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Citation |
Duval F, Mokrani MC, Correa H, Bailey P, Valdebenito M, Monreal J, Crocq MA, Macher JP. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2001; 26(5): 521-537. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2001, Elsevier Publishing) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
11337135 |
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Abstract |
There is evidence for inhibitory effects of adrenocorticosteroids on serotonergic (5-HT) activity. However, in depression the relationship between altered cortisol levels and brain 5-HT function remains to be clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate whether hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity is associated with 5-HT dysfunction in depressed patients, especially in those with suicidal behaviour. Cortisol levels following the dexamethasone suppression test (DST, 1 mg PO) and prolactin, corticotropin and cortisol responses to the d-fenfluramine test (d-FEN, 45 mg PO) - a specific 5-HT releaser/uptake inhibitor - were measured in 71 drug-free DSM-IV major depressed inpatients (40 with a history of suicide attempt, 31 without) and 34 hospitalized healthy control subjects. Depressed patients showed higher post-DST cortisol levels but similar responses to d-FEN compared with control subjects. Hormonal responses to d-FEN were not correlated with cortisol levels (basal or post-DST). Among the depressed patients, DST suppressors and DST nonsuppressors exhibited no significant difference in endocrine responses to d-FEN. However, patients with a history of suicide attempt, when compared with patients without such a history, showed lower hormonal responses to d-FEN but comparable basal and post-DST cortisol levels. Taken together these results suggest that, in depression, HPA axis hyperactivity is not responsible for the reduced 5-HT activity found in patients with a history of suicidal behavior. Language: en |
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Keywords |
Adrenal Glands; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Adult; Depression; Dexamethasone; Female; Fenfluramine; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Male; Prolactin; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Serotonin; Serotonin Agents; Suicide, Attempted |