Effect of nifedipine on thyrotropin, prolactin, and thyroid hormone release in man: a placebo-controlled study

Nifedipine (10 mg tid) or placebo was administered in a randomized double-blind trial for 1 wk to 2 groups of 10 mildly hypertensive euthyroid patients. Hormonal concentrations (thyrotropin [TSH], prolactin [PRL], thyroxin, triiodothyronine, and reverse triiodothyronine) before and during a TRH test were assessed in the 2 groups before (D0) and after (D7) each treatment. Parameters of the TRH test were determined (peak values, area under the curve [AUC], release [Kr], and elimination [Ke] rate constants) and their D7:D0 ratios were compared in the 2 groups. The TSH (peak values and Kr) and PRL (peak values and AUC) responses to TRH were significantly decreased in the nifedipine group compared to the placebo group. Neither basal nor TRH-stimulated thyroid hormone levels were modified. These results confirm experimental data but seem to be clinically irrelevant.