The prolactin response to fenfluramine in schizophrenia is associated withnegative symptoms

We examined the serotonergic system in drug-free inpatients [schizophrenia (n = 28) and schizoaffective (n = 7)] by administering a challenge dose of oral nl-fenfluramine (fenfluramine) in a controlled angiocatheter study. Se venteen of these patients were also randomized to a placebo condition in ad dition to receiving fenfluramine. Response to fenfluramine as reflected by changes in serum prolactin and cortisol were examined by repeated measures ANOVA, as well as Area Under the Curves (AUCs). The prolactin response, but not the cortisol response, was significantly correlated with measures of n egative symptoms. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.