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  • Title: An augmented escape of beta-endorphins to suppression by dexamethasone in severely depressed patients.
    Author: Maes M, Jacobs MP, Suy E, Leclercq C, Christiaens F, Raus J.
    Journal: J Affect Disord; 1990 Mar; 18(3):149-56. PubMed ID: 2139059.
    Abstract:
    Baseline beta-endorphin and cortisol levels and their responses to 1 mg dexamethasone were measured in 11 healthy controls and in 35 depressed patients, categorized according to the DSM-III. Dexamethasone significantly suppressed beta-endorphin levels. Depressed patients with melancholia/psychotic features exhibited significantly increased post-dexamethasone beta-endorphin levels compared with healthy controls, minor and simple major depressives; the baseline beta-endorphin levels did not differ between those study samples. Post-dexamethasone beta-endorphin and cortisol values were found to be significantly and positively correlated. Accordingly, cortisol non-suppressors showed significantly higher post-dexamethasone beta-endorphin levels. Post-dexamethasone beta-endorphin may be the most sensitive and specific reflection of the disorder in negative feedback exerted by dexamethasone in depression.
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