Age-related Differences in Response to Pituitary Stimulation Tests

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
The purpose of this study to age-related differences to the response of a combined pituitary stimulation test with TRH, LHRH and ACTH.

Detailed Description
-----------------
Participants will be recruited in three different age intervals: 18-45 years, 55-80 years and 80+ years. These participants will all undergo the same stimulation test with 0.1 mg LHRH, 0.2 mg TRH, and 0.25 mg ACTH (Synachten). The tests will be perfomed at the same time of day for all particpants (between 08:15 and 08:45) and participants will be fasting for the test. Blood samples will be taken just before and at 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes following the stimulation test. Serum from blood samples will be stored at -20 degrees until analysis.

Official Title
-----------------
Age-related Differences in the Response to a Combined Pituitary Stimulation Test With TRH, LHRH and ACTH

Conditions
-----------------
Pituitary, Aging

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Diagnostic Test: Pituitary stimulation test


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Ages between 18-45 or above 55. Healthy Volunteers Exclusion Criteria: Medication or conditions affecting pituitary response (such as hormonal birth control, steriod use, thyroid disorders) Pregnancy or birth within the last year inability to give informed consent

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Young participants<br>18-45 years old | Diagnostic Test: Pituitary stimulation test<br>* Pituitary stimulation with 0.1 mg LHRH, 0.2 mg TRH and 0.25 mg ACTH<br>|
| Old participants<br>55-80 years old | Diagnostic Test: Pituitary stimulation test<br>* Pituitary stimulation with 0.1 mg LHRH, 0.2 mg TRH and 0.25 mg ACTH<br>|
| Oldest old participants<br>over 80 years old | Diagnostic Test: Pituitary stimulation test<br>* Pituitary stimulation with 0.1 mg LHRH, 0.2 mg TRH and 0.25 mg ACTH<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Differences in area under the curve in TSH. | Differences will be measured by calculating the area under the curve adjusted for the basal level for the time of the test period. | Immediately after procedure. | 
| Differences in area under the curve in Prolactin. | Differences will be measured by calculating the area under the curve adjusted for the basal level for the time of the test period. | Immediately after procedure. | 
| Differences in area under the curve in LH. | Differences will be measured by calculating the area under the curve adjusted for the basal level for the time of the test period. | Immediately after procedure. | 
| Differences in area under the curve in FSH. | Differences will be measured by calculating the area under the curve adjusted for the basal level for the time of the test period. | Immediately after procedure. | 
| Differences in area under the curve in Cortisol. | Differences will be measured by calculating the area under the curve adjusted for the basal level for the time of the test period. | Immediately after procedure. |