THE 24-H PATTERN OF HUMAN-PROLACTIN AND GROWTH-HORMONE IN HEALTHY ELDERLY SUBJECTS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 7  (1) , 87-92
Abstract
Determination of plasma prolactin concentration every 2 h in 12 healthy elderly subjects, aged between 62-78 yr, indicates that the secretory rhythm is not modified with age and that it remains synchronized with the sleep-wake cycle. The increase of awake time during the night in old age does not change substantially the rise of nocturnal prolactin levels. The 24 h profile of growth hormone is characterized by a frequent decrease or absence of sleep-related peaks in elderly subjects. This reduction of growth hormone nocturnal secretion does not seem secondary to an alteration in sleep structure.

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