Effect of naloxone on the inhibitory effect of melatonin on the release of arginine-vasopressin induced by physical exercise in man

This study was performed in order to establish whether endogenous opioids play a role in the inhibitory effect of melatonin on arginine-vasopressin (AVP) response to physical exercise. Seven healthy men underwent four bicycle ergometer tests until exhaustion [exercise control test, exercise plus naloxone (2 mg injected plus 5 mg infused intravenously), exercise plus melatonin (6 mg), exercise plus melatonin plus naloxone]. Plasma AVP concentrations, non endocrine physiological parameters (NEPP) and biochemical parameters were evaluated during all tests. NEPP and biochemical values had a similar pattern during all tests. Physical exercise significantly increased the AVP levels. The pre-treatment with melatonin inhibited the AVP response to physical exercise. In contrast, naloxone had no effect on AVP rise during exercise, when given alone, whereas it abolished the negative effect of melatonin on AVP response to physical exercise. Our data indicate that naloxone-sensitive endogenous opiates mediate the inhibitory modulation exerted by melatonin on the AVP response to physical exercise.