Evidence for a GABAergic control of the exercise-induced rise in GH in man

The effect of the GABAergic drug sodium valproate (SV) on the exercise-induced release of growth hormone (GH) was investigated in 10 healthy males. The exercise test consisted of using a stationary bicycle ergometer at 450 kg/min for 20 min. SV 600 mg blunted the increase in GH induced by the exercise, suggesting GABAergic regulation of GH secretion in man, at least under certain physiological conditions.