Increased orexin levels in the cerebrospinal fluid the first year after a suicide attempt.
Author
Summary, in English
BACKGROUND: The orexins (hypocretins) and cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) are hypothalamic peptides involved in the regulation of sleep and appetite. We have previously shown that levels of both orexin-A and CART in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are related to specific psychiatric symptoms. METHODS: Ten patients took part in lumbar punctures and psychiatric evaluations in conjunction to a suicide attempt and after 6 and 12 months. We measured CSF-orexin and CART using radioimmunoassays. RESULTS: Mean CSF-orexin was significantly higher at the first and second follow-up than at the suicide attempt. In contrast, mean CSF-CART did not differ over time. Total SUAS scores, as well as ratings of CPRS item 66 (global illness) were significantly lower at follow-up. At one year, there was a significant negative correlation between the change in CSF-orexin and the change in total SUAS score. LIMITATIONS: The number of patients who participated was relatively small. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the hypothesis that orexin is involved in psychiatric symptomatology.
Department/s
Publishing year
2009
Language
English
Pages
179-182
Publication/Series
Journal of Affective Disorders
Volume
Jun 2
Links
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Elsevier
Topic
- Psychiatry
Status
Published
Research group
- Translational Neuroendocrinology
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1573-2517