Vescovi P P, Gerra G, Maninetti L, Pedrazzoni M, Michelini M, Pioli G, Girasole G, Caccavari R, Maestri D, Passeri M
Clinica Medica Generale e Terapia Medica, Università di Parma, Italy.
Neuropeptides. 1990 Mar;15(3):129-32. doi: 10.1016/0143-4179(90)90143-m.
The aim of this study was to evaluate beta-endorphin, ACTH, and cortisol plasma levels during metyrapone administration in man after chronic opioid receptor stimulation. Metyrapone (750 mg every 4 hr for 6 doses) was administered to ten male heroin addicts, who had been on a maintenance therapy with methadone for at least 6 months and to ten healthy sex- and age-matched volunteers. Before metyrapone administration the basal levels of cortisol and ACTH were significantly decreased in addicts as compared to normal controls, while plasma beta-endorphin was not different. The response of beta-endorphin and ACTH to metyrapone administration was significantly blunted in addicts (p less than 0.01). These results suggest that the chronic stimulation of opiate receptors can impair the function of the anterior pituitary gland.
本研究的目的是评估慢性阿片受体刺激后人体服用甲吡酮期间血浆β-内啡肽、促肾上腺皮质激素（ACTH）和皮质醇的水平。对10名男性海洛因成瘾者和10名年龄及性别匹配的健康志愿者服用甲吡酮（每4小时750毫克，共6剂），这些成瘾者已接受美沙酮维持治疗至少6个月。在服用甲吡酮之前，与正常对照组相比，成瘾者的皮质醇和ACTH基础水平显著降低，而血浆β-内啡肽水平无差异。成瘾者对甲吡酮给药的β-内啡肽和ACTH反应明显减弱（p<0.01）。这些结果表明，阿片受体的慢性刺激会损害垂体前叶的功能。
