Plasma prolactin, adrenocorticotrophic hormone and cortisol after administration of d-fenfluramine or placebo to healthy subjects.
Hormonal responses following single doses of the racemic drug d,l-fenfluramine have been used as an index of central 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) function. We wished to evaluate normal responses to d-fenfluramine, which is more specific at stimulating 5-HT pathways. Twelve healthy volunteers were given 30 mg oral d-fenfluramine and placebo in a randomized single-blind crossover design. Following d-fenfluramine there was a rise in plasma prolactin, but no ACTH response. Cortisol levels did not rise above baseline values, but d-fenfluramine diminished the circadian fall in cortisol output, and cortisol levels were slightly higher after d-fenfluramine than after placebo. Unlike d,l-fenfluramine, d-fenfluramine is not a potent stimulus for ACTH and cortisol release. Hormonal responses following d-fenfluramine provide a more accurate assessment of the functional integrity of central 5-HT activity.
Department of Gastroenterology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London, UK.
D A
DA
Gorard
T M
TM
Taylor
S H
SH
Medbak
L A
LA
Perry
G W
GW
Libby
M J
MJ
Farthing
D000293:Adolescent; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005277:Fenfluramine / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013237:Stereoisomerism
D005277:Fenfluramine; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D011388:Prolactin; D006854:Hydrocortisone