Acute infusion of naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, does not modify serum leptin concentrations in amenorrheic and healthy women.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the opioidergic system is involved in the modulation of leptin secretion in healthy and amenorrheic subjects.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena, Modena, Italy.


METHODS
Healthy subjects (n = 8) and patients with hypothalamic amenorrhea (n = 17) or hyperandrogenism (n = 7) and low body mass index (BMI).


METHODS
Acute infusion of naloxone (4-mg bolus) and blood sampling 15 minutes before infusion; at time of infusion; and 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 120 minutes after infusion.


METHODS
Plasma leptin, LH, FSH, E2, and cortisol concentrations.


RESULTS
Plasma leptin concentrations were lower (P <.01) in both hypothalamic and hyperandrogenic amenorrheic subjects than in healthy controls. In all groups of subjects, no significant changes in leptin levels were observed after infusion of naloxone. A significant correlation was found between leptin concentrations and BMI when all subjects were considered together (P <.05) but was not found in the single groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The present data do not support the hypothesis that opioidergic receptors are involved acutely in the modulation of leptin release in healthy and amenorrheic women.
Genazzani
A D
AD
University of Modena, Italy. algen@unimo.it
Menozzi
R
R
Del Rio
G
G
Luisi
S
S
Petraglia
F
F
Genazzani
A R
AR
D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000097:blood*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017588:Hyperandrogenism / Q000097:blood; D007027:Hypothalamic Diseases / Q000097:blood; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D020738:Leptin; D009270:Naloxone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D012636:Secretory Rate / Q000187:drug effects
D020738:Leptin; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D011506:Proteins; D009270:Naloxone