sympathetic activity.
- The role of endogenous opiates in chronic heart failure (HF) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of endogenous opiates on circulatory function in chronic heart failure (HF).
- To measure beta-endorphin concentrations and hemodynamic responses to naloxone in dogs with and without HF.
Main Methods:
- Created low-output HF in dogs via rapid ventricular pacing.
- Administered naloxone (an opiate antagonist) to control and HF dogs.
- Measured hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, cardiac output) and plasma norepinephrine.
Main Results:
- Dogs with HF had reduced blood pressure and cardiac output, and elevated norepinephrine.
- Beta-endorphin concentrations were similar in control and HF dogs.
- Naloxone administration resulted in comparable, minor increases in blood pressure and cardiac output in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Beta-endorphin secretion does not appear to exacerbate circulatory dysfunction in chronic heart failure.
- The endogenous opiate system may not play a significant role in the pathophysiology of chronic heart failure-induced circulatory impairment.