Cyproheptadine-induced remission of Cushing's disease due to pituitary basophil adenoma

Serotonin is involved in the control of ACTH secretion, possibly by stimulating corticotropin releasing factor secretion from the hypothalamus. Cushing's disease seems to be due to defective hypothalamic regulation of ACTH release from the pituitary gland. Cyproheptadine is a potent antagonist of serotonin and has been used successfully in some patients with Cushing's disease, although, generally, in women without radiological evidence of pituitary tumors. We report the successful use of cyproheptadine in a 54-year-old man with Cushing's disease due to pituitary basophil adenoma. Significant clinical and biochemical improvement was noted 45 days after treatment began. The results in this patient support our findings that cyproheptadine can be effective in patients with Cushing's disease due to pituitary tumors, as well as in preparing very ill patients for surgery or managing such patients until radiotherapy takes effect.