The effect of bromocriptine on insulin secretion and glucose tolerance in patients with acromegaly.
The oral administration of bromocriptine 5 mg 6-hourly to twelve patients with acromegaly for a mean period of 12 (range 3-27) months significantly reduced whole blood glucose, plasma insulin and plasma growth hormone (GH) concentrations during a 50 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). After this period of treatment, bromocriptine was withdrawn for 48 h resulting in a significant rise in whole blood glucose, plasma insulin and plasma GH concentrations during a repeat OGTT. It is concluded that bromocriptine therapy improves glucose tolerance in acromegaly by suppressing GH secretion and consequently GH-mediated antagonism of insulin.
D000172:Acromegaly / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D000078790:Insulin Secretion; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D001971:Bromocriptine; D013006:Growth Hormone