[Beta-endorphin in pituitary adenomas before surgery and in the postoperative period]

The content of beta-endorphin, ACTH, and cortisol was studied in 20 patients with hormonally-active, somatotropic hormone-secreting, prolactin-secreting, and hormonally inactive adenomas of the hypophysis before operation and in the early postoperative period. Before operation the basal level of hormones was within normal physiological fluctuations. In a favourable postoperative period the beta-endorphin level increased, while the ACTH content was low. In patients with an unfavourable postoperative period the content of beta-endorphin and ACTH was reduced as compared to the content before the operation. These data suggest that beta-endorphin plays an important role in the development of the organism's adaptation reactions to the surgical intervention.