Beta-adrenoceptors on lymphocytes of patients with major depressive disorder

3H-Dihydroalprenolol binding to lymphocyte membranes of patients with primary, unipolar major depressive disorder was compared to that of a normal, healthy control population. No significant difference could be demonstrated between the Kd values of the two different groups, but the Bmax values of the depressed patients were significantly lower than those of the controls. Positive correlations were observed between the lymphocyte beta-adrenoceptor Bmax values of the patients and their Beck self-evaluation and Hamilton depression ratings. We propose that decreased lymphocyte beta-adrenoceptor Bmax values may be used as a biological marker for major depressive disorder.