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Title
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Decreased platelet alpha-2 adrenoceptor density in major depression : effects of tricyclic antidepressants and fluoxetine
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Author
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Abstract
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| Background: It has been suggested that major depression is accompanied by a subsensitivity of central alpha 2-adrenoceptors (alpha 2-ARs) and, consequently, by an impaired negative feedback on the presynaptic catecholaminergic neuron, which, in turn, may induce a disinhibition of noradrenergic output and norepinephrine release in response to any activation. Methods: The maximum number of platelet binding sites (Bmax) and their affinity for [H-3]-rauwolscine, a selective alpha 2-AR antagonist, were measured in unmedicated and medicated major depressed patients and in normal volunteers. Specific binding was defined as that inhibited by idazoxan, another alpha 2-AR antagonist. Results: Unmedicated major depressed patients had significantly decreased platelet [H-3]-rauwolscine binding Bmax values compared to normal volunteers. [H-3]-rauwolscine binding K-d values did not differ significantly between unmedicated major depressed patients and normal controls. [H-3]-rauwolscine binding Bmax or K-d values. [H-3]-rauwolscine binding Bmax values were significantly greater in men than in women. Conclusions: The results suggest that i) major depression is accompanied by decreased platelet alpha 2-AR density; and the ii) subchronic treatment with tricyclic antidepressants, but not fluoxetine, results in a decreased affinity of rauwolscine for platelet alpha 2-ARs. Biol Psychiatry 1999; 45:278-284 (C) 1999 Society of Biological Psychiatry. |
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Language
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English
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Source (journal)
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Biological psychiatry / Society of Biological Psychiatry [Jacksonville, Fla] - New York, N.Y., 1969, currens
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Publication
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New York, N.Y.
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Elsevier
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1999
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ISSN
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0006-3223
[print]
1873-2402
[online]
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Volume/pages
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45
:3
(1999)
, p. 278-284
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ISI
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000078518800006
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Full text (Publisher's DOI)
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Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
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