6 alpha-Fluoro- and 6 alpha,9 alpha-difluoro-11 beta,21-dihydroxy-16 alpha,17 alpha-propylmethylenedioxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione: synthesis and evaluation of activity and kinetics of their C-22 epimers.

It is generally accepted that the anti-inflammatory effect of glucocorticosteroids cannot be separated from their adverse effects at the receptor level. However, modification of the pharmacokinetics through structural alterations could provide steroids with a better therapeutic index than those currently used. Thus, new 16 alpha,17 alpha-acetals between butyraldehyde and 6 alpha-fluoro- or 6 alpha,9 alpha-difluoro-16 alpha-hydroxycortisol were synthesized and studied.

Cortisol in light treatment of seasonal and non-seasonal depression: relationship between melatonin and cortisol.

The effect of bright light on cortisol and the relationship between melatonin and cortisol were studied in 63 depressed patients (42 patients with a seasonal pattern and 21 patients with a non-seasonal pattern). The patients were matched for age, time of treatment and severity of depression. Before and after light treatment the severity of the depression was rated with the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale (23 items) and the Hamilton Depression Rating scale (18 items), and serum cortisol and melatonin were drawn at nine time-points between 20.

Melatonin in light treatment of patients with seasonal and nonseasonal depression.

Melatonin as a marker of circadian rhythm and the effect of bright light on melatonin were studied in 63 depressed patients, 42 with a seasonal pattern and 21 with a nonseasonal pattern. The patients were matched for age, time of treatment and severity of depression. Before light treatment, blood was sampled for melatonin and depression was clinically rated with the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.

Light treatment in seasonal and nonseasonal depression.

Ninety patients with major depressive disorder were classified according to seasonal (n = 68, 50 women) or nonseasonal (n = 22, 17 women) pattern according to DSM-III-R. They were also clinically evaluated and rated before and after morning (0600-0800) or evening (1800-2000) light treatment for 10 days in a room with a luminance of 350 cd/m2 (approximately 1500 lx) at eye level. Mood ratings were performed using both the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.