Beta-endorphin, ACTH, and cortisol secretion in man during standardized oral surgical stress and effect of diazepam.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the responses of plasma stress hormones (beta-endorphin, ACTH and cortisol) to third molar surgery, and the effect of diazepam pretreatment on these responses. Eleven patients who required surgical removal of two lower impacted molars (left and right) were studied. The results showed that plasma beta-endorphin, ACTH and cortisol levels were increased significantly during surgery and decreased to baseline levels 30 minutes after completion of the operation in nonsedated patients. When diazepam was premedicated intravenously, elevations of ACTH and cortisol were abolished. Plasma beta-endorphin was still increased but significantly blocked by diazepam pretreatment.