THE EFFECTS OF ARGININE, INSULIN AND METOCLOPRAMIDE ON GROWTH HORMONE, PROLACTIN AND CORTISOL RELEASE IN CHILDREN

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) responses to metoclopramide (MCP) were compared to those with arginine and insulin-induced hypoglycemia in 8 children. While a significant rise in GH release after stimulation with arginine and insulin occurred in all subjects (P < 0.05), no significant increase after MCP ingestion was observed. Metoclopramide, a dopamine antagonist, stimulated PRL release in all children, while arginine and insulin-induced hypoglycemia stimulation tests showed variable PRL responses. A statistically significant increase in cortisol secretion 5 h following MCP was observed (P < 0.05), but the plasma concentration at this time was still within the normal range. Metoclopramide stimulation is not a suitable test for GH deficiency in children.