[Effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone on neurologic recovery and biogenic amine metabolites of cerebrospinal fluid in spinal disorders].

The pharmacological effects of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in relation to biogenic amine metabolism in cerebrospinal fluid were examined in 35 patients with various spinal disorders. Neurologic conditions before and after TRH treatment were evaluated using subjective symptoms and Frankel's classification. Biogenic amine metabolism in cerebrospinal fluid was examined before and after TRH treatment measuring the metabolites by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Significant decreases in metabolites of norepinephrine and dopamine were seen in most cases of spinal disorders. The amount of serotonin metabolite, however, was not changed. In many acute cases, the neurologic condition was improved, and a significant increase in the dopamine metabolite was seen in the improved cases after TRH treatment. In chronic cases, TRH treatment was not as effective as in acute cases. TRH was therefore thought to be an effective agent in the treatment of acute spinal disorders. When an increase in the dopamine metabolite is seen after TRH treatment, neurologic improvement would probably be expected.