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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 1993; 101(4): 243-248
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1211239
Original

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Thyroid Hormone Status on the Growth Hormone Responses to Clonidine

A. Velardo, G. Zizzo, L. Della Casa* , F. Coletta, M. Pantaleoni, P. Marrama, G. Del Rio*
  • Department of Endocrinology (Head: Prof. P. Marrama), University of Modena, Italy
  • *Department of Metabolism (Head: Prof. L. Della Casa), University of Modena, Italy
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Publication History

Publication Date:
15 July 2009 (online)

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Summary

It has been shown that thyroid hormones are positive regulators of GH synthesis and secretion. The serum GH response to stimuli seems to be influenced either by sex or by spontaneous hypothalamic rhythm. The growth hormone responses to clonidine administration (4μg/kg) have been therefore studied in a group of female patients with thyroid disease (seven hyperthyroid and five hypothyroid) before and after the achievement of the euthyroid state. In hyperthyroid patients both basal and clonidine-stimulated GH levels were similar to normal subjects; the achievement of euthyroidism did not modify the GH response to clonidine. Serum GH peaks after clonidine were lower in hypothyroids patients than in hyperthyroids and normal subjects; the GH response to α2-agonist administration did not change during thyroid replacement therapy. The GH response to clonidine was not influenced by the GH secretory status in the preceding hour.

Key words

Clonidine - Growth Hormone - Hyperthyroidism - Hypothyroidism

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