Immediate Effects of Shock Therapies, Epinephrine and ACTH on Blood Glutathione Level of Psychotic Patients

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Abstract
15 patients with psychoses all showed a moderate elevation of the blood reduced glutathione 2-4 hours after the intramusc. injn. of epinephrine. 20 patients with similar disorders all showed a striking elevation of the blood reduced glutathione 2-4 hrs. after electric shock. One neurotic patient and 3 of the 4 psychotic patients tested showed a slight elevation of blood reduced glutathione 2-4 hrs. after insulin reactions. Four patients, 1 a psychoneurotic, 1 a psychotic improved after a course of insulin therapy, and 2 psychotics in the midst of treatment, were given 25 mg. of ACTH. All but the improved psychotic showed a moderate to a marked rise in the blood reduced glutathione 2 to 4 hrs. following the injns. The possible relation of the findings to the occurrence of stress is suggested.