Attenuation of clonidine-induced growth hormone release following chronic glucocorticoid and 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake-inhibiting antidepressant treatments.

Abstract

Administration of various doses of clonidine increased plasma growth hormone levels in male Wistar rats. Chronic hydrocortisone treatment produced significant decreases in ACTH levels as well as a significant attenuation of clonidine-induced increases in growth hormone levels. Similarly, chronic treatment with 5-HT uptake-inhibiting antidepressants such as fluoxetine, clomipramine and imipramine also significantly attenuated clonidine-induced increases in growth hormone levels. On the other hand, chronic treatment with clorgyline (monoamine oxidase type A-inhibiting antidepressant) and 5-HT agonists, such as m-chlorophenylpiperazine, 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4- iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane and 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin, did not have any significant effect on clonidine-induced increases in growth hormone levels. These findings suggest that development of functional subsensitivity of either alpha 2-adrenergic heteroreceptors or 5-HT1C receptors mediating clonidine-induced growth hormone secretion following chronic treatment with glucocorticoids and 5-HT uptake inhibitors.