We studied the effect of the 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist sumatriptan (6
mg SC) on plasma growth hormone and prolactin and food intake in 15 h
ealthy female subjects using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross
-over design. Sumatriptan significantly elevated plasma growth hormone
but did not alter plasma prolactin. Sumatriptan also significantly lo
wered total food intake in a buffet meal, particularly decreasing the
intake of fat. Our results indicate that 5-HT1B/1D receptors may be in
volved in the regulation of food intake in humans. In addition, while
activation of 5-HT1B/1D receptors stimulates growth hormone release in
both men and women, sumatriptan lowers plasma prolactin only in men,
suggesting sex differences in the 5-HT regulation of prolactin release
.