SLEEP-WAKE BEHAVIOR AND INTEGRATED VALUES OF LH, FSH, PRL, GH AND TSH IN KLINEFELTERS-SYNDROME

The sleep-wake behavior of LH, FSH, GH, PRL and TSH was studied in 7 patients with Klinefelter’s syndrome (KS) and compared with 8 normal males. Blood samples were collected by use of a portable constant withdrawal pump, every hour, within the 24 h. The hormonal concentration (c̄) for each fraction of time was measured and related to the sleep (Sc̄), wake (Wc̄)and total 24 h period (Dc̄). The integrated (I) concentration of the corresponding periods (IS, IW, ID) was calculated as well as the ratios Sc̄/Wc̄ and IS/ID%. The LH, FSH and PRL reserve was also studied by use of GnRH (50 μg iv) and sulpiride (200 mg im), respectively in 7 patients with KS and in a group of 15 normal males. LH and FSH levels were significantly (p<0.01) higher during the 24 h time span and in the course of GnRH test in the KS compared to the normal subjects. No correlation was noted between the 24 h secretory area (ID) and the area under the curve after GnRH stimulation. A sleep-wake rhythm with more elevated LH secretory spikes in the sleep than in the waking period was present in 5 out of 7 patients. The PRL levels in KS were found to be statistically higher than in the controls during both the sleep-wake rhythm (19:00–20:00 h, 22:00–23:00 h; p<0.05) and after stimulation with sulpiride (p<0.01). A positive correlation (r= 0.76; p<0.05) was observed in KS between the response to the sulpiride test and the 24 h secretory area. Day-time GH levels were higher in patients with KS than in normal controls. The GH Wc̄ was statistically greater (p<0.01) in KS in comparison to controls. A TSH circadian rhythm in KS similar to that found in normal subjects was not observed. © 1978, Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE). All rights reserved.