Effects of citalopram treatment on hypothermic and hormonal responses to the 5-HT1A receptor agonist buspirone in patients with major depression and therapeutic response

SummarySerotonin (5-HT) 5-HT1A receptor seems to play an important role in the pathophysiology of major depression and in the mechanism of action of antidepressants. In vivo function of 5-HT1A receptors can be monitored using specific pharmacological challenge tests. The present study aimed at exploring the adaptative 5-HT1A receptor changes in depressed patients before and after 8 week treatment with citalopram. The study population consisted of 30 consecutive outpatients of both sexes aged 18–45 years with major depressive disorders (DSM-IV). Basal score in the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) was higher than 17. Therapeutic response was defined as a 50% decrease in the HRSD score. The hypothermic and endocrine responses (ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin) induced by the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, buspirone (30 mg PO) were measured. After 8 weeks on citalopram, the Δmax of hypothermic response elicited by buspirone was markedly decreased (p<0.001). Patients showed a decrease in responses to ACTH (Δmax p=0.005; AUC p=0.028) and cortisol (Δmax p=0.05). However, the prolactin response increased (Δmax p=0.02; AUC p=0.005). There was a significant correlation between the therapeutic effect and reductions of ACTH (r=0.883; p<0.001) and cortisol (r=0.610; p=0.001) responses. Changes induced by citalopram support an alteration of 5-HT1A receptors in major depression. A decrease in the overactivity of the HPA axis may be one factor associated with the response to citalopram.