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Increased plasma beta-endorphin immunoreactivity in scuba divers after submersion
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Scuba divers experience increased beta-endorphin levels after underwater submersion. This finding suggests that even mild stress, like neutral buoyancy diving, elevates beta-endorphin immunoreactivity (beta-EIR) similar to severe stress.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Diving Medicine
Background:
- Scuba divers often report euphoria after submersion, similar to post-exercise feelings.
- Strenuous exercise is known to increase plasma beta-endorphin immunoreactivity (beta-EIR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if neutral buoyancy submersion, without strenuous exercise, increases plasma beta-EIR.
- To compare the beta-EIR response to mild stress (diving) versus severe stress (exercise).
Main Methods:
- Plasma beta-EIR was measured using radioimmunoassay in male scuba divers.
- Measurements were taken before and immediately after motionless submersion at 10 ft neutral buoyancy.
- Control measurements included venipuncture and breathing scuba gear out of water.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase (P < 0.01) in plasma beta-EIR was observed after submersion.
- Neither venipuncture nor breathing scuba gear out of water affected beta-EIR levels.
- The observed increase in beta-EIR was similar to that seen under conditions of severe stress.
Conclusions:
- Submersion in a neutral buoyancy state, a milder stressor, elevates plasma beta-EIR.
- The neuroendocrine response to diving shares similarities with the response to strenuous exercise.
- This suggests a common physiological pathway for stress-induced endorphin release.