Enhanced monoaminergic neurotransmission by desglycinamide-arginine-vasopressin in human subjects.

The effect of desglycinamide-arginine-vasopressin (DGAVP) on monoaminergic neurotransmission was studied in human subjects. Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were collected during 240 min after DGAVP (2 mg) had been administered intranasally, and monoamine metabolites in CSF were measured with HPLC using electrochemical detection. Levels of homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid increased (P less than 0.05) 150 min after DGAVP administration, whereas levels of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol were stable during the time monitored. These results suggest that in human subjects the mechanism of action of DGAVP may involve dopaminergic and serotonergic systems.