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Basil A. Porter, MB, ChB; Robert L. Rosenfield, MD; Ann M. Lawrence, MD, PhD

Am J Dis Child. 1973;126(5):589-592.

Abstract
The efficiency of levodopa administration as a test of growth hormone (GH) reserve in children was studied. Growth hormone levels increased during the levodopa test in 20 of 21 control children to levels comparable to those observed during insulin provocation. All ten hyposomatotropic subjects released lesser amounts of GH in response to levodopa treatment. Side effects were limited to occasional nausea or emesis or both. Thus, the levodopa test proved as reliable as the insulin tolerance test (ITT), while the dangers of the ITT were avoided. Studies of plasma cortisol, thyrotropin, prolactin, and gonadotropin levels supported the view that levodopa provokes GH discharge via stimulation of hypothalamic GH-releasing factor. The levodopa test does not require the attendance of a physician and is a good means of screening for GH-deficiency.

Author Affiliations
Chicago

From the departments of pediatrics and medicine, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine. Dr. Porter is now with the Department of Pediatrics "B," Central Negev Hospital, Beersheva, Israel.

Footnotes
Received for publication April 23, 1973; accepted June 20.

A preliminary report of this work was read before the 42nd annual meeting of the Society for Pediatric Research, Washington, DC, 1972.

Reprint requests to 950 E 59th St, Chicago 60637 (Dr. Rosenfield).

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