Adrenomedullary function in depressed patients

J Psychiatr Res. 1994 Jul-Aug;28(4):357-67. doi: 10.1016/0022-3956(94)90018-3.

Abstract

In this paper from the Collaborative Depression Study (CDS)--Biological, a set of data analyses are presented which indicate that depressed states and perhaps depressed mood are associated with a greater activation of the adrenomedullary system than the sympathetic nervous system [as measured by norepinephrine (NE) and normetanephrine excretion]. For the most part this finding of predominant activation of the adrenomedullary system is seen in unipolar and not bipolar patients.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Medulla / physiopathology*
  • Amitriptyline / administration & dosage
  • Amitriptyline / therapeutic use
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / physiopathology*
  • Depressive Disorder / urine
  • Humans
  • Imipramine / administration & dosage
  • Imipramine / therapeutic use
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / physiopathology

Substances

  • Amitriptyline
  • Imipramine