Eptastigmine augments basal and GHRH-stimulated growth hormone release in young and old dogs

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect on the growth hormone (GH) secretion of eptastigmine, a new long-acting cholinesterase inhibitor, in unanesthetized beagle dogs. In a first study, 5 young dogs were given single doses (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg, i.m.) of the drug or saline in a randomized cross-over manner. Blood samples were collected immediately before and, at regular intervals, until 150 min after drug injection. GH plasma concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Plasma cholinesterase activity was measured with a potentiometric method. There was a significant logistic relationship (r = 0.601, P