HPA axis dysfunction in major depression: Relationship to 5-HT1A receptor activity

Major depression is associated with a dysfunction of the serotonergic activ ity and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Moreover, a reciproc al relationship between the serotonergic and HPA axis systems has been hypo thesized. The purpose of the present study was to assess the relationship b etween sensitivity of 5-HT1A receptors as measured by hormonal (ACTH, corti sol and PRL) and temperature responses to flesinoxan and HPA axis activity as measured by the dexamethasone suppression test. The sample included 21 i npatients with major depression. Dexamethasone nonsuppressors exhibited low er ACTH responses to flesinoxan as compared with dexamethasone suppressors. The results showed that a dysfunction in 5-HT1A receptor activity could be due to a hypersecretion of cortisol. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basa l.