ISSN:
1432-2072
Keywords:
α2 Receptors
;
Noradrenergic receptors
;
Receptor sensitivity
;
Yohimbine
;
Clonidine
;
Tricyclic antidepressant
;
Imipramine
;
Growth hormone
;
Rat
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The α-adrenergic mechanisms exert a stimulatory influence on the secretion of growth hormone (GH) in the rat. In the present study the α receptors involved in GH regulation were characterized with respect to subtype. It was also investigated whether the GH response to α receptor agonists can be utilized to assess changes in the responsiveness of central α receptors. The experiments were performed on rats with implanted intra-aortic cannulae allowing frequent blood sampling from freely moving animals. Plasma GH was determined by radioimmunoassay. Reserpine (10 mg/kg) caused a suppression of the normal pulsatile secretory pattern of GH. The α receptor agonist clonidine (CLON) given to reserpine-pretreated animals induced a dose-dependent increase in plasma GH. The effect of CLON (0.2 mg/kg) was prevented by pretreatment with the α2 receptor antagonist yohimbine (3 mg/kg), but not by the α1 receptor antagonist phenoxybenzamine (10 mg/kg). Chronic pretreatment with CLON or imipramine, either of which can be expected to produce a reduced sensitivity of central α2 receptors, resulted in reduced GH responses to CLON. On the other hand, chronic treatment with yohimbine, which should cause denervation supersensitivity of α2 receptors, led to enhanced GH responses to CLON. The results indicate that GH release in the rat is stimulated by postsynaptic α2 receptors. They also suggest that the GH response to CLON can be used as a valid in vivo model reflecting decreased, as well as increased responsiveness of this type of receptor.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00432764
