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Elevated CSF corticotropin-releasing factor concentrations in posttraumatic stress disorder
J D Bremner1, J Licinio, A Darnell
1Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn., USA.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) show higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). These elevated CRF levels may contribute to arousal disturbances in PTSD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Stress Research
Background:
- Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and somatostatin are key mediators of stress responses.
- Understanding their role in chronic stress conditions like PTSD is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of CRF and somatostatin.
- To compare these levels between combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and control subjects.
Main Methods:
- CSF samples were collected via lumbar puncture from 11 Vietnam combat veterans with PTSD and 17 comparison subjects.
- Concentrations of CRF and somatostatin in CSF were measured and compared between groups.
Main Results:
- CSF CRF concentrations were significantly higher in PTSD patients compared to controls (29.0 pg/ml vs. 21.9 pg/ml).
- CSF somatostatin concentrations were also higher in PTSD patients (19.9 pg/ml vs. 13.7 pg/ml), though significance decreased after age adjustment.
Conclusions:
- Elevated CSF CRF levels in PTSD patients suggest alterations in stress-related neurotransmitter systems.
- Higher CSF CRF may be implicated in the arousal disturbances experienced by individuals with PTSD.