CSF homovanillic acid (HVA) levels reflecting central dopamine release
and apomorphine-stimulated human growth hormone (HGH) secretion reflecting
central dopamine receptor activity were concomitantly determined in 20
schizophrenic patients. There was a strong negative correlation between HVA
and HGH levels: high dopamine release was associated with lower HGH
responses to dopamine receptor activation by apomorphine. Studies are
reviewed which suggest that the presently observed relationship reflects
release-mediated down-regulation of central D2 receptors, the dopamine
receptor subtype associated with the antipsychotic properties of
neuroleptic medication.
Abstract Teaser