Circadian Analysis of Plasma Cortisol Levels Before and After Dexamethasone Administration in Depressed Patients

1984 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry Sherman
1969 ◽  
Vol 115 (522) ◽  
pp. 575-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Elithorn ◽  
P. K. Bridges ◽  
J. R. Hodges ◽  
M. T. Jones

In a previous paper (Hodges, Jones, Elithorn and Bridges, 1964) we reported on adrenocortical activity in depressed and schizophrenic patients as revealed by plasma cortisol levels before and after electro-convulsive therapy (E.C.T.). Close similarity was found between the two groups except for three depressed patients who appeared to show considerably higher cortisol levels after the treatment than did the remaining subjects. The patients were examined at random different treatments during the whole treatment course and it appeared possible, both that the observed cortisol response to E.C.T. might depend partly on which treatment of the series in a whole course was under examination, and also that the response of the illness to therapy might be a significant factor. It was therefore decided to observe in a number of subjects the response to successive treatments throughout courses of E.C.T.


1991 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-37
Author(s):  
A Tobeña ◽  
X Sanchez ◽  
J Masana ◽  
MJ Martinez de Osaba

SummaryIn 32 patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, Bmax measures of 5-HT binding in platelets did not differ from normal controls at baseline. Plasmatic cortisol levels were significantly higher than controls in the morning and in the evening measures as well as in post-dexamethasone assays. Following an 8-week treatment period with alprazolam plus behavioral guidance encouraging exposure, Bmax values did not alter but cortisol measures diminished significantly. Measures of phobic avoidance were negatively correlated with 5-HT Bmax values. Plasmatic cortisol correlated positively with the number of situational panic attacks in the month before treatment. There were no correlations between cortisol and 5-HT Bmax measures. A possible link between serotonin function and phobic avoidance is discussed. Cortisol changes were interpreted as being related to the global severity of the anxious state.


1995 ◽  
Vol 144 (3) ◽  
pp. 425-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Wik

Abstract Plasma cortisol and serum 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyl glycol (MHPG) were determined before and after 5–6 weeks of neuroleptic treatment in patients with schizophrenia. Following drug treatment both plasma cortisol and serum MHPG levels in patients decreased and plasma cortisol levels were also lower than in unmedicated healthy controls. Indications of a relationship between the reduction of cortisol and MHPG levels were found. The data show that neuroleptic drug treatment inhibits cortisol secretion. It is speculated that this inhibition could be related to reduced noradrenergic activity. Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 144, 425–429


1998 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 369-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Cappai ◽  
S. R. Sanna ◽  
A. Branca ◽  
A. Fraghì ◽  
G. Bomboi

AbstractLaparoscopic insemination with frozen-thawed semen is currently used for planned matings in the Sarda breeding programme. In order to find a fast and less intrusive artificial insemination (AI) method that could replace laparoscopic insemination, a field comparison of laparoscopic and transcervical techniques was carried out on 200 mature Sarda ewes. After AI, ewes were assigned to teaser and fertile rams for 2 months. Return rates and cumulative (AI + natural mating) lambing rates were recorded over three subsequent 23-day periods. Lambing rates to AI were significantly different (P < 0·01), and were 62% and 7% respectively for laparoscopic and transcervical AI. Cumulative lambing rates after two further 23-day periods of natural mating were no longer significantly different (P > 0·05) and reached 82% and 74% respectively. Ewes with body condition scores at AI higher than 2·75 showed better overall reproductive performance, but not higher pregnancy rate to AI. Plasma cortisol concentrations, sampled twice, before and after AI, were higher (P < 0·01) in the last sample, suggesting a stress response to insemination. Cortisol levels after AI were lower (P < 0·01) for ewes submitted to transcervical rather than laparoscopic insemination (P < 0·01). However, cortisol levels after AI were no greater than those recorded when ewes were restrained in a milking yoke different from that usually employed. Laparoscopic AI was confirmed as the most suitable technique for insemination offrozen semen in the Sarda breeding scheme.


2007 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. S338-S339 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Camardese ◽  
F. Adamo ◽  
L. Mosca ◽  
A. Picello ◽  
G. Pizi ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
B. Mattioli ◽  
G. Camardese ◽  
G. Pizi ◽  
F. Adamo ◽  
P. Bria

An analysis of the biological mechanisms underlying both aggression and major depression (MD) shows the implication of common features. There is a well known link between MD and hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Moreover, the HPA axis dysfunction has been identified as a promising predictor of suicidal behaviours in mood disorders.The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between aggressive behaviour and plasma cortisol levels during a Major Depression Episode (MDE).83 patients (M/F = 43/40; mean age 47,70±14,52) with a Mood Disorder during a MDE have been recruited at the Day Clinic of Psychiatry of the Catholic University in Rome.A blood sample for the determination of plasma cortisol levels was collected before antidepressant treatment. Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) was used to evaluate aggression traits such as Verbal Aggression (VA), Physical Aggression (PA), Anger (A), Hostility (H) and total Aggression score (AQtot). No significant correlation between plasma cortisol levels and VA, A, H or AQtot was found. A positive correlation between PA scores and plasma cortisol levels was reported (r = 0.39; p = 0.007).Physical Aggression underline a risk for subsequent inner-directed violence, including suicidal thoughts and behaviours and it is also associated to a serotoninergic system dysfunction. An abnormal interaction between the HPA mechanisms and serotonergic systems has also been suggested in suicidal behaviours.Our results confirm the importance of further research with more sensitive markers to monitor HPA axis activity (e.g. Dexamethasone/CRH test), serotonergic activity and psychopathological features in depressed patients.


1989 ◽  
Vol 120 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. N. Thornton ◽  
R. F. Parrott

Abstract. Ovariectomized ewes (N = 7) were dehydrated for 24 h and then given iv injections of saline vehicle or 8 or 64 mg naloxone hydrochloride in saline. Blood samples were taken by jugular venepuncture before and after dehydration and at intervals during the 90 min period directly following naloxone treatment. Plasma concentrations of AVP, OT and cortisol were measured by radioimmunoassay. Plasma AVP levels and osmolality increased with dehydration, OT concentrations showed no consistent change, and cortisol levels were unaffected. After administration of naloxone, AVP and OT concentrations did not alter. The sampling procedure increased plasma cortisol levels and the duration of this response was prolonged by the 64 mg dose of naloxone.


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