Behavioral and neuroendocrine effects of the partial NMDA agonist D-cycloserine in healthy subjects

Neuropsychopharmacology. 1997 May;16(5):317-24. doi: 10.1016/S0893-133X(96)00196-0.

Abstract

The effect of D-cycloserine, a partial agonist of the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor, were assessed in a (neuroendocrine) challenge paradigm to to examine NMDA systems in male healthy volunteers, using a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. Oral D-cycloserine (15, 50, and 150 mg) was readily absorbed and its plasma concentration increased dose-dependently. Behavioral and hormonal responses were measured for 240 minutes after administration of the drug. D-cycloserine was well tolerated and did not induce side-effects according to the Visual Analog Scales (VAS), the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Adverse Events Checklist (AEC) & codes. D-cycloserine failed to elicit a neuroendocrine response as evaluated by cortisol, prolactin, and luteinizing hormone (LH) plasma levels. The present result suggests that D-cycloserine can readily be administered to healthy volunteers but that, in the dosages used, neuroendocrine secretion fails to serve as a model for testing NMDA receptor function in humans.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Affect / drug effects
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Body Temperature / drug effects
  • Cycloserine / adverse effects
  • Cycloserine / blood
  • Cycloserine / pharmacology*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Heart Rate / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Male
  • Neurosecretory Systems / drug effects*
  • Prolactin / blood
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / agonists*

Substances

  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Prolactin
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Cycloserine
  • Hydrocortisone