Failure of bromocriptine to modify the response to metyrapone in normal subjects

In order to study the role played by the dopaminergic system on the secretion of ACTH, we evaluated the influence of bromocriptine on the response to metyrapone. Levels of serum cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol and of urinary 17-OH-corticosteroids and 17-ketosteroids were measured both before and after stimulation with metyrapone in ten normal adults. This was followed by a week of administration with bromocriptine (5 mg/die) after which the above measurements were repeated. The results obtained did not differ significantly. Thus it may concluded that, under these conditions and at this dose, bromocriptine does not modify the response to metyrapone.