Growth hormone stimulation tests in the differential diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
Idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder whose differential diagnosis from other forms of atypical parkinsonism, for instance multiple system atrophy (MSA) or progressive supranuclear palsy, may be difficult, especially in the early stages. Growth hormone stimulation tests have been recently reported to be useful in the differential diagnosis between IPD and MSA. Both clonidine, an alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist, and arginine, an amino acid activating the cholinergic system, have been used to assess growth hormone response in patients with IPD and MSA. This review summarizes the results of several studies and discusses the validity of these tests in the differential diagnosis of parkinsonisms.
Pellecchia
Maria Teresa
MT
Department of Neurological Sciences, University Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy. pellec3@hotmail.com
Pivonello
Rosario
R
Colao
Annamaria
A
Barone
Paolo
P
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001120:Arginine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003000:Clonidine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D019578:Multiple System Atrophy / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D013006:Growth Hormone; D001120:Arginine; D003000:Clonidine