beta-Endorphin and blood pressure in multiple trauma victims

In addition to pain and stress, endogenous opiates and in particular beta-endorphin could be involved in the modulation of cardiovascular parameters. Several studies have thus shown increases in plasma beta-endorphin levels in the course of septic or hypovolemic shock. Our study involving 44 multiple trauma patients indicates that even in the absence of any hemodynamic disorders, there is a correlation between systolic blood pressure and plasma beta-endorphins. These results argue in favor of the existence of feedback between systolic blood pressure and plasma beta-endorphins.