Correlation between platelet alpha(2)-adrenoreceptors and symptom severityin major depression

Background. Abnormalities in different parameters of the norepinephrine sys tem have been widely described in major depression. The presence of alpha ( 2)-adrenoreceptors in blood platelets, similar to,those in the brain, promp ted us to evaluate them in depressed patients, as compared with healthy con trols. Methods. Fifteen outpatients affected by major depression, according to DSM IV criteria, and 15 comparable healthy control subjects, were inclu ded in the study. The, alpha (2)-adrenoreceptors were measured by means of the specific binding of DSM IV rauwolscine, a high ly selective antagonist for th is receptor sub-type. The severity of depression was assessed by mea ns of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression: (HRSD). Results. The result s did not show any difference in [H-3]rauwolscine binding parameters (B-max and K-d) between patients and controls. However, in! the patients, a signi ficant and positive correlation between B-max, which measures the density o f the receptors, and HRSD total score was detected. Conclusions: Therefore, although no change in alpha (2)-adrenoreceptors seems to occur in major de pression, the density of these receptors would seem to be related to the se verity of depressive symptoms. Copyright (C) 2001 S. KargerAG, Basel.