CORTICOSTEROID RECEPTOR-MEDIATED EFFECTS ON MOOD IN HUMANS

The present double-blind cross-over study aimed to discriminate effect s of dexamethasone (DEX) and cortisol (CORT) on mood in ten healthy me n. DEX is assumed to predominantly activate glucocorticoid receptors ( GR) whereas CORT binds central nervous mineralocorticoid receptors (MR ) as well as GR. Mood was assessed by an extensive adjective checklist (Eigenschaftswoerterliste) every morning during two 7-day experimenta l periods. During one of these periods, subjects were subchronically t reated with placebo, during the other they received DEX (4 mg/day). On days 5 and 7 of these periods, (in a balanced manner) either placebo or CORT (10 mg/h) was infused during the night (9 h) before mood asses sment. DEX, acutely, enhanced activation, concentration, and arousal ( p<.05). During prolonged DEX administration, the energizing effect of the glucocorticoid decreased, but emotional arousability and negative feelings (anger, sadness) were significantly enhanced. CORT administer ed during prolonged DEX treatment, counteracted these negative feeling s, and enhanced scores on a dimension of ''high spirits''. Sole admini stration of CORT also enhanced ''high spirits'' (p<.05) and, like DEX, activation and concentration (p<.05). Results suggest GR to mediate a n energizing effect and, with prolonged activation, a dysphoric influe nce on mood. Predominant activation of MR appears to mediate changes t owards euphoric mood. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd