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Lack of acute d-amphetamine effects on thyrotropin release
K Y Little1, J C Garbutt, J P Mayo
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington.
Neuroendocrinology
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Amphetamine abuse may affect thyroid hormones, but this study found no acute impact on thyrotropin (TSH) or thyroxine (T4) levels in normal humans. However, d-amphetamine did elevate cortisol, consistent with prior research.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuropharmacology
Background:
- Previous case reports suggest amphetamine abuse influences thyroid hormone secretion.
- A potential noradrenergic mechanism in the hypothalamus has been proposed for amphetamine-induced thyroid effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of oral d-amphetamine on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis in healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- A controlled study involving the administration of oral d-amphetamine to normal human subjects.
- Monitoring of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and cortisol levels.
Main Results:
- No significant acute changes were observed in TSH, T3, or T4 levels following d-amphetamine administration.
- A significant elevation in cortisol levels was noted at 180 minutes post-administration.
Conclusions:
- Acute oral d-amphetamine does not appear to affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis in normal humans.
- The observed elevation in cortisol confirms previous findings and suggests a separate neuroendocrine effect of d-amphetamine.
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