Peptide T bolus normalizes the growth hormone secretion pattern in two children with AIDS.
In humans, HIV infection reduces growth hormone (GH) secretion contributing to AIDS wasting. In rats, the HIV envelope protein gp120 alone blocks GH secretion both in vitro and in vivo through GH-releasing hormone receptors. Peptide T, a modified octapeptide derived from gp120, normalizes GH secretion. We now report that an intravenous bolus of peptide T normalizes nocturnal GH secretion in two out of three children with AIDS. These results, coupled with the lack of toxicity of this experimental AIDS therapeutic, justify clinical trials for AIDS wasting and pediatric AIDS. A clinical and basic science update on peptide T appears in Current HIV Research.
Barbey-Morel
Charlotte
C
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Georgetown University School of Medicine-Basic Science Building, Room 205, Box 571460, Washington, DC 20057-1421, USA.
McDonnell
Kevin
K
Pert
Candace B
CB
Adams
MerriBeth
M
Farrand
Dean
D
Ruff
Michael R
MR
Lumpkin
Michael D
MD
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000293:Adolescent; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002648:Child; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D006678:HIV / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D015717:Peptide T / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D015717:Peptide T; D013006:Growth Hormone