Maternal venous (MV) and neonatal umbilical venous (UV) and umbilical arterial (UA) plasma β-endorphin concentrations were measured at birth in two groups of patients undergoing cesarean section (CS). Patients in group 1 carried a term gestation (n = 12, birth weight 3,640 ± 150g, 1 SEM). Patients in group 2 (n = 12) carried a preterm gestation (birth weight 1,956 ± 150 g). In the term neonate the UV and UA plasma β-endorphin were 11.5 ± 4 and 13.5 ± 4 picomoles/liter, respectively. In the preterm neonate the UV and UA values were 23.6 ± 4 and 23.5 ± 5 picomoles/liter, respectively. Both values in the preterm neonate were significantly greater than the corresponding value in the term neonate (p < 0.05). The MV plasma β-endorphin did not significantly differ among the two groups. Data suggest that in preterm neonates increased plasma β-endorphin levels occur at the time of birth.

Keywords:
Preterm neonate, Umbilical cord, β-Endorphin
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© 1989 S. Karger AG, Basel
1989
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