title: Platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptor sensitivity in major depressive disorder.
abstract: We have investigated the functioning of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in patients with major depressive disorder by measuring the specific binding of 3H-yohimbine, an alpha 2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, to platelet membranes. Bmax and Kd values for platelet 3H-yohimbine binding were normal in unmedicated patients with major depressive disorder, and did not correlate with scores on the Hamilton rating scale for depression. Platelet alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist sites were also unchanged in number or affinity in depressed patients after long-term treatment with a variety of antidepressant medications.
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000097:blood*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D015016:Yohimbine / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; D015016:Yohimbine