Fettes I, Fox J, Kuzniak S, Shime J, Gare D
Obstet Gynecol. 1984 Sep;64(3):359-62.
beta-endorphin and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) are derived from the same precursor protein, and the plasma levels of beta-endorphin and ACTH are thought to be representative of the pituitary secretion of these peptides. Simultaneous measurements of immunoreactive beta-endorphin and ACTH were done on plasma samples from pregnant women at term and found to be normal, but a significant increase was observed during the stress of labor. Simultaneous measurement of immunoreactive beta-endorphin and ACTH in the umbilical vein at time of vaginal delivery demonstrated elevated levels of both peptides. The newborn also demonstrated an increased ratio of beta-endorphin to ACTH, of which the role is uncertain at present.
β-内啡肽和促肾上腺皮质激素（ACTH）来源于同一前体蛋白，血浆中β-内啡肽和ACTH的水平被认为代表了这些肽类的垂体分泌情况。对足月孕妇的血浆样本同时进行免疫反应性β-内啡肽和ACTH的测量，结果发现均正常，但在分娩应激期间观察到显著增加。在阴道分娩时对脐静脉同时进行免疫反应性β-内啡肽和ACTH的测量，结果显示两种肽类水平均升高。新生儿的β-内啡肽与ACTH的比值也升高，其作用目前尚不确定。
