[Action of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) on sleep EEG and nocturnal secretion of growth hormone, cortisol and ACTH in patients with major depression].

In contrast to the effects of GHRH in young normal human subjects, in which repetitive i.v. administration of GHRH prompts an increase in the amount of slow wave sleep (SWS) and in GH secretion and blunting of cortisol release, both in young and in old patients with depression there is no effect on SWS and cortisol release after GHRH, while GH secretion is stimulated. We assume that HPA activity and SWS are inert to the influence of GHRH during acute depression because of a slight CRH overactivity, whereas GHRH exerts effects on GH secretion.