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Platelet serotonin transporter in coeliac disease
G Chiaravalloti1, D Marazziti, A Batistini
1Institute of Paediatrics, University of Pisa, Italy.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Coeliac disease patients exhibit reduced platelet serotonin transporter binding sites compared to healthy individuals. This suggests a potential link between serotonin transporter dysfunction and the psychological symptoms common in coeliac disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Coeliac disease (CD) is associated with frequent psychic disturbances.
- The serotonin system, particularly the 5-HT transporter, is implicated in mood regulation.
- Platelet 3H-IMI binding sites serve as a peripheral marker for the 5-HT transporter.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate peripheral serotonergic markers in coeliac disease patients.
- To compare 3H-IMI binding sites in coeliac disease patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Studied 20 coeliac disease patients and 20 healthy controls.
- Assessed platelet tritiated imipramine (3H-IMI) binding sites.
- Utilized a standardized protocol for platelet membrane preparation and binding assays.
Main Results:
- Coeliac disease patients showed significantly lower 3H-IMI binding sites than controls.
- This indicates a reduction in the density or function of 5-HT transporters in platelets of CD patients.
Conclusions:
- A peripheral dysfunction of the serotonin transporter may be present in coeliac disease.
- This transporter dysfunction could contribute to the psychic disturbances observed in coeliac disease patients.