Plasma MHPG and age at onset in depressed patients.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
R Tissot
Publications and source records attributed to R Tissot.
Guidelines for the dosage of neuroleptics. I: Chlorpromazine equivalents of orally administered neuroleptics.
Chlorpromazine (CPZ) equivalents are often used as a relative measure of the antipsychotic potency of neuroleptics. We review the CPZ equivalents of 33 neuroleptics and illustrate why imprecisions or discrepancies will be difficult to eliminate from these values. We nevertheless underline that CPZ equivalents can be clinically useful, since they facilitate the choice of doses of different neuroleptics that should induce comparable antipsychotic effects.
Antipsychotic Agents↗
Guidelines for the dosage of neuroleptics. II: Changing from daily oral to long acting injectable neuroleptics.
When changing from daily oral to long acting injectable neuroleptic therapy, it is essential to choose a dose that will maintain clinical efficacy without increased adverse reactions. Information on pharmacokinetics is needed to achieve this. The authors present guidelines based on this information and observe that previous recommendations sometimes differ substantially from these guidelines. Whether these guidelines will improve the results of long term treatment of psychotic patients remains to be determined.
Administration, Oral↗
The heterogeneity of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol levels among depressed patients.
A previous report by our group and results published by other research groups have indicated a dichotomy in MHPG levels in depressed patients. This study attempted to characterize phenomena associated with this dichotomy in plasma MHPG levels. First, we have noted, at least in female patients, that homogeneity of MHPG levels, as tested by fitting with a normal curve, can be ruled out. In contrast, in the total population, a dichotomy was less evident in this study; the 2 subgroups, high and low levels of MHPG, partially overlap, and this results in a gaussian distribution. However, based on the hypothesis of a bimodal distribution, as shown by others and not excluded here, it was possible to find some factors associated with heterogeneity. Thus, polarity of depression, sex and age of the patients, age of disease onset and depression score affect MHPG levels. On the other hand, other elements suspected to modify MHPG values, such as the different lengths of the washout period (minimum 10 days), or some medication (chloralhydrate or levomepromazine) required during the washout period, did not show any effect. The aim of this study was to better characterize this peripheral index for its possible use in clinical application.
Adult↗
Disability, mortality, and incidence of cancer among Geneva painters and electricians: a historical prospective study.
The 1916 painters and the 1948 electricians who resided in the Canton of Geneva at the time of the 1970 census were identified and followed up to 1984. During the study period 121 disability pensions were awarded to painters and 59 to electricians. Age standardised incidence of disability per 1000 man-years at risk was higher among painters than among electricians for all neuropsychiatric causes (1.23/1000 and 0.68/1000, respectively) and for all other causes (5.50/1000 and 3.41/1000, respectively). No case of presenile dementia was diagnosed among painters. There was inadequate evidence to indicate that the higher risk of neuropsychiatric disability for painters might have been due to their occupational exposure to organic solvents. A possible toxic effect of these substances on the central nervous system was confounded with alcoholism which was associated with disability from neuropsychiatric disease in 12 of 20 painters and in only one of 10 electricians. Mortality and incidence of cancer were assessed among both cohorts and compared with the expected figures calculated from Geneva rates. Among painters there was a significant increase in overall mortality (O = 254, E = 218.5), in mortality from all cancers (O = 96, E = 75.4), and in incidence from all cancers (O = 159, E = 132.0). For the specific cancer sites, there was a significant excess risk for lung cancer (mortality: O = 40, E = 23.0), which was possibly related to occupational exposure to asbestos and to zinc chromate, although cigarette smoking was not controlled. The significant excesses of biliary tract cancer and of bladder cancer were in accordance with previous observations among painters from other countries. There was also a significant increase in incidence from testicular cancer (O=5, E=1.6), which has not been reported before. For causes of death other than cancer the excesses for alcoholism (O=5, E=0.8). for liver cirrhosis (O=14, E=8.8), for motor vehicle accidents (O=12, E=5.9), and for cerebrovascular disease when allowing for ten years of latency (O=8, E=4.0), were consistent with a probable increased risk of alcohol abuse. Among electricians overall mortality was similar to that expected (O=137, E=139.0). No significant excess risk was found for all cancers or for any specific cancer site. Because of the small number of expected deaths the statistical power was low for the assessment of a possible risk for leukaemia or for brain tumour.
Adult↗
Involvement of sulfhydryl groups in the transport of L-tyrosine and L-tryptophan across the human red cell membrane in vitro.
