S-100B is increased in melancholic but not in non-melancholic major depression

Background: Recent evidence suggests that neuro degeneration may be involve d in the pathophysiology of major depression. The astroglial peptide S-100B was shown to be increased in many diseases causing neuronal cell damage or degeneration. Method: S-100B plasma levels were determined in 28 patients with major depression and 28 matched healthy controls using an immunofluoro metric sandwich assay. Results: Patients suffering from melancholic depress ion showed significantly increased S-100B levels compared to healthy contro ls while non-melancholic patients demonstrated normal levels. Limitations: Medication of patients varied. The differentiation between melancholic and non-melancholic patients was performed clinically without using a standardi zed instrument. Conclusions: Neurodegeneration or axonal remodeling may be involved in the pathogenesis of melancholic depression. (C) 2001 Elsevier S cience BY All rights reserved.