What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to explore how opiates influence the pituitary-adrenal axis and cortisol secretion through noradrenergic mechanisms.

September 1, 1982

Opiates 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.

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