The effect of naloxone on ATCH and beta-endorphin in patients with Cushing's disease.
Endogenous opiates may be important in the control of ACTH secretion in men. The effect of opiate receptor blockade by naloxone on ACTH, beta-endorphin-like substance and cortisol release was studied in healthy women and in 9 patients with Cushing's disease. In the healthy subjects, ACTH, beta-endorphin and cortisol levels were increased in response to naloxone. However, in 3 our of the 9 patients with Cushing's disease, a paradoxical decrease in serum ACTH, cortisol and beta-endorphin concentrations was observed after naloxone administration. In the patients with a paradoxical response to naloxone, transsphenoidal microadenomectomy was ineffective.
D015065:17-Hydroxycorticosteroids / Q000652:urine; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D003480:Cushing Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004723:Endorphins / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D009270:Naloxone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000187:drug effects*; D001615:beta-Endorphin
D015065:17-Hydroxycorticosteroids; D004723:Endorphins; D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D009270:Naloxone; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone