Alterations in cortisol negative feedback inhibition as examined using the ACTH response to cortisol administration in PTSD.
OBJECTIVE
Studies using the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) have demonstrated an enhanced negative feedback inhibition at the pituitary in PTSD, but have not provided information about central feedback effects, since dexamethasone (DEX) does not penetrate the brain well. The authors therefore examined the change in ACTH and cortisol before and after cortisol administration, which acts at central feedback sites in addition to peripheral targets.


METHODS
Blood was obtained from 31 male veterans (18 with PTSD) before, and 8, 40 and 95 min following injection of 17.5 mg cortisol and placebo.


RESULTS
A greater decline in ACTH was observed after cortisol injection in PTSD.


CONCLUSIONS
Central as well as peripheral negative feedback inhibition may be altered in PTSD.
Yehuda
Rachel
R
The Traumatic Stress Studies Program, Psychiatry Department, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and the Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468, USA. rachel.yehuda@med.va.gov
Yang
Ren-Kui
RK
Buchsbaum
Monte S
MS
Golier
Julia A
JA
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D000368:Aged; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D025461:Feedback, Physiological; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D014728:Veterans
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone