PLATELET MARKERS IN SUICIDE ATTEMPTERS

1. The authors measured H-3-imipramine (H-3-IMI) binding and serotonin (5HT) uptake parameters as well as sulphotransferase activity in plat elets of suicide attempters. 2. Platelet H-3-IMI binding sites and 5HT uptake are related to similar sites and processes present in the brai n, and sulphotransferase (ST) is an enzyme involved in the catabolism of cathecholamines. 3. The results showed the presence of a decreased density of both H-3-IMI binding and of 5HT uptake sites, with no chang e in ST activity in suicide attempters, as compared with healthy contr ols. 4. The reduced H-3-IMI binding and 5HT uptake may be related to a hypofunction of presynaptic serotonergic mechanisms which might be al tered in suicidal behavior.