Apomorphine injection stimulates beta-endorphin, adrenocorticotropin, and cortisol release in healthy man

Psychoneuroendocrinology. 1988;13(6):479-85. doi: 10.1016/0306-4530(88)90033-9.

Abstract

The effect of single injections of a dopaminergic agonist, apomorphine, on pituitary-adrenocortical function was investigated in healthy adult men by the measurement of plasma ACTH, beta-endorphin, cortisol and GH immunoreactivities. Single, subcutaneous injection of a subemetic dose of apomorphine (0.75 mg) resulted in a pronounced increase in plasma concentrations of GH, as well as ACTH, beta-endorphin, and cortisol, without induction of any serious adverse drug effects. These findings were confirmed in two separate experiments.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood*
  • Adult
  • Apomorphine / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood*
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Male
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / drug effects
  • beta-Endorphin / blood*

Substances

  • beta-Endorphin
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Apomorphine
  • Hydrocortisone