Effect of cytidine diphosphate choline on growth hormone secretion in patients with brain or pituitary lesions.
Plasma GH levels basally and after CDP-Choline (300 mg) i.v. administration were evaluated by radioimmunoassay in patients with brain lesions variously located (frontal lobe, temporal lobe or hypothalamus) as well as in subjects with pituitary lesions. The results were statistically analyzed and compared with those obtained in normal subjects. A lack of response to CDP-Choline was observed in patients with pituitary adenomas or hypothalamic lesions. The GH response was delayed in patients with frontal lobe diseases. On the basis of the results obtained, we discuss the role of the different central nervous structures on the control of the GH activating system.