Platelet serotonin levels in alcoholic patients: changes related to physiological and pathological factors.
This study investigated platelet serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) levels and the effects of different physiological and pathological factors in 108 alcoholic patients (alcohol abuse, n = 49; alcohol dependence, n = 59) and 32 healthy control subjects. Platelet 5-HT levels were determined by a fluorescent-ortho-phthalaldehyde assay. In patients, platelet 5-HT levels during withdrawal from alcohol and after 2 weeks of abstinence were significantly lower than in control subjects. Among patients, this decrease was enhanced both in alcohol-dependent patients and in patients who were depressed during the withdrawal phase, whereas lifetime impulse control disorders (mostly found in alcohol abusers) were associated with comparatively high platelet 5-HT levels (i.e., close to control subjects' values). These results, which reflect the likely biphasic effect of alcohol ingestion upon 5-HT functioning, are consistent with the dimensional 5-HT hypothesis in psychiatric disorders.
Psychopathology and Alcohology Unit, University Hospital, Lille, France.
D
D
Bailly
J
J
Vignau
N
N
Racadot
R
R
Beuscart
D
D
Servant
P J
PJ
Parquet
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000502:physiology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood*
D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012701:Serotonin