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The effect of pirenzepine (LS 519), a specific antimuscarinic drug, on cortisol levels in man
Author(s) -
Alagna Sergio,
Masala Antonio,
Satta Andrea,
Faedda Rossana,
Devilla Luisa,
Rassu Sergio,
Rovasio Pier Paolo
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
drug development research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.582
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1098-2299
pISSN - 0272-4391
DOI - 10.1002/ddr.430030412
Subject(s) - pirenzepine , endocrinology , medicine , muscarinic acetylcholine receptor , drug , basal (medicine) , receptor , pharmacology , insulin
Abstract The authors investigated the effect of a single 75‐mg oral dose of pirenzepine, a drug which selectively blocks the muscarinic receptors and does not cross the blood‐brain barrier, on the function of the HPA axis. A significant decrease in basal cortisol values following the administration of the drug was observed in comparison with a placebo test. Moreover, the adrenal response to exogenous adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) administration was unchanged following a 5‐day course of the drug, ruling out direct action of pirenzepine at the adrenal level. These data suggest that cholinergic muscarinic hypothalamic and/or pituitary systems may be involved in the regulation of ACTH‐cortisol secretion.