Endocrine and Metabolic Function in Renal Failure

Existence of hyperendorphinism in patients with chronic renal failure is very likely. It seems to be caused not only by systemic effects of opioids retained because of the impaired excretory function of the kidneys, but also by the altered generation and function of these hormones in peripheral organs, altered effect of opioid receptors on target organs, and the altered function of opioid peptides as neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Hyperendorphinism in uremic patients may be a primarily beneficial compensatory mechanism counteracting disturbances of the internal environment with secondary harmful side effects which may contribute to the uremic state.