Growth Hormone Response to Clonidine After Recovery in Patients with Endogenous Depression

1988 ◽  
Vol 152 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. B. Mitchell ◽  
J. A. Bearn ◽  
T. H. Corn ◽  
S. A. Checkley
Keyword(s):  
Growth Hormone ◽  
Hypotensive Effect ◽  
Endogenous Depression ◽  
Growth Hormone Response ◽  
Hormone Response ◽  
Clinical Recovery ◽  
Trait Marker ◽  
Alpha2 Adrenoceptor ◽  
Drug Free

The growth hormone response to clonidine was measured in ten drug-free recovered patients, seven of whom had previously been tested when endogenously depressed, and compared with the response in ten individually matched controls. In eight of the patients there was an impairment of the growth hormone response, despite clinical recovery, although the hypotensive effect of clonidine in these patients was normal. This is suggestive of a persisting abnormal alpha2-adrenoceptor function in forebrain regions after recovery from an episode of endogenous depression, and may represent a trait marker for this condition.

Growth Hormone and other Responses to Clonidine in Patients with Endogenous Depression

1981 ◽  
Vol 138 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Checkley ◽  
A. P. Slade ◽  
E. Shur
Keyword(s):  
Growth Hormone ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Endogenous Depression ◽  
Growth Hormone Response ◽  
Hormone Response ◽  
Sedative Effects ◽  
Drug Free ◽  
Age And Sex ◽  
Neuroendocrine Systems

SummaryThe growth hormone response to clonidine was significantly less in 10 drug-free patients with endogenous depression than in 10 normal subjects who were individually matched with the patients for age and sex. The hypotensive and sedative effects of clonidine in the two groups were similar. The findings may indicate a defect at central a adrenoceptors at least in neuroendocrine systems.

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