Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Doga

Publications and source records attributed to M Doga.

31 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Effect of long-term treatment with bromocriptine on the growth hormone response to galanin in patients with acromegaly.

Galanin elicits growth hormone (GH) secretion in normal man but may cause a paradoxical fall of GH in acromegaly. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of long-term treatment with bromocriptine on the galanin-induced GH decrease in acromegalic subjects. Six acromegalic patients (5F, 1M) chronically treated with bromocriptine underwent in randomized order: (i) iv infusion of 100 ml saline from 0 to 45 min and (ii) iv infusion of synthetic porcine galanin (0.5 mg in 100 ml saline) from 0 to 45 min. In acromegalic patients, GH values fell from baseline (10.5 +/- 2.7 micrograms/l) to a mean nadir of 6.9 +/- 2.2 micrograms/l after galanin infusion (57.8 +/- 9.4% vs basal levels). Saline infusion did not cause any change in circulating GH levels. The mean change in GH values with respect to baseline after galanin in these subjects significantly differed from that observed after saline from time 15 to 90 min. Serum prolactin levels were not significantly affected by galanin. Our results confirm that the dose of galanin capable of increasing plasma GH levels in normal subjects can decrease GH values in patients with acromegaly. Moreover, our data show that this paradoxical GH decrease induced by galanin can also be observed in patients chronically treated with bromocriptine. Therefore, the paradoxical decreasing effect of galanin on plasma GH levels in acromegaly seems not to be mediated via dopaminergic pathways.

Acromegaly↗

Effect of galanin on the growth hormone response to growth hormone-releasing hormone in acromegaly.

Galanin enhances growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GHRH)-stimulated GH secretion in normal man. In acromegaly, circulating GH levels are increased and the GH response to GHRH may be exaggerated. Galanin has been recently shown to decrease circulating GH levels in acromegaly. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of galanin on the GH response to GHRH in acromegalic subjects. Five acromegalic patients (three men and two women) and seven healthy adult subjects (five men and two women) were studied. GHRH-induced GH secretion was evaluated during a 40-minute intravenous (IV) infusion of saline (100 mL) or porcine galanin (12.5 micrograms/min in 100 mL saline). In normal subjects, delta GH levels after GHRH+porcine galanin administration (47 +/- 7.5 micrograms/L) were significantly higher in comparison to levels obtained with GHRH+saline (21.7 +/- 3.5 micrograms/L, P < .05). In acromegalic patients, GH responses to GHRH (delta GH, 18.8 +/- 8.6 micrograms/L) were not altered by galanin infusion (delta GH, 17.6 +/- 5 micrograms/L). Our results give the first evidence that the same dose of galanin that induces a significant enhancement of the GH response to GHRH in normal subjects has no effect on the GH response to GHRH in acromegalic patients. It can be hypothesized that galanin may interact at the pituitary level with its own receptors expressed by somatotropes independent of GHRH. Failure of galanin to enhance GH response to GHRH in acromegalic patients could be due to a change in function of the galanin receptor on GH-secreting adenomatous cells.

Acromegaly↗

Comparative effect of clonidine and growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone on GH secretion in adult patients on chronic glucocorticoid therapy.

Glucocorticoids are thought to inhibit growth hormone (GH) secretion through an enhancement of endogenous somatostatin tone. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) and clonidine, an alpha-2-adrenergic agonist which increases GH secretion acting at the hypothalamic level with an unknown mechanism, on GH secretion in seven adult patients (3M, 4F) with non endocrine diseases and on daily immunosuppressive glucocorticoid therapy. Eleven normal subjects (7M, 4F) served as controls. Steroid-treated patients showed a blunted GH response to GHRH (GH peak 8.3 +/- 3 micrograms/L) with respect to normal subjects (GH peak 19.3 +/- 2.4 micrograms/L). The GH responses to clonidine were also blunted (p less than 0.05) in steroid-treated patients (GH peak 5.8 +/- 2.8 micrograms/L) with respect to normal subjects (GH peak 17.6 +/- 2.3 micrograms/L). No significant differences between the GH responses to GHRH and clonidine were observed either in steroid-treated or in normal subjects. Clonidine is not able to enhance GH secretion similar to GHRH in patients chronically treated with steroids. It can be hypothesized that clonidine does not elicit GH secretion decreasing hypothalamic somatostatin tone.

