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Striatal dopamine transporter density in major depression.
T Laasonen-Balk1, J Kuikka, H Viinamäki
1Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, Finland.
Psychopharmacology
|August 6, 1999
Summary
This study found higher dopamine transporter (DAT) density in depressed patients compared to controls, challenging previous assumptions about reduced neurotransmission in depression. Further research may explore DAT up-regulation as a primary alteration in major depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
Background:
- No prior data existed on [123I]beta-CIT binding to dopamine transporter (DAT) sites in the basal ganglia of depressed patients.
- Depression is often associated with altered monoaminergic neurotransmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that DAT density is lower in depressed patients than in healthy controls.
- To investigate dopamine transporter availability in major depression.
Main Methods:
- Single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) was used.
- 123I-labeled beta-CIT, a high-affinity dopamine transporter specific radioligand, was administered.
- Fifteen drug-naive major depression outpatients and 18 healthy controls were studied.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher [123I]beta-CIT uptake was observed in the basal ganglia of depressed patients compared to controls.
- This higher uptake indicates increased dopamine transporter density.
- Statistical significance was found on both the right (P = 0.002) and left (P = 0.003) sides.
Conclusions:
- Dopamine transporter density was unexpectedly higher in depressed patients.
- This finding contradicts the assumption of DAT down-regulation secondary to reduced dopamine transmission.
- Up-regulation of DAT may be a primary alteration in depression, potentially leading to reduced intrasynaptic dopamine.