An augmented escape of beta-endorphins to suppression by dexamethasone in severely depressed patients.
Baseline beta-endorphin and cortisol levels and their responses to 1 mg dexamethasone were measured in 11 healthy controls and in 35 depressed patients, categorized according to the DSM-III. Dexamethasone significantly suppressed beta-endorphin levels. Depressed patients with melancholia/psychotic features exhibited significantly increased post-dexamethasone beta-endorphin levels compared with healthy controls, minor and simple major depressives; the baseline beta-endorphin levels did not differ between those study samples. Post-dexamethasone beta-endorphin and cortisol values were found to be significantly and positively correlated. Accordingly, cortisol non-suppressors showed significantly higher post-dexamethasone beta-endorphin levels. Post-dexamethasone beta-endorphin may be the most sensitive and specific reflection of the disorder in negative feedback exerted by dexamethasone in depression.
Maes
M
M
Psychiatric Centre St. Jozef, Munsterbilzen, Belgium.
Jacobs
M P
MP
Suy
E
E
Leclercq
C
C
Christiaens
F
F
Raus
J
J
D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003907:Dexamethasone; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood*
D001615:beta-Endorphin; D003907:Dexamethasone; D006854:Hydrocortisone