pituitrin and Mental-Disorders

Vasopressin is a ubiquitous molecule playing an important role in a wide range of physiological processes thereby implicated in the pathomechanism of many disorders. Its effect is well characterized through V2 receptors, which regulates the water resorption in kidney, while its vasoconstrictory effect through V1a receptor also received a lot of attention in the maintenance of blood pressure during shock. However, the most striking is its central effect both through the V1b receptors in stress-axis regulation as well as through V1a receptors regulating many aspects of our behavior (e.g., social behavior, learning and memory). Vasopressin has been implicated in the development of depression, due to its connection with chronic stress, as well as schizophrenia because of its involvement in social interactions and memory processes. Epigenetic changes may also play a role in the development of these disorders. The possible mechanism includes DNA methylation, histone modification and/or micro RNAs, and these possible regulations will be in the focus of our present review.

Topics: Animals; Epigenesis, Genetic; Homeostasis; Humans; Mental Disorders; Receptors, Vasopressin; Signal Transduction; Vasopressins

Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are hypothalamic neuropeptides classically associated with their regulatory role in reproduction, water homeostasis, and social behaviors. Interestingly, this role has expanded in recent years and has positioned these neuropeptides as therapeutic targets for various neuropsychiatric diseases such as autism, addiction, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety disorders. Due to the chemical-physical characteristics of these neuropeptides including short half-life, poor blood-brain barrier penetration, promiscuity for AVP and OT receptors (AVP-R, OT-R), novel ligands have been developed in recent decades. This review summarizes the role of OT and AVP in neuropsychiatric conditions, as well as the findings of different OT-R and AVP-R agonists and antagonists, used both at the preclinical and clinical level. Furthermore, we discuss their possible therapeutic potential for central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

Topics: Animals; Central Nervous System Diseases; Drug Agonism; Drug Antagonism; Humans; Mental Disorders; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Vasopressins

Although the neurohypophyseal hormones vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) are mostly known for their role respectively in antidiuresis, and in labour, lactation and maternal behavior, both might exert widespread influences either on emotion and cognition in healthy subjects, showing some gender-related differences. They interact with each other facilitating shifts between positive socially- oriented and defensive states. In fact, VP amplifies the reactivity to stressors showing also beneficial effects on attention, verbal learning as well as memory, whereas OT reduces the amplitude of the stress response, improves emotion processing, and can play a negative effect on memory and verbal learning in healthy individuals. Several data indicate the possible involvement of these neuropeptides in the pathophysiology of psychiatric conditions involving social interactions, such as autism, as well as in schizophrenia and depression. The aim of this paper is to review the literature relating to the role played by neurohypophyseal hormones in neuropsychiatric disorders.. We analyzed the best of published literature dealing with the relationships between neurohypophyseal hormones and neuropsychiatric conditions like autism (AD), major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD) and schozophrenia, identifying keywords and MeSH terms in Pubmed and then searching them. The last search was performed on December 2017.. Several studies indicate a role played by OT and VP in AD, schizophrenia, MDD and BD. Even if conflicting data have been reported, several mechanisms may be involved in these behavioral diseases, such as differences in aminoacid sequence and peptide biological activity, neurotransmission and genetic disorders involving OT and VP receptors.. The involvment of VP and OT in neurpopsychiatric disorders can support a possible beneficial therapy with OT or with VP antagonists. The target may be obtained using effective drug delivery methods as well as the association with other drugs.

Topics: Affect; Animals; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Bipolar Disorder; Depressive Disorder, Major; Humans; Mental Disorders; Oxytocin; Pituitary Gland, Posterior; Schizophrenia; Schizophrenic Psychology; Signal Transduction; Vasopressins

The motivation to engage in social behaviors is influenced by past experience and internal state, but also depends on the behavior of other animals. Across species, the oxytocin (Oxt) and vasopressin (Avp) systems have consistently been linked to the modulation of motivated social behaviors. However, how they interact with other systems, such as the mesolimbic dopamine system, remains understudied. Further, while the neurobiological mechanisms that regulate prosocial/cooperative behaviors have been extensively examined, far less is understood about competitive behaviors, particularly in females. In this chapter, we highlight the specific contributions of Oxt and Avp to several cooperative and competitive behaviors and discuss their relevance to the concept of social motivation across species, including humans. Further, we discuss the implications for neuropsychiatric diseases and suggest future areas of investigation.

