EFFECTS OF MORPHINE AND KETAMINE ANAESTHESIA AND SURGERY ON PLASMA CONCENTRATIONS OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE, TESTOSTERONE AND CORTISOL IN MAN

Abstract

Thirty patients received morphine, and 27 received ketamine. Morphine anesthesia did not influence plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations significantly but there was a significant increase during ketamine anesthesia. Plasma LH increased in the early stage of surgery under both anesthetics. A significant decrease in the plasma testosterone concentration was found during and following both techniques of anesthesia, the lowest concentration being detected on the 1st day after surgery. Ketamine anesthesia, but not morphine, stimulated adrenocortical function significantly. Further stimulation was detected in periods during and after operation with both anesthetic techniques.