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Biomedical subjects

C Gay

Publications and source records attributed to C Gay.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

Decrease in plasma levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethyleneglycol in major depression.

Plasma levels of free and sulfoconjugated 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (DOPEG), the main deaminated metabolite of norepinephrine, were measured in a group of 45 hospitalized patients presenting a major depression and a group of 45 healthy subjects, matched for sex and age. Compared to healthy subjects, depressed patients had significantly lower plasma levels of free and sulfoconjugated DOPEG. The ratio of free over conjugated DOPEG was not statistically different in the two groups. The reduction of plasma DOPEG levels in the depressed patients did not appear to be related to the duration of drug-free period and was similar in males and females. There was no statistically significant correlation between plasma DOPEG levels and total score on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Finally, plasma DOPEG levels did not differ in unior bipolar patients. The present data provides further evidence for a reduced CNS noradrenergic transmission in major depression.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Plasma 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethyleneglycol levels in depressed patients with and without abnormal dexamethasone suppression.

Escape from dexamethasone-induced suppression of plasma cortisol is an abnormality found in about half of patients with major depression. It has been hypothesized that this hyperactivity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis might be related to a central noradrenergic hypofunction. The present study was designed to test this hypothesis by measuring plasma 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (DOPEG) levels (free and conjugated forms), an index of central noradrenergic activity, and by simultaneously carrying out a dexamethasone suppression test. Forty-five patients with a diagnosis of major depression (according to the DSM-III) were investigated. Plasma DOPEG levels (measured at 8 a.m.) were found to be similar in dexamethasone suppressor and nonsuppressor depressed patients. These results do not support the hypothesis that central noradrenergic hypoactivity underlies nonsuppression of dexamethasone in major depression.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Use of interactive computer technology in open clinical trials. Study with trazodone in depressed patients.

This study reports the efficacy and safety of trazodone as an antidepressant drug in a national telematic multicenter outpatient open clinical trial. In less than 3 months, 1,700 patients completed a 1-month treatment and among them, 65% were considered as responders. The side effect profile of the drug included sedation, gastrointestinal discomfort and moderate hypotension. One case of trazodone-induced priapism is presented and briefly discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

[Telematic multicenter study of Pragmarel 100 mg (trazodone)].

Trazodone is a molecule which is already well known throughout the world for its antidepressant properties and its good global safety. We have conducted a large national study in outpatients. By means of a computerized communication network (233 psychiatrists equipped with Minitel), almost 2,000 depressed patients have been followed over a four week period of treatment with Pragmarel 100 mg, in less than three months. Computerized DSM III diagnostic criteria were used to define two sub-groups of patients. The results confirm the therapeutic indications of trazodone in various forms of depression, major affective disorders (689 cases) and other affective disorders (1,257 cases). 82% good and very good results were obtained in the overall population of patients, with a decrease by more than 50% in the initial score on the MADRS scale in 65% of cases. The low incidence of side effects and the excellent acceptability of treatment also confirm the date reported in the literature.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Reduced platelet serotonin in depression.

Platelet serotonin levels were measured in several psychiatric disorders to determine whether they distinguish among major depressive disorder (one or more depressive episodes and no manic episodes), dysthymic disorder (depressive neurosis), and schizophrenic and paranoid disorders. Serotonin levels in 141 subjects were determined using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Serotonin (5HT) levels in control subjects were significantly lower in males than in females. A marked reduction in 5HT levels, as compared to controls, was found in male and female patients with major depressive disorder, but not in dysthymic disorder. A slight but significant reduction in serotonin levels was found in female schizophrenic patients. The reduction in serotonin levels found in major depressive disorder could not be attributed to chronic antidepressant treatment. Liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection used in the present study permits a large-scale investigation.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Lithium, sodium and potassium transport in erythrocytes of manic-depressive patients.

Different Li, Na and K transport pathways were assessed in erythrocytes from manic-depressive patients. No alteration in the Li-Na countertransport, Na,K cotransport or passive permeabilities was observed in either unipolar or bipolar manic-depressive patients. In addition, acute or chronic lithium treatment did not alter the maximal velocity of either the Li-Na countertransport or the Na,K cotransport. A two-fold reduction of the ouabain-sensitive Na efflux was observed among manic-depressive patients without alteration in the affinity of the Na pump for internal Na.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

[Drug interactions of lithium. Review of the literature].

The authors have reviewed the literature regarding interactions of lithium and other drugs. The hypothetical physiopathogenic mechanisms of these interactions are discussed even if in some cases the mechanisms are not understood. The interactions of diuretic and anti-inflammatory drugs with lithium will mainly affect renal function and ionic exchange across cell membranes. Other drugs become toxic when associated to lithium because of the addition of their adverse effects. The beneficial effects of some drugs associations are also discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

The morphological effects in pig liver after Nd-YAG laser resection.

