Platelets in psychiatric disorders

Several parallels exist between platelets and the brain, which make them interesting for studying the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Platelets store, secrete and process the amyloid precursor protein which is cleaved into the β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides. The accumulation of Aβ in brain (plaques) and vessels (Aβ-angiopathy) is a major hallmark in AD. Platelets contain high amounts of serotonin and a dysfunction of the serotoninergic system is involved in the development of several behavior disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders and self aggressive disturbances. Furthermore, platelets are able to take up dopamine and express various dopamine receptors, which make them to an interesting tool to study the underlying mechanisms of schizophrenia. In summary, platelets are an interesting and easily accessible cell type to study changes related to different psychiatric disorders and platelets proteins may be useful as diagnostic biomarkers for some psychiatric disorders.