Baclofen-induced growth hormone release in major depression: relationship to dexamethasone suppression test result

Fifteen patients with DSM-III-R major depression and 15 matched comparison subjects underwent baclofen-induced growth hormone (GH) release and the dexamethasone suppression test (DST). The GH responses of the patients were significantly blunted, especially those of the patients who were DST nonsuppressors. These findings may indicate lower than normal responsivity of type B gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA-B) receptors in depression and a relationship between GABA-B receptor abnormality and dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.