Alteration by a plasma factor of platelet aggregation and 5HT uptake in depression

Abstract

Decreased maximal velocity of 5HT uptake into platelets (Coppen et al 1978; Healy et al 1983), and decreased aggregatory response of platelets (Healy et al 1983) have been described in depression. Various authors have described inhibitors of serotonin uptake and [3H] imipramine binding in plasma of depressed patients (Brusov et al 1985). Recently, Ashby et al (1990) have demonstrated a plasma factor modulating 5HT uptake in patients with premenstrual syndrome. It would seem likely that such a factor would also affect the aggregatory response to serotonin. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether a plasma factor exists which modifies platelet aggregatory response in depression and to compare platelet aggregation with sero~onin uptake in the same group of depressed i~ :~i,, iduals. Blood samples were taken from five unmedicated unipolar depressed patients and ageand sex-nmtched controls (laboratory staff). The mean age of the patients (2 male and 3 female) was 39.8 ± 12.4 (SD), and of the control group (2 male, 3 female) was 32.5 -46.9. The mean Hamilton score for depre',sed patients on admission was 16.2 (range, 12-24) and on followup examination was 3.2 (range, 0-6). All pa-