Association of microcephalin 1, syntrophin-beta 1, and other genes with automatic thoughts in the Japanese population

Automatic thoughts may be risk factors for depression and anxiety, and should be detected early. However, the genetic basis of automatic thoughts remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the genetic association of automatic thoughts with SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) involved in cognition, neurogenesis, neuronal cell structure, neurotransmitters, hypothalamus-pituitary adrenal axis and psychiatric illness. The study included 610 healthy participants. We used the Depression and Anxiety Cognition Scale (DACS), a Japanese psychological questionnaire, to assess automatic thoughts. Twenty-five SNPs including COMT, BDNF, FKBP5, SNTB1 (syntrophin-beta 1, rs4512418), and MCPH1 (microcephalin 1, rs2911968) were selected according to their minor allele frequency. Linear regression models were used to test association of mean DACS scores with each allele (major-allele homozygote, heterozygote, and minor-allele homozygote). The significant α-value was set at α < 0.002. Statistical analysis was conducted using SNPStats. Call rates for all genotypes were >98%. Eighteen SNPs did not deviate from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and 7 were excluded from statistical analysis. Significant associations of SNTB1 with interpersonal threat and MCPH1 with future denial were observed only in females. SNTB1 and MCPH1 are located on chromosome 8, which may be involved in neuroticism, avoidant personality and depression. Our results demonstrated that DACS scores showing significant interaction with the 2 SNPs may be regarded as appropriate traits to detect the diathesis of automatic thoughts. The 2 SNPs may be important loci in research on cognitive vulnerability to depression and anxiety.

Association of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism with HPA and SAM axis reactivity to psychological and physical stress

BACKGROUND

Decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in enhanced stress responses. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is associated with psychological changes; for example, carriers of the Met allele exhibit increased harm avoidance as well as a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety disorder.

METHODS

To analyze the effects of BDNF Val66Met on stress responses, we tested 226 university students (88 women and 138 men) using a social stress procedure (Trier Social Stress Test [TSST]) and an electrical stimulation stress test. Stress indices were derived from repeated measurements of salivary α-amylase, salivary cortisol, heart rate, and psychological testing during the stress tests. All subjects were genotyped for the Val66Met polymorphism (G196A).

RESULTS

A significant three-way interaction (time [3 levels] × BDNF [Val/Val, Val/Met, Met/Met]; P<0.05) was demonstrated that revealed different salivary cortisol responses in the TSST but not in electrical stimulation. Met/Met women had stronger cortisol responses than Val/Met and Val/Val individuals in the TSST. Met/Met men exhibited stronger salivary cortisol responses than Val/Met and Val/Val individuals in the TSST.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that a common, functionally significant polymorphism in BDNF had different effects on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis reactivity but not on sympathetic adrenomedullary reactivity in TSST and electrical stimulation tests.

Salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol responsiveness following electrical stimulation stress in obsessive-compulsive disorder patients

Salivary α-amylase (sAA) serves as a marker of sympathoadrenal medullary system (SAM) activity. Salivary AA has not been extensively studied in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients. In the current study, 45 OCD patients and 75 healthy volunteers were assessed with the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), the Profile of Mood State (POMS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Measures of heart rate variability (HRV), sAA, and salivary cortisol were also obtained following the application of electrical stimulation stress. The Y-BOCS and POMS Tension-Anxiety, Depression-Dejection, Anger-Hostility, Fatigue, and Confusion scores were significantly increased in patients with OCD compared with healthy controls. In contrast, Vigor scores were significantly decreased in patients with OCD relative to scores in healthy controls. There was no difference in HRV between the patients and the controls. Salivary AA levels in female and male OCD patients were significantly elevated relative to controls both before and after electrical stimulation. In contrast, there were no differences in salivary cortisol levels between OCD patients and controls. The elevated secretion of sAA before and after stimulation may suggest an increased responsiveness to novel and uncontrollable situations in patients with OCD. An increase in sAA might be a characteristic change of OCD.

Salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol responsiveness following electrical stimulation stress in patients with the generalized type of social anxiety disorder

INTRODUCTION

Social anxiety disorder is believed to be a stress-induced disease. Although it can be inferred from the symptoms during attacks that there exists some abnormality of autonomic nervous system in any of the stress systems in social anxiety disorder, little evidence has been reported. This study focused on comparing the reactivity of 2 stress systems, the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in patients with social anxiety disorder.

