Plasma β-endorphin levels in anovulatory states: changes after treatments for the induction of ovulation

Meo, Generoso Di; Leo, Vincenzo De; Nappi, Carmine; Facchinetti, Fabio; Genazzani, Andrea R.

doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(16)49152-1

Cited by 26 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…Lanzone et al studies suggest that the endogenous opioid system may enhance LH response to GnRH [26]. A stimulating influence on LH secretion of the opioids has been also described: leu-enkefalins (opioid peptides) induce LH secretion to GnRH in rat pituitary gland in vitro [27]. A significant increase in the level of β-endorphins was seen in the preovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle, when the GnRH sensitivity reached its maximum [28].…”

Section: Discussion ▼mentioning

confidence: 99%

β-endorphins Plasma Level is Higher in Lean Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Women

Кялка

Milewicz

Spałkowska

et al. 2016

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes

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Section: Discussion ▼mentioning

confidence: 99%

β-endorphins Plasma Level is Higher in Lean Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Women

Кялка

Milewicz

Spałkowska

et al. 2016

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes

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“…At midcycle the amounts were found to peak before and after the midcycle LH surge (54,55), and they were higher in the luteal than in the follicular phase. Ovulation seems to be of fundamental value since a P-endorphin peak is lacking in anovulatory cycles but is restored when ovulation is induced (57). Stress does not play a part in these changes.…”

Section: Plasma P-endorphin In Normal and Disturbed Menstrual Cyclementioning

confidence: 99%

Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone and Opioid Peptides in Reproduction and Stress

Laatikainen

1991

Annals of Medicine

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Increased knowledge on the mechanisms whereby corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and opioid peptides mediate the effects of stress has helped us to understand the relationship between stress and disturbed reproductive function. Increases of CRH and beta-endorphin in the hypothalamus in stressful situations inhibits the secretion of gonadotropins, oxytocin and vasopressin. This may lead to amenorrhea, which often is a consequence of intensive training or psychological stress, or it may disrupt parturition and lactation. There is a relationship between ovarian function and opioid peptides in the hypothalamus. Opioid peptides increase during puberty and fall at the menopause. Oestradiol and progesterone increase beta-endorphin concentrations in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and this is followed by a rapid fall at menstruation. These changes may mediate symptoms typical of the premenstrual syndrome. Rather intensive exercise is required to increase plasma concentrations of beta-endorphin and corticotropin. During labour the amounts of beta-endorphin and corticotropin reach the values found in athletes during maximal exercise. The placenta produces increasing amounts of CRH towards the end of pregnancy which may help the mother and fetus to withstand the increased demands of labour. The placenta may thus be involved in the adaptation of the stress mechanism during pregnancy. CRH has also a paracrine function in different biological processes of the placenta and fetal membranes. It is possible to counteract the deleterious effects of stress on reproductive function by the administration of opiate antagonists. Induction of ovulation with naltrexone has been shown in patients with hypothalamic amenorrhea but the effect on fertility is not known.

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“…Another neuropeptide involved in the regulation of ovulation is β-endorphin, which is derived from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) (Leadem and Kalra, 1985; Petraglia et al , 1986). In rodents, the synthesis of β-endorphin is linked to the transcription of POMC mRNA (Millington et al , 1986).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neurobiology of Stress-Induced Reproductive Dysfunction in Female Macaques

2008

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It is now well accepted that stress can precipitate mental and physical illness. However, it is becoming clear that given the same stress, some individuals are very vulnerable and will succumb to illness while others are more resilient and cope effectively, rather than becoming ill. This difference between individuals is called stress sensitivity. Stress-sensitivity of an individual appears to be influenced by genetically inherited factors, early life (even prenatal) stress, and by the presence or absence of factors that provide protection from stress. In comparison to other stress-related diseases, the concept of sensitivity versus resilience to stress-induced reproductive dysfunction has received relatively little attention. The studies presented herein were undertaken to begin to identify stable characteristics and the neural underpinnings of individuals with sensitivity to stress-induced reproductive dysfunction. Female cynomolgus macaques with normal menstrual cycles either stop ovulating (Stress Sensitive) or to continue to ovulate (Stress Resilient) upon exposure to a combined metabolic and psychosocial stress. However, even in the absence of stress, the stress sensitive animals have lower secretion of the ovarian steroids, estrogen and progesterone, have higher heart rates, have lower serotonin function, have fewer serotonin neurons and lower expression of pivotal serotonin-related genes, have lower expression of 5HT2A and 2C genes in the hypothalamus, have higher gene expression of GAD67 and CRH in the hypothalamus and have reduced GnRH transport to the anterior pituitary. Altogether, the results suggest that the neurobiology of reproductive circuits in stress sensitive individuals is compromised. We speculate that with the application of stress, the dysfunction of these neural systems becomes exacerbated and reproductive function ceases.

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Plasma β-endorphin levels in anovulatory states: changes after treatments for the induction of ovulation

Cited by 26 publications

References 20 publications

β-endorphins Plasma Level is Higher in Lean Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Women

β-endorphins Plasma Level is Higher in Lean Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Women

Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone and Opioid Peptides in Reproduction and Stress

Neurobiology of Stress-Induced Reproductive Dysfunction in Female Macaques

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