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Horm Metab Res 1983; 15(1): 29-32
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1018619
© Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart · New York

Influence of Neuroactive Drugs on Corticosteroid Feedback Regulation of ACTH Secretion in Man

H. L. Fehm, R. Steck, J. Hohnloser, K. H. Voigt, E. F. Pfeiffer
  • Zentrum für Innere Medizin der Universität Ulm, Abteilung für Innere Medizin I, and Abteilung für Physiologie I, Ulm, Germany
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Publication History

1982

1982

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

Corticosteroid feedback effects on ACTH secretion in man can be manipulated by neuroactive drugs. In patients without endogenous corticosteroids (primary adrenocortical insufficiency) differential and integral feedback effects can be differentiated. When in these patients brain norepinephrine receptor activity was increased by desipramine, the normally negative differential feedback mechanism was converted into a positive one (paradoxical ACTH response). The preexisting paradoxical ACTH response of patients with Cushing's disease after adrenalectomy was abolished after depletion of norepinephrine granules by means of reserpine.

Key-Words:

Corticosteroid Feedback - ACTH - Cortisol - Desipramine - Reserpine