Neuropeptide Concentrations in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Depressed Patients Treated with Electroconvulsive Therapy

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Abstract
The CSF concentrations of CRF, somatostatin and β-endorphin were determined in nine patients who fulfilled DSM–III criteria for major depression with psychotic features. CSF samples were obtained at baseline in the depressed state, and again after a course of ECT. Concentrations of both CRF and β-endorphin decreased after ECT, while the concentration of somatostatin increased, although the latter difference did not attain statistical significance. The increase in CSF concentrations of CRF and β-endorphin in depressed patients is therefore seen to be state-dependent.