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Horm Metab Res 1988; 20(6): 348-351
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1010833
Clinical

© Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart · New York

Absent B-Endorphin Response to Clonidine in Obese Children

F. Facchinetti1 , S. Bernasconi2 , F. Petraglia1 , C. Marcellini2 , L. Iughetti2 , A. R. Genazzani1
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena, Modena, Italy
  • 2Department of Paediatrics, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

1987

1987

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

Plasma B-Endorphin (B-EP), Growth Hormone (GH) and cortisol response to 100 mcg/m2 b.s., i.v. clonidine (an α2-adrenergic agonist) were evaluated in 17 normal weight children (8 prepubertal and 9 pubertal) and in 15 children with simple exogenous obesity (7 prepubertal and 8 pubertal, weight excess ranging from 29% to 97%). All the hormones were measured by radioimmunoassay either directly in the plasma (GH and cortisol) or after extraction and chromatography (B-EP).

Obese prepubertal and pubertal children showed basal B-EP levels significantly higher than in controls and no differences were found in GH and cortisol levels.

While in controls clonidine stimulated a significant release of plasma GH and B-EP in obese patients, irrespective of pubertal development, no changes were found. Cortisol levels decreased in both groups. These data suggest an impaired adrenergic control of GH and B-EP secretion in children with simple exogenous obesity.

Key-Words

B-Endorphin - Obesity - Clonidine - Adrenergic Tone - Growth Hormone

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