Copeptin response to hypoglycemic stress is linked to prolactin activation in children

The physiological role of arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the acute stress response in humans and especially in children is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the interaction between copeptin, a well-established surrogate marker of AVP release, and anterior pituitary hormone activation in response to acute hypoglycemic stress in children and adolescents. We conducted an exploratory single center study involving 77 children and adolescents undergoing insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Blood levels of copeptin, ACTH, cortisol, GH, prolactin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), adrenaline and noradrenaline were determined at baseline and after insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Basal plasma levels of copeptin (median: 5.2 pmol/L) increased significantly after hypoglycemia (median 9.7 pmol/L; P