Enhancement of the prolactin response to d-fenfluramine in drug-naive schizophrenic patients.
BACKGROUND
We wished to investigate central serotonergic function in untreated schizophrenia.


METHODS
Thirteen drug-naive, DSM-III-R schizophrenic patients were compared with sex, race, age, weight and menstrual phase matched controls. Plasma prolactin and cortisol responses to a specific serotonergic probe, d-fenfluramine, were measured along with BPRS ratings.


RESULTS
Prolactin responses were enhanced in schizophrenic patients compared to controls (P < 0.05) and were correlated positively with BPRS items for depression, anxiety and guilt. Baseline cortisol was also raised in those with schizophrenia (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Central serotonergic tone may be raised in acute, drug-naive schizophrenia and may be associated with the presence of affective symptomatology.
Abel
K M
KM
Institute of Psychiatry, London.
O'Keane
V
V
Murray
R M
RM
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005277:Fenfluramine; D006167:Guilt; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012016:Reference Values; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology*
D005277:Fenfluramine; D012701:Serotonin; D011388:Prolactin; D006854:Hydrocortisone