HUMAN PLATELET SULFOTRANSFERASE SHOWS SEASONAL RHYTHMS

Our study aimed to investigate the possible presence of seasonal chang es in platelet phenolsulfotransferase (ST) in a group of 20 healthy, d rug-free subjects of both sexes and between 24 and 37 years of age. Bl ood samples were taken four times a year in the period immediately fol lowing the equinoxes and the solstices. The results showed that both S Ts underwent seasonal changes: the lowest values were found in autumn and in winter, and the highest in the summer. A positive correlation b etween the two STs and the length of the photoperiod was observed in w inter, whereas in the spring we detected a negative correlation betwee n the TL ST and the photoperiod length. Future studies should clarify whether platelet ST of patients with mood disorders shows a similar se asonality.