Dopamine-B-hydroxylase (DBH) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) in plasma and platelets were studied in six female rhesus monkeys during three complete menstrual cycles. The same monoamine enzymes of seven bilaterally ovariectomized females were compared with a group of controls. A difference was found in platelet MAO between a mid-menstrual-cycle peak and a perimenstrual trough in these animals, while plasma MAO was unchanged. DBH showed an inverted cyclical variation to that demonstrated by platelet MAO. The ovariectomized females showed significant differences from the controls, confirming the effects of the ovarian sex steroid hormones on platelet MAO and plasma DBH. The variation in these peripheral enzymes may be reflective of changes in brain monoamine systems, which may play some role in the behavioral changes observed during the menstrual cycle in primates.

When 500 micrograms of TRH is given intravenously, an increase in TSH, blood pressure, plasma catecholamines and positive emotions follows. Four groups of patients with major, minor or bipolar depression or schizoaffective disorder increased their TSH levels by similar amounts after TRH. The neurohormone also significantly increased diastolic blood pressure by 5.5 +/- 1.6 mm Hg, and decreased heart rate by 7.6 +/- 1.3 beats/min. There was a weak trend for bipolar depressives to have less cardiovascular response to TRH than the other groups. Plasma norepinephrine (NE) was higher after TRH than after placebo. The NE response differed between patient groups (P = .0023) because of a smaller response by major depressives. TRH decreased anger, tension and depression, and increased friendliness. Positive emotional responses were significantly greater in the bipolar depressives than in other groups. Forty-one other studies have found a subnormal TSH response does not distinguish between subtypes of the affective disorders, but cardiovascular, catecholamine and mood responses may do so.

The authors measured plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), pulse rates, and blood pressures of 81 hospitalized alcoholic patients. Treatment with 500 mg/day of disulfiram (but not 250 mg/day or placebo) resulted in small but significant increases in plasma NE and in blood pressure. The 500-mg dose did not appreciably inhibit DBH. Patients receiving high doses of disulfiram should have their blood pressure monitored and their dose decreased to 250 mg/day when possible.

Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) norepinephrine (NE) concentrations were preoperatively determined in five patients using a radioenzymatic assay technique. Stereotaxic thalamotomy was performed using depth coagulating electrodes with stimulating points at 5.0-mm intervals along the shaft. No significant alterations in prestimulation lumbar CSF NE levels were noted 12 days after electrode installation. Stimulating points within the caudate nucleus were anatomically localized using ventricular landmarks and stimulation-induced neurophysiological responses were recorded. Twelve hours after intermittent electrical stimulation of the caudate nucleus, lumbar CSF NE concentrations were significantly decreased. Our data suggest the presence of noradrenergic pathways in man that are inhibited by caudate nucleus stimulation.

The authors examined newborn anomaly scores for 193 normal infants in relation to obstetrical history, newborn dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH), and 5-month (N=185) and 1-year (N=123) infant behavior, determined by a questionnaire completed by their mothers. There was no significant relationship between anomaly score and obstetrical history or 5-month infant temperament; low significant correlations were found between newborn DBH and 1) infant irritability and unsociable response and 2) 1-year anomaly scores and reported activity levels. The authors discuss the possible importance of these findings.