September 1, 1982Clinical Endocrinology88 citations
View Full PaperOpiates Control Acth Through a Noradrenergic Mechanism
Key Points
- This research aims to explore how opiates influence the pituitary-adrenal axis and cortisol secretion through noradrenergic mechanisms.
- Administered 16 mg of naloxone to six normal male subjects
- Pre-treatment with noradrenergic α1-antagonist thymoxamine 0.2 mg/kg
- Measured changes in plasma cortisol levels.
- Naloxone significantly increased plasma cortisol levels in subjects.
- Thymoxamine pre-treatment blocked the increase in cortisol, suggesting noradrenergic mediation of opiate effects.
Abstract
SUMMARY The administration of 16 mg of naloxone to six normal male subjects produced a significant rise in plasma cortisol. Pre‐treatment with the noradrenergic α 1 ‐antagonist, thymoxamine 0.2 mg/kg, blocked this rise. It is suggested that opiate inhibition of the pituitary—adrenal axis is mediated via a noradrenergic pathway.