Abstract
OBJECTIVEWomen are twice as likely as men to develop major depressive disorder (MDD) during their reproductive years. G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling mechanism has been implicated in both the pathogenesis and treatment of MDD. Beta arrestin (β‐AR)‐1 protein plays regulatory role in the GPCR signaling. We studied the relationship between the severities of MDD and the protein levels of β‐AR1, G protein subunits (Gαs and Gαi) in the peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBMC) of women during reproductive ages.DESIGN AND METHODSNon‐pregnant women with MDD were evaluated with Mini‐ International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Axis I Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, criteria (DSMIV‐TR). The severity of depression were determined by the 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) at two time points: (i) during depression (before taking any antidepressants/therapy) and (ii) at 8 weeks after clinical treatment with antidepressants/therapy. The protein levels of β‐AR1, Gαs and Gαi in PBMC were determined by ELISA.RESULTSSignificant inverse correlation between β‐arrestin‐1, Gαs, Gαi protein levels in the PBMC and the HDRS score were obtained.CONCLUSIONThe levels of β‐AR1 in PBMC of patients with MDD may potentially serve as a biochemical marker for the affective state of these patients. Research supported by 8 U54 RR026140 03(NIMHD).
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