GROWTH-HORMONE NEUROSECRETORY DYSFUNCTION IN MAJOR DEPRESSIVE-ILLNESS

Neurotransmitter impairments in MDI can also affect hormonal neuroregu lation. Therefore, we decided to study the integrated concentration of growth hormone (IC-GH) and its 24-h secretory profile in this patholo gy. Ten women with major depressive illness (MDI) (three premenopausal and seven postmenopausal) and four normal matched controls (one preme nopausal and three postmenopausal) were evaluated. Samples were obtain ed every 30 min using a constant withdrawal pump. Growth hormone (GH) pulses were analysed by Cluster System. Twenty-four hour IC-GH was eva luated as area under the curve (AUG) and the following results were fo und: depressed (D)=429.15 +/- 367.9 vs. controls (C)=1281.07 +/- 379.7 7 (p < .008); nocturnal IC-GH: D=220 +/- 274.0 vs. C=739.52 +/- 378.15 (p < .02). No statistically significant differences were found betwee n D and C in diurnal IC-GH or in the number of nocturnal or diurnal pu lses. Adrenal (cortisol at 0800h, 2300h and post-suppression with 1 mg of dexamethasone) and thyroid (T3, T4, 0800h and 1700h TSH) evaluatio ns did not show statistically significant differences between D and C women. In conclusion, patients with MDI present a decrease in total GH secretion at the expense of the nocturnal period, probably due to cha nges in the neurotransmitters that would be involved in depression.