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Involvement of serotonin system in bulimia
D Marazziti1, E Macchi, A Rotondo
1Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Pisa, Italy.
Life Sciences
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Platelet imipramine binding, a marker for serotonin transporters, was significantly lower in patients with bulimia compared to healthy controls. This suggests the indoleamine system may play a role in bulimia nervosa.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder with complex neurobiological underpinnings.
- The indoleamine system, particularly serotonin, is implicated in mood and appetite regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate platelet 3H-imipramine binding, a measure of serotonin transporter availability, in individuals with bulimia nervosa.
- To compare binding characteristics between patients with bulimia and healthy volunteers.
Main Methods:
- Platelet-rich plasma was obtained from 8 patients diagnosed with bulimia nervosa (DSM III criteria) and 7 healthy controls.
- Radioactive 3H-imipramine binding assays were performed to determine Bmax (maximum binding capacity) and Kd (dissociation constant).
Main Results:
- A significantly lower Bmax was observed in patients with bulimia (356 +/- 53 fmol/mg protein) compared to healthy controls (1144 +/- 134 fmol/mg protein; p < 0.0001).
- No significant difference in Kd values was found between the two groups, indicating similar binding affinity.
Conclusions:
- The reduced Bmax suggests a decreased number of serotonin transporters in platelets of individuals with bulimia.
- These findings support the potential involvement of the indoleamine (serotonin) system in the pathophysiology of bulimia nervosa.