Topics: Aggression; Animals; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Behavior, Animal; Brain; Competitive Behavior; Cooperative Behavior; Dopamine; Female; Humans; Mental Disorders; Motivation; Oxytocin; Pair Bond; Personality Disorders; Schizophrenia; Schizophrenic Psychology; Social Behavior; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Vasopressins

A large array of studies have investigated peripheral oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (ADH) as potential biomarkers of psychiatric disorders, with highly conflicting and heterogenous findings. We searched Web of KnowledgeSM and Scopus® for English original articles investigating OT and/or ADH levels in different biological fluids (plasma/serum, saliva, urine and cerebrospinal fluid) across several psychiatric disorders. Sixty-four studies were included. We conducted 19 preliminary meta-analyses addressing OT alterations in plasma/serum, saliva, urine and cerebrospinal fluid of 7 psychiatric disorders and ADH alterations in plasma/serum, saliva, urine and cerebrospinal fluid of 6 psychiatric disorders compared to controls. Hedge's g was used as effect size measure, together with heterogeneity analyses, test of publication biases and quality control. None of them (except serum OT in anorexia nervosa) revealed significant differences. There is no convincing evidence that peripheral ADH or OT might be reliable biomarkers in psychiatric disorders. However, the lack of significant results was associated with high methodological heterogeneity, low quality of the studies, small sample size, and scarce reliability of the methods used in previous studies, which need to be validated and standardized.

Topics: Biomarkers; Humans; Mental Disorders; Oxytocin; Reproducibility of Results; Vasopressins

The search for novel drugs for treating psychiatric disorders is driven by the growing medical need to improve on the effectiveness and side-effect profile of currently available therapies. Given the wealth of preclinical data supporting the role of neuropeptides in modulating behaviour, pharmaceutical companies have been attempting to target neuropeptide receptors for over two decades. However, clinical studies with synthetic neuropeptide ligands have been unable to confirm the promise predicted by studies in animal models. Here, we analyse preclinical and clinical results for neuropeptide receptor ligands that have been studied in clinical trials for psychiatric diseases, including agents that target the receptors for tachykinins, corticotropin-releasing factor, vasopressin and neurotensin, and suggest new ways to exploit the full potential of these candidate drugs.

Topics: Animals; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Ligands; Mental Disorders; Neurotensin; Psychotropic Drugs; Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; Receptors, Neuropeptide; Receptors, Neurotensin; Receptors, Tachykinin; Receptors, Vasopressin; Tachykinins; Vasopressins

Most of our previous knowledge about neurobiology of affiliation is based on animal research. However, during the last couple of years, there has been a surge of research investigating the neurobiological underpinnings of human affiliative behaviour. This article aims to review recent brain imaging and neuropeptide studies that investigated human affiliation.. Findings from brain-imaging studies have increased our knowledge of the neural networks critical for sensitivity to social reward, social cooperation and empathy. Some of the inter-individual and between-sex differences in personality and temperament appear to be driven by structural and functional variations in the brain regions processing social rewards. Furthermore, oxytocin exerts its effects by modulating affiliation-related neural networks. Impairments in affiliation-related brain networks and neuropeptides seem to be potentially important for pathophysiology of a range of mental disorders such as autism, schizophrenia and psychopathy.. Human research investigating the neurobiology of affiliation has potentially important implications for the understanding and management of mental disorders. One example is the potential role of oxytocin as a therapeutic agent; however, these preliminary findings need to be rigorously tested with further studies. Multimethod studies that evaluate brain imaging, genetics and neurochemistry within the same sample will be important to further advance our understanding of human affiliation.