METHODS

32 patients with the generalized type of social anxiety disorder were compared with 80 age- and gender-matched controls. We collected saliva samples from patients and controls before and after electrical stimulation to measure the concentrations of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and salivary cortisol. Profile of Mood State (POMS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) were also determined following stimulation.

RESULTS

SAA in patients displayed a significantly higher level at baseline and a significantly larger response to electrical stimulation as compared to controls, whereas no group differences were seen in any HRV. Neither within-subject nor group differences were seen in salivary cortisol levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that SAD patients displayed enhanced ANS (but not HPA axis) activity vs. healthy controls.

The value of ethyl cysteinate dimer single photon emission computed tomography in predicting antidepressant treatment response in patients with major depression

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the reversal of compromised regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in older patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) is dependent on specific parameters of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment and to examine the efficacy of such treatment.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with moderate MDD were studied following 8 weeks of treatment with SSRIs. Twelve patients displayed a positive response to SSRIs, whereas 33 patients did not respond to SSRI treatment. A comparison group of 30 healthy volunteers was also studied. The age of all participants was greater than 50 years. Age, gender, and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores were examined. The rCBF was assessed using 99mTc-ethyl cysteinate dimer single photon emission computed tomography after SSRI treatment.

RESULTS

The rCBF levels in the right middle frontal cortex in non-responsive MDD patients were lower compared with responsive MDD patients. Compared with healthy controls, non-responders had significantly lower rCBF levels in the bilateral middle frontal cortex and insula and had significantly higher rCBF levels in the bilateral inferior frontal cortex and left middle temporal cortex. Compared with healthy controls, responders had significantly higher rCBF levels in the left inferior frontal, middle temporal, precentral, and fusiform gyrus. We found no changes in single photon emission computed tomography between pre-treatment and post-treatment stages for the responders to SSRI treatment.

CONCLUSION

Hypoperfusion in older, non-responsive MDD patients was primarily localized in the middle frontal cortex. It is possible that the responders to SSRI treatment at baseline already displayed higher rCBF values in the frontal regions.

Serum ghrelin levels and the effects of antidepressants in major depressive disorder and panic disorder

BACKGROUND

Two opposing models for the action of ghrelin in the behavioral responses to stress were recently proposed. Some studies suggest that an increase in ghrelin contributes to the mechanisms responsible for the development of stress-induced depression and anxiety, while others suggest that it helps minimize what otherwise would be more severe manifestations of depression and anxiety following stress.

METHODS

We measured serum ghrelin levels, Profile of Mood States (POMS) scores and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores in nonresponders (treatment-resistant patients; 30) and responders (38) with major depressive disorder (MDD), nonresponders (29) and responders (51) with panic disorder and 97 healthy controls.

RESULTS

The ghrelin concentration in nonresponders with MDD was higher than that of responders with MDD and normal controls. The ghrelin concentration in nonresponders with panic disorder was higher than that of normal controls. POMS vigor scores in patients with MDD and panic disorder were significantly decreased compared with those in healthy controls. Other POMS scores in patients with MDD and panic disorder were significantly increased compared with those of healthy controls. Trait and state anxiety of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory in MDD and panic disorder patients were higher than those in healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that decreased serum ghrelin levels might be associated with antidepressant treatment to confer the maximum therapeutic effect in patients with MDD and panic disorder.

Salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol responsiveness following electrically stimulated physical stress in bipolar disorder patients

BACKGROUND

Bipolar disorder (BP) is often associated with a change in hypothalamus- pituitary-adrenal axis function change due to chronic stress. Salivary α-amylase (sAA) levels increase in response to psychosocial stress and thus function as a marker of sympathoadrenal medullary system activity. However, sAA has been studied less often than salivary cortisol in BP patients.

METHOD

We measured Profile of Mood States and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores, heart rate variability, and salivary cortisol levels during electrical stimulation stress in 25 BP patients and 22 healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

Tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, fatigue, and confusion scores in BP patients significantly increased compared with those of the healthy controls. In contrast, the vigor scores of BP patients significantly decreased compared with those of the healthy controls. Significant difference in the sAA levels was observed between BP patients and healthy controls. sAA of female patients was significantly higher than that of female healthy controls, and sAA in male patients tended to be higher than that of male healthy controls. No difference in salivary cortisol was observed between BP patients and the healthy controls. Only three time points were measured before and after the electrical stimulation stress. Furthermore, sAA secretion by BP patients increased before and after electrical stimulation.

