Decreased 5-HT-mediated prolactin release in major depression.
The prolactin response to intravenous clomipramine, a 5-HT uptake inhibitor, was significantly attenuated in 12 patients with major depression. In contrast, in a further 12 depressed patients, the PRL responses to thyrotropin-releasing hormone, which acts directly on the pituitary to release PRL, were not reduced. These findings suggest that the reduction in 5-HT-mediated PRL release seen in depressed patients is due to an impairment of brain 5-HT function rather than a pituitary abnormality.
Anderson
I M
IM
University Department of Psychiatry, Littlemore Hospital, Oxford.
Ware
C J
CJ
da Roza Davis
J M
JM
Cowen
P J
PJ
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D002997:Clomipramine; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology*; D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone
D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012701:Serotonin; D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone; D011388:Prolactin; D002997:Clomipramine