Topics: Amygdala; Brain; Cooperative Behavior; Empathy; Friends; Hippocampus; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Mental Disorders; Object Attachment; Oxytocin; Receptors, Vasopressin; Social Behavior; Vasopressins

Oxytocin and vasopressin are highly conserved neuropeptides that play a key role in social attachment and affiliation, including parental care and pair-bonding. Oxytocin attenuates neural responses to aversive pictures and has been associated with reduced coupling of amygdala to brainstem regions involved in the fear response. Differential activation of the amygdala has been found to be associated with different genetic variants of the vasopressin receptor. There is growing evidence that oxytocin and vasopressin receptor variants are associated with individual differences in prosocial behavior. It is humbling that differences in complex human behaviors may be partially explicable on the basis of relatively simple neuropeptide systems. Nevertheless, such findings potentially allow for targeted interventions for a range of psychiatric disorders in which such systems play a role.

Topics: Adult; Animals; Brain; Female; Humans; Mental Disorders; Oxytocin; Social Behavior; Vasopressins

Vasopressin is a neuropeptide with multiple functions. In addition to its predominantly antidiuretic action after peripheral secretion from the posterior pituitary, it seems to fulfill--together with its receptor subtype--all requirements for a neuropeptide system critically involved in higher brain functions, including cognitive abilities and emotionality. Following somatodendritic and axonal release in distinct brain areas, vasopressin acts as a neuromodulator and neurotransmitter in multiple and varying modes of interneuronal communication. Accordingly, changes in vasopressin expression and release patterns may have wide-spread consequences. As shown in mice, rats, voles, and humans, central vasopressin release along a continuum may be beneficial to the individual, serving to adjust physiology and behavior in stressful scenarios, possibly at the potential expense of increasing susceptibility to disease. Indeed, if over-expressed and over-released, it may contribute to hyper-anxiety and depression-like behaviors. A vasopressin deficit, in turn, may cause signs of both diabetes insipidus and total hypo-anxiety. The identification of genetic polymorphisms underlying these phenomena does not only explain individual variation in social memory and emotionality, but also help to characterize potential targets for therapeutic interventions. The capability of both responding to stressful stimuli and mediating genetic polymorphisms makes the vasopressin system a key mediator for converging (i.e., environmentally and genetically driven) behavioral regulation.

Topics: Animals; Autistic Disorder; Brain; Diabetes Insipidus; Emotions; Humans; Mental Disorders; Polymorphism, Genetic; Schizophrenia; Social Behavior; Vasopressins

Topics: Animals; Goats; Humans; Hypothalamus; Mental Disorders; Norepinephrine; Oxytocin; Rats; Stress, Physiological; Vasopressins

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is the first of a group of atrial natriuretic peptides (ANPs) discovered since 1981. This group of peptides is thought to have an important role in sodium homeostasis and regulation of fluid volume. Although the role of ANF in cardiovascular and renal disorders is under investigation, the specific signaling involvement that ANF may have in the central nervous system is still unexplored. To date, ANF has not as yet been associated with a given functional area in the brain, nor has it been shown to be linked to any particular psychopathology. Neuropharmacology research of these peptides and their drug manipulation is needed to advance our knowledge of the possible role of ANF in psychiatry beyond the current level of speculation.

Topics: Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Brain; Drinking Behavior; Humans; Mental Disorders; Metabolic Diseases; Neurosecretory Systems; Vasopressins; Water; Water-Electrolyte Balance

Topics: Bethanechol; Bethanechol Compounds; Calcium Channel Blockers; Chest Pain; Diagnosis, Differential; Edrophonium; Ergonovine; Esophageal Achalasia; Esophageal Diseases; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Heart Diseases; Humans; Isosorbide Dinitrate; Mental Disorders; Nitroglycerin; Pentagastrin; Vasopressins

The study of neurohypophyseal peptides in various neuropsychiatric disorders is of interest because the hypothalamo-posterior pituitary axis is directly influenced by modifications of central neurotransmitter metabolism involved in behaviour control. Moreover, the main neurohypophyseal peptides, namely vasopressin and oxytocin, are themselves capable of modifying behaviour. In this paper the author discusses current understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the main central vasopressinergic and oxytocinergic pathways, followed by a description of the principal actions of exogenously administered vasopressin and oxytocin on human behaviour. Finally, modification of endogenous neurohypophyseal function encountered in different pathological states are described.

