Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and simulated ECT (SECT)-induced prolactin response has been studied in 14 schizophrenic males. Cortisol, growth hormone, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) changes have been measured simultaneously. The prolactin rise was significantly higher after ECT than after SECT. Cortisol increase after ECT did not exceed significantly the elevation after SECT. Changes in growth hormone and TSH concentrations were inconsistent and non-significant. On the basis of the results it may be assumed that ECT-induced prolactin response is a consequence of specific transmitter changes in the CNS and not a result of stress reaction or generalized neuronal discharge. ECT-induced prolactin response was negligible in two cases. Both patients were chronically hospitalized schizophrenics resistant to therapy. Whether the prolactin response or its absence is of predictive value with respect to prognosis or effect of ECT remains to be seen.

A 14-year-old boy with persistent proteinuria (1.6-4.0 g/day), microscopic haematuria, moderate hypertension, macrothrombocytopenia (giant platelets, platelet number 30 x 10(9)/l) and a familial sensorineural hearing loss (the father and the brother were also affected) was studied. Kidney biopsy revealed a diffuse mesangial proliferation, and a focal thickening of the glomerular basement membrane was seen on electron microscopy. A normal number of megakaryocytes was observed in bone marrow aspirates. The aggregation response of the platelets to collagen, epinephrine and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was decreased. The platelet number was slightly diminished, platelets were of normal size in both parents and the brother, and showed a decreased aggregability in response to collagen, epinephrine and ADP in the brother and mother. No functional abnormality of the platelets was observed in the father. Urinalysis and kidney function were normal in the family members. This boy with nephritis, platelet disorders and hearing loss corresponds to Epstein's syndrome.

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