Plasma beta-endorphin levels in oral surgery patients following diazepam, fentanyl or placebo

Abstract

Plasma beta-endorphin, pain and anxiety were measured in patients before, during, and 1 and 3 hours following oral surgery. Diazepam and fentanyl blocked the stress induced increase in plasma beta-endorphin experienced by patients administered placebo. Moreover, intra-operative anxiety and post-operative pain appear to constitute independent and possibly equipotent stimuli for release of pituitary beta-endorphin in humans.