Central serotonergic effects of m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) among normal control adolescents

Central serotonin function was studied among 21 adolescents (12 males, 9 females), mean age 14.4+/-1.5 years. A placebo-controlled design was used to measure three neuroendocrine hormones (prolactin, cortisol and growth hormone) following a challenge with the central serotonergic agonist m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP). Infusion of mCPP resulted in augmented prolactin, cortisol and growth hormone release. Gender effects were significant for prolactin, cortisol and growth hormone. Females had higher baseline prolactin without significant interactions with infusion or time, cortisol levels were higher in males than in females at all time points without significant interactions with infusion or time, and the augmented growth hormone response to mCPP was limited to males. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and temperature were all mildly elevated following mCPP infusion. Side effects to mCPP infusion were mild and lasted approximately 20 min. We conclude that mCPP is useful in the study of serotonergic neuroendocrine hormones in adolescents, is well tolerated, and the levels of prolactin, cortisol and growth hormone are influenced by gender.