Abstract

In order to delineate putatively coexisting dysregulations between sympathoadrenal system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis during depression, the authors measured the following: the pre and postdexamethasone (1 mg) 24 hr urine excretion of noradrenaline, dopamine, adrenaline, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), free cortisol (UFC), and plasma cortisol. Melancholic patients were characterized by a significantly higher excretion of noradrenaline, dopamine and adrenaline, combined with significantly increased UFC, postdexamethasone plasma cortisol, and UFC values. We found significant and positive correlations between UFC on the one hand, and the 24hr urine excretion of noradrenaline, dopamine, and adrenaline, on the other. By the same token, we established significant relationships between the 24 hr urine excretion of those catecholamines and the postdexamethasone UFC and plasma cortisol values. Cortisol nonsuppressors exhibited a significantly higher excretion of noradrenaline, dopamine and adrenaline, as compared with cortisol suppressors. Dexamethasone administration did not have a significant effect on the urinary output of noradrenaline, dopamine, adrenaline or MHPG.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.