Abstract

Recent reports have suggested that growth hormone secretion might be stimulated by endogenous ACTH. This study was designed to clarify the role of endogenous and exogenous ACTH in the control of plasma growth hormone levels in man. Metyrapone was administered orally to 4 normal subjects resulting in an increase in plasma ACTH with no concomitant elevation in the plasma growth hormone. The effects of 1–24 ACTH and placebo on plasma growth hormone and cortisol were studied in 8 normal subjects according to a randomized balanced double-blind protocol. There was no consistent increase in growth hormone in response to ACTH and, in one subject, plasma growth hormone rose following placebo administration. We conclude that ACTH does not effect growth hormone secretion in man.

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