CONCLUSION

These preliminary results suggest that sAA may be a useful biological marker for BP patients.

The thyrotropin-releasing hormone test may predict recurrence of clinical depression within ten years after discharge

OBJECTIVES

The underlying pathogenic mechanisms and predictors of recurrence in major depressive disorder are still largely unknown. Hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis dysregulation are thought to be related to the development and course of depression.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Over a ten-year period, we investigated whether the results of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) testing and combined dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone (DEX/CRH) testing could be correlated with the recurrence of depression in 25 outpatients with clinically remitted major depression for at least 10 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-five patients (16 women and 9 men, 48.1 years of age, SD=11.4, range 22-84) with major depressive disorder were available for evaluation during hospitalization. TRH and DEX/CRH tests were administered at admission.

RESULTS

Patients who recurred within ten years after remission exhibited significantly higher thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) responses to TRH at the time of admission compared to those who did not recur. There was no significant correlation between recurrence and DEX/CRH levels after controlling for age, sex, and body mass index.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that the TRH test may predict future recurrence in patients with depression.

An uncommon case of random fire-setting behavior associated with Todd paralysis: a case report

BACKGROUND

The association between fire-setting behavior and psychiatric or medical disorders remains poorly understood. Although a link between fire-setting behavior and various organic brain disorders has been established, associations between fire setting and focal brain lesions have not yet been reported. Here, we describe the case of a 24-year-old first time arsonist who suffered Todd's paralysis prior to the onset of a bizarre and random fire-setting behavior.

CASE PRESENTATION

A case of a 24-year-old man with a sudden onset of a bizarre and random fire-setting behavior is reported. The man, who had been arrested on felony arson charges, complained of difficulties concentrating and of recent memory disturbances with leg weakness. A video-EEG recording demonstrated a close relationship between the focal motor impairment and a clear-cut epileptic ictal discharge involving the bilateral motor cortical areas. The SPECT result was statistically analyzed by comparing with standard SPECT images obtained from our institute (easy Z-score imaging system; eZIS). eZIS revealed hypoperfusion in cingulate cortex, basal ganglia and hyperperfusion in frontal cortex,. A neuropsychological test battery revealed lower than normal scores for executive function, attention, and memory, consistent with frontal lobe dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

The fire-setting behavior and Todd's paralysis, together with an unremarkable performance on tests measuring executive function fifteen months prior, suggested a causal relationship between this organic brain lesion and the fire-setting behavior. The case describes a rare and as yet unreported association between random, impulse-driven fire-setting behavior and damage to the brain and suggests a disconnection of frontal lobe structures as a possible pathogenic mechanism.

Hippocampal agenesis in an individual who engaged in violent criminal behaviors after discontinuing carbamazepine and paroxetine treatment

Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS) occurs after abrupt discontinuation of an antidepressant medication. A 23-year-old man with right hippocampal agenesis demonstrated sexual crime (hypersexuality) since the age of eight and had been successfully treated with carbamazepine since the age of 13. He had required increased doses of paroxetine and carbamazepine owing to the development of an unstable affect after quitting his job. He abruptly stopped taking his medication for 3 days and his criminal behaviors re-emerged. We examined changes in brain structure and activity before and after medication cessation, using MRI and functional MRI (fMRI). The image of a girl in a swimsuit increased activity in the thalamus only after medication discontinuation. The alteration in thalamic activity might induce hypersexuality. We conclude that a primary hypersexuality had been suppressed with carbamazepine and paroxetine treatment, and the discontinuation of the medication caused the hypersexuality.

Differences in salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol responsiveness following exposure to electrical stimulation versus the Trier Social Stress Tests

Background

Cortisol is an essential hormone in the regulation of the stress response along the HPA axis, and salivary cortisol has been used as a measure of free circulating cortisol levels. Recently, salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) has also emerged as a novel biomarker for psychosocial stress responsiveness within the sympathetic adrenomedullary (SAM) system.

