Age-related differences in human platelet 5-HT uptake.
Platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake was measured in a group of young healthy volunteers and a group of aged healthy volunteers. Our results show a significant increase in the maximal velocity of uptake (Vmax) in the platelets of aged subjects. This could result in a decreased concentration of extracellular 5-HT in old age. Such reduced levels of 5-HT, if they occurred at 5-HT synapses in the brain, could result in susceptibility to the development of neurological or psychiatric illness.
Marazziti
D
D
Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Pisa, Italy.
Falcone
M F
MF
Rotondo
A
A
Castrogiovanni
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000097:blood*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood*
D012701:Serotonin