Download PDF
Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 1996; 104(2): 145-150
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1211436
Original

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

Differences in the nyctohemeral secretion of TSH and PRL in healthy euthyroid men

J. S. E. Dericks-Tan, P.-G. Merz* , A. Schrödter* , H.-D. Taubert
  • Department of Gynacological Endocrinology, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe Universität, Frankfurt/Main
  • * Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe Universität, Frankfurt/Main
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
15 July 2009 (online)

Also available at
  PDF Download  Permissions and Reprints

Summary

The circadian rhythm of TSH, PRL and Cortisol was studied in 21 healthy euthyroid men in a normal sleep/wake cycle. Higher nyctohemeral (22.00 h till 6.00 h) levels of TSH as compared to diurnal (8.00 h till 22.00 h) levels were observed in 14 out of 21 men (Group A). In the remaining 7 volunteers the nyctohemeral and diurnal TSH-levels (Group B) were the same. In Group A, the nyctohemeral PRL-surge was also higher than in Group B (p < 0.01). The nyctohemeral area under the curve (AUC) of both TSH and PRL were significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 respectively). The mean diurnal concentrations of TSH and PRL were, however, similar in both groups.

Therefore, an impairment of the nyctohemeral TSH-surge can occur in healthy men usually combined with a reduced nyctohemeral PRL-surge. An impairment of nyctohemeral TSH-surge is thus not confined to patients with thyroid diseases.

Key words

Circadian rhythm - TSH - PRL - cortisol - sleep

      >