Effect of clonidine on stress-induced cortisol release in man during surgery

The effect of clonidine on stress-induced cortisol secretion was studied in 10 patients undergoing general anesthesia for surgery; six other patients served as a control group and none of them was given clonidine. Central and peripheral alpha 2 stimulation by clonidine (average dose:0.45 mg over 60 minutes) was able to completely suppress cortisol release during surgery.