Neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to intravenous m- chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) in depressed patients and healthy comparison subjects
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This double-blind study was undertaken to compare central serotonergic function in depressed patients and healthy comparison subjects by examining neuroendocrine and mood responses to intravenous infusion of the serotonin agonist m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP). METHOD: The participants were 20 drug-free patients with DSM-III-R major depression and 18 healty comparison subjects. After an overnight fast, the subjects received an intravenous infusion of mCPP, 0.1 mg/kg, or placebo saline. Blood was obtained for measurement of serum prolactin, growth hormone (GH), and cortisol. Visual analogue scales were used to assess mood. RESULTS: The depressed patients had a blunted GH response and felt less drowsy than the comparison subjects; prolactin, cortisol, and the remaining behavioral ratings showed no differences between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In light of findings with other provocative agents, the blunted GH response to mCPP may reflect a defect in GH production in depression and could be a marker of the depressed state. The lack of differences in the other neuroendocrine variables suggests that the functioning of postsynaptic serotonergic receptors responsive to mCPP may be relatively intact in depression.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).