PLASMA PROLACTIN RESPONSE TO D-FENFLURAMINE IN OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE PATIENTS BEFORE AND AFTER FLUVOXAMINE TREATMENT

The prolactin (PRL) responses to oral d-fenfluramine (30 mg) and place bo were assessed in 13 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OC D) and in matched healthy subjects. After the neuroendocrine test, all patients were treated with fluvoxamine maleate (150-300 mg/day). At t he end of the 10th week of treatment, 10 patients underwent again the neuroendocrine assessment. In drug-free patients, the PRL response to d-fenfluramine was significantly lower than in the comparison group. A fter 10-week fluvoxamine treatment, the PRL response to the serotonerg ic agent normalized These findings suggest that, at least at the neuro endocrine level, central serotonergic responsivity is reduced in drug- free OCD patients, and that long-term fluvoxamine administration is as sociated with its normalization. (C) 1997 Society of Biological Psychi atry.