Topics: Amino Acid Sequence; Behavior; Humans; Mental Disorders; Molecular Sequence Data; Neuropeptides; Oxytocin; Pituitary Gland, Posterior; Psychopathology; Vasopressins

Disorders of water homeostasis are common in psychiatric patients and include compulsive water drinking, the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), and the syndrome of self-induced water intoxication (SIWI). Although water intoxication was recognized nearly 70 years ago, the physiological basis of these disorders of water metabolism still remains elusive. This review will provide a historical overview, critique current studies on compulsive water drinking and SIWI, discuss possible etiologies, and present current approaches to treatment of these disorders. Because of the complexity of the subject, a review of normal water homeostasis and the SIADH will be included.

Topics: Drinking; Humans; Hyponatremia; Inappropriate ADH Syndrome; Mental Disorders; Psychotropic Drugs; Thirst; Vasopressins; Water Intoxication

Topics: Animals; Appetite; APUD Cells; Biological Evolution; Blood Pressure; Body Temperature Regulation; Cell Differentiation; Central Nervous System; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry; Cricetinae; Endorphins; Humans; Immunity; Memory; Mental Disorders; Mice; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Neurotransmitter Agents; Pain; Rats; Synaptic Transmission; Vasopressins

In animals, vasopressin and related peptides are present in specific neuronal pathways in the brain and modulate brain processes. It has been suggested that in particular memory processes, including consolidation and retrieval, short and long term memories are facilitated by vasopressin. Evidence has been presented that endogenous vasopressin is involved in these processes. But also other effects of these peptides e.g. an attenuation of acquisition of heroin self-administration have been reported. Vasopressin and related peptides have been administered to humans in a number of studies including volunteers and various patient populations with and without complaints about memory. Beneficial effects on several aspects of memory, learning, attention and concentration have been found, but not in all studies. Patients with severe deficits seem to benefit less from the peptide treatment. This may be related to the amount of brain damage. Beneficial effects of vasopressin treatment have been reported in schizophrenics and heroin addicts. In addition effects on social behavior, energy and mood of certain patients have been noted. The target patient population for vasopressin neuropeptide is thus not yet well defined. With respect to cognitive disorders, sophisticated neuropsychological test procedures, including information-processing tasks, may contribute to define such a patient population. These tasks may also be applied for treatment evaluation. It should however be kept in mind that other interesting influences of vasopressin e.g. on social behavior, mood and addictive behavior, may also appear of clinical significance. Future studies in humans may yield more detailed information in this respect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Amnesia; Animals; Brain; Humans; Memory; Mental Disorders; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Psychological Tests; Vasopressins

Topics: Animals; Anticonvulsants; Antipsychotic Agents; Depressive Disorder; Drug Therapy, Combination; Endorphins; Enkephalins; Humans; Mental Disorders; Naloxone; Naltrexone; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Pituitary Hormones; Psychotropic Drugs; Schizophrenia; Substance-Related Disorders; Vasopressins

Since the approval of lithium use in treatment of acute mania, there have been numerous clinical trials of lithium in medical and psychiatric disorders. This paper gives a brief review of the literature on lithium trials in approximately fourteen medical conditions. These are: hyperthyroidism, metabolizing thyroid cancer, syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone, premenstrual tension syndrome, anorexia nervosa, Felty's syndrome, chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, aplastic anemia, seborrheic dermatitis, eczematoid dermatitis, cyclic vomiting, diabetes mellitus and asthma. Most of the case reports cited showed the efficacy of the side effects from lithium salt in the management of the symptoms and signs of these disorders, however, well-designed and controlled studies give negative results. The positive results are reported in the group of disorders having an underlying subdromal affective syndrome such as premenstrual tension syndrome and anorexia nervosa. Other encouraging reports include the effect of lithium to induce leucocytosis in Felty's syndrome and chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.

