Disruption of circadian MHPG rhythmicity in major depression.
Plasma concentrations of total (free plus conjugated) 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) were determined every 3 hr for a 24-hr period in 32 unipolar depressed patients, 11 bipolar depressed patients, and 12 healthy subjects. Each subject's circadian MHPG rhythmicity was modeled by a sinusoidal function. Temporal parameters were estimated by linear least squares regression with a fixed 24-hr period. The variabilities associated with estimates of circadian amplitude and acrophase were roughly twice as large in the patients compared to healthy subjects. Phase advances were associated most significantly with the agitated rather than the retarded subtype of depression, and with first episode depressions. Treatment with desipramine (n = 26) did not alter significantly any of the model parameters and had no effect on circadian variability in any patient group. The data overall support a dysregulation theory for depressive illness with phase advances representing one manifestation of such dysregulation.
Piletz
J E
JE
Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216-4505.
DeMet
E
E
Gwirtsman
H E
HE
Halaris
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D003891:Desipramine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008734:Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012016:Reference Values
D008734:Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol; D003891:Desipramine