PLATELET ADENYLATE-CYCLASE ACTIVITY IN ISRAELI VICTIMS OF IRAQI SCUD MISSILE ATTACKS WITH POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER

Platelet adenylate cyclase activity was measured in 16 control subject s and 16 patients who developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of damage inflicted on their homes during the Iraqi Scud m issile attacks on Israel which occurred during the 1991 Gulf War. Ther e were no differences in basal, NaF-stimulated, PGE(1)-stimulated or f orskolin-stimulated activity between controls and PTSD subjects. Epine phrine inhibition of forskolin-stimulated activity, an effect mediated by alpha, adrenergic receptors, was slightly but not significantly in creased in the PTSD patients compared to the controls, while 5-HT indu ced inhibition, an effect mediated by putative 5-HT1a -like receptors, was unchanged. The relationship of these activities to measures of an xiety and depression in these patients is discussed.