Effects of mirtazapine on dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate and cortisol plasma concentrations in depressed patients.
J Psychiatr Res
; 43(5): 538-45, 2009 Feb.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18706658
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Among the neuroactive steroids, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is at least in part produced in the adrenal gland and is therefore under the control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA)-system. In the present study, the impact of mirtazapine on DHEA-S and cortisol (COR) levels was investigated in relation to clinical response in depressed patients.METHODS:
A total of 23 inpatients suffering from a major depressive episode (DSM-IV criteria) underwent 5-week treatment with mirtazapine (45 mg/day). Plasma samples were taken weekly at 0800 h and quantified for COR and DHEA-S levels.RESULTS:
Mirtazapine significantly reduced both COR and DHEA-S concentrations, but had no impact on the COR/DHEA-S ratio. The percentage decrease of DHEA-S, but not that of COR was significantly and positively correlated with the percentage reduction in the sum score of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale at week 5, suggesting a relationship between DHEA-S reduction and clinical efficacy of mirtazapine. There was a significant positive correlation between the decline in COR and DHEA-S levels.CONCLUSIONS:
Apparently, the decrease in COR and DHEA-S concentrations conjointly reflects an attenuating impact of mirtazapine on HPA axis activity, thereby decreasing the adrenal secretion of COR and DHEA-S.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Hidrocortisona
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Sulfato de Desidroepiandrosterona
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Transtorno Depressivo
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Mianserina
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Antidepressivos Tricíclicos
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
Limite:
Adult
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Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2009
Tipo de documento:
Article