Effect of Dexamethasone on Plasma Corticosteroids in Depressive Illness

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Abstract
Plasma 11-hydroxy-corticosteroids (11-OHCS) were measured before and at hourly intervals for 3 hr after intramuscular injection of dexamethasone in 12 patients suffering from endogenous depression and in 12 healthy subjects. In both groups, plasma levels fell steadily and at approximately the same rate throughout the 3 hr, although the mean plasma 11-OHCS level was higher in the depressive group at each time interval. The feed-back control of pituitary-adrenal function is intact in depressive illness. This conclusion is not necessarily applicable to other forms of emotional stress in man.

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