In previous papers, we reported a deficit in tyrosine (TYR) and tryptophan (TRP) transport across the erythrocyte membrane in depressed patients. To investigate further the transport mechanism of the two precursors of monoamines, we tested in healthy subjects the role played by sulfhydryl groups (SH). These groups, cysteine residues, are localized on the intrinsic domain such as the transporters of chloride or sugars. We found that all sulfhydryl reagents that inactivated the SH induced a strong inhibition of the transport of amino acid across the red cell membrane when incubated in the plasma as medium. We concluded that a relationship might exist between these neutral amino acids and D-glucose transport.
4-Chloromercuribenzenesulfonate↗
Platelet [3H]-imipramine binding according to DSM-III subtypes of depression.
The question of the previously reported changes in the density of high-affinity binding sites for [3H]-imipramine (IMI) in platelets from depressed patients was reexamined among the different diagnostic subtypes of depression according to the DSM-III classification and taking into account the possible influence of the low-affinity binding site. Using a least-square computer-assisted analysis, a precise determination of the [3H]-IMI binding parameters exclusively in relationship to the high-affinity site was performed in 46 untreated depressed patients and compared to 35 healthy controls. The results revealed a clear and highly significant 22% decrease in the maximal density (Bmax) of [3H]-IMI binding in all of the depressed patients compared to controls with no change in affinity values. Considering the diagnostic subgroups, we found that all the bipolar patients, the depressed as well as the euthymic or manic ones, had very low Bmax values and that some of them also exhibited an unusual low-affinity binding. Mean Bmax of the unipolar and dysthymic patients significantly decreased when compared to controls, although the Bmax values showed a large variability. Only dysthymic patients presented Bmax values which were significantly associated to symptom severity as assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores. Our results confirm the lower density of platelet [3H]-IMI binding in affective disorders, particularly in bipolar patients, and also suggest that this biological parameter is a trait marker in bipolar depression and a state marker in dysthmic disorder.
Adolescent↗
[Apropos of a probable case of Binswanger encephalopathy].
The psychiatric characteristics of one highly suspected case of Binswanger's disease were discussed. The diagnosis was based on the clinical state and the CAT-scanner; this case was associated with particular psychiatric profile: a major depressive syndrome, an obsessional behavior and a major inhibition, with only slight symptoms of dementia. The psychiatric symptoms might help to the early diagnosis of this subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy.
Atrophy↗
Individuality and stability in the transport of precursors of monoamines across the erythrocyte membrane of mentally normal subjects.
We evaluated to what extent the tyrosine (TYR) and tryptophan (TRP) transport by the red cells was stable in normal subjects during divers clinical conditions. Twenty-two normal subjects were studied. The values of TYR and TRP transport were found to be individually determined, showed no circadian oscillations and no changes during the menstrual cycle, but varied somewhat more during the postpartum period. A few normal subjects had low TYR and TRP transport values, as observed in patients with affective disorders.
Adult↗
Evolution of red blood cell membrane transport and plasma level of L-tyrosine and L-tryptophan in depressed treated patients according to clinical improvement.
The erythrocyte membrane transport (MT) of L-tyrosine (TYR) and L-tryptophan (TRP) and their plasma concentration showed abnormal mean values in 37 depressed patients compared to control subjects before treatment. The pattern of these abnormal values differed according to the clinical subgroup (DSM III criteria). In bipolar disorders the TYR values were all low and the TRP values showed little change, except a low level of plasma TRP. In major depression, MT were abnormal (MT TYR low, MT TRP high) with a very low plasma TRP. In dysthymic disorders the TYR and TRP values were normal. The normalization of the above biochemical variables was significantly correlated with the clinical improvement; however, the plasma concentration of TRP remained abnormal in some patients who had recovered. In contrast, only plasma TYR and TRP were significantly increased in patients without recovery.
Adult↗
Plasma 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethyleneglycol and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol as indicators of central noradrenergic activity. A comparative study on control subjects and depressed patients.
Animal studies have suggested interspecies differences in brain norepinephrine (NE) metabolism, especially with regard to the relative proportions of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (DOPEG) compared to 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (MOPEG). In order to question the value of both glycol metabolites as peripheral indices of central noradrenergic activity, a comparative study of plasma DOPEG and MOPEG (measured by HPLC) related to depression, sex, age and diagnostic categories (DSM-III) was carried out on depressed and control subjects. In addition, two groups of 8 patients were randomly submitted to a desipramine 150 mg/day, or a metapramine 450 mg/day antidepressant treatment influencing the formation of DOPEG and MOPEG in a different way. The study did not demonstrate any difference between DOPEG and MOPEG for most of the experimental factors. We found also a significant positive correlation between plasma levels of DOPEG and MOPEG. Our results support the idea that each of these two biological indices can be used in the assessment of central noradrenergic activity.
