The early studies on the neuroendocrine hormones which are related to the pathogenesis of depression were focused on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and then on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. However, recently hormones other
than
corticosteroids and thyroid hormones are suggested to be possibly related. Most of all prolactin is known to influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and to be involved with the control of its interacion.
Previously, I had reported the experience of two cases with hyperprolactinemia secondry to the hypothyroidism accompanied by depression(Cheon 1991). By expanding the subject materials, this subsidiary study was tried to evaluate whether there is
statistically significant changes in the thyroid hormones and prolactin levels in many depressed patients.
Using Quanticoat Radioimmunoassay Kit, the T3 and T4 levels were quantitatively measured in 42 depressed patients who visited Department of Neuropsychiatry. Dong-Eui University, Medical Center from early November, 1990 till late May, 1991. They
scored
over 10 in BDI, 12 in HDS and 16 in CES-D Serum TSH levels were measured using TSH IRMA [125I] Coated Tube Immunoradiometric Assay Kit(Spectra). And serum prolactin levels were measured using Allegro Prolactin Immunoassay Kit.
There is no significant change in T3 and T4 levels. However, TSH levels decreased significantly (P<0.01), and prolactin levels increased significantly(P<0.005) as compared to the control values. However, correlation between prolactin and thyroid
hormones couldn't be found. Furthermore, their concentrations were not correlated with age, sex and severity of depression. In conclusion, some kind of dysfunction in thyroid hormones and prolactin seemed to be involved in the pathogenesis of
depression, possibly via the interaction with serotonergic and dopaminergic mechanisms.
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