Decreased 5-HT-mediated prolactin release in major depression

Br J Psychiatry. 1992 Mar:160:372-8. doi: 10.1192/bjp.160.3.372.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Clomipramine
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / physiopathology*
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Personality Inventory
  • Prolactin / blood*
  • Receptors, Serotonin / drug effects
  • Receptors, Serotonin / physiology
  • Serotonin / physiology*
  • Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone

Substances

  • Receptors, Serotonin
  • Serotonin
  • Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Prolactin
  • Clomipramine