Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The increases in the growth hormone (GH) level following intravenous infusion of the 5-hydroxytryptamine precursor tryptophan, the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine hydrochloride, and subcutaneous injection of the dopamine agonist apomorphine hydrochloride were determined in volunteers before and in the third week of a weight-reducing diet (1200 kcal/d). The increases in the prolactin level following intravenous infusion of tryptophan and in response to protirelin were also determined. In male subjects, the GH responses to tryptophan and apomorphine were markedly increased by dieting; while also significantly increased, the GH responses to clonidine were much less affected. Female subjects showed similar trends in the GH responses to tryptophan and clonidine. In male subjects, prolactin responses to tryptophan and protirelin were not increased by dieting. In females, the prolactin response to protirelin was similarly not increased, but the prolactin response to tryptophan was markedly enhanced. These results are relevant to the use of neuroendocrine tests in depression. In addition, they suggest different effects of weight loss on neurotransmitter function in men and women.

Original publication

DOI

10.1001/archpsyc.1987.01800230032007

Type

Journal article

Journal

Arch Gen Psychiatry

Publication Date

11/1987

Volume

44

Pages

952 - 957

Keywords

Adult, Apomorphine, Body Weight, Clonidine, Diet, Female, Growth Hormone, Humans, Male, Neurosecretory Systems, Prolactin, Tryptophan