Circadian rhythm of adrenergic regulation of adrenocorticotropin and cortisol secretion in man.
The effects of the alpha-adrenergic agonist methoxamine on the human hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis was assessed by a placebo-controlled study in the morning and one in the evening. A 5-mg iv bolus dose of methoxamine in normal subjects caused a significant rise in plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations in the morning study. However, no significant change in plasma cortisol or ACTH concentrations was noted during the evening study. These studies suggest the existence of a diurnal variation in alpha 1-adrenergic regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Naylor
M R
MR
Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710.
Krishnan
K R
KR
Manepalli
A N
AN
Ritchie
J C
JC
Wilson
W H
WH
Carroll
B J
BJ
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008729:Methoxamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors
D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D008729:Methoxamine; D006854:Hydrocortisone