Reduced Prolactin and Cortisol Responses to d-Fenfluramine in Depressed Compared to Healthy Matched Control Subjects

d-Fenfluramine was used as a neuroendocrine challenge in 19 subjects with major depression & 19 healthy controls. 5-HT-mediated prolactin & cortisol responses were both significantly attenuated in the depressed group. Patients with a history of suicide attempt had lower cortisol responses than those without. Peak cortisol responses were inversely related to baseline cortisol levels. There were also significant relationships between hormone responses & both age & weight. (43 refs.)