RT Journal
A1 Halbreich U, Grunhaus L, Ben-David M
T1 TWenty-four-hour rhythm of prolactin in depressive patients
JF Archives of General Psychiatry
JO Archives of General Psychiatry
YR 1979
FD October 1
VO 36
IS 11
SP 1183
OP 1186
DO 10.1001/archpsyc.1979.01780110037004
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.1979.01780110037004
AB • Twenty-four-hour rhythms of serum prolactin (PRL) levels were studied in seven depressive patients. Blood was collected through an indwelling catheter and the PRL level was determined by homologous double antibody radioimmunoassay. Findings showed a different pattern of secretion of prolactin among depressives as compared to the normal 24-hour rhythm of the hormone. A statistically significant elevation of PRL levels during the evening, several hours before sleep, was found. Morning PRL levels were slightly higher and the average increase of PRL level from one determination to the consecutive one was higher among the depressives. It is assumed that there may be a connection between the diurnal rhythmicity of mood, characteristic of vital depression, and the different 24-hour rhythmicity of PRL level.