Prolonged oral treatment with MK-677, a novel growth hormone secretagogue, improves sleep quality in man

Neuroendocrinology. 1997 Oct;66(4):278-86. doi: 10.1159/000127249.

Abstract

Previous studies have indicated the existence of common mechanisms regulating sleep and somatotropic activity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of prolonged treatment with a novel, orally active, growth hormone secretagogue (MK-677) on sleep quality in healthy young and older adults. Eight young subjects (18-30 years) followed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-period crossover design. Each subject participated in three 7-day treatment periods (with bedtime drug administration), presented in random (Latin square) order, and separated by at least 14 days. Doses were 5 and 25 mg MK-677 and matching placebo. Six older subjects, ages 65-71 years, each participated in two 14-day treatment periods (with bedtime drug administration) separated by a 14-day washout. Doses were 2 and 25 mg MK-677 during the first and second periods, respectively. Baseline sleep and hormonal data were obtained on the 2 days preceding the beginning of the first 14-day treatment period. In young subjects, high-dose MK-677 treatment resulted in an approximately 50% increase in the duration of stage IV and in a more than 20% increase in REM sleep as compared to placebo (p < 0.05). The frequency of deviations from normal sleep decreased from 42% under placebo to 8% under high-dose MK-677 (p < 0.03). In older adults, treatment with MK-677 was associated with a nearly 50% increase in REM sleep (p < 0.05) and a decrease in REM latency (p < 0.02). The frequency of deviations from normal sleep also decreased (p < 0.02). The present findings suggest that MK-677 may simultaneously improve sleep quality and correct the relative hyposomatotropism of senescence.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Human Growth Hormone / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Indoles / pharmacology*
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Placebos
  • Sleep / drug effects*
  • Sleep, REM / drug effects
  • Spiro Compounds / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Indoles
  • Placebos
  • Spiro Compounds
  • Human Growth Hormone
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • ibutamoren mesylate