Effect of imipramine treatment on the prolactin response to fenfluramine and placebo challenge in depressed patients.
As an index of central serotonergic function, plasma prolactin response to fenfluramine (60 mg orally) and placebo challenge was examined in 10 depressed patients before and after treatment with imipramine 200 mg/day for 3 weeks. Although baseline prolactin levels were not altered by imipramine, the prolactin response to fenfluramine was significantly (P = 0.01) increased compared to the response in the untreated state. The response to placebo was also enhanced but this effect was of lesser magnitude and not statistically significant. These findings complement previous reports and suggest that tricyclic antidepressant treatment enhances serotonergically mediated neuroendocrine responses.
Shapira
B
B
Research Department, Jerusalem Mental Health Center, Ezrath Nashim Hospital, Israel.
Reiss
A
A
Kaiser
N
N
Kindler
S
S
Lerer
B
B
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005277:Fenfluramine; D006801:Humans; D007099:Imipramine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000187:drug effects
D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D005277:Fenfluramine; D011388:Prolactin; D007099:Imipramine