[Blood endorphin levels in myocardial infarction]

Blood gamma-endorphin concentrations were repeatedly measured, using an original radioimmunoassay, in patients with myocardial infarction. In the early days of acute myocardial infarction, high levels of this opioid peptide were observed, then plasma gamma-endorphin concentration gradually decreased by the time of discharge. In patients with grave complications, gamma-endorphin level was significantly lower, as compared to patients with uncomplicated infarction.