Beta-endorphin levels and general anaesthesia for caesarean section. Preliminary report

Plasma beta-endorphin levels were studied before induction of general anaesthesia for caesarean section and during some phases of surgery. A very high increase of beta-endorphin occurred following induction of anaesthesia. However fifteen minutes after fetal extraction a tendency of the beta-endorphin levels to decrease was noted. Some medical treatment, such as antiasthmatic medication with glucocorticoids and beta-mimetic treatment for controlling uterine hyperactivity, seemed to interfere with pituitary response.