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In normal women sedation following intravenous administration of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine (1.3 micrograms/kg) was significantly greater following 3 weeks' continuous treatment with the combined contraceptive pill than at the end of the 7-day withdrawal period. In contrast, sedative responses to the dopamine agonist apomorphine (5 micrograms/kg subcutaneously) were decreased when subjects were taking the contraceptive pill. These findings are in agreement with animal experimental studies, indicating that oestrogen can alter alpha-adrenoceptor and dopamine autoreceptor sensitivity. Such interactions may be involved in the effects of female sex steroids on mood.

Type

Journal article

Journal

Psychol Med

Publication Date

05/1985

Volume

15

Pages

363 - 367

Keywords

Adult, Apomorphine, Arousal, Blood Pressure, Brain, Clonidine, Contraceptives, Oral, Contraceptives, Oral, Combined, Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal, Drug Interactions, Ethinyl Estradiol, Female, Growth Hormone, Humans, Levonorgestrel, Norgestrel, Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha, Receptors, Dopamine