Principal Findings

We measured sAA and salivary cortisol in healthy volunteers after exposure to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and electric stimulation stress. One hundred forty-nine healthy volunteers participated in this study. All subjects were exposed to both the TSST and electric stimulation stress on separate days. We measured sAA and salivary cortisol levels three times immediately before, immediately after, and 20 min after the stress challenge. The State (STAI-S) and Trait (STAI-T) versions of the Spielberger Anxiety Inventory test and the Profile of Mood State (POMS) tests were administered to participants before the electrical stimulation and TSST protocols. We also measured HF, LF and LF/HF Heart Rate Variability ratio immediately after electrical stimulation and TSST exposure. Following TSST exposure or electrical stimulation, sAA levels displayed a rapid increase and recovery, returning to baseline levels 20 min after the stress challenge. Salivary cortisol responses showed a delayed increase, which remained significantly elevated from baseline levels 20 min after the stress challenge. Analyses revealed no differences between men and women with regard to their sAA response to the challenges (TSST or electric stimulations), while we found significantly higher salivary cortisol responses to the TSST in females. We also found that younger subjects tended to display higher sAA activity. Salivary cortisol levels were significantly correlated with the strength of the applied electrical stimulation.

Conclusions

These preliminary results suggest that the HPA axis (but not the SAM system) may show differential response patterns to distinct kinds of stressors.

Association of CRHR1 and CRHR2 with major depressive disorder and panic disorder in a Japanese population

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and panic disorder (PD) are common and disabling medical disorders with stress and genetic components. Dysregulation of the stress response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, including the corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) signaling via primary receptors (CRHR1 and CRHR2), is considered to play a major role for onset and recurrence in MDD and PD. To confirm the association of CRHR1 and CRHR2 with MDD and PD, we investigated 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs4076452, rs7209436, rs110402, rs242924, rs242940, and rs173365 for CRHR1 and rs4722999, rs3779250, rs2267710, rs1076292, rs2284217, and rs226771 for CRHR2) in MDD patients (n = 173), PD patients (n = 180), and healthy controls (n = 285). The SNP rs110402 and rs242924 in the CRHR1 gene and the rs3779250 in the CRHR2 gene were associated with MDD. The SNP rs242924 in the CRHR1 gene was also associated with PD. The T-A-T-G-G haplotype consisting of rs7209436 and rs173365 in CRHR1 was positively associated with MDD. The T-A haplotype consisting of rs7209436 and rs110402 in CRHR1 was positively associated with MDD. The C-C haplotype consisting of rs4722999 and rs37790 in CRHR1 was associated with PD. These results provide support for an association of CRHR1 and CRHR2 with MDD and PD.

Salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol responsiveness following electrical stimulation stress in major depressive disorder patients

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is often associated with dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by chronic stress. In comparison, psychosocial stress-induced activation of salivary α-amylase (sAA) functions as a marker of sympathoadrenal medullary system (SAM) activity. However, in contrast to salivary cortisol, sAA has been less extensively studied in MDD patients. The present study measured sAA and salivary cortisol levels in patients with MDD. The authors determined Profile of Mood State (POMS) and State-Trait anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores, Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and sAA and salivary cortisol levels in 88 patients with MDD and 41 healthy volunteers following the application of electrical stimulation stress. Patients with major depressive disorder were 8 points or more on Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) scores. Tension-Anxiety, Depression-Dejection, Anger-Hostility, Fatigue, and Confusion scores in patients with major depressive disorder were significantly increased compared to healthy controls. In contrast, Vigor scores in patients with MDD were significantly decreased compared with healthy controls. There was no difference in heart rate variability measures between MDD patients and healthy controls. The threshold of electrical stimulation applied in MDD patients was lower than that in healthy controls. SAA levels in female MDD patients were significantly elevated relative to controls both before and after electrical stimulation. Finally, there were no differences in salivary cortisol levels between major depressive patients and controls. In the present study only three time points were explored. Furthermore, the increased secretion of sAA before and after stimulation could allude to an increased responsiveness of novel and uncontrollable situations in patients with MDD. These preliminary results suggest that sAA might be a useful biological marker of MDD.

Aripiprazole augmentation in 13 patients with refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: a case series

OBJECTIVES

The primary treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). However, approximately a third of patients do not respond to SSRIs and remain chronically affected.

