The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis of adult patients with depression shows a pattern characterized by basal hypercortisolism, associated with an attenuated plasma ACTH response to ovine corticotropin- releasing hormone (oCRH). Most likely this hypercortisolism represents a defect at or above the level of the hypothalamus resulting in hypersecretion of CRH. In this study we propose to determine whether the offspring of affectively ill mothers (unipolar and bipolar) show a similar pattern of response to CRH stimulation; we will compare their response to that of offspring of normal control mothers. A standard oCRH stimulation test will be performed by administering a bolus injection of 1 mcg/Kg body weight of ovine CRH at 8 P.M. Plasma levels of ACTH and cortisol will be measured before, during and after oCRH administration.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01MH002562-01
Application #
3860010
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1991
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
U.S. National Institute of Mental Health
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code