BACLOFEN-INDUCED GROWTH-HORMONE RELEASE IN MAJOR DEPRESSION - RELATIONSHIP TO DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESSION TEST RESULT

Fifteen patients with DSM-III-R major depression and 15 matched compar ison subjects underwent baclofen-induced growth hormone (GH) release a nd the dexamethasone suppression test (DST). The GH responses of the p atients were significantly blunted, especially those of the patients w ho were DST nonsuppressors. These findings may indicate lower than nor mal responsivity of type B gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA-B) receptors in depression and a relationship between GABA-B receptor abnormality a nd dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.