Abstract
A previous report by our group and results published by other research groups have indicated a dichotomy in MHPG levels in depressed patients. This study attempted to characterize phenomena associated with this dichotomy in plasma MHPG levels. First, we have noted, at least in female patients, that homogeneity of MHPG levels, as tested by fitting with a normal curve, can be ruled out. In contrast, in the total population, a dichotomy was less evident in this study; the 2 subgroups, high and low levels of MHPG, partially overlap, and this results in a gaussian distribution. However, based on the hypothesis of a bimodal distribution, as shown by others and not excluded here, it was possible to find some factors associated with heterogeneity. Thus, polarity of depression, sex and age of the patients, age of disease onset and depression score affect MHPG levels. On the other hand, other elements suspected to modify MHPG values, such as the different lengths of the washout period (minimum 10 days), or some medication (chloralhydrate or levomepromazine) required during the washout period, did not show any effect. The aim of this study was to better characterize this peripheral index for its possible use in clinical application.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