Topics: Anorexia Nervosa; Clinical Trials as Topic; Drug Interactions; Felty Syndrome; Female; Hematologic Diseases; Humans; Hyperphagia; Hyperthyroidism; Lithium; Mental Disorders; Premenstrual Syndrome; Skin Diseases; Thyroid Neoplasms; Vasopressins

Topics: Acid-Base Equilibrium; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Kidney Tubules; Kinetics; Lithium; Mental Disorders; Polyuria; Sodium; Vasopressins; Water-Electrolyte Balance

Topics: Aged; Alzheimer Disease; Animals; Brain; Cholecystokinin; Depressive Disorder; Endorphins; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Neurotransmitter Agents; Schizophrenia; Substance P; Vasopressins

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Central Nervous System; Geriatrics; Humans; Mental Disorders; Peptides; Psychopharmacology; Species Specificity; Vasopressins

The neurohypophyseal hormones oxytocin and vasopressin cause a variety of biological effects in animals which are mediated by central nervous system mechanisms. Among the best studied of these effects is the modulation of both memory processes and the development of drug tolerance and dependence. Neurohypophyseal hormones have also been shown to alter various physiological parameters such as heart rate and body temperature following central administration. In addition, these peptides can profoundly alter spontaneous, unlearned behavior in several rodent species. Many of the centrally mediated effects of neurohypophyseal hormones have been shown to be elicited at sites within the brain stem and the limbic system where vasopressin and oxytocin occur in cell bodies, axons and nerve terminals, suggesting a physiological role for these peptide effects. The various central effects of neurohypophyseal hormones involve different mechanisms which can be distinguished from one another on the basis of required dose, time-course of action, and structure-activity relationships. Thus, alterations of spontaneous behavior are mediated by putative receptors closely related to vasopressin receptors in blood vessels responsible for the peripheral pressor response while the effects on memory processes are mediated by a mechanism which is not closely related to those involved in the peripheral hormonal effects of the peptides. The influence of neurohypophyseal hormones on memory and attention may be useful clinically. A potential role for these peptides in mental disorders is discussed.

Topics: Animals; Autonomic Nervous System; Behavior, Animal; Brain; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Drug Tolerance; Humans; Intracranial Pressure; Mental Disorders; Mental Recall; Morphine Dependence; Oxytocin; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome; Vasopressins; Water-Electrolyte Balance

Topics: Animals; Behavior, Animal; Cognition; Cognition Disorders; Electroconvulsive Therapy; Humans; Memory; Mental Disorders; Neurophysins; Oxytocin; Pituitary Hormones, Posterior; Vasopressins

This review highlights that essentially all of the recently discovered putative central nervous system (CNS) peptides and other peptide substances are measurable in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Preliminary evidence also suggests that peptides in CSF may have an active regulatory role in relation to CNS function and behavior. Even if this is not the case, CSF peptides may prove to be a useful indirect marker of CNS peptide function and metabolism. Alterations in peptides have been reported in neurological and psychiatric illness, pain symptoms and their treatment, symptoms such as anxiety, and following treatment with CNS active drugs such as carbamazepine. CSF methodologies provide a strategy for the study of the interaction of classical neurotransmitters and peptide substances and their relationship to neural function and behavior in man. Assessment of peptides in CSF may supplement post mortem studies of peptide levels and receptor distribution and help lead to new diagnostic and treatment approaches in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Angiotensins; beta-Endorphin; Calcitonin; Endorphins; Humans; Mental Disorders; Nervous System Diseases; Oxytocin; Peptides; Somatostatin; Substance P; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; Vasopressins; Vasotocin

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Brain; Humans; Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones; Mental Disorders; Peptides; Pituitary Hormones; Psychopathology; Rats; Vasopressins

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Aged; Amnesia; Brain; Contingent Negative Variation; Cyclic AMP; Electroencephalography; Humans; Male; Memory; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Myelin Sheath; Neurotransmitter Agents; Phosphorylation; Pituitary Hormones; Prostaglandins; Schizophrenia; Vasopressins

Research indicates that brain peptides exert both behavioral and endocrinologic effects in humans and animals. This review summarizes the best known behavioral actions of four endogenous peptides: luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), vasopressin, and angiotensin. The hypothalamic-releasing hormones play a role in modulating pituitary-end organ systems. Behavioral disorders may, in the future, be susceptible to formulation in terms of changes in brain peptides. Peptide research in psychiatry may be approached in several ways.