Adult↗

Comparative effect of galanin and pyridostigmine on the growth hormone response to growth hormone-releasing hormone in normal aged subjects.

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of aging on the growth hormone (GH) response to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) alone and in combination with either the neuropeptide galanin or the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor pyridostigmine (PD) in normal subjects. In protocol 1 (GHRH/galanin), 9 old healthy volunteers, ranging in age from 68 to 97 years, and 6 young subjects, ranging in age from 25 to 31 years, received: (a) human GHRH (1-29)NH2, 100 micrograms in 1 ml saline, as an intravenous bolus, and (b) porcine galanin, 500 micrograms in 100 ml saline, as an intravenous infusion from -10 to 30 min combined with GHRH, 100 micrograms i.v. at time 0. In protocol 2 (GHRH/PD), 14 old healthy volunteers, ranging in age from 65 to 91 years, and 11 young subjects, ranging in age from 19 to 34 years, received: (a) GHRH (1-29)NH2, 100 micrograms in 1 ml saline, as an intravenous bolus, and (b) PD, 120 mg administered per os 60 min before GHRH, 100 micrograms as an intravenous bolus. Blood samples for GH were drawn at -75, -60 (time of PD administration), -45, -30, -15, -10 (time of beginning of galanin infusion), 0 (time of GHRH injection), 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min. The GH response to GHRH was significantly (< 0.05) enhanced either by galanin or PD pretreatment both in young and old subjects. However, the GH response to GHRH alone or combined with either galanin or PD was significantly greater in the young subjects as compared to the old subjects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Galanin decreases circulating growth hormone levels in acromegaly.

Galanin is able to elicit GH secretion in normal man. In acromegaly, circulating GH levels are elevated, and GH secretory dynamics are usually abnormal. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of galanin on GH secretion in acromegalic subjects. Six acromegalic patients (four males and two females) and seven healthy adult subjects (five males and two females) underwent in randomized order: 1) iv infusion of 100 mL saline from 0-45 min, and 2) iv infusion of synthetic porcine galanin (0.5 mg in 100 mL saline) from 0-45 min. In normal subjects, peak GH levels after porcine galanin administration (8.2 +/- 1.9 micrograms/L) were significantly higher than after saline infusion (1.3 +/- 0.1 micrograms/L; P less than 0.05). In acromegalic patients, GH values fell from baseline (32.5 +/- 12 micrograms/L) to a mean nadir of 24.5 +/- 12.7 micrograms/L after galanin infusion. The mean change in GH values from baseline after galanin treatment in these subjects significantly differed from that observed after saline infusion from 15-90 min. Serum PRL levels were not significantly affected by galanin in either normal or acromegalic patients. Our results give the first evidence that the same dose of galanin, acting as a GH secretagogue in normal man, is, on the contrary, able to significantly inhibit GH in acromegalic patients. The cause of this paradoxical GH fall after galanin treatment in acromegaly remains to be explained. It can be hypothesized that galanin may interact at the pituitary level with its own receptors expressed by GH-secreting adenomatous cells.

