title: Decreased erythrocyte membrane elevations in patients with a major depressive episode.
abstract: Washing of erythrocytes from healthy volunteers in an isotonic sodium chloride solution at pH 5.6 results in the occurrence of plasma membrane elevations as observed in freeze-etch electron microscopy. This is prevented by anion permeability inhibiting agents. In the absence of these agents a reduced number of elevations was found in 23 of 36 patients with a major depressive episode. This reduced capacity to form membrane elevations was positively correlated with a genetic vulnerability, defined as an admission to a psychiatric hospital in first-degree relatives.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000097:blood; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005613:Freeze Etching; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000097:blood; D012306:Risk; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D006854:Hydrocortisone