The morphological effects of liver resection in 15 pigs performed with a Nd-YAG laser beam are reported. A regular cut surface was obtained and overlayed an ischemic layer which was thinnest at a 80 W power output and a short exposure time. Hemostasis was satisfying when the encountered vessels did not exceed 4,5 mm in diameter. Semi-thin and electron microscopic examination showed "ghost" cells in the layer of coagulation necrosis, shrunken hepatocytes and red blood cells in oedematous layer and "swollen" mitochondria in the deepest layer. Clamping of the hepatic pedicle - increasing local hyperthermia by suppression of cooling vascular inflow - majorated the depth of cellular alterations and the intensivity of the post-operative inflammatory reaction. Numerous biliary ductules and active hepatocytes meant parenchymal regeneration. Good healing evolution free of complications was observed after a one year's follow up.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

[Open preliminary study of new antidepressive compound: citalopram].

The antidepressant effect of citalopram, a specific inhibitor of the reuptake of serotonin, was explored in an open phase II study involving twenty-one patients hospitalized for depression. Fourteen patients responded, six did not and one was excluded from the study. These preliminary results suggest that citalopram is an effective, well tolerated antidepressant.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

3H-Rauwolscine binding in platelets from depressed patients and healthy volunteers.

3H-Rauwolscine binds specifically and with high affinity to alpha 2-adrenoceptors in human platelets. In a study comparing the binding of 3H-rauwolscine in platelets obtained from 26 control volunteers with 19 hospitalised, untreated, severely depressed patients, the mean maximal binding (Bmax) and mean dissociation constant (Kd) of 3H-rauwolscine binding were found to be identical in both groups. After 7-12 days, treatment with different tricyclic antidepressant drugs there was a significant improvement in the depressive symptoms but no change in the 3H-rauwolscine binding. After an average of 23 days treatment with tricyclic antidepressants, and when the Hamilton Depression Rating Scores had returned to normal, the Kd and Bmax of 3H-rauwolscine binding were still unchanged.

Adjustment Disorders↗
PubMed1983

[Sleep deprivation and dexamethasone suppression test in healthy volunteers].

One night sleep deprivation in 10 healthy volunteers was performed: none of them presented an abnormal dexamethasone suppression test (DST) during the following afternoon. In this experimentation, a short deprivation of sleep does not alter DST. Etiopathogenic hypothesis of DST abnormalities (and other factors) have been discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

[Study of noradrenaline metabolism in depressed patients by the determination of plasma dihydroxyphenylethylene glycol].

The plasmatic levels of free, sulfoconjugated and total dihydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (DOPEG), the main deaminated metabolite of noradrenaline, have been measured in thirty DSM3 major depressive inpatients and in thirty healthy controls matched for sex and age. DOPEG levels have been measured by a radioenzymatic assay. Almost fifty per cent of depressed inpatients were D.S.T. non suppressors, thirteen patients were unipolar and thirteen bipolar. Plasmatic DOPEG levels were significantly lower in depressed patients as compared to healthy controls despite a wide interindividual range of DOPEG values. However, the ratio of free over conjugated DOPEG was not statistically different in the two groups. DOPEG levels were slightly higher in the female population of healthy volunteers but not in the depressed patients. In the healthy volunteers, but not in depressed patients, there was a trend for free DOPEG to increase and for conjugated DOPEG to decrease with age. There was no statistical correlation between the DOPEG levels and Hamilton Depression Scores. Also plasmatic DOPEG values were not different in uni or bipolar patients and in DST suppressor or DST non suppressor inpatients. The significance of the decrease of plasmatic DOPEG levels in depressed patients is discussed: this diminution may reflect a deficiency in noradrenaline metabolism in CNS or else may be attributed to other factors e.g. alteration in circadian rhythms, differences in motor activity, in level of anxiety, in sleep and feeding behaviors; cotreatment with benzodiazepine and opiate compounds; monoamine oxidase activity.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

[Value of a kinetic study of intraerythrocyte lithium in research on bioclinical correlations in intolerant subjects].

From the plasma and red cell kinetics of lithium in 43 patients having received lithium therapy for at least 15 days, the authors try to establish a correlation between intolerance and a variety of parameters examined. Statistical analysis reveals that: intra-erythrocytic concentration is a more reliable biological index than the lithium level; it can be modified by associated drug therapy; measuring the erythroplasmic ratio at different times of the day shows important variation within individuals. This type of kinetic study can identify biologically the 2 sub-groups distinguished by clinical examination: tolerant subjects (those on lithium therapy without any neurological signs) and poorly tolerant subjects.

Bipolar Disorder↗
PubMed1982

[Reduction of platelet serotonin in major depression (endogenous depression)].

Serum serotonin (5-HT) levels were measured in several patients with psychiatric disorders using high pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. A marked reduction in 5-HT levels was found in male and female patients with major depressive disorder, as compared to controls, but not in dysthymic disorder. These modifications may constitute biochemical changes suggestive of major depressive disorders; they could not be attributed to chronic antidepressant treatment.

Adult↗