Suppressive effects of dexamethasone on hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis function in depressed patients.
This study investigated the effects of dexamethasone (1 mg orally) on the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. We determined pre- and post-dexamethasone thyroid-secreting hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), reverse T3 and cortisol levels in 61 depressed inpatients. Dexamethasone had a pronounced suppressive effect on basal TSH and FT3 levels. It had a significant stimulating effect on rT3 levels. No differences were found between melancholic and minor depressives in the effects of dexamethasone on basal TSH, FT3 and rT3. Cortisol non-suppressors were characterized by less suppression of basal TSH values.
Maes
M
M
Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.
Vandewoude
M
M
Schotte
C
C
Martin
M
M
Blockx
P
P
D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003907:Dexamethasone; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000187:drug effects; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood*; D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000097:blood; D014284:Triiodothyronine / Q000097:blood; D014285:Triiodothyronine, Reverse / Q000097:blood
D013963:Thyroid Hormones; D014284:Triiodothyronine; D014285:Triiodothyronine, Reverse; D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone; D003907:Dexamethasone; D013972:Thyrotropin; D013974:Thyroxine; D006854:Hydrocortisone