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Horm Metab Res 1977; 9(2): 156-160
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1093567
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Pituitary-Gonadal Function in the Carcinoid Syndrome: Effect of Parachlorophenylalanine Therapy[*]

J. M. Feldman , J. W. Plonk
  • Durham Veterans Administration Hospital and Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, U.S.A.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 December 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Six patients with the carcinoid syndrome (C.S.) had serum luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations that were greater than age and sex matched control subjects. The serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone concentrations of the groups did not differ. Four of the 5 C.S. patients tested had an increase in serum testosterone after human chorionic gonadotropin administration and 5 of the 5 subjects tested had an increase in serum LH after clomiphene citrate administration. One of the 4 subjects treated with the tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA) had a reduction in serum testosterone. He was also receiving methysergide. The other 3 subjects treated with PCPA did not have any persistent alterations in serum testosterone.

Key words

Carcinoid Syndrome - Serotonin - Parachlorophenylalanine - Cyproheptadine - Luteinizing Hormone - Follicle Stimulating Hormone - Testosterone - Clomiphene Citrate - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

1 Grant Support
Supported by the Veterans Administration (2650-01), NIH grant AM-05620 and NIH grant M01-RR-30.

1 Grant Support
Supported by the Veterans Administration (2650-01), NIH grant AM-05620 and NIH grant M01-RR-30.