Abstract
Background: There are numerous reports of decreased binding to platelet serotonin
transporter (5-HTT) in depression, suggesting that it might be considered a trait
marker of depression. To further investigate whether reduced 5-HTT function could
be an endophenotype in manic depressive illness, we looked for abnormalities of platelet
5-HTT among subjects who are potential carriers of genetic vulnerability to manic
depressive illness (MDI).
Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 20 unaffected relatives from families with
at least two individuals with bipolar disorder and from 19 control participants. Plasma
5-HIAA, platelet 5-HT, and [3H] imipramine binding were measured.
Results: Unaffected relatives manifested lower platelet 5-HTT function than control
participants as revealed both by reduced number and diminished affinity of imipramine
binding sites and diminished platelet 5-HT content.
Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that reduced 5-HTT function could be
considered a trait marker or an endophenotype in MDI.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
June 23,
1999
Received in revised form:
June 21,
1999
Received:
April 20,
1999
Identification
Copyright
© 1999 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
