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Cortisol production rate in posttraumatic stress disorder
G H Trevor Wheler1, David Brandon, Aaron Clemons
1Department of Psychiatry, UHN-80, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, USA. whelert@ohsu.edu
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|June 22, 2006
Summary
This study found no significant differences in cortisol levels or production rates in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These findings suggest PTSD is not linked to an acute biological stress response.
Area of Science:
- Neurobiology
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Previous studies suggested lower cortisol levels in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Cortisol, a key stress hormone, plays a vital role in the body's response to stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cortisol levels, production rates, and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) binding in PTSD patients versus controls.
- To investigate the biological stress response in chronic PTSD.
Main Methods:
- Stable isotope dilution technique for cortisol production rate (CPR) assessment.
- Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and immunoassay for cortisol and metabolite measurements.
- Mononuclear leukocyte assays for glucocorticoid receptor (GR) binding characteristics.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in serum or salivary cortisol levels or circadian patterns between PTSD patients and controls.
- Urinary cortisol levels were lower in PTSD patients, but this was not confirmed by more precise methods.
- Cortisol production rate (CPR) and GR binding capacity and affinity were comparable between groups.
Conclusions:
- Chronic, unprovoked posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not characterized by an acute biological stress response.
- The study challenges previous findings of significantly altered cortisol metabolism in PTSD.