CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID AND HOMOVANILLIC-ACID IN DEPRESSIVE-DISORDERS

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 17  (8) , 877-883
Abstract
GABA and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels were determined in the lumbar CSF of hospitalized patients suffering from depression and in a control group. Both mean CSF GABA and HVA levels in the patients with depression were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). No positive correlation was found between the changes in CSF GABA and HVA levels in the patients with depression. The Hamilton Rating score in these depressed patients, age and sex showed no correlation to CSF GABA levels. Decreased activity in the central GABAergic and dopaminergic system may be involved in the pathogenesis of depression.