Beta-endorphin and ACTH levels in peripheral blood during and after aerobic and anaerobic exercise

Abstract

Beta-endorphin (beta-End) and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) were determined in the peripheral blood of 14 human volunteers exercising on a bicycle ergometer. After 1 h of submaximal work below anaerobic threshold (AT), defined as the 4 mmol X l-1 lactic acid level in arteriolar blood (Kindermann 1979; Mader 1980), beta-End and ACTH levels did not change from control conditions. Eleven of the same 14 subjects performed an uninterrupted graded exercise test on the same bicycle ergometer until exhaustion. This time beta-End and ACTH levels increased concomitantly with exercise of high intensity: at each moment, during and after this maximal test, a highly significant correlation (P less than 0.0001) was noted between the levels of beta-End and ACTH. The peak values of these hormones were reached within 10 min after stopping maximal exercise, and coincided with lactic acid peak levels. A rise in lactic acid levels above the anaerobic threshold always preceded the exercise-induced rise in beta-End and ACTH. Within the population tested, two subgroups could be distinguished: one comprising individuals whose hormonal response nearly coincided with the rise in lactic acid (rapid responders) and a second group composed of subjects whose normal response appeared delayed with respect to the lactic acid rise (slow responders). These results support the view that beta-End and ACTH are secreted in equimolar quantities into the blood circulation in response to exercise, and suggest that metabolic changes of anaerobiosis play a key role in the regulation of stress-hormone release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Influence of training on the response to exercise of adrenocorticotropin and growth hormone plasma concentrations in human swimmers

“…It has been suggested that neuroendocrine and sympathoadrenal responses to exercise are more closely related to relative exercise intensity (Kjaer et al 1988) or blood lactate concentrations (De Meirleir et al 1986) than to the absolute work load per se. In our study, lactate concentrations after the training set and set velocities were similar in all sessions; thus, as has been suggested by Buono et al (1987), other factors, such as a lesser extent of disturbance in intracellular homeostasis sensed by peripheral chemorecptors, and/or an increased sensivity to ACTH control by cortisol, should be taken into account to explain the attenuated response of ACTH.…”

The effect of physical therapy on beta-endorphin levels

“…In healthy, exercise-trained volunteers, strenuous workout on a bicycle ergometer increased E levels threefold and showed positive correlation with exercise capacity (Schwarz and Kindermann 1989). ACTH level and E levels increase concurrently-anaerobosis is thought to play an important role in this phenomenon (de Meirleir et al 1986). In a study conducted on marathon runners, ten subjects were tested after completing the 42.195-km distance, and additional Wve were tested following submaximal exercise testing (50% VO 2 max) on a bicycle ergometer.…”

Let's Get Physical: A Contemporary Review of the Anxiolytic Effects of Exercise for Anxiety and Its Disorders

“…Similarly, production of β‐endorphins, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and endogenous opioid peptide neurotransmitters with analgesic properties serve to reduce arousal at the neuronal level . Research examining peripheral blood levels has found elevations in β‐endorphins and adrenocorticotropic hormones after various types of exercise and associated reductions in anxiety . Finally, exercise down‐regulates the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and sympathetic nervous system—systems that tend to become dysregulated as a function of chronic stress—thereby normalizing release of cortisol and catecholamines and reducing arousal and distress (for reviews see).…”