Abstract
Background: Abnormalities in different parameters of the norepinephrine system have been widely described in major depression. The presence of α<sub>2</sub>-adrenoreceptors in blood platelets, similar to those in the brain, prompted us to evaluate them in depressed patients, as compared with healthy controls. Methods: Fifteen outpatients affected by major depression, according to DSM IV criteria, and 15 comparable healthy control subjects, were included in the study. The α<sub>2</sub>-adrenoreceptors were measured by means of the specific binding of [<sup>3</sup>H]rauwolscine, a highly selective antagonist for this receptor subtype. The severity of depression was assessed by means of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). Results: The results did not show any difference in [<sup>3</sup>H]rauwolscine binding parameters (B<sub>max</sub> and K<sub>d</sub>) between patients and controls. However, in the patients, a significant and positive correlation between B<sub>max</sub>, which measures the density of the receptors, and HRSD total score was detected. Conclusions: Therefore, although no change in α<sub>2</sub>-adrenoreceptors seems to occur in major depression, the density of these receptors would seem to be related to the severity of depressive symptoms.
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