Abstract
We investigated the mechanisms of stress-induced alterations in adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) release. Tandem parachutists received either a placebo or the β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol prior to a first time parachute jump. Blood samples were drawn 4 h before, immediately after, and 1 h after the jump. Cortisol and catecholamine concentrations displayed a significant stress-induced increase in both groups. The ACTH plasma concentrations significantly increased in the placebo and the propranolol group, with significantly more pronounced changes in the propranolol-treated subjects compared to the placebo group. These data demonstrated a stress-induced increase of ACTH plasma concentrations in humans that was enhanced by β-blockade.
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Accepted: 15 December 1997
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Oberbeck, R., Schürmeyer, T., Jacobs, R. et al. Effects of b-adrenoceptor-blockade on stress-induced adrenocorticotrophin release in humans. Eur J Appl Physiol 77, 523–526 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004210050370
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004210050370