BLUNTED GROWTH-HORMONE RESPONSE TO CLONIDINE IN GILLES-DE-LA-TOURETTESYNDROME

Noradrenergic mechanisms have been involved in the pathogenesis of Gil les de Ia Tourette Syndrome (GTS). Since the central alpha(2) adrenerg ic agonist clonidine is widely used as a therapeutic agent in GTS, the present study aimed at assessing whether GH release after clonidine, representing central alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor sensitivity, was alt ered in GTS. After administration of 2 mu g/kg body weight clonidine, the GH response was examined in nine drug-free, alcohol-abstinent GTS patients (eight men, one woman) and in nine age- and sex-matched absti nent healthy controls. A blunted response of GH release ( < 5 ng/ml) w as observed in seven patients and the area under the curve (AUC) of th e GH-release was significantly reduced (p < .01) compared to controls. This finding indicates an involvement of the noradrenergic system in GTS.