Background: It is commonly believed that there exists a relationship between the outcome of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) test, the combined dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone (DEX/CRH) test and stressful life events (SLEs) in major depressive disorder. Objective: SLEs influence the TRH and DEX/CRH tests in major depressive disorder when administered at the time of admission and improvement. Methods: The TRH and DEX/CRH tests were administered to patients hospitalized for major depressive disorders – on the 4th through the 7th hospital day and at the time of improvement. We measured ΔMAX TSH, ΔMAX ACTH, ACTH AUC, ΔMAX cortisol, cortisol AUC, ΔMAX ACTH/ΔMAX TSH and ΔMAX cortisol/ΔMAX TSH. Results: SLEs were significantly negatively associated with ΔMAX ACTH, ACTH AUC and cortisol AUC at the time of admission. However, these relationships lost significance at the time of improvement. The sample (41 patients at the time of admission, 18 patients at the time of improvement) was relatively small, which may have contributed to false-negative results. Conclusion: SLEs may be negatively associated with the outcome of the DEX/CRH tests in major depressive disorder. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in the DEX/CRH test was modulated by SLEs.

Keywords:
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone test, Dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone test, Depression, Stressful life event, Biological marker
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel
2007
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.