[Changes in the levels of adrenergic and serotoninergic indices in patients with depressive states].

The blood and urine levels of biogenic amines and their metabolites were examined in 37 males with depressions chiefly of schizophrenic nature. The content of almost all catecholamines in the urine, as well as the level of serotonin in the blood were found to be lowered, however, the excretion of 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid with the urine remained unchanged. A rise of the noradrenaline blood level and of the homovanillic acid: dopamine ratio were noted. In patients with agitated depression, the noradrenaline content in the urine was higher than in patients with melancholic depression. A positive therapeutic effect and, even to a greater extent, egress from the depression were accompanied with a rise of the urine levels of almost all the agents examined.