Abstract
1. Reduced density of 3H-imipramine binding sites (B max) to platelets has been reported in depressed patients during an episode of illness. In the present study we assessed the usefullness of decreased B max of platelet 3H-imipramine binding as an indicator of the depressed state. We also investigated the effect of long-term treatment with imipramine on platelet 3H-imipramine binding. 2. A comparison of platelet 3H-imipramine binding in 10 drug-free depressed patients and 8 normal volunteers revealed significantly lower mean Bmax values in depressed patients, whereas the affinity (K d) of 3H-imipramine binding was identical in both groups. 3. A longitudinal study of platelet 3H-imipramine binding in 10 depressed patients during and after imipramine treatment (125–200 mg/day) revealed consistently low B max values despite clinically meaningful improvement. However, B max values increased significantly following complete remission and remained elevated even after imipramine had been discontinued for 4 weeks. 4. These findings suggest that decrease in the sensity of platelet 3H-imipramine binding sites in depressed patients is not likely to be a direct drug effect and that normalization of this variable may follow clinical remission.
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