Hormonal response in untreated myocardial infarction

Plasma levels of a variety of hormones have been measured in patients within two hours of the onset of symptoms of myocardial infarction and before commencement of any treatment. Increased plasma concentrations were found for norepinephrine, epinephrine, glucagon, aldosterone, vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide, corticotrophin, prolactin, cortisol and substance P while plasma renin activity was raised. The plasma concentrations of insulin, growth hormone, neurotensin, bombesin and vasointestinal peptide were normal.