Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (966 page)

GROWTH HORMONE–RELEASING HORMONE (GHRH, SOMATOCRININ)

   Definition and Use

   A 44-amino-acid peptide, secreted by the hypothalamus, stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone. Useful in differentiating between a pituitary tumor and ectopic GHRH hypersecretion.

   
Normal range:
<50 pg/mL.

   Interpretation

Increased In

   One percent of cases of acromegaly caused by GHRH by hypothalamus or ectopic secretion by neoplasms (e.g., pancreatic islet, carcinoid of the thymus or bronchus, neuroendocrine tumors)

Normal In

   Most cases of acromegaly due to pituitary tumors

HALLUCINOGENS
*

See Amphetamines,
Cannabis sativa
.

   Definition

   Drugs that are capable of altering perception of reality, also known as psychotomimetic drugs. Although many drugs (e.g., anticholinergics, cocaine) can induce delusions and/or hallucinations, this class has the capacity to reliably induce states of altered perception, feeling, and thought.

   Other names:

   Ketamine: 2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(methyl-amino) cyclohexanone

   Phencyclidine: PCP, 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl) piperidine, angel dust, elephant tranquilizer, peace pill, Sherman, T

   
D
-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD): 9,10-d-
N
,
N
-diethyl-6-methylergoline- 8b-carboxamide, microdots, window pane

   
Normal range:
ketamine: 500–2,000 ng/mL plasma [IV administration]; PCP/LSD: not available