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Pyridostigmine induced growth hormone release in mania: focus on the cholinergic/somatostatin system
T G Dinan1, V O'Keane, J Thakore
1Department of Psychological Medicine, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK.
Objective:
The release of growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary is partly under cholinergic control. Pyridostigmine, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, releases GH by this mechanism. Pyridostigmine/GH responses have been reported as enhanced in depression. The aim of the current study was to examine such responses during a manic episode.
Design:
A between subjects design was employed.
Subjects:
Seven male manic patients and seven male healthy controls were studied. They were matched in terms of age and body mass index.
Measurements:
GH response to pyridostigmine (120 mg) challenge was measured as the net increase above baseline. Cortisol levels were also measured.
Results:
Release of GH in the manic patients was significantly enhanced and their baseline cortisol levels were elevated.
Conclusions:
These results demonstrate enhanced pyridostigmine/GH responsiveness in mania which may be due to enhanced somatostatin tone or increased cholinergic receptor responsivity.