Elevated growth hormone responses to pyridostigmine in obsessive-compulsive disorder: evidence of cholinergic supersensitivity

Am J Psychiatry. 1993 Jun;150(6):961-2. doi: 10.1176/ajp.150.6.961.

Abstract

The growth hormone response to the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor pyridostigmine was measured in nine normothymic outpatients who met DSM-III-R criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder. The responses were significantly elevated when compared to those found in a healthy comparison group (N = 9). The data suggest that cholinergic supersensitivity is present in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Female
  • Growth Hormone / blood*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / blood
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / physiopathology
  • Parasympathetic Nervous System / drug effects
  • Parasympathetic Nervous System / physiopathology
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide* / pharmacology
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / drug effects
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / physiology

Substances

  • Receptors, Cholinergic
  • Growth Hormone
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide