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A Combined Study of Cortisol, ACTH and Dexamethasone Concentrations in Major Depression

Multiple Time-Point Sampling

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

B. G. Charlton ,
A. Leake ,
C. Wright ,
H. W. Griffiths  and
I. N. Ferrier
B. G. Charlton
Affiliation:
MRC Neuroendocrinology Unit
A. Leake
Affiliation:
MRC Neuroendocrinology Unit
C. Wright
Affiliation:
MRC Neuroendocrinology Unit
H. W. Griffiths
Affiliation:
Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne
I. N. Ferrier*
Affiliation:
MRC Neuroendocrinology Unit
*
MRC Neuroendocrinology Unit, Newcastle General Hospital, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6BE
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Abstract

The pathophysiology of hypercortisolaemia in major depression was examined. ACTH was measured using a novel immunoradiometric assay of high specificity and sensitivity. Twenty-eight patients with major depression and 18 control subjects were studied. Blood samples for basal hormone concentration were taken at 09:00, 16:00 and 23:00 on day 1, followed by administration of 1 mg dexamethasone at 23:00. Further samples were taken at 09:00 and 16:00 on day 2. Dexamethasone concentration was measured in day 2 samples and no significant difference was found between the depressed group and control subjects. In the depressed group Cortisol concentration was elevated at 23:00 on day 1, and ACTH concentrations were elevated in post-dexamethasone samples. ACTH and Cortisol concentrations were not directly correlated in individual patients. The elevated plasma Cortisol associated with major depression is not solely mediated by changes in ACTH.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 150 , Issue 6 , June 1987 , pp. 791 - 796
Copyright
Copyright © 1987 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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