BETA-ENDORPHIN IN MULTIPLE TRAUMA VICTIMS

Background: In animals and in humans, stress is known to be accompanie d by increased beta-endorphin secretion. Methods: Blood samples from 4 7 patients in a state of stress induced by multiple trauma were assess ed for beta-endorphin concentration by radioimmunoassays. Results: We show that there is a clearcut correlation (Spearman's R = 0.72, P = 2. 1 x 10(-6)) between the level of consciousness evaluated with the Glas gow score and levels of circulating beta-endorphin. In addition, beta- endorphin levels are higher than normal in patients with Glasgow coma with scores higher than seven, and lower than normal in those with Gla sgow coma scores of seven or less. Finally, in the complete absence of stress (shown by the lack of brain activity in six irreversible coma patients), there is a severe drop in the level of circulating beta-end orphin. Conclusion: beta-endorphin serum levels correlate with the sta te of consciousness of multiple trauma patients.