[H-3] IMIPRAMINE BINDING IN TYPE-I AND TYPE-II ALCOHOLISM

Platelet [H-3]-imipramine binding was measured in 29 male alcohol depe ndents (DSM III-R) serially over 14 days of withdrawal. 29 male abstai ners and 20 healthy volunteers. [H-3]-Imipramine binding was significa ntly greater in alcohol dependents and abstainers when compared with c ontrols. On further grouping, type II alcoholism was specifically asso ciated with the raised imipramine binding and this occurred irrespecti ve of the duration or severity of drinking or the length of abstinence . The result indicates that platelet [H-3]-imipramine binding could be a biological marker of type II alcoholism.