Immunoreactive beta-endorphin increases after i.v. glucose in obese human subjects

The plasma beta-endorphin of obese human subjects and non-obese controls was compared following the intravenous infusion of 25 grams of glucose. The plasma beta-endorphin of the obese subjects was significantly higher than controls one hour and four and one half hours after glucose infusion. The increased beta-endorphin of the obese subjects was associated with falling blood sugar.