Effect of Sex, Oral Contraceptives, and Glucose Loading on Apomorphine-Induced Growth Hormone Secretion

Abstract

Apomorphine-induced growth hormone (GH) secretion less in women either on or off oral contraceptives than in men. Women on oral contraceptives have a significantly greater peak GH response to apomorphine than women on no medication. The reason for these differences is unclear. Prior glucose loading in men significantly decreases the GH response to apomorphine. This suggests that stimulation of glucoreceptors antagonises dopaminergic modulation of GH secretion.