NEUROBIOLOGY OF SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER AND LIGHT THERAPY

在我们正在进行的下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺(HPA)轴的研究中 可悲的是，我们已经分析了一项分级跑步机运动测试的数据，该测试 对HPA轴来说是自然主义的压力源。我们已经测量了ACTH， 皮质醇、儿茶酚胺和生长激素的分泌 挑战。结果表明SAD患者的HPA轴功能异常， ACTH分泌过度和去甲肾上腺素减弱证明了这一点 对压力作出反应的分泌物。这些异常被正常化了。 在夏天。 我们对昼夜节律系统的研究主要集中在冬季和夏季模式。 SAD患者和健康人夜间褪黑激素分泌的变化 控制。这些研究由临床部的Thomas Wehr博士报告 心理生物学分会在其报告Z01，MH，02739-02，CP.

In our ongoing studies of the hypothalmo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in SAD, we have analyzed data from a graded treadmill exercise test, which acts as a naturalistic stressor to the HPA axis. We have measured ACTH, cortisol, catecholamine, and growth hormone secretion in response to this challenge. Results suggest abnormal HPA-axis functioning in SAD patients, as evidenced by exaggerated ACTH secretion and blunted norepinephrine secretion in response to stress. These abnormalities were normalized during the summer. Our study of circadian systems has focused upon winter and summer patterns of nocturnal melatonin secretion in patients with SAD and healthy controls. These studies are reported by Dr. Thomas Wehr of the Clinical Psychobiology Branch in his report Z01 MH 02739-02 CP.