title: The effects of arginine, insulin and metoclopramide on growth hormone, prolactin and cortisol release in children.
abstract: The growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) responses to metoclopramide (MCP) were compared to those with arginine and insulin-induced hypoglycaemia in eight children. While a significant rise in GH release after stimulation with arginine and insulin occurred in all subjects (P less than 0.05), no significant increase after MCP ingestion was observed. Metoclopramide, a dopamine antagonist, stimulated PRL release in all children, while arginine and insulin-induced hypoglycaemia stimulation tests showed variable PRL responses. A statistically significant increase in cortisol secretion 5 h following MCP was observed (trend test, Cox & Stuart, 1955) (P less than 0.05), but the plasma concentration at this time was still within the normal range. Metoclopramide stimulation is not a suitable test for growth hormone deficiency in children.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001120:Arginine; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism*; D007328:Insulin; D008297:Male; D008787:Metoclopramide; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D007328:Insulin; D011388:Prolactin; D013006:Growth Hormone; D001120:Arginine; D008787:Metoclopramide; D006854:Hydrocortisone