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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Richard Porter, Dr Peter GallagherORCiD, Dr Stuart Watson, Margaret Smith, Professor Allan Young
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Rationale: Several previous neuroendocrine studies have demonstrated reduced 5-HT1A receptor function in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, hypercortisolaemia or previous drug treatment may have been significant confounds. Objectives: To replicate previous studies in subjects with MDD who had been drug free for at least 8 weeks and to relate the findings to measures of HPA axis function. Methods: Hormonal responses to L-tryptophan infusion were measured in patients with MDD (n=20) and healthy controls (n=20). Basal salivary cortisol and DHEA were also profiled. Results: No attenuation of 5-HT1A receptor-dependent neuroendocrine responses (growth hormone, prolactin) was observed in patients with MDD. The prolactin response to L-tryptophan was significantly greater in MDD patients than in healthy controls (P=0.008). There was a significant negative correlation between prolactin response and basal salivary cortisol secretion over the 3 days prior to the test. Conclusions: These data do not support previous findings of reduced 5-HT1A function in MDD and suggest that hypercortisolaemia or psychotropic medication may have accounted for the attenuation. Basal cortisol, DHEA and the cortisoL-DHEA ratio did not differ between patients and controls, and all patients were psychotropic medication-free. The greater prolactin response to L-tryptophan infusion in depressed subjects may be the result of an increase in dopamine receptor sensitivity, secondary to reduced dopamine levels.
Author(s): Porter RJ, Gallagher P, Watson S, Smith MS, Young AH
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Psychopharmacology
Year: 2003
Volume: 169
Issue: 1
Pages: 77-83
Print publication date: 01/08/2003
ISSN (print): 0033-3158
ISSN (electronic): 1432-2072
Publisher: Springer
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00213-003-1475-1
DOI: 10.1007/s00213-003-1475-1
PubMed id: 12728300
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