METHODS

Therefore, we added aripiprazole to SSRI therapy for 13 patients with treatment-refractory OCD (subjects who failed to respond to SSRI therapy for at least 2 months, and for an average of 508 days). Participants underwent at least 7 weeks of treatment with aripiprazole augmentation.

RESULTS

Patients were evaluated using the Y-BOCS and GAF scales. Aripiprazole (3-12 mg)/SSRI co-therapy significantly improved Y-BOCS and GAF scores. However, many patients needed to take antiparkinsonian drugs to control extrapyramidal symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that aripiprazole augmentation of SSRI therapy may be effective for treatment-refractory OCD.

Administration of antisense DNA for GPR39-1b causes anxiolytic-like responses and appetite loss in rats

The G protein-coupled receptor 39-b (GPR39-1b) is a splice variant of which is expressed in the central nervous and gastrointestinal systems. Previously, GPR39-1b was proposed to be the receptor for obestatin, but current evidence does not support this hypothesis. The purpose of the present work was to identify the role of GPR39-1b in anxiety and eating behaviors. Antisense oligonucleotides were infused at a constant rate into the cerebral lateral ventricles of rats and their effect on anxiety-like behavior and food intake was monitored. GPR39-1b antisense oligonucleotides produced anxiolytic-like effects in the elevated-plus maze test and in the black and white box test. Antisense oligonucleotides also decreased food intake. These results indicate that inhibition of GPR39-1b induces a decrease in anxiety-related behaviors and disturbs appetite.

Elevated salivary α-amylase and cortisol levels in unremitted and remitted depressed patients

Abstract Objective. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is often associated with dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis via chronic stress. Psychosocial stress-induced activation of salivary α-amylase (sAA) represents sympathoadrenal medullary system (SAM) activity, and sAA has become an emerging biomarker for sympathetic nervous system activity. In contrast to salivary cortisol, sAA has been less extensively studied in depressed patients. The present study sought to address this problem by measuring sAA and salivary cortisol levels in patients with major depressive disorder. Methods. The authors recorded Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores along with, levels of sAA and salivary cortisol in 28 patients with unremitted major depressive disorder, 43 remitted patients and 103 healthy volunteers. Results. STAI (State or Trait) measurements in unremitted patients with MDD were significantly increased compared with healthy controls and remitted patients. SAA and cortisol levels in unremitted patients were also significantly elevated compared to controls and remitted patients. Finally, sAA levels were significantly correlated with HRSD in unremitted patients with MDD. Conclusion. These preliminary results suggest that sAA may be a state-dependent marker of major depressive disorder in addition to salivary cortisol.

Serum hepatocyte growth factor levels and the effects of antidepressants in panic disorder

Previous animal studies have suggested that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) could be associated with depression- and anxiety-related behaviors. Our aim was to relate serum HGF levels with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Profile of Mood State (POMS), and Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) scores in patients with panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia) and healthy controls. We examined 67 patients with panic disorders and 97 controls. Patients were split into two groups according to whether they exhibited a 50% improvement in test scores (good/high response group: n = 26) or not (poor/low response group: n = 41). In both healthy control and panic disorder individuals, there were no significant associations between HGF serum levels and STAI or NEO-PI-R scores. However, there was a significant correlation between serum HGF levels and fatigue in healthy control subjects in as scored by POMS testing. HGF concentration in the good/high response group was significantly elevated compared to both the low/poor response group (p < 0.01) and the control group (p < 0.01). HGF levels in the poor response group did not differ from the control group (p = 0.48). These results indicate that increased serum HGF levels might be a requirement for antidepressant efficacy in patients with panic disorders.

Infrared radiation has potential antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in animal model of depression and anxiety

BACKGROUND

Bright light therapy has been shown to have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in humans.

OBJECTIVE

The antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of infrared radiation were evaluated using an experimental animal model.

METHODS

Rats were randomly assigned to either an acutely or chronically exposed infrared radiation group or to a nonexposed control group. Acutely exposed rats were treated with an infrared radiation machine for one session, whereas chronically exposed animals were treated with an infrared radiation for 10 sessions. Control group rats were exposed to the sound of the infrared radiation machine as a sham treatment. After infrared radiation or control exposure, rats underwent behavioral evaluation, including elevated plus maze test, light/dark box, and forced swim test.

