Human plasma ACTH, beta-lipotropin and beta-endorphin during delivery

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Reproductive Biology
• Perinatal Medicine

Background:

• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH), and beta-endorphin (beta-EP) are key hormones involved in stress response and fetal development.
• Understanding maternal and fetal hormone levels during labor is crucial for assessing perinatal stress and well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure and compare ACTH, beta-LPH, and beta-EP levels in maternal and umbilical cord plasma during labor and delivery.
• To investigate the origin and potential stress-induced changes of these hormones in the perinatal period.

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous collection of maternal and umbilical cord plasma samples from 12 cases.
• Quantification of ACTH, beta-LPH, and beta-EP immunoreactivities using high-sensitivity radioimmunoassay.

Main Results:

• Mean ACTH, beta-LPH, and beta-EP levels in cord and maternal plasma were significantly higher compared to normal adult levels.
• The mean beta-EP to beta-LPH molar ratio differed between maternal plasma (0.19) and cord plasma (0.13).
• No significant correlation was observed between paired fetal and maternal beta-EP or beta-LPH levels.

Conclusions:

• Elevated beta-LPH and beta-EP levels during labor suggest a stress response in both mother and fetus.
• The observed hormone levels in cord plasma indicate a fetal and/or placental origin.
• These findings contribute to understanding the endocrine adaptations during childbirth.