Effect of Apomorphine on Growth Hormone, Prolactin, Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Levels in Human Serum1

Abstract

Apomorphine hydrochloride was administered sc to 12 adult men on 23 occasions. In doses of 0.75–1.0 mg, apomorphine-HCl increased the concentration of growth hormone (GH) in serum above 10 ng/ml in all 12 subjects; peak values occurred at 30–60 min following injection. The increase was antagonized in the 4 subjects pretreated with chlorpromazine. Apomorphine decreased serum prolactin (PRL) levels in 4 subjects but only in a dose of 1.0 or 1.5 mg; the compound failed to decrease chlorpromazineinduced elevated levels of PRL. The drug had no effect on serum LH or FSH. These results are compatible with modulation of GH secretion by a dopaminergic mechanism. Further studies are needed to determine the reliability and potential clinical usefulness of apomorphine as an agent to stimulate GH secretion.