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Platelet MAO and amitriptyline treatment.

E Giller, P Jatlow, D Bialos

Psychiatry Research

|July 1, 1980

Summary

Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline may inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) in vitro. However, this study found no change in platelet MAO activity in patients treated with amitriptyline, even after stopping the medication.

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Area of Science:

Pharmacology
Neuroscience
Biochemistry

Background:

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) and block neurotransmitter reuptake in vitro.
Previous studies suggested reduced platelet MAO activity in patients responding to amitriptyline treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effect of chronic amitriptyline treatment on platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity.
To determine if MAO inhibition persists after cessation of amitriptyline therapy.

Main Methods:

Platelet MAO activity and amitriptyline levels were measured in patients undergoing chronic treatment.
Measurements were repeated 2 and 4 weeks after discontinuing amitriptyline.
A reverse design was employed, comparing treated patients to placebo.

Main Results:

Amitriptyline concentrations were within the therapeutic range during treatment and undetectable during placebo.
Platelet MAO activity remained unchanged throughout the study period.
No significant difference in MAO activity was observed before, during, or after amitriptyline treatment.

Conclusions:

Chronic amitriptyline treatment does not appear to alter platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in vivo.
The in vitro MAO inhibitory effects of TCAs may not translate to sustained in vivo changes in platelet MAO activity.
Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between TCAs, MAO activity, and clinical response.

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