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Horm Metab Res 1983; 15(2): 89-91
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1018637
© Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart · New York

The Effect of Histamine Stimulation and H2-Receptor Inhibition on the Pituitary Prolactin and ACTH Release and on Cortisol Secretion in Human Males

U. Knigge, F. Wollesen, A. Dejgaard, Kirsten Larsen, P. M. Christiansen
  • Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Department of Endocrinology, Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hvidovre, Denmark
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Publication History

1981

1982

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

The effects of histamine (HA) on prolactin (PRL), ACTH, and cortisol secretion in human males were investigated. Specific H2-receptor blockade caused an immediate and significant PRL release, while specific H2-receptor stimulation (HA and mepyramine) was without effect on PRL secretion. HA significantly stimulated both ACTH and cortisol secretion, and this stimulation was probably mediated through H2-receptors. H2-receptor blockade caused a late, but significant ACTH release. This release was not accompanied by a release of cortisol, and might therefore be due to a spontaneous oscillation in ACTH secretion. The results support the theory that HA acts as a modulator of human ACTH secretion. A similar effect on PRL secretion as postulated by others could not be confirmed in this study.

Key-Words:

Histamine - Ranitidine - Mepyramine - Prolactin - ACTH - Cortisol