CSF-MHPG in depressive syndromes: basal values and imipramine-induced modifications

Neuropsychobiology. 1981;7(4):169-71. doi: 10.1159/000117846.

Abstract

The levels of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethylene-glycol (MHPG) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), before and after treatment with imipramine, were determined in 12 patients with endogenous depression. No significant change as observed in the whole group of patients, but patients with higher CSF-MHPG basal values showed better therapeutic results and a significant decrease of the norepinephrine catabolyte. The possible relevance of norepinephrine system imbalance to the therapeutic response to imipramine is discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Depressive Disorder / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Glycols / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Humans
  • Imipramine / pharmacology*
  • Imipramine / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Middle Aged
  • Norepinephrine / metabolism

Substances

  • Glycols
  • Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol
  • Imipramine
  • Norepinephrine