Blunting of noradrenergic-stimulated growth hormone release in mania.
Seven drug-free patients with bipolar affective disorder, currently in a manic phase, underwent desipramine-induced growth hormone (GH) stimulation, as did seven healthy age- and sex-matched subjects. There was significant blunting of GH release in the manic patients, suggesting a down-regulation of alpha 2-noradrenergic responses. Blunting of GH release was not related to severity of symptoms, duration of illness, or age. Similar blunting has previously been described in depressed patients.
Dinan
T G
TG
Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Medical School, St. James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Yatham
L N
LN
O'Keane
V
V
Barry
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003891:Desipramine / Q000494:pharmacology; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000187:drug effects
D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; D013006:Growth Hormone; D003891:Desipramine