The Effect of Histamine Stimulation and H2-Receptor Inhibition on the Pituitary Prolactin and ACTH Release and on Cortisol Secretion in Human Males

U. Knigge; F. Wollesen; A. Dejgaard; Kirsten Larsen; P. M. Christiansen

doi:10.1055/s-2007-1018637

Hormone and Metabolic Research, Table of Contents

Horm Metab Res 1983; 15(2): 89-91
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1018637

The Effect of Histamine Stimulation and H₂-Receptor Inhibition on the Pituitary Prolactin and ACTH Release and on Cortisol Secretion in Human Males

U. Knigge, F. Wollesen, A. Dejgaard, Kirsten Larsen, P. M. Christiansen

Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Department of Endocrinology, Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hvidovre, Denmark

Abstract

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Summary

The effects of histamine (HA) on prolactin (PRL), ACTH, and cortisol secretion in human males were investigated. Specific H₂-receptor blockade caused an immediate and significant PRL release, while specific H₂-receptor stimulation (HA and mepyramine) was without effect on PRL secretion. HA significantly stimulated both ACTH and cortisol secretion, and this stimulation was probably mediated through H₂-receptors. H₂-receptor blockade caused a late, but significant ACTH release. This release was not accompanied by a release of cortisol, and might therefore be due to a spontaneous oscillation in ACTH secretion. The results support the theory that HA acts as a modulator of human ACTH secretion. A similar effect on PRL secretion as postulated by others could not be confirmed in this study.

Key-Words:

Histamine - Ranitidine - Mepyramine - Prolactin - ACTH - Cortisol

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