Long-term opiate receptor antagonism in a patient with panhypopituitarism: effects on appetite, prolactin and demand for vasopressin.
As endogenous opiates are known to be involved in regulation of appetite, an obese patient with panhypopituitarism and frequent episodes of ravenous hunger was treated with the oral opiate antagonist naltrexone for 13 months. This resulted in loss of body weight and attacks of severe hunger. The increased serum prolactin concentration and the dose of vasopressin required for substitution could be reduced. Long-term application of opiate antagonists may be useful in related cases.
Kraft
K
K
Medizinische Poliklinik, University of Bonn, Germany.
Vetter
H
H
D000328:Adult; D001066:Appetite / Q000187:drug effects*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007018:Hypopituitarism / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D014667:Vasopressins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects
D014667:Vasopressins; D009271:Naltrexone; D011388:Prolactin