Growth Hormone and Prolactin Release After Injection of Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone in Patients with Depression

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) on the release of growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL) and thyrotropin (TSH) were investigated in patients with depression. Intravenous injection of synthetic TRH (500 μ) caused a significant increase in plasma GH (peak value: 7.7–35.0 ng/ml) in 8 of 13 patients with mental depression. After clinical recovery these patients had no response of plasma GH to TRH. TRH administration did not raise plasma GH in normal subjects examined. Plasma PRL responses to TRH were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) in depressed patients compared with control subjects. Plasma TSH responses to TRH were significantly blunted in patients with depression (P < 0.05). These results suggest disorders in the hypothalamo-pituitary function in depression.