Publication
Title
Decreased platelet alpha-2 adrenoceptor density in major depression : effects of tricyclic antidepressants and fluoxetine
Author
Abstract
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.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Biological psychiatry / Society of Biological Psychiatry [Jacksonville, Fla] - New York, N.Y., 1969, currens
Publication
New York, N.Y. : Elsevier , 1999
ISSN
0006-3223 [print]
1873-2402 [online]
DOI
10.1016/S0006-3223(98)00002-X
Volume/pages
45 :3 (1999) , p. 278-284
ISI
000078518800006
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 03.01.2013
Last edited 04.03.2024
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