Plasma GH Response to D- end L-Amphetamine in Monkeys

Abstract

The effects of d- and l-amphetamine on plasma GH[growth hormone] cortisol, glucose and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) in the rhesus monkey was investigated. l-Amphetamine was less potent for releasing GH than d-amphetamine. d- and l-Amphetamine did not have significant effects on plasma cortisol, glucose or IRI. The marked increase of plasma GH within 15 min after i.v. injection of d-amphetamine most probably reflects increased release of GH. This release of GH was not a non-specific response to experimental conditions because saline injections did not increase plasma GH, and d-amphetamine injections did not increase plasma cortisol. Release of GH was not an indirect response to hypoglycemia because plasma glucose did not change after d-amphetamine. The postulated role of central catecholamines in control of GH release in monkeys is supported.