Fifteen patients with DSM-III-R major depression and 15 matched
comparison subjects underwent baclofen-induced growth hormone (GH) release
and the dexamethasone suppression test (DST). The GH responses of the
patients were significantly blunted, especially those of the patients who
were DST nonsuppressors. These findings may indicate lower than normal
responsivity of type B gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA-B) receptors in
depression and a relationship between GABA-B receptor abnormality and
dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.Abstract Teaser