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Serotonin-induced decrease of intracellular Ca(2+) release in platelets of bulimic patients normalizes during

Lars Wöckel¹, Florian Daniel Zepf, Sabrina Koch

¹Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Neuenhofer Weg 21, 52074, Aachen, Germany. lwoeckel@ukaachen.de

Journal of Neural Transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996)

|December 17, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Altered serotonin (5-HT) 2 receptor function in platelets is linked to bulimia nervosa (BN). This function normalized with treatment and antidepressant medication, suggesting 5-HT receptor involvement in BN.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Psychiatry
Biochemistry

Background:

Serotonergic (5-HT) system dysfunction is implicated in eating disorders.
The 5-HT(2A) receptor subtype is particularly relevant in the pathophysiology of bulimia nervosa (BN).
Platelet Ca(2+) mobilization via 5-HT(2) receptors serves as a peripheral model for central 5-HT activity.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate 5-HT-induced intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization in platelets of adolescent females with BN.
To compare platelet 5-HT function in BN patients versus healthy controls.
To assess changes in platelet 5-HT function during inpatient treatment and the effect of antidepressant medication.

Main Methods:

Measurement of 5-HT-induced intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization in platelets.
Study included 13 female patients (14-18 years) with BN and 21 age-matched healthy female adolescents.
Measurements were taken upon admission and at the end of inpatient treatment.

Main Results:

Significantly decreased 5-HT-induced Ca(2+) release was observed in BN patients at admission.
Platelet 5-HT function normalized during inpatient treatment.
Antidepressant medication led to significant improvements in 5-HT-induced Ca(2+) release.

Conclusions:

Altered 5-HT(2) receptor functioning is involved in the pathophysiology of BN.
Platelet Ca(2+) mobilization is a potential biomarker for central 5-HT activity in BN.
Treatment, including antidepressant medication, can normalize 5-HT receptor function in BN patients.