Activation of α1-adrenoceptors Inhibits Growth Hormone Secretion in Humans

Abstract

In order to determine whether an α1-adrenergic mechanism is involved in the secretion of Growth Hormone (GH) in humans, we studied the effect of the α1-adrenergic-stimulating agent methoxamine on serum GH levels in twelve normal males (age range 22–32 years). Intravenous infusion of methoxamine (dose: 6 μg/kg/min; duration: 150 min) significantly reduced serum GH levels at time 120 and 150, and on integrated concentrations. These data suggest that α1-adrenergic receptors inhibit tonic GH secretion in humans.

Key words

α1-adrenoceptors - growth hormone - humans - hypothalamus - methoxamine

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