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Angiotensin II; Animals; Behavior; Disease Models, Animal; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Hypothalamus; Mental Disorders; Pituitary Gland; Research Design; Thyroid Gland; Vasopressins

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Cortisone; Electroconvulsive Therapy; Endocrine System Diseases; Hormones; Humans; Learning; Memory; Mental Disorders; MSH Release-Inhibiting Hormone; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Peptides; Psychoses, Substance-Induced; Psychotropic Drugs; Schizophrenia; Somatomedins; Somatostatin; Steroids; Substance P; Thyrotropin; Vasopressins

Since the approval of lithium use in treatment of acute mania, there have been numerous clinical trials of lithium in medical and psychiatric disorders. This paper gives a brief review of the literature on lithium trials in approximately fourteen medical conditions. These are: hyperthyroidism, metabolizing thyroid cancer, syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone, premenstrual tension syndrome, anorexia nervosa, Felty's syndrome, chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, aplastic anemia, seborrheic dermatitis, eczematoid dermatitis, cyclic vomiting, diabetes mellitus and asthma. Most of the case reports cited showed the efficacy of the side effects from lithium salt in the management of the symptoms and signs of these disorders, however, well-designed and controlled studies give negative results. The positive results are reported in the group of disorders having an underlying subdromal affective syndrome such as premenstrual tension syndrome and anorexia nervosa. Other encouraging reports include the effect of lithium to induce leucocytosis in Felty's syndrome and chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.

Topics: Anorexia Nervosa; Clinical Trials as Topic; Drug Interactions; Felty Syndrome; Female; Hematologic Diseases; Humans; Hyperphagia; Hyperthyroidism; Lithium; Mental Disorders; Premenstrual Syndrome; Skin Diseases; Thyroid Neoplasms; Vasopressins

Topics: Adult; Clinical Trials as Topic; Craniocerebral Trauma; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Neurologic Examination; Vasopressins

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of neuro-otological examination, blood tests, and scoring questionnaire data with treatment-resistant intractability of persistent dizziness in Ménière's disease.. We managed 1520 successive vertigo/dizziness patients at the Vertigo/Dizziness Center in Nara Medical University from May 2014 to April 2018. Five hundred and twenty-two patients were diagnosed with Ménière's disease (522/1520; 34.3%) according to the 2015 diagnostic guideline of the International Classification of Vestibular Disorders. Among the patients with Ménière's disease there were 102 with intractable rotatory vertigo attacks for more than 3-6 months (102/522; 19.5%), including 20 bilateral cases (20/102; 19.6%), and 88 with intractable unremitting floating sensation rather than rotatory vertigo attacks for more than 3-6 months (88/522; 16.9%), including 28 bilateral cases (28/88; 31.8%). Sixty out of 88 cases with intractable unremitting floating sensation were unilateral and were enrolled for hospitalization to undergo neuro-otological examinations including pure-tone audiometry (PTA), the caloric test (C-test), vestibular evoked cervical myogenic potentials (cVEMP), subjective visual vertical (SVV) test, glycerol test (G-test), electrocochleogram (ECoG), inner ear magnetic resonance imaging (ieMRI), blood tests including anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) and bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and self-rating questionnaires of depression score (SDS). Data are presented as positive (+) ratios of the number of patients with examination and questionnaire data outside of the normal range.. The ratios (+) were as follows: C-test=33.3% (20/60), cVEMP=25.0% (15/60), SVV=50.0% (30/60), G-test=55.0% (33/60), ECoG=63.3% (38/60), ieMRI=86.7% (52/60), ADH=35.0% (21/60), BAP=11.7% (7/60), and SDS=40.0% (24/60). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the periods of persistent dizziness were significantly longer in unilateral Ménière's patients with C-test(+), SVV(+), and SDS(+) compared with those with negative findings. Additionally, the periods in bilateral cases were significantly longer than those in unilateral ones.. Although approximately 70% of patients with Ménière's disease are usually treatable through the appropriate conservative medical therapy, the presence of canal paresis, gravity-sensitive dysfunction, neurosis/depression, and bilaterality may make the persistent dizziness intractable and may thus require additional treatments.

