beta-endorphin stimulates in vivo lipolysis in the rabbit.

beta-endorphin stimulates lipolysis in vitro in isolated fat cells of the rabbit. To exclude effects of collagenases and local proteases we investigated the effect of beta-endorphin on glycerol, free fatty acids and glucose plasma levels in the rabbit with and without naloxone. beta-endorphin increased free fatty acids and glycerol while glucose remained unaffected. The increase of glycerol and free fatty acids could be blocked by naloxone, suggesting the involvement of different receptors.