New evidence for growth hormone modulation by the alpha-adrenergic system in man.

The effect of BS 100-141, N-amidino 2-(2.6 dichlorophenyl) acetamide hydrochloride, a new drug with central alpha-adrenoceptor activity, on growth hormone (GH) secretion was investigated in 24 young, healthy volunteers. Six normal volunteers were treated with 1 mg and 8 with 2 mg BS 100-141; 8 of these 14 were treated with placebo, using single oral doses. Ten normal volunteers received single oral doses of 2 and 4 mg BS 100-141, 0.15 and 0.30 mg clonidine in a randomized, crossover study. GH secretion was significantly increased after 2 and 4 mg BS 100-141 and 0.30 mg clonidine. Prolactin and insulin plasma levels, glycerol, and blood sugar were not significantly influenced by BS 100-141. The results give new evidence for an alpha-adrenoceptor mechanism modulating GH secretion in normal young men.