• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.614-628
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• 1998

The effects of electroacupuncture(EA) on blood concentration of endocrine substances were investigated in 6 horses. Three acupuncture points ; Guan Yuan Shu(BL-26), Wei Shu(BL-21) and Da Chang Shu(BL-25) were stimulated for 20 minutes by EA at separate occasions under varying condition ; 2V-1Hz, 2V-5Hz, 2V-30Hz, 4V-1Hz, 4V-5Hz and 4V-30Hz. Plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH), ${\beta}$-endorphin, epinephrine, norepinephrine and serum levels of gastrin were analysed. Blood samplings were carried out before, 0, 20 and 40 minutes after the EA stimulation. The serum gastrin levels were increased by 2V-5Hz stimulation on the Wei Shu. Plasma ACTH levels were decreased by 2V-1Hz stimulation on the Wei Shu, but largely increased by 4V-30Hz stimulation on the Guan Yuan Shu. Plasma ${\beta}$-endorphin levels were slightly increased or decreased by 2V-1Hz stimulation, but largely increased by 4V-30Hz stimulation on the Guan Yuan Shu. Plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine were not so much changed by 2V-1Hz or 5Hz stimulation, but tended to increase by 4V-30Hz stimulation on Guan Yuan Shu. These results suggest that the low voltage-low frequence EA stimulation increased blood concentration of gastrin, but decreased ACTH, ${\beta}$-endorphin, epinephrine and norepinephrine, whereas high voltage-high frequence EA stimulation induced opposite results. Accordingly, there appears to be a close relationship between the changes of gastrointestinal motility and the changes of blood concentration of endocrine substances by EA stimulation.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.99-106
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect on plasma beta endorphin concentration level and the influences on pain score of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) mediation to patients During a prostate needle biopsy. Methods: TENS was administered to only the experimental group. The electric current was given in high frequency (40-100 pps) and low intensity ($2-50{\mu}s$) from the waiting room stage until the end of the procedure. The average time spent was 35 minutes. Following 10 minutes of retention in the rectum, there was a biopsy. In two groups, the pain score was assessed twice when vas pain penetrated into the rectum, during the needle biopsy. The Beta endorphin concentration level was assessed through blood gathering 2 times in the Nuclear Medicine Labs before and after the test. Results: There was not much difference in pain levels from both groups when a microscope probe penetrated into the rectum and in the time when tissues were collected. However, the average overall pain level was reduced during those two procedures. The plasma beta endorphin level was increased in the TENS medicated group compared with the unmedicated group after the procedures were completed. Conclusion: The research indicates that TENS was desirable to be considered as a non-invasive method for controlling pain.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.165-178
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• 1988

In this study, the effect of single or repeated (daily for 7 or 14 days) electroconvulsive shock (ECS) on central and peripheral opiate system and modification of the actions of ECS by several psychoactive drugs were investigated in the rat. Repeated ECS caused increase of Met-enkephalin content and decrease of Bmax of specific $[^3H]$imorphine binding in the rat brain. These effects were persisted more than 7 days after the last ECS, but single ECS failed to show these effects. However, ${\beta}-endorphin$ content was decreased in midbrain preparation and increased in plasma by repeated or single ECS. These phenomenon was seen shortly after the last ECS. After ECS-induced seizure was prevented by phenobarbital, ECS-induced increase in Met-enkephalin content was significantly attenuated. Imipramine or pargyline did not affect the action of repeated ECS. On the other hand, reserpine, chlorpromazine or haloperidol which were classified as neuroleptic antipsychotics, augmented the ECS-induced changes of central and peripheral opiate parameters. Furthermore, in groups received repeated ECS, changes of Bmax of specific $[^3H]-morphine binding$ binding was inversely correlated with changes of Met-enkephalin contents, but not with changes of ${\beta}-endorphin$ contents. From these results, it is inferred that the central or peripheral opioidergic system may be involved in the therapeutic and/or adverse effects of ECS which also can be influenced by some psychoactive drugs.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.454-474
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• 2002

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a very potent dilatator and a nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in the peripheral and the central nervous systems. The mechanisms of action of VIP were examined in aortic circular and in uterine longitudinal smooth muscle strips of the rat. The effects of sympathetic neurotransmitter were investigated in gastric and aortic circular muscle strips of the mouse and the rat. The effects of silver spike point, SSP, low frequency electrical stimulations of VIP, sympathetic neurotransmitter and $\beta$-endorphin were examined in plasma, serum and 24h urine from the healthy volunteer. In gastric smooth muscle strips from the mouse, adrenergic neurotransmitter norepinephrine was inhibitory effected, followed by caused phasic and tonic contraction to the, muscrine receptor agonist carbachol and acetylcholine, respectively. In urine from the healthy volunteer, both norepinephrine and epinephrine were significantly decreased in continue type and low frequency (3 Hz) of SSP electrical stimulations. The contractile responses to S-HT in uterine longitudinal smooth muscle strips of the rats were completely decreased by a VIP 1 $\mu$M. The contractile responses to PGF2$\alpha$ were not decreased by a VIP. In plasma and serum from the healthy volunteer, both VIP and $\beta$-endorphin were significantly increased in continue type and low frequency (3 Hz) of SSP electrical stimulations. Therefore, this study demonstrate that VIP has the capacity to relax vascular or gastric smooth muscles in part by stimulating the generation of NO, and silver spike point low frequency electrical stimulation has the capacity both to decrease sympathetic neurotransmitters and to increase VIP, $\beta$-endorphin.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.350-358
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• 1997

