The effect of alpha adrenergic manipulation on the 24 hour pattern of cortisol secretion in man

We have studied the role of central alpha-1 adrenoceptor mechanisms which stimulate cortisol secretion throughout the 24 h period in man. Six normal subjects were given 24 h i.v. infusions of the alpha-1 adrenoceptor agonist methoxamine, the alpha-1 antagonist thymoxamine, and saline under double-blind conditions. The only cardiovascular effects of these adrenergic manipulations was a slight bradycardia accompanying the methoxamine infusion. The methoxamine infusion was accompanied by higher concentrations of cortisol than the saline infusion during waking hours and the food related secretory surges were exaggerated, while the converse held with thymoxamine. In contrast, the nocturnal surge of cortisol secretion was unaffected by these adrenergic manipulations. These findings suggest that an alpha-1 adrenoceptor mechanism contributes to the maintenance of cortisol secretion during waking hours, but not at night.