Further neuroendocrine evidence of enhanced vasopressin V3 receptor responses in melancholic depression.
Affiliation
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University College Cork, Cork, University Hospital, Wilton, Ireland.Issue Date
2012-02-03T15:08:42ZMeSH
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/*blood/drug effectsAdult
Control Groups
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/*pharmacology
Deamino Arginine Vasopressin/*pharmacology
Depressive Disorder, Major/*metabolism
Female
Humans
Hydrocortisone/*blood
Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism
Male
Middle Aged
Pituitary-Adrenal System/metabolism
Receptors, Vasopressin/blood/*drug effects
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Psychol Med. 2004 Jan;34(1):169-72.Journal
Psychological medicinePubMed ID
14971638Abstract
BACKGROUND: In situations of chronic stress vasopressin plays an important role in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of anterior pituitary vasopressin V3 receptors in maintaining the hypercortisolism seen in melancholic depression. METHOD: Fourteen patients with major depression and 14 age- and sex-matched healthy comparison subjects were recruited. Desmopressin (ddAVP) 10 microg was given intravenously and ACTH and cortisol release was monitored for 120 min. RESULTS: The mean +/- S.E.M. ACTH response in the depressives was 28.4 +/- 4.3 ng/l and in the healthy subjects was 18.8 +/- 4.9 ng/l (P = 0.04). The mean +/- S.E.M. cortisol response in the depressives was 261.8 +/- 46.5 nmol/l and in the healthy subjects was 107.3 +/- 26.1 nmol/l (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with major depression have augmented ACTH and cortisol responses to desmopressin indicating enhanced V3 responsivity.Language
engISSN
0033-2917 (Print)0033-2917 (Linking)