Decreased 5-HT-mediated prolactin release in major depression.

Journal article

The prolactin response to intravenous clomipramine, a 5-HT uptake inhibitor, was significantly attenuated in 12 patients with major depression. In contrast, in a further 12 depressed patients, the PRL responses to thyrotropin-releasing hormone, which acts directly on the pituitary to release PRL, were not reduced. These findings suggest that the reduction in 5-HT-mediated PRL release seen in depressed patients is due to an impairment of brain 5-HT function rather than a pituitary abnormality.

Authors: Anderson, I; Ware, C; da Roza Davis, J; Cowen, P

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science
• Volume: 160
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 372-378
• Publication date: 1992-03-01
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.160.3.372
• EISSN: 1472-1465
• ISSN: 0007-1250
• Language: English
• Keywords: Prolactin; Infusions, Intravenous; Humans; Receptors, Serotonin; Male; Personality Inventory; Adult; Depressive Disorder; Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone; Clomipramine; Female; Brain; Serotonin