Transcranial magnetic stimulation: influence on plasma levels of hormones of the anterior pituitary gland and of cortisol?

To assess possible side effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on the release of anterior pituitary gland hormones three different examinations on 10 males were performed following a standardized protocol. Plasma levels of prolactin, FSH, LH, hGH and cortisol were determined before and after stimulation. Cortical stimulation had no specific influence on the plasma levels of the hormones examined.