Biomedical subjects

N R Musso

Publications and source records attributed to N R Musso.

21 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1985

Morphine-induced TSH release in normal and hypothyroid subjects.

The effects of morphine (10 mg i.v.), an opioid agonist, and of naloxone (10 mg i.v.), an opioid antagonist, on serum levels of TSH and PRL were studied in 7 hypothyroid patients and in 5 normal volunteers. Morphine administration induced a prompt, significant increase in serum TSH and PRL in all subjects. The degree of PRL release after morphine was similar in the two groups, while, as regards TSH, the increase was more evident in hypothyroid subjects. Pretreatment with naloxone (4 mg i.v. 5 min before morphine administration) blocked these effects in all subjects. In contrast, naloxone alone was not able to affect significantly TSH and PRL secretion. Moreover, in 5 other euthyroid volunteers, morphine significantly enhanced the response of TSH and PRL to TRH stimulation (200 micrograms i.v.). These data demonstrate that morphine exerts a stimulatory action on TSH and PRL secretion: the possible mode of action of this drug and the physiologic significance of these findings are discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed1983

On the role of dopamine receptors in the naloxone-induced hormonal changes in man.

To assess the role of dopamine receptors in naloxone-induced hormonal changes, the effects of dopamine and metoclopramide on anterior pituitary hormone secretion were studied during the infusion of the opiate blocker in normal men. Naloxone stimulated LH and cortisol secretion in all subjects, whereas FSH, TSH, PRL, and GH did not change. The infusion of dopamine completely suppressed the naloxone-induced LH rise; on the contrary, metoclopramide failed to alter the magnitude of the increments in LH observed during the infusion of the opiate blocker. The cortisol response to naloxone remained unchanged during dopamine and metoclopramide infusion. Metoclopramide stimulated PRL and TSH release during naloxone treatment, whereas dopamine suppressed PRL and TSH secretion. The data do not suggest a participation of dopamine receptors in the naloxone-induced hormonal changes in man and confirm a suppressive effect of dopamine infusion on LH release in humans.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Neuroendocrine effects of interferon alpha 2-a in healthy human subjects.

The acute effects of interferon alpha-2a (3 x 10 IU im) on catecholamine and immunoreactive beta endorphin plasma levels, cortisol serum levels and lymphocyte beta 2-adrenoceptor density were evaluated in ten healthy volunteers. Interferon induced a significant increase in plasma norepinephrine; there was an increased norepinephrine standing response, too. On the contrary, epinephrine standing response was reduced by interferon. Lymphocyte beta 2-adrenoceptors decreased significantly after interferon administration; dissociation constant of binding was unchanged. Cortisol serum levels increased significantly with respect to control test, whereas immunoreactive beta endorphin did not change. These results support the hypothesis of functional relationships between neuroendocrine and immune systems; moreover they may be useful in clinical trials given the administration of interferon alpha in an increasing number of diseases.

Adult↗