Effects of morphine and ketamine anaesthesia and surgery on plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone, testosterone and cortisol in man.

Thirty patients received morphine and 27 received ketamine. Morphine anaesthesia did not influence plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) significantly, but there was a significant increase during ketamine anaesthesia. Plasma LH increased in the early stage of surgery under both anaesthetics. A significant decrease in the plasma concentration of testosterone was found during and following both techniques of anaesthesia, the lowest concentration being detected on the first day after surgery. Ketamine anaesthesia, but not morphine, stimulated adrenocortical function significantly. Furhter stimulation was detected in the periods during and after operation with both anaesthetic techniques.