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Enhancement of the Prolactin Response to d-Fenfluramine in Drug-Naive Schizophrenic Patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Kathryn M. Abel ,
Veronica O'Keane  and
Robin M. Murray
Kathryn M. Abel*
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry
Veronica O'Keane
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge CB4 2QQ
Robin M. Murray
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College Hospital, and Institute of Psychiatry, London
*
Dr K. M. Abel, Institute of Psychiatry, 103 Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF
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Abstract

Background

We wished to investigate central serotonergic function in untreated schizophrenia.

Method

Thirteen drug-naive, DSM–III–R schizophrenic patients were compared with sex, race, age, weight and menstrual phase matched controls. Plasma prolactin and cortisol responses to a specific serotonergic probe, d-fenfluramine, were measured along with BPRS ratings.

Results

Prolactin responses were enhanced in schizophrenic patients compared to controls (P < 0.05) and were correlated positively with BPRS items for depression, anxiety and guilt. Baseline cortisol was also raised in those with schizophrenia (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Central serotonergic tone may be raised in acute, drug-naive schizophrenia and may be associated with the presence of affective symptomatology.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 168 , Issue 1 , January 1996 , pp. 57 - 60
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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