• Media type: E-Article
  • Title: Enhancement of the Prolactin Response to d-Fenfluramine in Drug-Naive Schizophrenic Patients
  • Contributor: Abel, Kathryn M.; O'Keane, Veronica; Murray, Robin M.
  • Published: Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1996
  • Published in: British Journal of Psychiatry, 168 (1996) 1, Seite 57-60
  • Language: English
  • DOI: 10.1192/bjp.168.1.57
  • ISSN: 0007-1250; 1472-1465
  • Origination:
  • Footnote:
  • Description: BackgroundWe wished to investigate central serotonergic function in untreated schizophrenia.MethodThirteen 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.ResultsProlactin 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).ConclusionsCentral serotonergic tone may be raised in acute, drug-naive schizophrenia and may be associated with the presence of affective symptomatology.