Enhancement of the Prolactin Response to d-Fenfluramine in Drug-Naive Schizophrenic Patients
- 2 January 1996
- journal article
- Published by Royal College of Psychiatrists in The British Journal of Psychiatry
- Vol. 168 (1) , 57-60
- https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.168.1.57
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.Keywords
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