Anterior pituitary hormone secretion in chronic schizophrenics

Venous samples were obtained serially from 18 chronic schizophrenics and nine controls before and after the intravenous administration of protirelin and gonadorelin (gonadotropin releasing hormone [GnRH] ) and by venipuncture from 38 controls. Significant reductions in basal luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were found in the schizophrenic group associated with a reduction in the fluctuation of LH in serial samples. The FSH and prolactin responses to the administration of protirelin and gonadorelin were reduced in the schizophrenic group and abnormal increments of growth hormone secretion were noted in a number of patients, particularly those with reduced basal and stimulated hormone secretion. This pattern of hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, which is distinct from that seen in other psychiatric and endocrinological conditions, suggests a reduction in spontaneous GnRH release from the hypothalamus in schizophrenia and may be of potential pathophysiological significance.