[Thrombocyte binding sites for 3H-imipramine in patients with depression]

The purpose of the work was to test the validity of parameters of binding sites for 3H-imipramine as a biological marker of endogenous depression. Using the standard WHO method, the author assessed parameters of the specific binding of 3H-imipramine on platelet membranes in 23 controls and in 13 depressive patients. At the same time she assessed parameters of the high-affinity component of the specific bond which depends on the presence of sodium ions in the medium. On comparison of the binding characteristics of platelets in depressive patients, diagnosed according to several diagnostic and classification systems (ICD-9, RDC, DSM-III) and controls, the author did not reveal any statistically significant differences in parameters of the specific binding nor in parameters of the binding depending on Na+ ions. The author discusses possible causes of the revealed inter- and intraindividual variability of parameters of the imipramine binding on platelet membranes in humans.