Abstract
A genetically mediated abnormal sensitivity to stress is thought to play a role in the onset, exacerbation and relapse of schizophrenia. In a double blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, peak increases in plasma ACTH (Delta ACTH) and homovanillic-acid, a dopamine metabolite, (Delta HVA) following exposure to a metabolic stressor(2DG) were studied in unaffected siblings of patients with schizophrenia (n=15), their patient relatives (n=15) and healthy controls (n=14). Siblings showed a stress response (both Delta ACTH and Delta HVA) that was significantly greater compared to controls and significantly less pronounced compared to patients. The results suggest that the genetic risk for schizophrenia may be characterized by an enhanced sensitivity to stress.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood
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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / drug effects
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Adult
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Control Groups
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Cross-Over Studies
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Deoxyglucose / pharmacology
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Dopamine / physiology*
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Double-Blind Method
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Female
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Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics
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Homovanillic Acid / blood
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Humans
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Hydrocortisone / blood
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Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / drug effects
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Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / metabolism*
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Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiopathology*
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Male
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Pituitary-Adrenal System / drug effects
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Pituitary-Adrenal System / metabolism
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Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiopathology*
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Placebos
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Risk Factors
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Schizophrenia / blood
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Schizophrenia / genetics
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Schizophrenia / physiopathology*
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Siblings / psychology
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Stress, Physiological / genetics
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Stress, Physiological / metabolism*
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Stress, Physiological / physiopathology
Substances
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Placebos
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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
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Deoxyglucose
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Dopamine
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Hydrocortisone
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Homovanillic Acid