Rise in plasma beta-endorphin, ACTH, and cortisol in cancer patients undergoing whole body hyperthermia.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Uncontrolled interventional physiological study (case series)
PubMed 2826324 · doi:10.1055/s-2007-1011847
What was done
Researchers measured plasma beta-endorphin levels in cancer patients undergoing whole body hyperthermia across core temperatures ranging from 40.5°C to 41.8°C. Changes in ACTH and cortisol levels were also evaluated in a temperature range of 41.5°C to 41.8°C.
What was found
The authors report a linear relationship between thermal stress (defined by core temperature, duration of hyperthermia, or both) and quantitative increases in plasma beta-endorphin levels. Elevations in ACTH and cortisol were also reported at 41.5°C to 41.8°C. The abstract provides no specific numerical values, baseline concentrations, or statistical parameters.
Why it matters
It demonstrates that severe whole-body thermal stress produces a dose-dependent activation of the endogenous opioid and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal systems in humans.
Limits
The abstract does not disclose the sample size, patient demographics, cancer stages, or quantitative measurements. There was no unheated control group to differentiate thermal effects from general procedural or psychological stress.
Cited by
- supports Heat stress increases circulating beta-endorphins.