Abnormal control of growth hormone secretion by opiate systems in acromegalic patients: a study with naloxone and 2-Br-alpha-ergocryptine (CB 154).
The present study was undertaken with the aim of exploring the role that opiate systems may have in neuroendocrine control in acromegaly. The effects of naloxone (0.4 mg, i.m.), of 2-Br-alpha-ergocryptine (CB154, 2.5 mg, p.o.) and of the interaction between CB154 and naloxone on growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) secretion were studied in 11 acromegalic patients. CB154 reduced both GH and PRL serum levels, naloxone only GH serum levels. The latter effect deserves further study aimed at a possible new therapeutic approach to GH hypersecretion observed in acromegaly. Naloxone also interfered with the lowering effects of CB154 and GH and PRL serum levels, pointing to the existence of an interaction between dopaminergic and opiate control of GH and PRL secretion in acromegaly.
D000172:Acromegaly / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000328:Adult; D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009270:Naloxone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism; D012636:Secretory Rate / Q000187:drug effects
D009270:Naloxone; D001971:Bromocriptine; D011388:Prolactin; D013006:Growth Hormone