Blunted growth hormone response to clonidine in Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome

Noradrenergic mechanisms have been involved in the pathogenesis of Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (GTS). Since the central α 2 adrenergic agonist clonidine is widely used as a therapeutic agent in GTS, the present study aimed at assessing whether GH release after clonidine, representing central α 2-adrenergic receptor sensitivity, was altered in GTS. After administration of 2 μg/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 abstinent healthy controls. A blunted response of GH release (