PLASMA CORTICOTROPIN-RELEASING FACTOR IN DEPRESSIVE-DISORDERS

Background: The aim of this work was to investigate alterations of pla sma corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) levels in depressive states. We have also measured plasma cortisol and corticotropin (ACTH) concent rations and examined their correlation with the peripheral CRF values, Methods: Thirty-six outpatients from the psychiatric department of a Barcelona hospital who were diagnosed as having major depressive disor der (n = 26) and dysthymic depressive disorder (n = 10) were studied A mong the major depressed patients, 10 suffered from severe depressive disorder and 16 from mild or moderate depressive disorder. The compari son group consisted of 17 healthy, volunteers. Cortisol, ACTH, and CRF concentrations were determined by iodine-125 radioimmunoassay; CRF me asurements were performed on C-18 extracted samples, Results: CRF and cortisol plasma concentrations M were significantly higher in major de pression and dysthymia than in the comparison group. The major depress ed patients did not show significantly different CRF and cortisol leve ls than the dysthymic. Severe major depressive disorder exhibited sign ificantly higher CRF plasma levels than rite mild or moderate episodes , Plasma cortisol and CRF concentrations correlated significantly. Con clusions: The results obtained indicate that plasma CRF values are alt ered in depressive disorders and suggest that these determinations cou ld be important for understanding the pathophysiology in affective ill ness. Biol Psychiatry 1998;44:15-20 (C) 1998 Society of Biological Psy chiatry.