ACTH, β-LPH AND β-ENDORPHIN IN PITUITARY ADENOMAS OF THE PATIENTS WITH CUSHING'S DISEASE: ACTIVATION OF β-LPH CONVERSION TO β-ENDORPHIN

Abstract

ACTH, β-lipotropin (β-LPH) and β-endorphin concentrations were determined in pituitary adenomas of the patients with Cushing's disease. Immunoreactive ACTH and β-endorphin were present in high concentrations and essentially equimolar amounts in pituitary adenomas. β-LPH conversion to β-endorphin was activated in pituitaries associated with ACTH/β-LPH producing adenomas. Immunoreactive ACTH and β-endorphin concentrations were markedly suppressed in the surrounding tissues