Decreased plasma serotonin in melancholic patients: a study with clomipramine.

Abstract

Eighteen unmedicated patients suffering from major depressive disorder with melancholia (DSM-III) were examined for abnormalities in peripheral serotonin (5-HT) and related metabolites. Serotonin in platelet-free plasma and in platelets from melancholics was significantly reduced to 30% and 60% of their respective control values. Plasma 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid was also found to be reduced, but not significantly. Other plasma compounds related to 5-HT (indoleacetic acid, total tryptophan, and free tryptophan) were found to be unchanged in these patients. Of all variables, only platelet 5-HT was affected while patients were on clomipramine (CIM) treatment. After 2 weeks on CIM (100-150 mg/day, orally), platelet 5-HT was reduced to 8% of pretreatment values, but plasma 5-HT did not change and continued to be reduced upon clinical recovery. The existence of a distinct pool of plasma 5-HT that is clearly independent of the platelet pool is indicated by the differences observed in plasma and platelet 5-HT during CIM treatment, as well as by previous data from this laboratory. The very marked decrease in plasma 5-HT levels may be in accord with the central nervous system changes reported in depression and suggests the possibility of using plasma 5-HT as a peripheral indicator of abnormal serotonin function in melancholia.

• Authors: M J Sarrias, F Artigas, E Martínez, E Gelpí, E Alvarez, C Udina, M Casas
• Journal: Biological psychiatry (Biol Psychiatry) Vol. 22 Issue 12 Pg. 1429-38 (Dec 1987) ISSN: 0006-3223 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3676370 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Serotonin
• Clomipramine

Topics

• Aged
• Blood Platelets (drug effects, metabolism)
• Clomipramine (therapeutic use)
• Depressive Disorder (blood, drug therapy, psychology)
• Female
• Humans
• MMPI
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
• Serotonin (blood)