We studied the effects of adding a single bolus(500 mg) of sodium thiopental to a continuous infusion of low-dose fentanyl on plasma beta-endorphin immunoreactivity(iBE) responses to cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) in 28 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting or valve procedures. Thiopental was injected just prior to the initiation of CPB. The iBE levels and the hemodynamic indices such, as mean arterial pressure, cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance were measured before CPB, at 30 min and again at 60 min after the initiation of the bypass. The results were as follows. After the initiation of CPB, iBE levels increased at 30 min and 60 min(P=0.006, P=0.004 respectively) in the control group, but not in the thiopental group. There were significant differences in the changes of iBE levels between the groups(F=8.7, G-G=0.002, P=0.001). The hemodynamic indices were similar in both groups. In conclusion, pretreatment with thiopental just before the initiation of CPB prevents the stress-induced beta-endorphin response to CPB.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.253-259
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• 2010

Artemisia capillaris Thunb. is widely used in the herbal medicine field. This study describes the antidepressant effect of a flavonoid (chlorogenic acid) isolated from the Artemisia capillaris Thunb. The expression of the pituitary gland and hypothalamic POMC mRNA or plasma ${\beta}$-endorphin levels were increased by extract of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. or its flavoniod administered orally. In addition, antidepressant activity was studied using the tail suspension test (TST), the forced swimming test (FST) and the rotarod test in a chronically restrained immobilization stress group in mice. After restraint stress (2 h/day for 14 days), animals were kept in a cage for 14 days without any further stress, but with drugs. Mice were fed with a diet supplemented for 14 days and during the behavioral test period with chlorogenic acid (30 mg/kg/day). POMC mRNA or the plasma ${\beta}$-endorphin level was increased by the extract of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. and its flavoniod. In addition, the immobility time in TST and FST was significantly reduced by chlorogenic acid. In the rotarod test, the riding time remained similar to that of the control group at 15 rpm. Our results suggest that the flavonoid (chlorogenic acid) isolated from Artemisia capillaris Thunb. shows a potent antidepressant effect.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.249-254
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• 2016

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of strenuous exercise on ${\beta}$-endorphine (${\beta}$-END) level in fibromyalgia (FM) patients compared to healthy subjects. Methods: We enrolled 30 FM patients and 15 healthy individuals. All study participants underwent a treadmill exercise test using modified Bruce protocol (M.Bruce). The goal of the test was achieving at least 70% of the predicted maximal heart rate (HRMax). The serum levels of ${\beta}$-END were measured before and after the exercise program. Measurements were done while heart rate was at least 70% of its predicted maximum. Results: The mean ${\pm}$ the standard deviation (SD) of exercise duration in the FM and control groups were $24.26{\pm}5.29$ and $29.06{\pm}3.26$ minutes, respectively, indicating a shorter time to achieve the goal heart rate in FM patients (P < 0.003). Most FM patients attained 70% HRMax at lower stages (stage 2 and 3) of M.Bruce compared to the control group (70% versus 6.6%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Compared to healthy subjects, FM patients had lower serum ${\beta}$-END levels both in baseline and post-exercise status ($Mean{\pm}SD$: $122.07{\pm}28.56{\mu}g/ml$ and $246.55{\pm}29.57{\mu}g/ml$ in the control group versus $90.12{\pm}20.91{\mu}g/ml$ and $179.80{\pm}28.57{\mu}g/ml$ in FM patients, respectively; P < 0.001). Conclusions: We found that FM patients had lower levels of ${\beta}$-END in both basal and post-exercise status. Exercise increased serum the ${\beta}$-END level in both groups but the average increase in ${\beta}$-END in FM patients was significantly lower than in the control group.

• CELLMED
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.3.1-3.8
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• 2014

Spa represents a treatment widely used in many rheumatic diseases (RD). The mechanisms by which immersion in mineral or thermal water ameliorates RD are not fully understood. The net benefit is probably the result of a combination of factors, among which the mechanical, thermal and chemical effects are most prominent. Buoyancy, immersion, resistance and temperature play important roles. According to the gate theory, pain relief may be due to the pressure and temperature of the water on skin; heat may reduce muscle spasm and increase the pain threshold. Mud-bath therapy increases plasma ${\beta}$-endorphin levels and secretion of corticotrophin, cortisol, growth hormone and prolactin. It has recently been demonstrated that thermal mud-bath therapy induces a reduction in circulating levels of prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4, interleukin-$1{\beta}$ and tumour necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, important mediators of inflammation and pain. Furthermore, balneotherapy has been found to cause an increase in insulin-like growth factor-1, which stimulates cartilage metabolism, and transforming growth factor-${\beta}$. Beneficial anti-inflammatory and anti-degenerative effects of mineral water were confirmed in chondrocytes cultures, too. Various studies in vitro and in humans have highlighted the positive action of mud-packs and thermal baths, especially sulphurous ones, on the oxidant/antioxidant system. Overall, thermal stress has an immunosuppressive effect. Many other non-specific factors may also contribute to the beneficial effects observed after spa therapy in some RD, including effects on cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. adipokines) and changes in the environment, pleasant surroundings and the absence of work duties.