Abstract
Plasma profiles of prolactin, growth hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol were evaluated in a group of untreated patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and a group of healthy age-matched controls. Plasma integrated concentrations of all hormones except prolactin were significantly lower in the patients as compared with the controls; however, prolactin nocturnal peak concentration was significantly elevated in the patients; nocturnal growth hormone levels were significantly reduced in the Parkinson group; ACTH and cortisol plasma concentrations were also consistently lower during most of the day in the patients with Parkinson's disease. These data confirm the presence of a hypothalamic disturbance in patients with idopathic Parkinson's disease, which can affect pituitary function.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 19-22 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of Neurology |
Volume | 238 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 1991 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone
- Cortisol
- Growth hormone
- Parkinson's disease
- Prolactin
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neurology
- Clinical Neurology