Acromegaly↗

The role of cholinergic tone in modulating the growth hormone response to growth hormone-releasing hormone in normal man.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) increases serum GH levels in a dose-dependent manner. Pyridostigmine (PD), an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, is able to elicit GH secretion when administered alone and to enhance the GH response to GHRH in normal subjects, probably via a decrease in the hypothalamic release of somatostatin. The aim of the present study was to investigate if an enhancement of the cholinergic tone was able to influence the dose-response relationship between GHRH and GH in normal adult subjects. Six healthy adult volunteers underwent 10 experimental protocols. They were: human GHRH (1-29)NH2, 1 micrograms/kg injected as an intravenous (IV) bolus 60 minutes after (a) PD, 120 mg administered orally, or (b) placebo, two tablets administered orally; GHRH, 0.3 micrograms/kg injected as an IV bolus 60 minutes after (c) PD or (d) placebo; GHRH, 0.1 micrograms/kg injected as an IV bolus 60 minutes after (e) PD or (f) placebo; GHRH, 0.01 micrograms/kg injected as an IV bolus 60 minutes after (g) PD or (h) placebo; saline, 1 mL injected as an IV bolus 60 minutes after (i) PD or (l) placebo. The GH response in placebo-treated subjects was similar after 1 microgram/kg and 0.3 microgram/kg GHRH, while the 0.1 microgram/kg dose elicited a lower response. The 0.01 microgram/kg dose of GHRH did not significantly increase GH levels as compared with saline. After PD, the GH responses to GHRH were greatly enhanced at all doses tested: 1.0, 0.3, and 0.1 microgram/kg GHRH all elicited similar GH responses; the GH response to 0.01 microgram/kg GHRH was lower, but was still higher than that observed after saline.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Effects of pyridostigmine on spontaneous and growth hormone-releasing hormone stimulated growth hormone secretion in children on daily glucocorticoid therapy after liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate both nocturnal spontaneous and morning growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GHRH)-induced GH secretion in children on daily glucocorticoid treatment after liver transplantation and to evaluate the effect of pyridostigmine (an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor thought to reduce hypothalamic somatostatin tone) on GH secretion in these patients. DESIGN: We performed a randomized, single-blind, cross-over study. PATIENTS: We studied three male and three female juvenile patients, within a year of orthotopic liver transplantation and under immunosuppressive glucocorticoid therapy (mean dose +/- SEM, 5.92 +/- 0.63 mg/day) and five normal children (four males, one female). MEASUREMENTS: Both nocturnal spontaneous and morning GHRH-induced GH secretion were evaluated after administration of placebo, 1 tablet p.o., or pyridostigmine, 2 mg/kg p.o. RESULTS: Spontaneous GH. Placebo: in liver transplanted children nocturnal GH secretion (mean GH level 10.8 +/- 2.0 mU/l) was not significantly different with respect to normal children (mean GH level 12.8 +/- 1.2 mU/l); pyridostigmine: nocturnal GH secretion was significantly increased as compared to placebo in subjects with liver transplantation but not in normal children. GHRH test. Placebo: liver transplanted patients showed a blunted GH response to GHRH with respect to normal children; pyridostigmine: the GH responses to GHRH (P less than 0.05) increased as compared to placebo and did not differ significantly in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest a steroid-mediated increase in hypothalamic somatostatin tone in liver transplanted children.

Child↗

Effects of calcitonin on GH response to pyridostigmine in combination with hGHRH (1-29) NH2 in normal adult subjects.

Studies in man demonstrated that salmon calcitonin (sCT) administration blunts the pituitary GH response to GH-releasing hormone (GHRH). However, the mechanisms underlying this inhibitory action of CT in man are unclear. Pyridostigmine (PD), an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, is hypothesized to enhance the GH response to GHRH in normal subjects probably via a decrease in the somatostatinergic tone. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of the inhibitory action of sCT on the GH response to human GHRH (1-29) NH2 by concomitant PD administration in normal humans. The GH response to GHRH was significantly suppressed by prior administration of sCT. Pretreatment of subjects with PD significantly enhanced the GH response to GHRH but did not alter the inhibitory actions of sCT. We conclude that sCT is able to inhibit GHRH-stimulated GH secretion in man without influencing the hypothalamic somatostatinergic tone.

Adult↗

Pyridostigmine blocks the inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids on growth hormone-releasing hormone stimulated growth hormone secretion in normal man.

