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Elevated P-selectin on platelets in depression: response to bupropion
J E Piletz1, H Zhu, S Madakasira
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Room. G128, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, USA. jpiletz@psychiatry.umsmed.edu
Journal of Psychiatric Research
|February 13, 2001
Summary
Depressed patients show higher platelet activation, indicated by P-selectin levels, suggesting a potential marker for major depression and increased risk for ischemic heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Major depression is linked to increased risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD).
- Platelet activation, measured by P-selectin translocation, may underlie this vulnerability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate P-selectin levels on platelet plasma membranes in major depression patients.
- To assess the effect of bupropion treatment on P-selectin levels.
Main Methods:
- Western blotting quantified P-selectin in platelet plasma membranes of depressed patients and healthy controls.
- Blood samples were analyzed before and after bupropion treatment in depressed patients.
Main Results:
- Depressed patients exhibited significantly higher P-selectin immunoreactivity than controls (P=0.003).
- Bupropion treatment did not alter P-selectin levels in depressed patients.
- Beta3-integrin levels were comparable between groups and unaffected by treatment.
Conclusions:
- Elevated P-selectin on platelet plasma membranes may serve as a trait marker for major depression.
- This finding could explain the heightened risk of ischemic heart disease in depressed individuals.