Thyrotropin and Prolactin Responses to Different Doses of Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone in Depression

Abstract

The effects of low doses of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH, 50 and 200 µg) on thyrotropin (TSH) and prolactin levels have been studied in depressed women and compared with the depressive condition and with the results of the dexamethasone suppression test (DST). TRH administration elicited blunted hormonal responses that were not correlated either with the age of the patients or with DST results. Different effects were observed in subgroups of depressive patients classified according to DSM III and ICD. No correlation was found between hormone responses and the scores of Hamilton Rating Scale and Montgomery Depression Scale. The effects of 50 µg on TSH were significant and inversely correlated with Anxiety Rating Scale scores. No dose-response effect was apparent of prolactin and TSH in depressed patients, suggesting an impaired function of pituitary TRH receptors.

The thyrotropin-releasing hormone test: some statistical considerations

“…Variations between peak and baseline levels are the criteria for lest positivity of negativity. Masturzo et al (1988) reported that some authors have taken 7.0 I^U/ml as a threshold value, while others have used 5.0 and 3.5 I juU/ml.…”