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Platelet serotonin transporter in stroke patients
A Rasmussen1, J Christensen, P M Clemmensen
1Department of Psychiatry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|February 13, 2003
Summary
Platelet serotonin transporters are reduced shortly after acute stroke. This reduction is not linked to post-stroke depression, suggesting it may be a general marker for stroke severity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Post-stroke depression is a common complication.
- Serotonin system dysfunction is implicated in depression.
- Serotonin transporter levels are a potential biomarker.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate platelet serotonin transporter levels in acute stroke patients.
- To compare transporter levels between stroke patients with and without post-stroke depression.
- To assess the association between transporter levels and stroke status.
Main Methods:
- Ligand binding methodology was used to quantify platelet serotonin transporters.
- Comparison groups included newly admitted stroke patients (with and without depression), non-acute stroke patients, and control subjects.
Main Results:
- Platelet serotonin transporter levels were significantly lower in acute stroke patients compared to controls.
- No significant difference in transporter levels was observed between stroke patients who developed post-stroke depression and those who did not.
Conclusions:
- Reduced platelet serotonin transporter levels may serve as a non-specific marker for acute stroke.
- The findings do not support a direct link between transporter levels and the development of post-stroke depression.
