Clonidine-induced hyperglycemia: evidence against a growth hormone-mediated effect
Barbieri, C.; Ferrari, C.; Caldara, R.; Testori, G.; Dal Bo, G.A.; Bertazzoni, A.
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 214(2): 433-436
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-3565 PMID: 7391988 Document Number: 167028
The effects of acute clonidine infusion (0.15 mg over 10 min) on several endocrine and metabolic variables have been evaluated in 12 hypertensive patients and 12 normotensive controls. Plasma glucose increased significantly in comparison with a placebo study in both groups; serum growth hormone showed a significant increase in healthy subjects but did not rise in hypertensive patients; there was no correlation between the increments in plasma glucose and in serum growth hormone in the whole group of subjects; serum-free fatty acids, insulin, prolactin and plasma cortisol did not change in any group. These data, although not excluding a central site of the clonidine hyperglycemic action, contrast the view that it may depend on stimulation of growth hormone release.