Glucocorticoids have been shown to inhibit GH secretion in normal man when acutely and chronically administered in pharmacological amounts. Pyridostigmine (PD), an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, is able to elicit GH secretion when administered alone and to enhance the GH response to GHRH in normal subjects probably via a decrease in the hypothalamic release of somatostatin. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of glucocorticoids on the GH response to PD administered either alone or in combination with GHRH in normal adult subjects. Six healthy adult volunteers underwent six experimental protocols. They received 1) human (h) GHRH(1-29)NH2, 100 micrograms injected as an iv bolus; 2) cortisone acetate, 50 mg administered orally (po) 60 min before an hGHRH iv bolus injection; 3) PD, 120 mg administered po, 60 min before an hGHRH iv bolus injection; 4) PD and cortisone acetate, administered po 60 min before an hGHRH iv bolus injection; 5) PD, administered po 60 min before a saline iv bolus injection; 6) PD and cortisone acetate administered po 60 min before a saline iv bolus injection. Mean GH levels, peak GH levels, and GH area under the curves (AUCs) were significantly lower after GHRH + cortisone as compared to GHRH alone. However, these parameters were not significantly different after PD + GHRH + cortisone when compared to PD + GHRH and after PD + cortisone when compared to PD alone. We conclude that acute administration of pharmacological amounts of glucocorticoids cannot inhibit the GH response to PD alone or in combination with GHRH. Thus, we hypothesize that the inhibitory action of glucocorticoids on the GH response to GHRH in man may be mediated by an enhancement of either somatostatin release by the hypothalamus or somatostatin action on the pituitary.

Adult↗

Acute effects of cortisone acetate on growth hormone response to growth hormone-releasing hormone in normal adult subjects.

Glucocorticoids have been shown to inhibit GH secretion in normal man when administered in large amounts for several days. The aim of our study was 1. to investigate the acute effects of a single dose of glucocorticoids on GH secretion in normal man; 2. to look at the relationship between the increase in serum cortisol concentration and GH response to the stimuli. Six healthy volunteers received on three occasions in random order an iv injection of GHRH (1-29) NH2, 100 micrograms, alone or 60 min after oral administration of either 25 or 50 mg of cortisone acetate. Mean stimulated GH levels, GH peak and integrated GH concentration were significantly lower after GHRH plus cortisone 25 mg than after GHRH alone. Mean GH levels at 15 and 30 min after GHRH injection and the peak GH level showed a further decrease after GHRH plus cortisone 50 mg. We conclude that acute administration of pharmacological doses of glucocorticoids is able to inhibit GH response to GHRH, probably through enhancement of endogenous somatostatin release. Moreover, this pharmacological effect of glucocorticoids seems to be dose-dependent and thus directly related to serum cortisol concentrations.

Adult↗

Effects of intranasal calcitonin administration on pituitary GH response to hGHRH (1-29)NH2 in normal adult subjects.

Studies in man demonstrated that intramuscular salmon (s) calcitonin (CT) administration blunted pituitary GH response to hypothalamic stimuli such as arginine infusion and insulin-induced hypoglycaemia. However, the mechanisms underlying this inhibiting action of CT are still unclear. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of intranasal (i.n.) and i.m. sCT administration on GH secretion elicited by direct pituitary stimulation in man with human GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) (1-29)NH2. Seven healthy non-obese volunteers (five men, two women; mean age +/- SDM 25 +/- 2) underwent a bolus intravenous injection of GHRH, 100 micrograms, alone or associated with sCT, administered either i.n., 300 IU, or i.m., 100 IU. Our data demonstrate a significant decrease in GH secretion after GHRH when either i.n. or i.m. sCT is administered. GH peak (mean +/- SDM); GHRH alone 22.9 +/- 2.5 vs GHRH plus i.n. sCT, 8.9 +/- 1.5 micrograms/l, P less than 0.001; or vs GHRH plus i.m. sCT 12.3 +/- 2.5 micrograms/l, P less than 0.001. Area under the curve of GH secretion: GHRH alone 1211 +/- 196 vs GHRH plus i.n. sCT 551 +/- 116 micrograms 120 min/l. P less than 0.001; or vs GHRH plus i.m. sCT 700 +/- 167 micrograms 120 min/l, P less than 0.001. We conclude that sCT is able to inhibit GHRH-stimulated GH secretion in man.

Administration, Intranasal↗