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L-Dopa Stimulates Cortisol Secretion through Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Release in Short Children

Chrisanthi Marakaki1, Dimitrios T Papadimitriou, Kleanthis Kleanthous

  • 1Third Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens School of Medicine, x2018;Attikon' University Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Hormone Research in Paediatrics
|September 23, 2015
PubMed

Insights

L-Dopa stimulates cortisol release in children with short stature, with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) playing a key role. This suggests the dopaminergic system influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Neuroendocrinology

Background:

  • L-Dopa administration was previously shown to stimulate cortisol secretion in children with short stature.
  • The precise mechanism, particularly the involvement of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), remained unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of ACTH in cortisol stimulation during the L-Dopa test in children with short stature.
  • To explore the dopaminergic system's influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Main Methods:

  • Nineteen children with short stature underwent L-Dopa testing for growth hormone (GH) deficiency assessment.
  • Serum GH, cortisol, and plasma ACTH levels were measured at baseline and every 30 minutes for 120 minutes post-L-Dopa administration.

Main Results:

  • A high response rate for cortisol (94.7%) and ACTH (68.4%) was observed, while GH response was low (10.5%).
  • ACTH levels significantly increased post-L-Dopa, peaking around 90-120 minutes, concurrently with cortisol peaks.
  • Mean peak cortisol levels were elevated, supporting a simultaneous stimulation pattern with ACTH.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest that the dopaminergic system, stimulated by L-Dopa, positively impacts the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
  • ACTH is implicated in the mechanism of L-Dopa-induced cortisol stimulation in this pediatric population.
Abstract

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