Abstract
The release of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) in the human has been shown to be under a direct inhibitory control derived from the locus coeruleus (LC). Opioids have been shown to inhibit CRF release. Based on our hypothesis of deranged opioid-noradrenergic activity in Tourette's syndrome (TS), we studied the effect of a naloxone challenge on plasma cortisol levels in 6 TS patients. In all patients naloxone produced a significant rise in cortisol secretion. These results support our hypothesis and suggest that in TS, noradrenergic LC receptors involved in CRF release are supersensitive as a result of chronic excessive endorphinergic activity.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 225-227 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | International Journal of Neuroscience |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 3-4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1988 |
Keywords
- CRF
- Cortisol
- Locus coeruleus
- Naloxone
- Noradrenaline
- Opioids
- Tourette's syndrome
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience