Clinical Trial: Effects of Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH) on the Sleep in Patients With Hypopituitarism

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Effects of CRH on the Sleep in Patients With Hypopituitarism

Brief Summary:

In contrast to healthy subjects, patients with hypopituitarism do not exhibit endocrine responses when hormones are injected. This is at least true for those with a complete insufficiency of the anterior pituitary. For example, administration of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) is not followed by an increase of ACTH and cortisol. Therefore, "pure" hormone effects can be investigated.

It is well established that hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are involved in sleep regulation. In rodents, CRH decreased slow wave sleep (SWS). In humans, CRH was reported to increase wakefulness and to decrease SWS and REM sleep. Primary objective was therefore to study the effect of CRH on patients with hypopituitarism.

To date, there is no information on sleep of patients with hypopituitarism. Secondary objective is therefore to compare sleep of patients with hypopituitarism with sleep of age-matched healthy controls.

Detailed Summary:
Sponsor: Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry

Current Primary Outcome: Sleep-EEG variables, conventionally and quantitatively analyzed [ Time Frame: within the first month ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry

Dates:
Date Received: April 22, 2008
Date Started: February 2008
Date Completion:
Last Updated: May 11, 2011
Last Verified: May 2011