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Effect of imipramine and ect on platelet mao activity in depressives

J K Trivedi1, R P Singh, N Lal

  • 1Reader, Department of Psychiatry, K.G's. Medical College, Lucknow.

Indian Journal of Psychiatry
|September 20, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Imipramine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) significantly reduced platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in depressed patients. This reduction returned to baseline after a 7-day washout, with no change in clinical status.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme implicated in mood regulation.
  • Depression is associated with altered neurotransmitter levels, potentially involving MAO activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of Imipramine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on platelet MAO activity in depressed patients.
  • To compare the MAO inhibitory effects of Imipramine and ECT.

Main Methods:

  • Platelet MAO activity was measured in 30 depressed patients before and after 5 weeks of treatment with Imipramine or ECT.
  • MAO activity was reassessed after a 7-day washout period.

Main Results:

  • Both Imipramine and ECT significantly reduced platelet MAO activity.
  • Imipramine showed a 51.40% blockade, while ECT showed a 34.73% blockade of MAO activity.
  • MAO activity returned to pretreatment levels after a 7-day washout period, irrespective of treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Imipramine and ECT effectively inhibit platelet MAO activity in depressed patients.
  • The reduction in MAO activity is reversible and does not correlate with immediate clinical status changes.

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