Increase of β-Endorphin Serum Levels by Human Corticotropin-Releasing Factor does not Affect Beta-Cell Function in Normalweight Men

Summary

Numerous studies have shown a rise of blood sugar concentrations and serum levels of pancreatic polypeptides after pharmacological doses of β-endorphin. We tested the yet unknown influence of physiological fluctations in β-endorphin serum levels on glucose homeostasis by stimulating the pituitary secretion with CRF.

100 μg of human CRF or saline solution were intraveneously injected in ten healthy male subjects at least one week apart, β-endorphin serum levels rose significantly after the injection of CRF, but there was no change in blood sugar concentrations or serum levels of glucagon or insulin at all. We conclude that only a pharmacological dose of β-endorphin influences glucose homeostasis.

Key-Words

β-Endorphin - CRF - Glucose Metabolism - Insulin - Glucagon