ENHANCEMENT OF THE PROLACTIN RESPONSE TO D-FENFLURAMINE IN DRUG-NAIVESCHIZOPHRENIC-PATIENTS

Background. We wished to investigate central serotonergic function in untreated schizophrenia. Method. Thirteen drug-naive, DSM-III-R schizo phrenic patients were compared with sex, race, age, weight and menstru al phase matched controls. Plasma prolactin in and cortisol responses to a specific serotonergic probe, d-fenfluramine, were measured along with BPRS ratings. Results. Prolactin responses were enhanced in schiz ophrenic patients compared to controls (P<0.05) and were correlated po sitively with BPRS items for depression, anxiety and guilt. Baseline c ortisol was also raised in those with schizophrenia (P<0.001). Conclus ions. Central serotonergic tone may be raised in acute, drug-naive sch izophrenia and may be associated with the presence of affective sympto matology.