S-100B is increased in melancholic but not in non-melancholic major depression

Recent evidence suggests that neurodegeneration may be involved in the pathophysiology of major depression. The astroglial peptide S-100B was shown to be increased in many diseases causing neuronal cell damage or degeneration.

S-100B plasma levels were determined in 28 patients with major depression and 28 matched healthy controls using an immunofluorometric sandwich assay.

Patients suffering from melancholic depression showed significantly increased S-100B levels compared to healthy controls while non-melancholic patients demonstrated normal levels.

Medication of patients varied. The differentiation between melancholic and non-melancholic patients was performed clinically without using a standardized instrument.

Neurodegeneration or axonal remodeling may be involved in the pathogenesis of melancholic depression.