Adult↗
[Apropos of a case of functional dysphagia].
Isolated functional dysphagia (IFD) was rarely cited in human adults. Here we reported a case of a patient which presented IFD. A constructivist approach revealed a primacy of the assimilation and an incapacity to overcoming the difficulties. The constructivist approach permitted the disappearing of the symptom. The concept and the technic of such approach are discussed.
Adult↗
Experimental models in human melanoma research: a logical perspective.
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Animals↗
[Distribution of the delta sleep-inducing peptide in the brain of rabbits: study by immunofluorescence].
Using the indirect immunofluorescence method, the distribution of the Delta Sleep Inducing Peptide (DSIP)-containing neurons was studied in the rabbit brain. DSIP antisera were raised in rat by multiple injections of synthetic DSIP conjugated to thyroglobulin. Some DSIP immunoreactive cell bodies were detected in the diagonal band of Broca and anterior part of the hypothalamus. Large populations of immunofluorescent fibers and terminals were visualized mainly through the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, the preoptic areas, the subfornical organ, the thalamus, the ventromedial hypothalamus and infundibulum. Further, most of the cells of the intermediate lobe of the hypophysis displayed DSIP-immunoreactivity. The predominant localization of DSIP-immunoreactive fibers and terminals in certain circumventricular organs suggests that DSIP could play a specific role in the neurohumoral regulation.
Animals↗
Determination of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG) by HPLC with coulometric detection, and correlation with 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) in human plasma.
A method for determining plasma 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (DHPG), a central noradrenaline (NA) metabolite, is described. The method used HPLC with dual coulometric detection set in screen mode of operation. The isolation of DHPG and related catecholamines (noradrenaline, dopamine and dihydroxybenzylamine) was performed on acid washed alumina extracted with 0.2 M HCIO4 containing EDTA (0.2%), and reduced glutathione as stabilizer. A reversed phase column with an eluting system containing 0.025 M citric acid-sodium hydrogen phosphate buffer in the ratio 3:2 (v:v) and 5% methanol was used. The experimental results of plasma DHPG levels compared favourably with the results from the literature, and a positively significant correlation with plasma MHPG was found. This method could be used as an alternative in central NA assessment.
Catecholamines↗
The decrease of erythrocyte catechol-O-methyltransferase activity in depressed patients and its diagnostic significance.
Erythrocyte catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) activity was measured in normal and depressed populations before specific medication. In the groups of patients, anxiety and depression scores were evaluated by the AMDP rating scale. The authors found lower enzyme activity in patients with major depression, recurrent and bipolar disorder, depressed, but no change was found in dysthymic disorder when compared to control values. However, there was no relationship between COMT activity and age, anxiety and depression scores of patients. Furthermore, the subdivision into two subpopulations, one with normal COMT activity and another with lower COMT activity, did not make it possible to assign a role to the enzyme in the severity of depression. The enzyme could, however, be considered as a genetic marker of depressive vulnerability.
Adult↗
[Various aspects of cognitive activities of schizophrenics. III. Maladjustment assimilation/accommodation and generalization of reasoning].
Paranoid schizophrenics are unable to balance affirmation and negation. Using the terms of Jean Piaget, they therefore only partially achieve the "équilibrations majorantes" of level II and never those of level III. In their thinking, they have access to the "généralisations inductives" (often excessive ones), but rarely to the "généralisations constructives complétives". They do not have access to the "généralisations synthétisantes" or to the feeling that logic is necessary. They oscillate between the positivist need to measure or verify and absolute beliefs issued from magical thinking.
Adult↗
L-tyrosine and L-tryptophan transport in red blood cells in normal subjects. Effects of other amino acids, temperature and medium of incubation.
Blood cells may be used as a model in the central transport mechanisms of amino acids, precursors of amines, implicated in some hypotheses of psychiatric diseases. In a previous paper, we showed a deficit of tyrosine transport by red cells incubated in the plasma of depressed patients. In the present study, we have investigated the interaction of these peripheral transport mechanisms for tyrosine and tryptophan with other amino acid transports, such as the L and ASC systems, and the role of sodium ions in the extracellular medium. We also describe the inhibition induced by incubation at a low temperature, and a probable role of the membrane viscosity. The interest of incubating the cells in their own plasma, in order to have physiological conditions, is also discussed.
Alanine↗