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Growth hormone catecholamines in affective disease.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|November 1, 1975
Summary
This study found a link between norepinephrine levels and growth hormone release in depressed and manic patients following insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Manic patients showed a distinct pattern in growth hormone release, suggesting other neurotransmitter involvement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Metabolic studies
Background:
- Growth hormone (GH) release is influenced by central neurotransmitter systems.
- Norepinephrine is a key central neurotransmitter implicated in mood disorders.
- Insulin-induced hypoglycemia (HI) is a standard test for assessing GH release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between central norepinephrine activity and GH release after HI.
- To compare GH response patterns in unipolar depressed and manic patients.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of urinary MHPG (a norepinephrine metabolite) levels.
- Assay of GH peaks following insulin-induced hypoglycemia.
- Correlation analysis between MHPG levels and GH peaks.
Main Results:
- A significant linear correlation was observed between urinary MHPG levels and GH peaks after HI in both unipolar depressed and manic patients.
- GH peaks in manic patients were observed to be lower on the GH axis compared to unipolar depressed patients.
Conclusions:
- Urinary MHPG levels correlate with GH release following HI in mood disorders.
- Altered GH response patterns in manic patients may indicate the involvement of other neurotransmitter systems modulating GH release.