Topics: Adult; Alkaline Phosphatase; Audiometry, Evoked Response; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Caloric Tests; Depressive Disorder; Dizziness; Ear, Inner; Female; Gravitation; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Meniere Disease; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Regression Analysis; Semicircular Canals; Vasopressins; Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials

Review of 18th and 19th century psychiatric therapies raises the possibility that several may have altered the activity of vasopressin or Na-K-ATPase. Bleeding, whirling, nausea created by medicines, and vagus nerve stimulation by application of electricity through the skin all perturb the hypothalamic hormone, arginine vasopressin, while helleborus and digitalis inhibit the sodium pump enzyme, Na-K-ATPase. These approaches were used with reported benefit many years ago, acting on the brain in ways ongoing research suggests may play a role in affective disorders. Study of long-abandoned treatments may clarify their mechanisms of action and the characteristics of responsive patients.

Topics: Bloodletting; Brain; Cathartics; History, 18th Century; History, 19th Century; Humans; Mental Disorders; Mercury; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; Vasopressins

Multiple approaches should be taken to investigate the genetic bases of psychiatric disorders, including the consideration of candidate genes. Studies in animal models suggest that the genes encoding oxytocin, vasopressin, and their respective receptors should be considered in a candidate gene approach for psychiatric disorders involving social deficits, such as autism or social phobias. These neuropeptide hormones may mediate the rewarding nature of social interactions and have been implicated in social attachment and social recognition in several animal models. Mutations in genes unrelated to oxytocin and vasopressin have been shown to have secondary effects on neuropeptide function and subsequent behavioral phenotypes. Genetic analysis of polymorphisms and expression analysis of candidate genes implicated in animal models may prove useful for determining the molecular mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders, particularly in cases where other techniques proven difficult.

Topics: Animals; Arvicolinae; Cricetinae; Female; Male; Mental Disorders; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Models, Animal; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Rats; Sheep; Vasopressins

Topics: Animals; Antipsychotic Agents; Brain; Brain Diseases; Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced; Female; Humans; Male; Melatonin; Mental Disorders; Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus; Risk Factors; Vasopressins

The short-term (30 days) effects of lithium carbonate on ADH secretion, urinary enzyme secretion (specific markers of tubular damage), fractional excretion of sodium, calcaemia, calciuria and fractional reabsorption of phosphate, plasma and urinary Ca, urea and creatinine clearance were assessed in 15 female patients with emotional disorders. An immediate increase in diuresis was noted. At least in the acute initial phase, this phenomenon appears to be caused by inhibited ADH incretion. No significant variation were noted in calciuria or the fraction of sodium secretion but there was a significant increase of enzymuria, confirming the potential nephrotoxicity of lithium treatment.

Topics: Adult; alpha-Glucosidases; Enzymes; Female; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Function Tests; Lithium; Lithium Carbonate; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Vasopressins

Topics: Humans; Mental Disorders; Schizophrenia; Vasopressins; Water Intoxication

The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) as a cause of hypotonic hyponatremia is well recognized. The syndrome is commonly associated with cranial and thoracic infectious disease or malignancy. An idiopathic form of the syndrome has been reported, but poorly documented. Our patient, an 88-year-old man without any associated disease, had SIADH confirmed by a standard water load test. The pattern of antidiuretic hormone release corresponded to the "vasopressin leak" pattern. A review of ten cases of "idiopathic" SIADH showed that each of these cases has been associated with neuropsychiatric or other medical disturbances. We conclude that idiopathic inappropriate antidiuresis does exist and is a discrete category of SIADH. Data suggest that advanced age may be a risk factor for this disease. This syndrome may account for the increased susceptibility to hyponatremia among older patients.

Topics: Adolescent; Aged; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Hyponatremia; Inappropriate ADH Syndrome; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Osmolar Concentration; Vasopressins

This article comprises a systematic ans schematic survey of neuroleptics and antidepressants, their mode of action in the central nervous system, indications and side-effects. Psychic disorders in the aged may be due to anatomical cerebral lesions, but they may be also "functional'. Both types of disorders are concisely described. The possibilities and limitations of treatment with psychotropic drugs are reviewed and special attention is given to the specific problems of this type of therapy in patients of advanced age. It is pointed out that psychic disorders in the aged are multiconditional and that psychopharmacotherapy is just one component of the treatment. The neuropeptide concept is described. The putative clinical significances of neuropeptides derived from ACTH, vasopressin and beta-endorphin (e.g. DTgammaE) are mentioned with respect to learning- and memory processes and schizophrenia.

