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Further studies on platelet serotonin transporter binding in depression
C B Nemeroff1, D L Knight, J Franks
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322-4990.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Depressed patients show reduced serotonin transporter binding sites on platelets, regardless of prior antidepressant use. This finding suggests a biological marker for depression, independent of medication history.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Serotonergic system abnormalities are frequently implicated in depression.
- Previous studies reported lower serotonin (5-HT) transporter sites in depressed patients, but the influence of antidepressant exposure was unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if reduced platelet 5-HT transporter binding in depression is linked to prior antidepressant drug exposure.
- To compare [3H]imipramine and [3H]paroxetine binding to the platelet 5-HT transporter in drug-free depressed patients versus controls.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Measured [3H]imipramine binding in 12 never-medicated depressed patients and 12 controls.
- Experiment 2: Assessed [3H]imipramine and [3H]paroxetine binding in 28 drug-free depressed patients and 28 matched controls.
Main Results:
- Never-medicated depressed patients showed fewer platelet [3H]imipramine binding sites compared to controls.
- Drug-free depressed patients exhibited reduced binding for both [3H]imipramine and [3H]paroxetine.
Conclusions:
- Low platelet serotonin transporter binding in depression is not attributable to previous antidepressant treatment.
- Depressed patients demonstrate an intrinsic abnormality in platelet 5-HT transporter binding site density.