Assessment of central noradrenergic functioning in irritable bowel syndrome using a neuroendocrine challenge test.
Desipramine, the monoamine reuptake inhibitor, acts predominantly on noradrenergic neurones, and via alpha-2 receptors brings about the release of growth hormone in normal healthy subjects. Thirteen patients with a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, 10 normal controls and eight patients with peptic ulcer disease were each given a challenge test of desipramine 1 mg/kg body weight. Growth hormone release over a 3 h period was monitored. A blunted response was defined as a failure of growth hormone levels to rise at least 5 mU/l above baseline. Of the 13 patients with irritable bowel syndrome 11 showed such a blunting. The results suggest abnormal central alpha-2 receptor functioning in irritable bowel syndrome.
Dinan
T G
TG
Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Medical School, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
Barry
S
S
Ahkion
S
S
Chua
A
A
Keeling
P W
PW
D000328:Adult; D003109:Colonic Diseases, Functional / Q000097:blood* / Q000523:psychology; D003891:Desipramine; D005260:Female; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility / Q000502:physiology; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000502:physiology*; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic / Q000502:physiology*
D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic; D013006:Growth Hormone; D003891:Desipramine; D009638:Norepinephrine