Hypothalamic Pituitary Function in Starving Healthy Subjects

Abstract

A large amount of literature has emerged describing endocrine dysfunctions in anorexia nervosa. Most hypothalamic-pituitary functions appear to be abnormal in the acute stage of the illness (cf. synopsis by Vigersky 1977; Beumont and Russell 1982; Garfinkel and Garner 1982). There are many indications that hypothalamic dysfunctions in anorexia nervosa are a consequence of reduced calorie intake or weight loss. However, it cannot be ruled out that these dysfunctions are secondary to emotional disturbances or that a primary biological dysfunction is responsible for the changes in hormonal secretion. The present study addresses itself to the issue of specificity of the endocrine disturbances which have been described for anorexia nervosa. If the same endocrine disturbances as in anorexia nervosa can be reproduced in healthy human beings during starvation, the hormonal changes could be considered specific for reduced calorie intake or weight loss rather than for anorexia nervosa. Therefore we studied healthy volunteers before, during, and after starvation. The results may well be relevant not only for anorexia nervosa but also for other disorders associated with changes in nutrition, such as depression and alcoholism.