Evidence for a role of alpha-adrenergic mechanisms in regulation of episodic growth hormone secretion in the rat

Endocrinology. 1977 Mar;100(3):722-8. doi: 10.1210/endo-100-3-722.

Abstract

The role of catecholamines in regulation of episodic GH secretion was investigated in the male rat. Administration of alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (alpha-MT; 250 mg/kg ip) caused significant suppression of GH bursts and resulted in marked elevation of plasma PRL. Intravenous administration of apomorphine (.03 and .1 mg/kg) had no effect on decreased GH levels, whereas clonidine (150 micrograms/kg) restored GH secretion. Apomorphine significantly reduced PRL levels in alpha-MT-treated rats whereas, clonidine resulted in a further increase in PRL.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apomorphine / pharmacology
  • Clonidine / pharmacology
  • Growth Hormone / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Methyltyrosines / pharmacology
  • Periodicity
  • Prolactin / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / physiology*

Substances

  • Methyltyrosines
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha
  • Prolactin
  • Growth Hormone
  • Clonidine
  • Apomorphine