Imipramine binding sites on platelets of patients with major depressive disorder

Abstract

3H-Imipramine binding to platelets of patients with primary, unipolar major depressive disorder was investigated and compared to that of a normal, healthy control population. No significant differences could be demonstrated between either the K d or the B max values of the two groups. A negative correlation was observed between imipramine B max values and the Hamilton anxiety ratings of the depressed patients. Patients who displayed psychomotor retardation tended to have lower platelet imipramine B max values than patients with psychomotor agitation. It is suggested that platelet imipramine B max values may be a biological marker for subtypes of depression.