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Imipramine effect on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to hypoglycemia
R G Kathol1, R Jaeckle, C Wysham
1University of Iowa, College of Medicine, Dept. of Internal Medicine, Iowa City 52242.
Psychiatry Research
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Imipramine hydrochloride, a common antidepressant, enhances insulin
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine hydrochloride are widely prescribed.
- The impact of TCAs on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, particularly during hypoglycemia, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of therapeutic imipramine hydrochloride doses on the HPA axis response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia.
- To determine if imipramine alters glucose regulation or counterregulatory hormone release during hypoglycemia.
Main Methods:
- Six healthy control subjects participated in an insulin tolerance test.
- Tests were conducted before and after 10 days of imipramine hydrochloride administration.
- Blood glucose, cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels were measured.
Main Results:
- Imipramine administration resulted in a significantly lower glucose nadir (24 mg/dl) compared to baseline (32 mg/dl).
- No significant changes were observed in baseline levels of glucose, cortisol, or ACTH after imipramine treatment.
- The release of ACTH and cortisol in response to hypoglycemia remained unaltered by imipramine.
Conclusions:
- Imipramine hydrochloride increases insulin sensitivity, leading to a more pronounced hypoglycemic effect.
- The counterregulatory hormonal response (ACTH and cortisol) to hypoglycemia is not affected by imipramine treatment.
- These findings suggest a dissociation between glucose regulation and HPA axis activation by imipramine.