Prolactin response to morphine in depression

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A G Robertson, H Jackman, H Y Meltzer

    Psychiatry Research
    |April 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Major depressive disorder patients showed a significantly lower prolactin response to morphine sulfate compared to healthy individuals. This suggests potential neuroendocrine abnormalities in depression.

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroendocrinology
    • Psychiatry
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex mental health condition.
    • Neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine and serotonin, are implicated in MDD.
    • Anterior pituitary function may be altered in psychiatric disorders.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the prolactin response to morphine sulfate in unmedicated patients with MDD.
    • To compare prolactin levels in MDD patients with healthy controls and patients with other psychiatric diagnoses.

    Main Methods:

    • Administration of morphine sulfate (5 mg, i.v.) to participants.
    • Measurement of serum prolactin levels.
    • Comparison of maximum prolactin response among groups: MDD inpatients, normal controls, and other psychiatric inpatients.

    Main Results:

    • Mean maximum prolactin response was significantly lower in MDD patients compared to normal controls and other psychiatric patients.
    • 8 out of 15 MDD patients exhibited a prolactin response lower than the lowest response in normal controls.
    • Six MDD patients showed blunted prolactin responses (< 2 ng/ml) at 60 minutes.

    Conclusions:

    • Diminished prolactin increase after morphine in MDD patients may indicate anterior pituitary dysfunction.
    • Potential neuroregulatory system abnormalities (opioid, dopamine, serotonin) are suggested in MDD.
    • These findings highlight potential neuroendocrine alterations in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder.

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