Opiates control ACTH through a noradrenergic mechanism.

Journal article

The administration of 16 mg of naloxone to six normal male subjects produced a significant rise in plasma cortisol. Pre-treatment with the noradrenergic α1-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.

Authors: Grossman, A; Besser, G

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Clinical endocrinology
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 287-290
• Publication date: 1982-09-01
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.1982.tb01591.x
• EISSN: 1365-2265
• ISSN: 0300-0664
• Language: English
• Keywords: Male; Receptors, Adrenergic; Moxisylyte; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Naloxone; Hydrocortisone; Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; Adult; Humans