Neuroendocrine responses to intravenous tryptophan in major depression.

Journal article

The increases in plasma levels of prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) following intravenous administration of the 5-hydroxytryptamine precursor tryptophan (100 mg/kg) were assessed in 30 depressed patients and 30 control subjects. In depressed patients who lost less than 10 lb, PRL responses were significantly reduced compared with controls. In contrast, the PRL responses of patients with weight loss exceeding 10 lb were significantly greater than those of either controls or the other dep...

Expand abstract

Authors: Cowen, P; Charig, E

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Archives of general psychiatry
• Volume: 44
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 958-966
• Publication date: 1987-11-01
• DOI: 10.1001/archpsyc.1987.01800230038008
• EISSN: 1538-3636
• ISSN: 0003-990X
• Language: English
• Keywords: Injections, Intravenous; Middle Aged; Adult; Depression; Male; Osmolar Concentration; Growth Hormone; Benzodiazepines; Neurosecretory Systems; Tryptophan; Sleep Stages; Humans; Female; Prolactin; Aged; Hydrocortisone