HUMORAL ASPECTS OF SLEEP-DEPRIVATION

The effects of an antidepressant sleep deprivation on humoral systems and neurotransmitter systems are reviewed (cortisol, endorphins, thyro idea, growth hormone, prolactin, catecholamines, sexual hormones, mela tonin, serotonin). The main results are: Depressed patients have a phy siological response similar to controls with some differences between responders and nonresponders (responders are more similar to controls) . TSH is more activated in responders than in nonresponders. The dopam ine system is more activated in responders than in nonresponders and l ess activated in responders before sleep deprivation. The glucocortico id-axis in more activated in responders after sleep deprivation. In co nclusion, patients who profit from sleep deprivation can activate syst ems correlated with arousal or stress.