RESULTS

Chronic infrared radiation exposure decreased indicators of depression- and anxiety-like behavior. No significant effect on general locomotor activity was observed. The number of BrdU-positive cells in CA1 of the hippocampus was significantly increased in both acutely and chronically exposed infrared radiation groups compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that chronic infrared radiation might produce antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects.

A young woman with visual hallucinations, delusions of persecution and a history of performing arson with possible three-generation Fahr disease

OBJECTIVE

Fahr disease (FD) is a rare neurological and psychiatric disorder. The disease is classified by intracranial calcification of the basal ganglia with the globus pallidus region being particularly affected. We examined a young woman with visual hallucinations, delusions of persecution and a history of performing arson with possible third-generation FD.

METHOD

Case report of third-generation FD.

RESULTS

A 23-year-old woman was arrested for two arsons: i) The patient exhibited progressive psychotic symptoms, including visual hallucinations, delusion of injury, irritability, lability of mood, mental retardation and visual disorders and ii) Computed tomography (CT) imaging demonstrated bilateral calcifications of the basal ganglia (globus pallidus) in the patient, her mother and her grandmother.

CONCLUSION

We found a family with a three-generation history of FD who exhibited calcification in the brain and mental retardation. Compared to her mother, the patient described here displayed anticipation of disease onset.

Social support and enhanced suppression of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol responses to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function and thyrotropin-releasing hormone tests in patients with major depressive disorder

The results of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test and the combined dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone (DEX/CRH) test are believed to correlate with social support status in patients with major depressive disorder. We studied 41 consecutive patients hospitalized for major depressive disorder and tested their responses to DEX/CRH and TRH on hospital days 4-7. DeltaMAX TSH and DeltaMAX cortisol were measured. Multiple regression analysis found that social support questionnaire (SSQ-A) and SSQ-B scores were significantly related to DeltaMAX cortisol and DeltaMAX TSH, respectively, at the time of admission. Social support might contribute partially to the TRH and DEX/CRH test results in patients with major depressive disorder.

Administration of antisense DNA for hepatocyte growth factor causes an depressive and anxiogenic response in rats

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is induced in neurons during ischemia and is neuroprotective against post-ischemic delayed neuronal death in the hippocampus. HGF might play an important role in the maturation and functioning of these neurons in the hippocampus. Our aim was to determine what effect HGF antisense has on depression and anxiety in rats. HGF antisense was infused at a constant rate into cerebral lateral ventricles and its effect on anxiety in rats was monitored. In forced swimming test, rats that received antisense DNA increased the length of time that they were immobile in the water. In the elevated plus maze test, the black and white box test and conditioned fear test, HGF antisense administration caused all indicators of anxiety to increase. Number of HGF-positive cells in C1 of hippocampus was significantly decreased in the HGF antisense-infused group compared to the vehicle- and scrambled oligonucleotide-treated group. No significant effect on general locomotor activity was seen. These results indicate that inhibition of HGF induces an increase in depression and anxiety-related behaviors suggesting a depressive and anxiogenic-like effect.

Enhanced suppression of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol responses to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function and thyrotropin-releasing hormone tests after stressful life events in patients with major depressive disorder

BACKGROUND

It is commonly believed that there exists a relationship between the outcome of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) test, the combined dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone (DEX/CRH) test and stressful life events (SLEs) in major depressive disorder.

OBJECTIVE

SLEs influence the TRH and DEX/CRH tests in major depressive disorder when administered at the time of admission and improvement.

METHODS

The TRH and DEX/CRH tests were administered to patients hospitalized for major depressive disorders - on the 4th through the 7th hospital day and at the time of improvement. We measured DeltaMAX TSH, DeltaMAX ACTH, ACTH AUC, DeltaMAX cortisol, cortisol AUC, DeltaMAX ACTH/DeltaMAX TSH and DeltaMAX cortisol/DeltaMAX TSH.

RESULTS

SLEs were significantly negatively associated with DeltaMAX ACTH, ACTH AUC and cortisol AUC at the time of admission. However, these relationships lost significance at the time of improvement. The sample (41 patients at the time of admission, 18 patients at the time of improvement) was relatively small, which may have contributed to false-negative results.

CONCLUSION

SLEs may be negatively associated with the outcome of the DEX/CRH tests in major depressive disorder. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in the DEX/CRH test was modulated by SLEs.