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Aged; Antidepressive Agents; Antipsychotic Agents; Central Nervous System; Depression; Drug Interactions; Endorphins; Humans; Mental Disorders; Vasopressins

Forty-eight patients treated with oral lithium carbonate and 20 control subjects were studied to define the causes of lithium-induced water disturbances. Measurement of plasma immunoreactive arginine vasopressin, plasma osmolality, and urine osmolality after a period of dehydration separated nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, cranial diabetes insipidus, and primary polydipsia, the three postulated mechanisms of lithium-induced polyuria. Seventeen patients had a urinary concentrating defect despite serum lithium concentrations in the therapeutic range. Ten of these patients had nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, one had results suggestive of cranial diabetes insipidus, but none had evidence of primary polydipsia. Symptoms of thirst and polyuria were poor indicators of the degree of hypo-osmolar urine. No patient had electrolyte abnormalities, and none had sufficiently severe polyuria to stop lithium treatment.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Lithium; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Osmolar Concentration; Polyuria; Thirst; Vasopressins

Topics: Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors; Aspartic Acid; Bipolar Disorder; Catatonia; Circadian Rhythm; Cysteine; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Lithium; Mass Spectrometry; Mental Disorders; Metabolism, Inborn Errors; Periodicity; Phenylketonurias; Sleep; Vasopressins

Topics: Aged; Bronchial Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Bronchogenic; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Hormones, Ectopic; Humans; Hyponatremia; Male; Mental Disorders; Vasopressins; Water-Electrolyte Balance

Topics: Aldosterone; Angiotensin II; Blood Volume; Hormones, Ectopic; Humans; Hyponatremia; Lung Neoplasms; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Renin; Vasopressins

Topics: Animals; Biological Assay; Electroencephalography; Encephalitis; Female; Humans; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Rats; Time Factors; Vasopressins

Topics: Brain Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Bronchogenic; Cerebral Cortex; Dementia; Glioma; Humans; Hyponatremia; Liver Neoplasms; Lymph Nodes; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Metastasis; Seizures; Sodium; Thalamus; Vasopressins

Topics: Aged; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Humans; Hyponatremia; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Natriuresis; Smoking; Vasopressins; Water-Electrolyte Balance

Topics: Aged; Blood Proteins; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Chlorine; Creatinine; Diagnosis, Differential; Ethacrynic Acid; Female; Hormones, Ectopic; Humans; Hyponatremia; Mental Disorders; Potassium; Sodium; Vasopressins; Water Intoxication; Water-Electrolyte Balance

Topics: Bipolar Disorder; Depression; Epilepsy; Estrogens; Female; Humans; Hydantoins; Intellectual Disability; Mental Disorders; Mentally Ill Persons; Nitrates; Potassium; Premenstrual Syndrome; Progesterone; Schizophrenia; Thyroid Hormones; Tranquilizing Agents; Vasopressins

Topics: Child; Child Behavior Disorders; Diabetes Insipidus; Fever; Humans; Hypernatremia; Infant; Mental Disorders; Povidone; Vasopressins

Topics: Arginine Vasopressin; Biomedical Research; Humans; Hypothermia; Hypothermia, Induced; Mental Disorders; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Vasopressins

Topics: Arginine Vasopressin; Cardiotoxicity; Heart; Humans; Mental Disorders; Stress, Physiological; Stress, Psychological; Vasopressins

Topics: Animals; Cold Temperature; Mental Disorders; Rats; Reserpine; Serotonin; Stress, Physiological; Vasopressins

Topics: Alcohols; Arginine Vasopressin; Diabetes Insipidus; Diabetes Insipidus, Neurogenic; Ethanol; Female; Humans; Mental Disorders; Pregnancy; Vasopressins