Effect of beta-endorphin on the steroid production of isolated zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata cells

Small doses of β-endorphin (10 −11−10 −5M) decrease corticosterone production of zona fasciculata cells but fail to influence steroid production of zona glomerulosa cells. 10 −4M β-endorphin increases corticosterone production of both zones. The stimulating effect of ACTH on zona fasciculata corticosterone- and zona glomerulosa aldosterone production was decreased by β-endorphin (10 −9−10 −7M). Conclusion: β-endorphin might modulate both basal and ACTH stimulated corticosterone secretion.